Dr. Matiur Rahman :
Globalisation, a powerful force reshaping economies and cultures worldwide, has significantly impacted the unique social values, behaviours, and identities in Bangladesh.
With its rich and diverse cultural heritage, this small yet densely populated country has seen rapid changes in its social fabric due to increased connectivity with the global community.
Understanding globalisation’s influence on Bangladesh is crucial. It is multifaceted, affecting everything from family dynamics to gender roles and even how individuals perceive their cultural identity.
This transformation reflects a broader global trend of cultural convergence, where traditional norms are being re-negotiated and, in some cases, redefined.
One of the most noticeable effects of globalization on social values in Bangladesh is the changing family structure.
Traditionally, the joint family system was the cornerstone of social organisation in Bangladesh. This system emphasized collective living, where multiple generations lived under one roof, sharing responsibilities and upholding family honour.
However, with the advent of globalization, there has been a shift towards nuclear families. Economic pressures, urbanization, and the influence of Western culture have contributed to this trend.
For instance, young couples increasingly prefer to live independently, seeking privacy and autonomy. This change has led to a redefinition of family values, where individualism and personal freedom are gaining prominence over collective family obligations.
The impact of globalization is also evident in the changing roles and perceptions of women in Bangladeshi society. Traditionally, women were expected to focus on domestic responsibilities and participate in the workforce only partially.
However, globalization has brought new opportunities for women, particularly in the garment industry, which has become a significant part of the Bangladeshi economy.
Exposure to global ideas about gender equality and women’s rights has also transformed societal attitudes.
Today, more women are pursuing higher education and careers, challenging the traditional gender norms that once confined them to the household. This shift is empowering, as it signifies a delicate balance between modern aspirations and traditional expectations.
Another area where globalisation has had a profound impact is in the realm of youth culture. The younger generation in Bangladesh is growing up in a world vastly different from their parents. With the proliferation of the internet, satellite television, and social media, Bangladeshi youth are increasingly exposed to global trends, ideas, and lifestyles.
This exposure has led to adopting global cultural symbols, such as Western fashion, music, and entertainment.
As a result, there is a growing cultural convergence, where traditional Bangladeshi values are blended with global influences.
This hybridisation process is particularly evident in urban areas, where Western consumer culture is most prominent. However, this cultural shift also raises concerns about the erosion of traditional values and the loss of cultural identity.
Globalisation has also influenced religious practices and beliefs in Bangladesh. Islam, the predominant religion in the country, has traditionally played a central role in shaping social values and norms.
However, globalisation has introduced new religious ideas and practices from different parts of the world, diversifying religious expression.
This has resulted in a more pluralistic religious landscape, where various interpretations of Islam coexist with other faiths.
Additionally, the rise of global communication networks has facilitated the spread of religious ideologies, strengthening traditional beliefs and emerging new, sometimes more conservative, religious movements. This dynamic has sparked debates about the role of religion in public life and the extent to which traditional religious values should adapt to a rapidly changing world.
The influence of globalisation on social values in Bangladesh is also evident in education and language. English, once the language of the elite, is now increasingly seen as a necessary skill for economic and social mobility. The proliferation of English-medium schools and the emphasis on learning English as a second language reflect this trend.
While this shift opens up new opportunities for Bangladeshis in the global job market, it raises concerns about the potential decline of the Bengali language and literature. The emphasis on English education highlights the tension between international integration and the preservation of local culture.
Furthermore, globalisation has significantly changed the concept of identity in Bangladesh. As people are exposed to global cultures, they increasingly identify as Bangladeshis and part of a worldwide community. This global identity is influential among the youth, who are more likely to embrace cosmopolitan values and lifestyles.
However, this shift in identity also creates a sense of ambivalence as individuals navigate between their traditional cultural heritage and the pressures of global conformity. This process of identity negotiation is a common theme in many developing countries experiencing the effects of globalisation.
The influence of globalisation on social values in Bangladesh reflects a broader global trend of cultural convergence and the re-negotiation of traditional norms. As Bangladesh continues integrating into the global economy and society, its social values will likely continue to evolve. Both opportunities and challenges characterise this evolution.
On the one hand, globalisation offers new economic development, social mobility, and cultural exchange possibilities. On the other hand, it poses the risk of cultural homogenisation and the loss of traditional values.
In conclusion, globalisation has profoundly impacted social values in Bangladesh, influencing family structures, gender roles, youth culture, religious practices, education, and identity. This change process reflects the broader global trend of cultural convergence, where traditional norms are being renegotiated in the face of new international realities.
As Bangladesh continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of globalisation, it will be crucial to find a balance between embracing global influences and preserving the unique cultural heritage that defines the nation. This balance will determine how Bangladesh’s social values evolve in the future and how its people will define their place in an increasingly interconnected world.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).
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