Are Tradition and Modernity antithetical to each other? Comment. (UPSC CSE Mains 2023 - Sociology, Paper 2)
Scholars tend to believe that the twin factors of tradition and modernity are not antithetical to each other, as some earlier thinkers used to consider. They always coexist, drawing regularly from each other and work together for the progression of society.
- Multiple modernity: According to Yogendra singh when the ideal concept of modernity encounters local communities, it can lead to two outcomes: adaptive changes within local traditions or the rejection and redefinition of modernization.
- Dialectical Relationship: P. Mukerjee’s perspective highlights the dialectical relationship between tradition and modernity. This viewpoint suggests that while there may be conflicts and contradictions, it’s not a straightforward case of one replacing the other. Instead, tradition and modernity can coexist, with societies adapting and evolving through this interaction.
- Selective And Segmental Modernization: There was, however, one important feature of Indian modernization during the British-period. The growth of this process was selective and segmental. It was not integrated with the micro-structures of Indian society, such as family, caste and village community.
- Westernization and Sanskritization:According to Srinivas the definition and meaning of modernisation boils down to the following points :
- Modernisation and westernisation are interchangeable, though in India ‘s social change westernization is preferable.
- There is sanskrtization at level of caste system; there is westernization or modernization at the nation state level .
- Modernisation is more widespread at the individual level then sanskritisation.
- Autonomy of Polity and Caste: Louis Dumont’s perspective highlights the autonomy of polity and caste in India. It implies that modernity doesn’t necessarily disrupt all aspects of traditional social structures. In this view, certain domains can modernize independently while preserving aspects of tradition.
- Modernity as an Attitude: Dipanker Gupta’s definition of modernity as an attitude focusing on universalistic norms and individual dignity underscores that modernity is not just about technology and material progress. It’s also about evolving attitudes and values.
- According to Dipanker Gupta the mode of relations among people in our country is still not modern. Family connections, privileges of caste and status, as well as the willingness to break every law in the book characterise our social relations very deeply. In this context, India, like many other societies, is on a journey toward a more modern outlook.
- Resistance to Modernity: The resistance to modernity highlighted in your content reflects the challenges that can arise when traditional values clash with modern demands. For instance, secularism , untouchability, non parochialism are cultural demands of modernisation in contemporary India which its traditional value system continues to resist. This resistance doesn’t mean that tradition and modernity are inherently antithetical but rather that there are tensions and conflicts that need to be navigated.
The concept of “multiple modernities” recognizes that modernity is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. Instead, it is shaped by diverse cultural, historical, and societal contexts, leading to various expressions and adaptations. This perspective highlights the richness and complexity of human societies as they navigate the evolving relationship between tradition and modernity. The Indian society manifests these multiple maternities.
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