Traditional and Modern Cultures

Introduction 

Modernity is considered as both a historical period and the social trends that erupted from the post-medieval time. The perception of what modernity is, from different individuals, varies and therefore has contributed to disparities in understanding the cultural transformation. While traditional cultural practices may be considered as the direct opposite of what modernity is, it is evident that they both have an immense influence on the various areas in the human lives. 

The traditional and modern cultures are conceptualized in various ways depending on the people in question and the practices associated. Basically, both these forms of cultures are related in more than one technique. Most individuals consider the modern cultural practices as an improved form of the traditional course of action or procedures. The main reasons as to why are because a culture is an attained habit that has been learned for a period of time and embraced as the preferred way of life. On the other hand, in both concepts, these cultures are introduced in various forms, practiced, shared with other people, imitated or changed to meet the requirements of the individuals concerned. As mentioned earlier, the cultures affect other areas of human lives including their economic and political patterns (Stanley Knick, 2011) . For instance, depending on the traditional practices and institutions of particular people, political pattern s have been defined in outstanding measures. For instance, some monarchies in the current world are as a result of traditional royal empires that existed and were treasured in the ancient times. As for the economic patterns of people, the involvement in specific income-generating ventures is enhanced by their values, beliefs, geographical locations and social influences. For example, it is a norm for individuals living in large water bodies to invest in fishing activities, tourism hotels, and spas among others. On the other hand, some beliefs would deter particular residents from getting involved in some political and economic practices which may be embraced by another ethnic group (Germond-Duret, 2016) . The connection of cultures has been a common practice which is influenced by intermarriages, tourism, trade and the foreign policies applied in most nations. 

Traditional practices are sometimes the product of more recent historical conditions and outside influences in various areas. For instance, marriage is a practice that has been in existence since time in memorial. On the other hand, the building of the family unit is embraced by people of all walks of lives, countries, ethnicity, race, and religion. As a result, the traditional practice of holding weddings or having two individuals settle together as husband and wife is not only influenced by historic conditions but the continuous human values for the family establishment. 

Some traditions may gain importance, especially among non-western societies mostly because of the need to restore the cultural practices that identify the people in question. For instance, African countries have distinct cultures that are attractive to many other ethnic communities including the western countries who come to observe as tourists (Gyekye, 1997). While these practices are observed as distinct measures, they are also used to boost economic values to these communities. On the other hand, most of the non-western countries have realized that their cultural practices have impacted the relationships with other nations who share and connect with their different ideologies for social, economic and political growth. 

Conclusion 

Humans are entitled to interacting with one another socially enhancing strategies in which they can impact their ways of association. It is for these same reasons that distinct practices among humans are identified and makes it possible for others to spot a particular group of people. With the transformation of generations, some practices have been shunned and other improved in the quest to fit in the modern world. Consequently, different aspects of the human life are affected in various ways including their economic, social and political patterns. While modernization is considered as the new trend that needs to be embraced, some of the non-western nations are formulating their own modernized forms of cultures that allow them to keep their traditional ways for various reasons. 

References 

Germond-Duret, C. (2016). Tradition and modernity: an obsolete dichotomy? Binary thinking, indigenous peoples and normalization. Third World Quarterly , 37 (9), 1537-1558. doi: 10.1080/01436597.2015.1135396 

Gyekye, K. (1997). Traditional Political Ideas, Values, and Practices: Their Status in the Modern Setting. Tradition and Modernity , 115-143. doi: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195112252.003.0004 

Stanley Knick, P. (2011, May 25). Traditional Culture and Modern Culture: Man’s Fall from Grace . Retrieved May 19, 2018, from HufftonPost: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/stanley-knick/traditional-culture-and-m_b_655992.html