Study of Political Science in different cultures
Politics is largely influenced by cultural values,the culture basically decides the political affiliation for a country as a whole. For example, United States and China have fundamentally different belief and ideology when it comes to politics. What Americans sees as essential part in a political system, might not be valued as much in China. It is exactly because of that cultural differences which caused our political ideological difference, we may not be able to agree with each other on anything political and create the root of conflict. In addition, political culture and background also largely affect researchers judgement and can produce different academic result.
When it comes to political cultural difference, one of the most obvious one would be China and America. America is a country with the political culture of putting freedom and democracy first, and believe that liberty is the most important factor for politics as a whole and that individual rights are sacred. China and the Chinese people also believe that freedom and democracy is important, as this country was fighting for freedom since the end of 19th century. But, China does not see freedom and democracy as important as the Americans would see it. China as a collective society, constantly put the group as priority. If something needs to be done for the greater goods, individuals can be sacrificed. Its not the people think it's the right thing to do, but simply a necessary step for the innovation as an entire society. Now, there is the root of conflict. A lot of the Americans sees the Chinese political culture as cold-blooded and even inhuman, as the Chinese are willing to exploit the individuals necessary for the benefit of another group of people. But the Chinese also sees the American belief as naive and greedy. The American people enjoys so much freedom that it even disrupt the efficiency of the government, and sometimes because of some selfish individuals, projects that benefit the collective group need to be given up. This is the clash of the individual and collective political culture, and it largely affect how researchers conduct research.
America, because its believes in individualism, the academic environment is more tolerable compare with the one in China. However, because of the political cultural difference, the people would emotionally reject with the point of view they do not agree with, not matter how logic or how convincing it is. The work can be published, but it probably won't be popular. For example, if I write a paper on how Communist ideal and Socialist would prevail in America in 20 years. People might publish my work because the high quality of the paper, but the majority of the readers would label me as a "Commie" and simply emotionally reject why arguments in the paper. This would be same in China, the Chinese approach in politics has always been historical materialism. Basically the history tells us what is right and wrong, and there is only one solution to a problem. Which means when it comes to academic research, social science and natural science is similar in many way. When a political research is conducted, the socialist way should always be the right approach and you need to find evidence to prove it. Now, any result that is not the socialist way would be emotionally rejected not only by the people, but would also receive very limited recognition even within the professional academic sphere.
In conclusion, the cultural aspect largely influence our view on political issues. For a professional researcher, this should be avoided, but it is not always easy as sometimes it is hard to identify if we are being biased or not.
I agree with your point that the Chinese people and the American people have different cultures like others countries. I think when it comes to politics, it is different. All human beings value their fundamental rights. A Chinese person as well as an American highly value individual freedom, justice, security, peace and prosperity. The question is, does the government safeguard this fundamental values or not. No one argues about these values are essential or not but government differ how to safeguard it. Marx, Keynes and Hayek are the most influential theorists about money or perhaps about economics. Governments that followed Marxist ideology, unable to deliver the fundamental values listed above. Many governments that followed Keynesian prescription are doing better. Hayek, who is a free market theorists couldn’t found a government that doesn’t interfere in economy. yes, cultures are different so are governments, but people at any corner of the planet value their fundamental right; some able to enjoy it other not.
ReplyDeleteYou have done a great job explaining what the root of conflict between governments is many times. As in general, it can be hard for people to understand each other’s culture and this may create conflicts. In the same way, it can be hard for governments to understand each other’s policies. A researcher must be bias free in order to conduct a good research. As you mentioned that academic environment in US is much more tolerable than China; however, still we need to be more bias free. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that both Americans and Chinese come from different political traditions, and that sometimes makes it harder for us to appreciate each other's positions. Indeed, China has a long history of centralized power (various dynasties always had an emperor), whereas America was founded on rejecting that tradition. However, I want to push back on the idea that democracy and individualism are somehow purely western values. I would argue they are human rights, and we shouldn't expect less from China purely because of culture considerations.
ReplyDeletePhilip nice post! I agree that Chinese and American culture is different and we can also see this difference in their political field. Policies or laws of their government are also differ from each other. Policies which are important for us may be not significant for them. I like how clearly and detailed post you have provide us. Moreover, I like the way you have given the examples and shared this interesting post with us. Thank you!
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