Critically examine the notion of "Asian Values" in the context of the on-going debates on human rights. (UPSC CSE Mains 2018 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
Asian values have been defined as putting emphasis on a consensual approach, communitarianism rather than individualism, social order and harmony, respect for elders, discipline, a paternalistic State and the primary role of government in economic development, linked to the premise that “there are values and patterns of behaviour that are common to Asian countries and peoples”. In contrast, “Western values” have been associated with transparency, accountability, global competitiveness, a universalistic outlook and universal practices, and an emphasis on private initiatives and the independence of the private sector.
- Firstly, human rights are not universal and cannot be globalised.
- Secondly, Asian societies are centred not on the individual but on the family.
- The third point builds on the second, in that Asian societies rank social and economic rights over an individual’s political rights.
- Lastly, the right of a nation to self-determination includes a government’s domestic jurisdiction over human rights.
Critics of Asian values have disputed their role in economic growth and argued that they were being used to protect the interests of East Asia’s authoritarian elites. The effects of economic globalization and interdependencies, advances in communications and transnational forces can be twofold. Some have argued that there has been a revival of traditional values as a result of the uncertainties of social change and as cultures rub up against each other. Whilst education, democracy and development may reflect a superficial Westernization, they can lead to a rediscovery of indigenous values, even a "cultural backlash".
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