Final answer:
The concept of civilization in English relates to societies marked by advanced social structures, technology, and culture. It originated with the development of cities and agriculture. Imperialistic 'civilizing missions' were justified by claiming these societies had a duty and right to 'civilize' others, often under flawed ideologies like social Darwinism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term civilization in English typically refers to a society that exhibits characteristics such as a high degree of social specialization, significant technological progress, and advanced cultural developments like art, learning, and spirituality. The origin of the word is often associated with the concept of urban life, emerging when a large group of individuals forms a community that extends beyond extended family ties, leading to advancements such as writing, mathematics, and organized religion.
The Origins and Development of Civilizations
To become a civilization, several criteria must be met, including the ability for social development, sustainable agriculture, access to water, effective government organization, consistent innovation, and a cultured society. The process of civilization has been historically associated with the shift from nomadic lifestyles to permanent settlements, enabled by the domestication of animals and the development of agriculture.
The Civilizing Mission and Imperialism
The concept of civilization has been historically loaded, often used by European powers during the era of imperialism to justify the conquest and colonization of other lands, under the pretext of a "civilizing mission." The legacy of such missions includes the spread of Western sports, religion, education, and infrastructure, often under theories like social Darwinism which erroneously claimed the innate superiority of European society.