INTERPLAY BETWEEN PROGRESS AND TRADITION IN SOCIETY

In the evolution of societies, the interplay between progress and tradition is a recurring theme. Choices between innovation and cultural preservation mire communities and are often in conflict with shifting identities, values, and aspirations. This tension not only influences policy-making and economic growth but also deeply affects the lives of individuals and the cohesion of communities.

Progress represents the desire for a better future. It is alluring in the sense that it promises to end traditional fears of poverty and economic stagnation. It also promotes innovation, bringing shifts from traditional practices to newer ones. Progressive ideas move societies to a newer path than tradition can offer.

Tradition, however, is a representation of old values and customs transferred from one generation to another. It is the collection of morals, ethics, and lifestyles that have continued for thousands of years. Tradition is the mirror through which culture can be viewed. When there is something new going on but there is also a desire to keep sticking to old traditions, there arises conflict. Such a conflict may arise at an individual level, for instance, trying to move from one technology to the next; in families, for example, trying to shift from traditional joint to nuclear; and also in societies, striving to adopt new philosophies that challenge the old established themes.

In Nepal, for instance, there have been conflicts in preserving tradition while also moving forward using technology. Urbanisation has brought tensions among the people as they want services they get in cities, but they also carry the nostalgia of village lives. Rapid technological change has benefitted the rich and the powerful, creating gaps between them and the marginalised communities. Where traditional thoughts have benefitted the elites, they have chosen to stagnate society and refuse technological advancements. The desire for the new generation to adopt new technology but the older generations’ refusal to do so is one of the causes of conflict.

Maintaining a balance between tradition and progress, thus, is an enormous challenge to policymakers. They have to keep traditionalists happy while also moving forward to better policies and innovations. Since societies deeply rooted in traditions are often stagnant, it is necessary to identify the major drives to carry them forward. For instance, the preservation of cultures of Newa tradition through the use of technology such as photos, videos, and digitalisation has not only supported tradition but also adopted technological progress. Therefore, policymakers should be able to identify the unique desires of the people following the traditions while supporting innovation.

Societies have incorporated both tradition and progress since they both represent our willingness to preserve ancient teachings, philosophies, and cultures while shaping the path for future generations. Although it could be difficult to strike a perfect balance between tradition and progress, bringing them together through dialogues, innovative policies, and practices yields a better society.