Discuss the "Asian Values" Thesis

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The Answer is This notion is put forward as an attempt to legitimize elite rule by reference to the supposedly special characteristics of Asian culture. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister, argued that Asian culture is more conducive to order and discipline than to freedom and liberty (which are Western cultural traits). This thesis has often been used to explain the economic success of Japan, China, South Korea, etc. However, this effort is problematic for a number of reasons. Namely, the idea homogenizes a very large and diverse area. If culture is the explanatory factor (and usually religious values are mentioned), how do we explain the success of both Islamic Indonesia and Shinto Japan? Clearly, culture is not the only factor, if indeed it plays a role at all.

Discuss the "Asian Values" Thesis

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