Nowadays cultures around the world are becoming more and more similar, as compared to the past. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or a negative development?

Nowadays cultures around the world are becoming more and more similar, as compared to the past. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or a negative development?

In contemporary times, it has been observed that “one identity, one culture” has gained acceptance across the world. This  is driven by several factors and can impact people and countries both favorably and unfavorably.

Educational institutions are guiding youngsters towards globalization, and the contemporary generation is also focussed on self awareness and so does not want to be restricted by socio-cultural boundaries. They consider all cultures, religion and tribal factors  as obsolete, and wish to transcend all barriers and doing whatever they like has become a trend unlike the past, where people cared for their ancestral socio-cultural obligations and cast based barriers.

Experts consider this a positive approach, as this mindset brings a positive attribute on the society, which lets people live like a global citizen and avoid being stuck in the regional and ethnic constraints. In addition, this phenomenon is bringing peace and harmony amongst people of diverse cultures. This positive change has also carved the way to find mechanisms to eliminate the enduring challenges such as bias based on race, creed and socio-cultural backgrounds, helping build a better and cohesive global society. 

However, some fear that this approach might cause the demise of several cultures; with the universal aspirations  gaining acceptability, people, especially the youth might end up forgetting their native identity and history. This could mean a great loss not only a society but also the world as the traditions, rituals and local knowledge associated with the disappearing culture might also be lost forever

In hindsight, disputes aside, although the modern aspirations that lean towards a uniform global way of life do present a challenge for weaker societies, these impediments can be surmounted provided the concerned governments and communities act prudently, and endeavor to preserve their home-grown beliefs.