CONSTRUCTION OF CULTURE

CONSTRUCTION  OF CULTURE

Culture is made up of different dimensions. They are:

SOCIAL SYSTEM – Refers to the interrelationships that exist among individuals, groups and institutions. Social system helps to form a cohesive whole as it incorporates the beliefs, values traditions, customs and lifestyle of people. 

Social systems shape the behaviour of the individuals living within it. Even though there are physical or territorial borders, individuals are oriented to a common focus because of social systems.

In India, it is seen that change and continuity operate simultaneously. Changes are seen in many aspects of social life. For e.g. Material aspects of society, ways of behaviour, occupational choices, technological advances, work culture, etc. Even areas that were not previously open to change are now slowly changing. For e.g. norms related to marriage, family, caste etc. Today’s urban community is characterised by professional attitudes with a greater focus on material comforts and luxury and a more liberal lifestyle. However the rural community still focuses on traditions and customs.

ECONOMICS – All human societies have economic systems. This may or may not involve the use of money. It mainly deals with access to natural resources and the utilization of these resources for the development of the country. Within the economic system, goods and services are produced, distributed and consumed.

 Every society makes use of technology.

The Indian economy had undergone tremendous changes over the years. In early years the Indian economy was based on agriculture and then industry. Today India has opened up its market for foreign investments and is not part of the rising global world economies. All this is a result of globalisation.

POLITICAL – Every culture has a political organisation through which they are able to maintain social order. Through political organisation power is legitimately used in a society in order to regulate behaviour. 

India follows a democratic system of government with a secular society. The Indian constitution has incorporated all its different communities as part of its political system. The government is operated through universal adult franchise and is based on the ideal a government of the people, by the people and for the people. 

RELIGION – Religion plays an important role in the life of an individual and is human need. It is a set of attitudes, beliefs and practices pertaining to the glorification of the supernatural power. Rituals, prayers and other spiritual exercises are usually a part of the religious practices. Beliefs vary not only within cultures buy also from society to society over time. Religion provides meaning and order in people’s life. It reduces social anxiety and gives people a sense of control over their destiny. It also helps preserve social order and provides a sense of community. 

Religion can be polytheistic (many Gods) or monotheistic (one God). In India religion forms the core of tradition. Hinduism is one of the main religions but along with it Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism exist. All these religions have an influence on Indian culture.

 

TECHNOLOGY – Technology is the collection of techniques, methods or processes which are used in the production of goods and services and the knowledge of using these techniques and processes. Technology has played an important role in society and culture as it has helped progress through industrialisation and thus advancement of economy. Media technology too has played an important role in the socialisation process as well as development of culture. Mass media has been looked at both positively as well as negatively by various thinkers over the years. The syntheses of entertainment and information have created an infotainment society which is part of a globalised world. 

Thus technology has played a vital role not only in India but worldwide through advancements that have made the world a global village.