Capitalism, rationalisation and the evolution of East Asian identity
D Wright-Neville
12 points * 2 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton
This subject examines the evolution of a sense of East Asian identity and the manner in which Western political science has attempted to attribute it as the basis of a distinctively Asian form of political behaviour. Beginning with the observation that the works of Max Weber have been central to contemporary understandings of Asian politics in the West, it traces the evolution of these approaches throughout the twentieth century, paying particular attention to the manner in which they tackle the role of capitalist development in identity formation. A central theme will be that the pervasiveness of these intellectual traditions has resulted in a poor understanding of the relationship between Asian capitalisms and Asian cultures. Consequently, students will be introduced to alternative possibilities for the interpretation of contemporary issues in cultural politics in East Asia. Case studies will include debates over the degree to which there is a cultural dimension to authoritarianism and the role of culture in diplomatic speak.
Assessment
Written and seminar presentation (6000 words): 50% * Examinations (3 hours): 50%
Prescribed text
Weber M The Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism Counterpoint, 1988
Recommended texts
Agger B Cultural studies as critical theory Falmer Press, 1992
Geertz C The interpretation of cultures Basic Books, 1973
Pye L Asian power and politics: The cultural dimensions of authority CUP/Belknap Press of Harvard U, 1985