Cultural imperialism

Definition

Cultural imperialism refers to the practice of promoting and imposing one culture over another, often through media, literature, and education, leading to the dominance of the imperial culture. This term highlights how cultural exchanges can sometimes lead to the erosion of local cultures and values, particularly in periods of political or economic domination. In the context of late Qing literary movements and reforms, cultural imperialism can be seen as a response to Western influences that challenged traditional Chinese norms and values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the late Qing dynasty, cultural imperialism was evident as Western literature and thought began to permeate Chinese society, influencing writers and intellectuals.
2. The Qing government's attempts at reform included adopting certain Western practices while simultaneously trying to preserve traditional Chinese culture.
3. Literary movements of this period often reacted against cultural imperialism by seeking to redefine Chinese identity in the face of foreign influences.
4. Cultural imperialism led to the emergence of new literary genres that blended traditional Chinese forms with Western literary techniques.
5. Some scholars argue that the resistance against cultural imperialism during the late Qing period laid the groundwork for modern Chinese literature and thought.

Review Questions

• How did cultural imperialism influence the literary movements during the late Qing dynasty?
  • Cultural imperialism significantly influenced literary movements during the late Qing dynasty as writers began incorporating Western ideas and styles into their work. Many authors sought to reconcile traditional Chinese values with new concepts introduced by Western literature. This blending created a dynamic literary landscape where writers could express their concerns about modernization while addressing the challenges posed by foreign cultural dominance.
• Evaluate the responses of Chinese intellectuals to cultural imperialism in the context of late Qing reforms.
  • Chinese intellectuals responded to cultural imperialism with a mix of acceptance and resistance. Some embraced Western ideas as necessary for China's modernization, advocating for reforms that would incorporate these influences while preserving core Chinese values. Others criticized this approach, arguing that it threatened traditional culture. This tension led to a complex dialogue about identity, modernization, and the role of literature in society, ultimately shaping the direction of China's reform efforts.
• Assess how cultural imperialism in the late Qing period has shaped contemporary Chinese literature and its global reception.
  • Cultural imperialism during the late Qing period has had lasting effects on contemporary Chinese literature by fostering a hybrid literary environment where traditional and modern elements coexist. As writers navigate their identities in a global context, they often draw from both Western influences and indigenous traditions. This duality has shaped how contemporary works are received internationally, allowing for rich dialogues between cultures while also posing challenges in representing authentic Chinese experiences amid ongoing global interactions.

Related terms

Westernization: The process through which non-Western societies adopt Western ideas, practices, and technologies, often resulting in significant changes to their own cultural identities.

Sinophone literature: Literature produced in Chinese language that reflects the influences and complexities of a globalized world, often highlighting cultural exchanges between Chinese and non-Chinese cultures.

Self-Strengthening Movement:

A series of reforms initiated in China during the late Qing dynasty aimed at modernizing the military and economy while maintaining traditional Confucian values.