Traditions and Social Norms in Today’s Society Which are Being Challenged Essay Example

have adapted a "survival for the fittest" and "each man for himself" notion.

The second phase was during 1920's to 1960's. It was during independence movement when there was an increased stress on the industrialists to show their dedication to the society's progress. This was a time when the trusteeship notion was introduced by Mahatma Gandhi in India where the industry leaders were supposed to manage their riches in order to benefit the common man(Sherif, 23). Mahatma Gandhi once said that he desired ending capitalism being the most advanced socialist. He continued saying that their method differed and that his theory of trusteeship was no make shift, that is certainly not camouflaged. He then ended by saying that he was confident that it would survive all the other theories. Those were Mahatma Gandhi's words highlighting his argument of trusteeship concept. His words during this time put pressure and influenced various industrialists into acting by building their nations and their socio-economic development. During that time, Indian companies according to Mahatma Gandhi were to be the modern India temples. Business established some trusts for colleges and schools under his influence and helped also in building scientific and training institutions. The trusts operations were in line largely with Mahatma Gandhi's reforms that sought abolishing untouchability and encourage rural development and women empowerment(Sherif, 24). currently even in India the trusteeship notion is no longer in existence.

Lastly, is the third phase which was from 1960's to date. The changes that I have noted from then to now surround primarily the previously social taboos and the personal habits. For example, an individual being jailed was an insult to that particular individual's friends

and relatives. The pregnancy of a girl was stigma which would bring shame to her family and last for life. This never affected the father of the child. Nowadays, the young they no longer aspire getting married in traditional sense. They instead live together and have children as they loving and faithful to one another, but they won't take marriage vows or even go through marriage process(Sherif, 40). Sex also was a forbidden subject, leave alone getting involved in the act itself. Living sinfully was not allowed but currently around 50% of the young couples are taken up by it. Divorce was the last option for any married couple as it was believed that one made their bed and they then were supposed to sleep on it. That time, domestic violence was very common and police took little action or even no action at all until when the female partner got murdered, maimed or hospitalized. Child abuse was more common during that time as children were advised not to say anything by their parents and others.

Today, it is widely publicized. Rape is more often now reported, but my opinion is that it always was a female risk. Homosexuality which is now acceptable was hidden secret and it was illegal totally even with consenting males. Currently is more common and open. Some of the mentioned problems have actually changed for better, but some may have got even worse(Sherif, 42).
In conclusion, the traditional and social norms have significantly changed and what was acceptable in the first and second phase may not be what is acceptable currently. What was right then seems outdated and old-fashioned today. But it's

important to note that what is acceptable today would be illegal or not acceptable then and therefore it's important when everyone learns what is acceptable in their society and live according to it.

Work Cited

1. Sherif, Muzafer. Social Interaction: Process and Products; Selected Essays. Chicago: Aldine, 2007. Print.