CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter presents the different sub-topics that are relevant and will further support
this research study implying that certain cultures and traditions are dwindling, that changes are
unavoidable, and that certain modernization has a complete impact on our customs and
norms. There are sections in this in this chapter. The first section presents a review of related
literature and studies. The second section will be the study's conceptual framework.
Education
The K–12 educational system, the workplace, family dynamics, and social contacts of
today are not the same as those that existed in the Arab world, say, in the 1970s.
Modernization and globalization have given people more options, lifestyles, and choices in
most levels and phases of life. Furthermore, according to Abduljaber, M. (2018), individuals
have become more tolerant as a result of being exposed to a wide range of eccentric, eclectic,
and unique styles, tastes, methods of living, and lifestyles. More than ever, people are
conscious of national, ethnic, and religious distinctions, which has helped many people in the
area actively embrace and tolerate differences.
Most students are now adapting to modernization which means that technology is now
involved in the education field, as stated by Türkkahraman, Miriam (2013) in his theory,
education as a phenomenon is a social construct as well as a process that takes place in the
community. Society can be seen as the goal and the hierarchy if a previous hierarchical
sequence is developed. One could argue that education is the essential means to this end. In
this regard, the investigation of education and society's other institutions must work together
functionally for community building.
Modernization and post-modernization
As defined by Inglehart, R. (2020), modernization trajectory is linked with a wide range
of other cultural changes. As we will see, certain cultural values are conducive to the economic
accumulation and investment that make industrialization possible, and the sharply contrasting
gender roles that characterize all preindustrial societies almost inevitably give way to
increasingly similar gender roles in advanced industrial society.
It is also stated by, Inglehart, R. (2020) that modernization trajectory is linked with a
wide range of other cultural changes. As we will see, some cultural values support the kind of
economic accumulation and investment that enable industrialization, and in advanced
industrial societies, gender roles tend to become more similar over time, whereas in
preindustrial societies they are sharply contrasting.
Traditions and Norms
People who emphasize Survival values tend to be significantly less satisfied with their
lives and less happy than people with Self-expression values. (Inglehart, Ronald F. 2018) As
long as a society remains near the survival level, its culture is mainly oriented toward ensuring
physical survival. But as survival becomes secure, a society's culture can become increasingly
oriented toward maximizing subjective well-being. (Inglehart, Ronald F. 2018) Self-expression
values are conducive to subjective well-being as they emancipate people from traditional
constraints that are no longer necessary for survival. allowing greater freedom of choice in how
to live one's life. In both mega zones, modernization (measured by factors like GDP per capita
and employment proportions) is associated with a decline in conservation values and an
increase in openness to change values.
However, in the European magazine, the growth of openness to change values is linked
to an increase in self-transcendence values, whereas in Afrasia, it is associated with an
increase in self-enhancement values. (Andrey, K., Julia, Z., Kira, M., & Elena, S.2019).
According to Yang K. S. (2019), persons in both traditional and modern societies will share the
same general functioning qualities because these traits are universal.
Modernization process against values
Younger age groups have higher indicators of self-enhancement and openness to
changing values in the vast majority of countries. According to Korotayev, et. al, (2019) these
qualities usually imply openness to innovation, diversity, change, and advancement.
Individuals who are very adaptable, inquisitive, and open-minded tend to be more daring and
open-minded. They might be more open to questioning customs and investigating novel
concepts or encounters. These values center around the pursuit of personal success,
achievement, and self-improvement.
People with high self-enhancement values are often driven by goals such as gaining
status, acquiring wealth, and achieving recognition or fame. They may prioritize their
advancement and strive for personal excellence, Bilyuga, (2018). This sub-topic entirely shows
that the process of modernization is most likely adaptable in this generation wherein When
compared to older age groups, younger people in different countries prioritize values related to
self-improvement and being open to change more strongly. This suggests a generational trend
in which younger people are more likely to seek success and personal growth while welcoming
change.
Societal Development
Each culture within a society adapts to modernization and some may adjust their
traditional norms to fit to what is new. As stated by Krys, K., Capaldi, C., et al, (2022), this
paradigm highlights how crucial it is to recognize and honor these cultural differences while
talking about the advancement of society. It implies that there isn't a single, universally
applicable strategy for advancement and that different cultures may choose differently.
Furthermore, it does not adequately address the complexity and difficulties of the
twenty-first century. It follows that novel concepts or frameworks are required, ones that are
more inclusive, flexible, and appropriate to the various cultural contexts of the modern world.
