How Does Edward Said Define ‘Culture’ with its Twofold Implications?
Introduction to Culture and Imperialism is a notable literary work by Edward Said. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Introduction to Culture and Imperialism.
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How does Edward Said define ‘culture’ with its twofold implications?
Edward Said (1935-2003) is best known for his contributions to post-colonial studies and the analysis of imperialism. In his work “Culture and Imperialism” (1993), Said offers a comprehensive definition of “culture” with twofold implications. He views culture as both a source of aesthetic pleasure and a means of asserting dominance over others.
Culture as Aesthetic and Independent Expression: Said first defines culture as a collection of practices that exist independently from social, political, and economic influences. This view focuses on culture as a source of aesthetic enjoyment. It is often embodied in literature, music, and the arts. He references the famous definition by Matthew Arnold, who described culture as
The best that has been known and thought.
Culture and the Civilizing Mission: Said also discusses how culture can be wielded to rationalize colonialism under the guise of a “civilizing mission.” He points out that imperial powers often framed their domination as a benevolent effort to uplift “barbaric” societies. This view of culture reflects not merely taste or refinement but a powerful tool for imposing values and legitimizing exploitation.
Culture as a Tool of Dominance: Said’s second definition of culture emphasizes its role in power and control. He argues that culture can be used to assert dominance, often by promoting certain traditions and values while marginalizing others. Said explains how Western imperialism relied on cultural narratives to justify colonization. He highlights that
The novel, as a cultural artifact of bourgeois society, and imperialism are unthinkable without each other (Chapter 2, Part 1).
This demonstrates how culture was intertwined with imperial ambitions.
In termination, Edward Said’s dual definition of culture reveals its complexity as both a source of aesthetic pleasure and a tool for exerting power. By examining culture from these two perspectives, Said illustrates how it shapes identities, justifies domination, and sustains imperial narratives.