Table of Contents

Are Tradition and Modernity antithetical to each other? Comment.

Section: A
Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis
(Paper 2: Unit-11 Impact of colonial rule on Indian society; Modernization of Indian tradition)

Question: 1 (d) Are Tradition and Modernity antithetical to each other? Comment.

(10 Marks)

Introduction: Introduce with Antithetical Relation Between Modernity and Tradition in Europe and then Write in Brief that Indian Context Differs

Main Body: Relation Between Tradition and Modernity in Indian Context with Viewpoint of D.P. Mukerjee, Yogendra Singh, M. N. Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Dipanker Gupta etc. to Highlight Multiple Responses

Conclusion: On the lines of multiple modernities

Introduction:

Yogendra Singh argues that modernity is a universal cultural phenomenon, while tradition is local and specific to immediate societies. In the European context, modernity is the antithesis of tradition in Europe. It was considered modernity emerged to completely replace the tradition. However, this view is not universally accepted. In Indian context the modernity and tradition interacts in multiple ways. In India the modernity came from the multiple sources. It is result of various heterogenetic sources and orthogenetic sources. And accordingly the relation between modernity and tradition also multiple and beyond the singular antithetical relation.

Main body:

The relation between tradition and modernity can be explained as follows:

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.

Conclusion:

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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