Globalization is known as the method of interchange and interaction among people, governments, and countries across the world. In cultural terms, it is viewed as the communication of proposals, meanings, and values worldwide. The rising use of technology is generally viewed as one of the main causes of the spread of globalization.
In modern times, social media platforms are used by majority of the population of a country. As of 2021, 4.48 billion people are said to use social media in their everyday lives (dean, 2021). In developing countries such as Pakistan social media is used by 20.6% of the total population (Kemp, 2021). Usage of such platforms leads to the conveyance of differing views and perspectives across the globe which broadens the minds of people and allows them to reconsider their beliefs. They start to question and analyze the customs and traditions they grew up following. This leads to a shift in their personal beliefs and opinions, and more often than not it results in them drifting away from the conservative practices they were taught to abide by.
In order to fully analyze the effect Globalization has on traditional family beliefs, it is important to first understand what is meant by the term “Family Beliefs and Values”.
Family belief system and how does it work?
A family is generally deciphered to be a gathering of people enjoined by blood, marriage, or adoption, comprising a single household and communicating with each other in alliance with their respective social positions, such as those of parents, spouses, siblings and children (Barnard, n.d.). In developing countries such as Pakistan people are usually born into conservative families that place great significance on following and adhering to different traditions and practices. These belief systems are extracted from both religious faith and cultural ideologies. The motive of this report is to highlight the constructive and obstructive impacts of such beliefs, and to analyze and evaluate the type of effect globalization has on them.
Impact on Children
Different countries around the globe have diverse family beliefs and traditions. In countries such as India and Japan, family life is given great significance and interdependence is emphasized (Cultural Atlas, n.d.). This means that individualistic ideas are discouraged, and the purposes of the family are considered to be of more significance than those of the individual. Choices relating to one’s personal matters-meaning marriage and career path are generally made with the approval of their family. In such types of family systems, children are given little to no authority over their own lives, and decisions are always made for them by the head of the family, usually witnessed to be a male (whether that male is the husband depends on both the culture of the area and the general circumstances of the family). 1 In the year 2018, 599 Japanese teenagers aging from 19 or younger were reported to have killed themselves, and this statistic was 6% higher than that of the previous year, in accordance with a government white paper. The rate, meaning the number of deaths committed by suicide per 100,000 people, for the age group of 10–19 was 5.3, which was the highest rate in 40 years (IWAMOTO, 2019). Studies showed that problems at school, referring to insufficient academic performance, were witnessed to be the most frequent reason for suicide. From this study, we can observe that teens often crack in the worst way possible due to pressure put on them by their families. In 2016, India had Asia’s highest suicide rate among teenagers, as the WHO informs us that there were 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people. The number was found to be 15 for girls, which was roughly double the 7.8 for boys (IWAMOTO, 2019). Professionals in mental health found in India concluded that the main factors for high rates of suicide amongst teenagers 1 were domestic violence towards women and academic stress, both of which can be linked back 11 to family issues. Early and arranged marriages, low social status, young motherhood, economic dependence, and domestic violence are observed to be the main elements contributing to the high suicide rate of women in India. All these phenomena can once again be linked back to the belief that men are generally superior to women, a belief taught to Indian children (specifically young girls) from a very young age. Research shows that in some countries there is a common thread of falling fertility rates, meaning the average number of children born per woman. According to the United Nations World Population Prospects, during the three decades of 1985–1990 to 2015–2020, the rate in Singapore went from 1.70 to 1.21, in Japan to 1.37 from 1.65, in Thailand to 1.53 from 2.30 and in South Korea 1.11 from 1.57. Carol Balhetchet, a clinical psychologist claims that with a smaller amount of family members, parents have higher expectations from children, meaning that if a family has only one or two children, the pressure placed on them is higher as they are required to succeed. (IWAMOTO, 2019). While globalization and the use of the internet have helped counter some of these obstructive ideologies, some may rightfully argue that the internet has helped worsen the situation. The internet is the world’s largest network and provides a variety of information and communication facilities, some of which could be detrimental to a person’s mental health. The same study states there is an immediate connection between high rates of youth suicide and the rising use of electronic communication and digital media, and that although the internet makes it easier to communicate with people all over the world, it also increases the rate of social isolation as young people, especially teenagers prefer to talk to people from behind a screen rather than face to face communication (IWAMOTO, 2019). This tells us that parents often neglect their child’s mental health and either have too much control over the child’s life or none at all.
