‘It is important for cultures to preserve their traditional beliefs and customs.
’ To what extent do you
agree?
Traditions and customs have held significant importance over the course of human history. Cities rise
and fall, civilisations flourish and decline but knowledge is passed with the help of traditions and
customs. They give humans a sense of belonging, mould their morals and bring people together.
However, it is important to consider that as the world evolves, much of the traditions are also
rendered orthodox and regressive, leading to their renouncement. Hence, it can be said that the
extent to which certain traditions and customs should be preserved depends on their impacts and
fundamental values.
Many of the customs and traditions since the beginning of time have been conservative. For
example, throughout history, cultures and communities worldwide have repressed women and have
established practices and ideals that prevent women from getting equality and basic rights. From
Indians practicing ‘Sati’- where a widowed woman was forced to die alongside her husband by
burning alongside his pyre- to early child marriages in Middle Eastern countries, all these were
customs that cultures continued to practice for a long time. These traditional beliefs have long since
oppressed women and portrayed them as inferior to men. Even after the massive movements of
feminism, remnants of such beliefs can still be seen in the society today in forms of income
inequality, sexism, misogyny and so much more.
Not only women, but many religions also impart ideals that are seen as discriminatory against
homosexuals and any other people who do not conform to the heteronormative constructs. These
values have been so ingrained in society that people from the LGBTQ+ communities are often victims
of violence, inequality, hate crimes and more. Hence, these examples attest to the fact that such
traditions and customs should not be preserved by cultures as they are harmful and narrowminded.
Moreover, under the guise of preserving traditional customs and traditions, many communities also
justify violence and discrimination. From grave issues like honour killings and child marriages to not
allowing women to work- these are some of the examples of practices that still continue today as
people justify them by saying ‘This is how it has always been done.’ In many families today, the
working women are the first ones to do so as previously they were largely thought of as just
homemakers and they weren’t allowed opportunities to progress. But now that things are changing
for the better and women contribute to economic development, it is safe to say that the previous
beliefs are better off discarded.
However, many people argue that preserving family and cultural traditions is important. Indeed,
family traditions like having dinner together on Thanksgiving and exchanging gifts on Christmas are
essential as they not only imbibe moral values, but also bring people closer as they strengthen
relationships and allow for memories to be made. In Italy for instance, family traditions hold a lot of
value as most families eat together regularly and exchange joyful conversations. Grandmothers
especially are almost revered as they pass down their famous recipes and tell stories to children.
These traditions hence become important as they are how collective knowledge and experience is
passed down generations.
Furthermore, it cannot be denied that traditions and customs passed through generations are
instrumental in shaping the future of communities as it is from the past experiences that we learn
and prepare for the future. That being said, it thus becomes important that the traditions and
customs people choose to continue are ones that have positive impact on the society- ones that
unite people and bring them closer rather than drift them apart. It is why as the world evolves and
becomes progressive, traditions and customs need to evolve and change as well. Otherwise holding
on to orthodox ideals will not allow us to become open-minded and make way for a better future.
Word count - 633 words.
This essay has been written by Nida Aslam who was awarded an ‘a’ in her CAIE EGP Board Exam.
