Which of the following best describes the influence of Western culture on indigenous populations?

The influence of Western culture on indigenous populations is best described by Westernization. This term specifically refers to the process by which societies adopt Western ideals, practices, and lifestyles, often as a result of cultural exchange or imposition. This can manifest in various aspects of life, including governance, education, technology, and social norms.

Westernization acknowledges the significant changes that can occur in indigenous cultures as they come into contact with Western influences, often leading to shifts in traditional practices, value systems, and even language. It is a broader concept that encompasses the adaptation and assimilation processes that indigenous communities may experience.

While globalization pertains to the interconnectedness of societies and can involve the spread of Western culture, it also includes influences from multiple cultures and is not limited to the impact of Westernization. Cultural imperialism focuses more on the power dynamics and dominance of Western cultures over others, highlighting a more coercive or hegemonic aspect of cultural influence. Indigenous resistance, on the other hand, emphasizes the responses and actions taken by indigenous groups to maintain their cultural identity in the face of external pressures but does not directly define the process of influence itself.