Question

Define the process of westernization.

Hint:

It is essential to mention M.N. Srinivas when defining Westernization in the Indian sociological context, as he was the one who systematically developed the concept.

Answer 1

Westernization is a process of social change, and the term was conceptualized by the Indian sociologist M.N. Srinivas. He defined it as "the changes brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British rule, and the term subsumes changes occurring at different levels – technology, institutions, ideology, and values."
Key Aspects:

Multi-layered Process: It is not just about adopting Western attire or language. It includes deep-seated changes like adopting Western educational systems, legal systems (law and administration), technology, and values like rationalism, humanism, and equality.

Value-Laden Term: Unlike Sanskritization, Srinivas noted that Westernization often implies a value judgment of whether the change is 'good' or 'bad'.

Complex and Contradictory: The process is complex, as Indians did not adopt everything from the West. They were selective, and the impact varied across different sections of society.