Recently during one of my graduate classes we found ourselves discussing regional values. In the course that discussion one of my very talented Chinese student (Imaan Jiwa) put forward the notion that it is quite impossible to have a discussion around Asian values if we propose to do it through a universal lens (one-size-fits-all). I found myself agreeing with the student’s hypothesis.
I’m of the opinion that many of us to include the media adopt the position that the values and perspectives of all Asians can be described as if one. Clearly a need for a new mental model.
For those interested in a high level exposé of Asian values and whether or not they can be applied as one-size-fits-all take a moment to scan this short submission…
Students opening position. “Broadly defined, Asia comprises more than 60% of the world’s population—a population that practices Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, and numerous other religions. Is it possible to carry on a valid discussion of “Asian” values?”
“ … The vast majority of the forum discussions surrounding this question adopted the view that it is not fair to assume that the entire continent of Asia, which comprises more than 60% of the world’s population, follows “Asian” values, as there is no such concept. Asia consists of a tremendous variety of political systems, ethnicities, races and religions, and the values that its inhabitants follow cannot be reduced to “Asian” values, as “Asian” values differ so greatly. For instance, while natives of Iran and natives of China may have some overlap in values, such as deference to elders and believing in the value of hard work, overall they may have drastically different values, as their religions, ethnicities and backgrounds are polarizing in many cases.
There was one forum response that took the stance that it is possible to conduct a reliable discussion of “Asian” values, stating that evidence supposedly shows that Asian cultures are more alike than different, although they have various subcultures. As a blanketed statement, Western culture tends to be more individualistic while Asian countries tend to be more collective, yet in many cases people from Western and Asian culture act alike when placed in a similar situation (Garcia et al., 2014), elucidating that it is impossible to generalize a set of values for Western countries, Eastern countries or Asian countries.
My personal view follows similar sentiments as the former group of responders. Asia is the largest continent on the planet and includes an assortment of races, religions, cultures and political digressions. There is no singular way to classify the values of this colossal melting pot of people and stereotype their radically different beliefs as “Asian” values. Yet, as a Psychology major, I have absolutely heard the reductive explanation of “Asian” cultures being more collectivistic in nature and “Western” cultures being more individualistic. Asian values are frequently spoken about as though they encompass the entire continent, when in reality it is impossible for this to be the case. While I do not agree that it is valid to simplify an entire continent’s belief system down to just a few values, such as, respect, harmony, collectivism, and loyalty, I do understand that when comparing Western culture to Eastern culture, there are some palpable differences that do have some truth to them. Yet, I would not go so far as to speak of these values as “Asian” values, which may suggest ignorance and lack of understanding of the hundreds of different cultures, backgrounds, languages, values, political systems and ethnicities present throughout all of Asia
When I first read the prompt I was on the verge of believing there may be a way to carry a valid discussion on “Asian” values as I have heard this phrase a number of times in a cultural psychology context. Yet, as I thought about this question more intricately I realized that the colossal scope and sheer size of Asia does not make it conducive to conglomerating so many different values together. Drawing from the various responses in the discussion forum, I was able to delve further into the prompt and appreciate the nuanced differences of “Asian” culture, the stark contrasts and the similarities. As I thought about the complexities present in comparing various different cultures in Asia, the oversimplification of concentrating “Asian” values down to one universal set of values became apparent. Simply put, after much deliberation and research, it is my belief that it is quite impossible to carry a universal discussion on “Asian” values”.
Quite insightful —What do you think— Asians -universal application of values— one-size-fits-all?
