Meaning of " ‘Western’ world" and alternative terms

The discussion on the meaning and connotations of the world 'Oriental' got me thinking along similar lines on the usage of 'Western' world or 'the West' to denote North America and Europe. I find it interesting how in many situations Africa and Latin America aren't considered belonging to the 'West', even though in a strictly longitudinal sense they are to the west of 'the East' / 'Orient'.

Has anyone come across situations where using 'the West' is considered pejorative, and, if yes, what alternative terms are / can be used?

Solution 1:

'Western' is often used to refer to the developed world, but even then tends to limit itself to countries populated by white people.

You have mentioned North America, the UK and Europe. You might be interested to know that usually, Australia and New Zealand are considered a part of 'Western' culture and society regardless of their proximity to East Asia.

You asked if it is used pejoratively. In some cases, yes.

For example, it is often used to refer to decadent culture. I now live in Indonesia, a Muslim country. Here, a lot of people use the term 'Western culture' to encompass what they consider negative practices (such as sex before marriage, gambling, etc.) that they see as being normal behaviour in 'the West'.

Therefore, Westerners are often seen as being of low moral fibre. Unfortunately, in some areas, it has even become almost interchangeable with the term infidel.

Solution 2:

Western is much clearer than the West. From the New Oxford American Dictionary:

Western: living in or originating from the west, in particular Europe or the U.S.

while there are many possible definitions for the West:

the West:

• Europe and its culture seen in contrast to other civilizations.
• historical the noncommunist states of Europe and North America, contrasted with the former communist states of eastern Europe.
• the western part of the U.S., esp. the states west of the Mississippi.

Apart from the Occident, I can't think of any single-word alternative.