new self-thought terms: Western literary hegemony

By Ouyang Yu

 

Western literary hegemony refers to 

the dominance of European and North American literature, values, and critical frameworks as the universal standard, often marginalizing non-Western perspectives. Rooted in colonial history and perpetuated through education, publishing, and canon formation, this cultural supremacy presents Western viewpoints as natural, shaping global literary consumption and academic discourse.

Key aspects of western literary hegemony include:
  • Canon Formation: The systematic elevation of European authors (the "Western canon") as superior, universal literature.
  • Cultural Imperialism: The spread of Western languages (English, French, Spanish) and literary forms (e.g., the novel) often at the expense of indigenous literary traditions.
  • Internalization: Subordinate cultures often adopt Western, or "hegemonic," viewpoints as the norm, internalizing them through educational systems.
  • Academic Dominance: Literary journals, awards, and university curricula are heavily dominated by Western institutions, favoring Western methodologies and subjects.
While challenged by post-colonial, queer, and feminist literary movements, Western hegemony continues to influence what is considered "classic" or "high literature" globally.

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