balancing traditional and contemporary beliefs
The region has been the subject of a contentious discussion over” Asian values” as a result of Asian countries ‘ economic successes, which are frequently achieved using quite different methods than those of the West. The alleged universality of Eastern economic models, political ideals, and cultural practices, as well as the function of social factors in East Asia’s introduction as an worldwide power https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/, have been the main topics of discussion in this debate.
One invariable response to these criticisms has been East Asians ‘ angry belligerence https://asianbrides.org/korean-brides. The characterizations of their societies that have emerged in the process are hardly flattering: they are said to be self- reliant, already miraculously universalist, centered on individual relationships and common obligation rather than cold letter of the law – even though the latter is called upon to enforce those values, respectful of hierarchy and authority, and state interventionist, oftentimes 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 in which these societies are attempting to create norms of governance and social organization that will be viewed as legitimate by their citizens.
This is being done 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.