Open AccessEurocentrism – A Hidden, but Hot Topic
Author(s) -
Birthe K. Paul
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
politikon
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1583-3984
pISSN - 2414-6633
DOI - 10.22151/politikon.12.1
Subject(s) - eurocentrism , orientalism , unconscious mind , sociology , western culture , epistemology , history , philosophy , anthropology , political science , law , theology
The notion of Eurocentrism emerged in the times of European imperialism in the 16th, 17th and 18th century and is defined as a conscious as well as unconscious emphasis on Western or European culture, values and concerns standing above others. In other words, it is the mental attitude to perceive non-Europeans or today non-Westerners as less modern, less civilized, less relevant and just less than equal. This historic notion is very much connected to Edward Said, who marked the concept of Orientalism and its connection to a Eurocentric worldview.