Cultural conflict

Definition

Cultural conflict refers to the clash that occurs when differing cultural values, beliefs, and practices come into contact with one another, often leading to misunderstandings and tensions. This term is particularly relevant in contexts where traditional cultural norms are challenged by modern influences, resulting in a struggle for identity and meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Meiji era literature, authors like Natsume Sōseki and Mori Ōgai explored themes of cultural conflict as Japan underwent rapid modernization and Western influence, creating a tension between tradition and modernity.
2. Cultural conflict can lead to feelings of alienation for individuals caught between their traditional heritage and the demands of a new culture.
3. Literary works from this era often depicted characters struggling with their identities in the face of societal changes, reflecting the broader cultural shifts happening in Japan.
4. Cultural conflict is not only limited to Japan but also plays a significant role in East Asian literature as these narratives engage with global literary traditions and perspectives.
5. Understanding cultural conflict helps readers appreciate how East Asian literature interacts with world literature, highlighting issues of globalization and cultural exchange.

Review Questions

• How did Natsume Sōseki's and Mori Ōgai's works illustrate the concept of cultural conflict during the Meiji era?
  • Natsume Sōseki's and Mori Ōgai's literary works portrayed characters who grappled with the pressures of modernization and Western influence, reflecting the cultural conflict experienced by many Japanese people during the Meiji era. Sōseki's exploration of alienation and identity highlights the internal struggle of individuals torn between traditional Japanese values and new Western ideals. Similarly, Ōgai's narratives depict characters caught between conflicting loyalties to their heritage and the allure of modernity, emphasizing how these tensions shape their experiences.
• Discuss the implications of cultural conflict on character development in East Asian literature.
  • Cultural conflict significantly impacts character development in East Asian literature by shaping their motivations, actions, and emotional struggles. Characters often find themselves navigating the complexities of adhering to traditional values while facing external pressures from modernization or globalization. This internal struggle fosters a rich character depth as they seek to reconcile their identities amidst these conflicting forces. The resulting character arcs reveal broader themes of belonging, alienation, and transformation that resonate with readers across different cultures.
• Evaluate how the themes of cultural conflict in East Asian literature contribute to our understanding of global literary movements.
  • The themes of cultural conflict in East Asian literature enhance our understanding of global literary movements by highlighting how local narratives engage with universal issues of identity, belonging, and change. These themes reflect the realities faced by individuals in a rapidly globalizing world, where traditions are challenged by new ideas. By examining these conflicts through literature, we can see how East Asian authors contribute to larger discussions about hybridity and cultural exchange within world literature, illustrating that struggles over identity are not confined to specific regions but are part of a shared human experience.

Related terms

acculturation: The process through which individuals or groups adopt elements of another culture, often leading to changes in their original cultural identity.

cultural assimilation: The process by which a minority group adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture, potentially leading to the loss of their original cultural identity.

hybridity: The blending of different cultural elements to create new, hybrid identities and practices, often seen in multicultural societies.