When it comes to eastern cultures vs. western cultures, an observer is left counting endlessly. Both the cultures are so diverse and distinct from each other that it takes quite a lot of studying for one to grasp them.
As a result of globalisation, the world is becoming more multicultural. People with cultural differences in ethnic groups and religious backgrounds live, work, and interact in the same place without giving up their own identities, beliefs, and values.
Diverse people and ideas make a country better and more interesting. But in today’s diverse workplaces, it can be hard to understand each other at first, even if you don’t have a language problem.
Differences Between Eastern And Western Cultures
There are significant cultural distinctions between the world’s two most important regions, which are known as East and West. The nations that make up Asia and the Middle East are included in the Eastern culture, whereas the nations that make up the Western culture include those from South and North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Eastern vs. Western Lifestyle
It is often seen in eastern societies that they emphasise the individual growth of a person, their independence and the very idea of being themselves. Whereas in the eastern cultures, family, society, and social well being is given more preference. In a way, eastern cultures propagate the fact that man is a social animal and must learn to live in harmony with others.
This makes Western societies more fast-paced and growth-oriented and vice versa for the eastern cultures.
- Values in Life
The beliefs and ideals of the West and the East are different. Individual freedom, equality, and human rights are more important in the West. Eastern society, on the other hand, values social harmony, duty, and respect for those in power.
- Communication
Another big difference between Western and Eastern societies is how they communicate. People in the West tend to be more clear and honest when they talk, while people in the East tend to be more indirect and use nonverbal cues to get their point across.
- Difference in Education
There is a great difference that exists between the education system of the east and that of the west.
- Eastern education promotes the motto – everything is achievable if you work hard for it. Every student is taught the significance of struggle and hard work. In western education on the other hand, students are given the liberty to choose their careers creatively and eliminate their vulnerabilities.
- Students in the west are encouraged to interact and participate more in the education process. In the east, students submit to the authority of teachers. They are the subjects of reception from the teachers.
- Punctuality
In the West, especially in places like Spain, local rules can be hard to follow, even for people who were born in the West but come from different places. It’s becoming more and more normal to keep flexible hours. , there is usually nothing to worry about as long as the work gets done and meetings are held.
In Eastern countries like Japan, getting there on time is very important. In fact, so that their passengers don’t get in trouble with their bosses at work, Japanese trains have employees hand out “train delay certificates” that show the passenger’s lateness wasn’t their fault.
- Ethics
There is also a difference in ethics, or how something is regarded right or bad. Ethics in Eastern culture are founded on honour and shame. If something brings honour to your culture, it is deemed good; if it causes humiliation to your society, it is considered bad.
In Western society, this is not the case. In Western societies, ethics is strictly grounded on the rule of law. When anything follows the law, it is regarded as right; when something violates the law, it is deemed wrong.
Why is it Important to Understand Other Cultures?
Increasing your cultural awareness, or understanding of other cultures, allows you to have deeper connections with those around you. You’re developing your empathy and regard for others while also celebrating your differences and commonalities.
This reduces your likelihood of treating someone differently simply because they are of a different culture or ethnicity than you.
Wrapping Up
Becoming aware of all the cultures of the world must come with the understanding that everyone is unique. No matter the family background and cultural differences, everyone has something unique to bring to the table.
Therefore, when analysing the eastern culture vs. western culture, we must try and look past the stereotypes. We try to understand the place everyone holds in this world of culturally diverse countries. This should be implemented in every sphere of our lives.
Also Read: Importance of Physical Education for School Students
