Do you think that the forces of modernization that catalyzed the eradication of social evils in Indian society have also threatened our cultural values and ethos? (Answer in 150 words) 15 marks

eradication of social evils

forces of modernization:

1. women empowerment -> level evils eradicated / progress made.

-> lack of agency to women

(eg) women GER now higher than male GER at all levels of education

-> combated child marriage, dowry, etc

-> property rights to women (significantly)

-> stricter action for sexual violence

2. Technology

-> democratization of info

-> access of opportunities to marginalized communities

(eg:) technology such as hearing aids, braille, etc is leading to gradual integration of disabled

3. UP4 reforms -> broke link between occupation and caste

-> single biggest caste reform event in India

-> led to social mobility

4. emerging attitudes towards marriage, gender, etc

-> right to choose partner

(eg) Transgender Protection Act 2019

However, forces of modernization threatening our cultural values

1. "Blind westernization"

misunderstanding that modernization is the same as westernization

2. adoption of evils of alcoholism, drug abuse, etc

3. decline in standards of art and culture

traditional art under decline, no new innovation simply copying from west, reverting to abusive language etc to get viewership

(eg:) children today know about characters of Avengers movie, but not Amar Chitra Katha.

4. rising materialism and consumption -> decline of spiritual pursuits

5. rising divorce rates -> reducing sanctity of marriage

6. adoption of western foods -> unhealthy -> leading to obesity

7. loss of tolerance - inspired by western homogenization of culture

"cancel culture"