Impact on Culture
Globalization has impacted various cultures in different ways. While it can be observed that most people are drifting away from their cultural and social values, it is also true that some groups of people are greatly opposing the growing use of technology in their society. They believe that “Globalization’ and “Westernization’ which is a process in which communities adopt or come under the influence of western culture in various aspects, go hand in hand and that the spread of globalization would only continue to westernize their culture, as well as erase their spiritual, moral and religious values and replace them with modern western ideologies.
A newspaper article from 2014 suggests that the reason for this opposition is linked with the history of western imperialism (a method of expanding a country’s power or influence through the means of colonization, military force, or other methods). The article claims that imperialism has conceitedly stamped over ethnic groups and tried to ruin cultural entities by taking away their significance and normalizing cultural appropriation and that the modern age is one of opposition against autocratic geopolitical divisions as a means to recover a democratic government and reconstruct margins on undisputed ethnic, cultural or sectarian divisions (Mercier, 2014).
There is an ongoing argument on the matter of the irreversibility and inevitability of Globalization, yet most people have reached the conclusion that despite the resistance against it, Globalization has proved itself to be a phenomenon that cannot be changed or reversed. On May 4, 2017, Viet Nam President Tran Dai Quang stated that Globalization was inevitable. President Quang stated that although Globalization is an inevitable phenomenon, people could take part in shaping it in an advantageous way (Noi, 2017). Many studies show that the main problem that has been identified with globalization is that it calls for the complete erasure of cultural barriers, preferring to struggle for a world that is united and together in every sense. This means that different traditions and values are shifting and that people are changing their lifestyles accordingly (Colours Newyork, 2021).
Comparison of Issues
After careful examination of both issues through various reports, studies, and articles I have come to the conclusion that Globalization in itself is an inevitable phenomenon that can be controlled to become more inclusive and respective of other cultures and societal values. When it comes to family-related issues, while Globalization has helped in changing many unethical discriminatory practices, it has also emphasized the need for proper parenting of children. I think that Globalization is not inherently a negative occurrence and that its impact on societal and family values can go both ways. It is necessary to spread awareness of globalization and to critique its issues while taking steps to preserve the moral, religious and spiritual values of people.
Course of Action
The two main steps that need to be taken care educating people about globalization and its impact on societal and cultural values, and also spreading awareness about mental health in different family dynamics in order to fight against the growing suicide rate among teenagers. A report by an American non-profit program claims that the best methods of teenage suicide prevention include:
1: Access to treatment for physical and mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders, Family and communal support should be provided
2: Skills in problem-solving should be possessed by everyone in close contact with the patient, conflicts, and disputes should be resolved in non-violent ways.
3: Tools for emotional self-regulation and coping should be provided; Religious and or/cultural beliefs discouraging suicide should be discussed without invalidating the patient’s illness. (Newport Academy, n.d.).
As for educating people about the various aspects of globalization, it is important to first educate people living in areas where quality education is not guaranteed. A blog written by an education economist (Luis Crouch) suggests that the best ways to improve the education system in the progressing world are:
Setting simple and communicable standards means setting simple standards and communicating these standards with the parents.
To start curricula where children are, meaning that it is vital to provide children the education they need in accordance with their capabilities; Improvement in both liability and andragogy.
Focus on the mother language.
To pay attention to financial conditions and to reconsider and reform grading systems. (Crouch, 2016).
Reflection and Conclusion
After an in-depth study of the topic, I conclude my report by saying that Globalization has indeed caused a major irreversible shift in traditional and cultural family morals. The report has outlined multiple sources for these claims and has thoroughly discussed the effects of globalization on different types of ethnic backgrounds. It has also highlighted the negative aspects of cultural family beliefs and how they affect the lives of children and teenagers. It has also talked about steps that can be taken to improve these issues.
This includes suicide prevention methods and ways to improve the education given to children living in poverty. However, there is much that could’ve been included but wasn’t due to the limited content available. I think I should have properly evaluated the sources mentioned in order to provide a more authentic report.
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