Western culture explained to kids

Western culture, sometimes equated with Western civilization, Occidental culture, the Western world, Western society, and European civilization, is a term used very broadly to refer to a heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, belief systems, political systems, and specific artifacts and technologies that have some origin or association with Europe. The term also applies beyond Europe to countries and cultures whose histories are strongly connected to Europe by immigration, colonization, or influence. For example, Western culture includes countries in the Americas and Australasia, whose language and demographic ethnicity majorities are of European descent. Western culture has most influenced developed societies such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where the vast majority of the population identify as Christians and have a European heritage. In general, Western culture is characterized by a set of values that place a high emphasis on the individual, competition, achievement, and success. These values often include individualism, self-reliance, democracy, equality, and freedom. Westerners tend to be more individualistic and self-reliant than people from other cultures, and they value competition and achievement. In many ways, these values are opposed to those of collectivist cultures, which emphasize group harmony, cooperation, and tradition. Despite the many differences between Western and other cultures, there are also some shared values and commonalities. For example, Westerners generally believe in the importance of the rule of law, free speech, and human rights. These values are not unique to the West, but they are particularly strong in Western societies. The history of Western culture can be traced back to the classical period, when Greek and Roman civilization flourished. These cultures had a significant impact on the development of Western culture, and many of their values and beliefs are still evident in modern Western societies. The Renaissance was a period of great creativity and achievement in the arts and sciences, and it also saw the rise of the nation-state and the development of capitalism. The Enlightenment was a 18th-century intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and progress. The Enlightenment had a profound impact on the development of Western culture, and its values and beliefs continue to be evident in modern Western societies. The Industrial Revolution was a period of great change in the West, when new technologies and economic systems transformed the way people lived and worked. The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the development of Western culture, and its values and beliefs continue to be evident in modern Western societies. Today, Western culture is very diverse, and it is constantly evolving. It is influenced by many factors, including globalization, technology, and migration. As a result, it is difficult to identify a single set of values or beliefs that all Westerners share.