The culturally sensitive paradigm emphasizes the value of cultural variety in conversations
about the evolution of society. It emphasizes the need for new methods sensitive to the twenty-
first century's subtle cultural differences.
The fact that the shift is regarded as important suggests that it is a fundamentally
significant change rather than merely a little adjustment. In the idea of Stiglitz, Sen, & Fitoussi,
(2009), it implies that there are significant distinctions between traditional and modern
societies. It is seen as a logical step in the evolution of society. This suggests that the shift
from traditional to contemporary civilizations is understood as a process of natural evolution or
development that happens gradually and is influenced by several variables, including
globalization, social change, and technical improvements.
The idea that this changeover is common to all civilizations implies that societies follow
a similar path from traditional to modern, notwithstanding cultural variances. This general
guidance suggests that even though the details may differ between cultures.
Human Satisfaction in the 21st Century
Modernization and human satisfaction have an extensive link that takes into account
social, technological, psychological, and economic aspects. Through greater money,
opportunity, and societal advancement, modernity can raise life satisfaction levels; yet, it also
brings with it difficulties and inequalities that may hurt wellbeing. Policymakers and scholars
trying to advance human flourishing in contemporary cultures must comprehend these
processes. As studied by Julia, Z., Vadim, U., & Sergey, S. (2022), The relationship between
material well-being—more especially, income levels—and life happiness is the main focus of
the claim. It also discusses how people's loyalty to specific values—especially those related to
self-expression—is impacted by their money. The relationship between income, life
satisfaction, and values can thus be defined as the subtopic, with an emphasis on how
financial wealth affects people's views of happiness and their adherence to particular cultural
values.
The expression "people in richer countries report higher levels of life satisfaction than
people in poorer countries" relates to the income-life satisfaction paradox, a well-established
phenomenon in social scientific research. According to this paradox, people in wealthier
countries generally report higher levels of life satisfaction than people in less wealthy
countries, Ng and Diener (2019). This shows that as evolution continues towards humanity and
society, people tend to crave more and more, and that being said advancement towards
modernization will most likely bring changes within culture and traditions.
Tradition meets Modernity
With the power of modernization, a lot of people, of different ages, are exposed to this
new living style that did not exist back in those times when traditions and cultures were being
promoted and accepted; and obviously, that involves partying. Alcohol usage has increased
recently, particularly among teenagers. This is a big change from the community's customs
and traditions, when drinking may have been either nonexistent or extremely restricted. This
new conduct has been brought about in part by the impact of external culture, perhaps as a
result of globalization or more engagement with other communities. This change in cultural
norms, especially about drinking, could have an impact on social dynamics, health outcomes,
and societal norms.
Moreover, alcohol consumption is truly prominent in this generation, such rules back in
those days where people seemed to keep in mind their cultures and behavior, but today as we
speak, people tend to go by the saying, “past is past, focus on what’s today”, although it is
true, modernization is evident and people do believe that what’s new will be applicable, even
when their traditions are still present. Furthermore, as studied by Zainuddin, M. F. (2023), it
does not stop with that, let’s talk about technology; this generation is, if too much exaggeration,
really exposed to gadgets and technological advancement that at times we cannot focus on
our daily life because of that specific distraction, according to research, the impact of
technology and mass media on the community's customary adaptability.
Stevenson, (2020), according to him members of the community have been exposed to
a variety of cultures and lifestyles outside of their traditional limits thanks to social media, the
internet, and television. This exposure to outside forces has the power to change community
members' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. As people incorporate aspects of other cultures
into their own, it could result in the adoption of new customs, modifications to cultural identity,
and adjustments to social standards. This phenomenon illustrates how globalization has a
wider impact.
Though it may sound out of the ordinary, modernization also plays a big part of the role
of the community and their traditions being preserved, according to Wasserman, (2005),
Collaboration between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and cultural institutions can be
very important for maintaining traditions. Based on the study of both Stevenson, (2020); and
Wasserman, (2005) this also highlights how important it is to strengthen local cultural identity
to preserve traditions. Traditions are often preserved and promoted by cultural institutions,
such as museums, heritage centers, and cultural groups. Non-governmental organizations can
also offer resources and assistance for initiatives to preserve traditions; this is especially true
for those groups that concentrate on community development and cultural conservation.
Together, these organizations and NGOs can combine their networks, resources, and
expertise to carry out projects that protect cultural heritage. To guarantee the survival and
vitality of customs, this cooperation may entail initiatives like advocacy, education, community
involvement, and documentation.