balancing traditional and modern norms
The region has become the subject of a heated debate over» Asian values» as a result of Asian countries ‘ economic successes https://www.thoughtco.com/most-important-women-in-world-history-3528530, which are frequently achieved using quite different methods than those of the West. The alleged universality of Eastern economic models, political ideals and social practices, and the function of ethnic factors in East Asia’s formation as an intercontinental energy have been the main topics of discussion in this debate.
One invariable comment to these critiques has been an East Asians ‘ indignant belligerence. The characterizations of their societies that have emerged in the process are never flattering: they are said to be self- reliant, already miraculously communitarian, centered on specific relationships and joint obligation more than cool letter of the law – even though the latter is called upon to enforce those values, respectful of hierarchy and authority, and state interventionist, sometimes into the private space of individuals.
This defensiveness is a natural reaction to the fact that the societies involved are experiencing an unprecedented level of change as a result of globalizing forces. The heart of this discussion is, however, the way https://asianbrides.org/lebanese-women in which these societies are trying to create norms of governance and social organization that will be viewed as legitimate by their citizens.
This is happening at the local level, in public forums, in local government, and in their local social and religious institutions. In my informal poll of respondents in 1994 and 1996, I think it’s because the majority of Asians place an emphasis on maintaining an organized society even at the expense of some individual freedoms.