AIOU B. Ed Citizenship Education and Community Engagement (8606) | Solved Assignment 1.
Q. 2
Discuss the importance of cultural diversity in a society. Highlight the role of cultural diversity in Pakistani Society.
Answer
Meaning of Culture
Culture refers to the pattern of human activity and the symbols, which give significance to this activity. Culture is represented through the art, literature, costumes, customs, and traditions of a community. Different cultures exist in different parts of the world. The natural environment greatly affects the lifestyle of the people of that region, thus shaping their culture. The diversity in the cultures around the world is also a result of the mindsets of people inhabiting different regions of the world. The word 'culture' that hails from the Latin word, 'cultura' is derived from ‘colored, which means, 'to cultivate'. Hence the way in which the minds of the masses inhabiting a particular region are cultivated, in some way determines the culture of a region.
However, the word "culture" is most commonly used in three basic senses:
The excellence of taste in the fine arts and humanities, also known as high culture
An integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning
The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization, or group
McGrew suggests a definition of culture that he finds scientifically useful for studying primate culture. He points out that scientists do not have access to the subjective thoughts or knowledge of non-human primates. Thus, if culture is defined in terms of knowledge, then scientists are severely limited in their attempts to study primate culture. Instead of defining culture as a kind of knowledge, McGrew suggests that we view culture as a process. He lists six steps in the process:
A new pattern of behavior is invented, or an existing one is modified.
The innovator transmits this pattern to another.
The form of the pattern is consistent within and across performers, perhaps even in terms of recognizable stylistic features.
The one who acquires the pattern retains the ability to perform it long after having acquired it.
The pattern spreads across social units in a population. These social units may be families, clans, troops, or bands. The pattern endures across generations. Culture refers to the pattern of human activity and the symbols that give significance to these activities. Culture manifests itself in terms of art, literature, costumes, customs, language, religion, and religious rituals. The people and their pattern of life make up the culture of a region. Cultures vary in different parts of the world. They are different across the land boundaries and the diversity in cultures results in the diversity in people around the world. Culture also consists of the system of beliefs held by the people of the region, their principles of life, and their moral values. The patterns of behavior of the people of a particular region also form a part of the region's culture.
Cultural Diversity
Diversity is nothing more than a difference from the majority. In any culture, there is a majority and many minorities. Culture is a set of norms that set standards for a society of what is acceptable behavior. In every culture, there are basic standards for social interaction such as personal space distance, eye contact, amount of body language displayed in public, negotiating style, etc.
Cultural diversity makes our country richer by making it a more interesting place in which to live. Cultural diversity also makes our country stronger and better able to compete in the new global economy. People from diverse cultures bring language skills, new ways of thinking, and creative solutions to difficult problems and negotiating skills.
Cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or different cultures, as opposed to monoculture, as in the global monoculture, or a homogenization of cultures, akin to cultural decay. The phrase cultural diversity can also refer to having different cultures respect each other's differences. The phrase cultural diversity is sometimes misused to mean the variety of human societies or cultures in a specific region, or in the world as a whole; but these phenomena are multiculturalism rather than cultural diversity. The culturally destructive action of globalization is often said to have a negative effect on the world's cultural diversity.
The many separate societies that emerged around the globe differed markedly from each other, and many of these differences persist to this day. As well as the more obvious cultural differences that exist between people, such as language, dress, and traditions, there are also significant variations in the way societies organize themselves, in their shared conception of morality, and in the ways, they interact with their environment. Cultural diversity can be seen as analogous to biodiversity. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only in respect of economic growth but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual life.
This is captured in the seven culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development. At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity – in particular through innovative use of media and ICTs – are conducive to dialogue among civilizations and cultures, respect, and mutual understanding. Cultural diversity is when we have people from different countries who of course have different beliefs, speak different languages, male and female living and working together peacefully.
Cultural diversity is a term used to mean that a group or area contains people from many different cultures and backgrounds. These areas are considered diverse because everyone is unique and different.
(a) Importance of Cultural Diversity: Culture is important because it is what makes a society unique. For example, this could include a certain religion or type of clothing. Each of these things is unique to a culture. The beauty of culture is its diversity. Cultural diversity is important because our country, our workplaces, and our schools include persons of various ethnics groups and interests. We can learn from one another, but first, we must have a level of understanding about one another in order to work together effectively. Cultural diversity training also helps people to dispel negative stereotypes about one another. Diversity is important because it provides our society and culture with unique and inspirational perspectives.
Diversity can create new ideas and changes that can be beneficial to society or even the world. Diversity is important to get over our little-mindedness because of the cultural and religious differences it brings. Socializing with someone of a different culture and or different religion brings about a better understanding of it. The more we understand other cultures and religions, the more tolerant we become. Cultural diversity is important because it affects everyone and their lifestyle, guiding beliefs, and basic assumptions about life. Diversity is extremely important in school because it really benefits the students that attend the school. Students need to see the importance of other cultures.
Diversity is important because it provides society with a unique perspective and new ideas. With diversity, different opinions can be voiced and beneficial changes can be made through the simple inspiration of diversity.
Culture and Cultural Elements of Pakistani Society
Pakistan came into existence on August 14, 1947, from British Rule. Its population in 2009 was about 174.58 million with an area of 340, 499 sq mi (Britannica.com, 2010). Islam is the major religion of the people of Pakistan. It is a Muslim-dominated country with 95 percent Muslim and only 5 percent others. However, being a pathway to many military conquests in history, it has given birth to several ethnic groups.
The interaction between invaders and the locals had given birth to a common language called Urdu; however, the locals kept their particular ethnic and cultural values alive. The society and culture of Pakistan comprise numerous diverse cultures and ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Kashmiris, Sindhis in the east, Muhajirs, Makrani in the south; Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic, Wakhi, and Burusho communities in the north. These Pakistani cultures have been greatly influenced by many of the surrounding countries' cultures, such as the Turkic peoples, Persian, Arab, some parts of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East (UNESCO World Heritage State Parties Pakistan Retrieved 09 July 2010). In ancient times, Pakistan was a major cultural hub.
Many cultural practices and great monuments have been inherited from the time of the ancient rulers of the region. One of the greatest cultural influences was that of the Persian Empire, of which Pakistan was a part. In fact, the Pakistani satraps were at one time the richest and most productive of the massive Persian Empire. Other key influences include the Afghan Empire, Mughal Empire, and later, the short-lived but influential, British Empire. Pakistani society is largely multilingual, multi-ethnic, and multicultural. Though cultures within the country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be found, as most Pakistanis are mainly of Aryan heritage or have coexisted side by side along the Indus River for several thousand years, or both.
However, over 60 years of integration, a distinctive "Pakistani" culture has sprung up, especially in the urban areas where many of the diverse ethnic groups have coexisted and the country now has a literacy rate of 55%, up from 3% at the time of independence. Traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred, although urban families increasingly form nuclear families, owing to socio-economic constraints imposed by the traditional culture of the extended family. Pakistani Culture is very unique in terms of its social and ethical values. These values are something that is given due importance. This culture revolves around the religion of Islam which teaches equality among every human being that exists on this planet. Pakistan’s culture is very diverse. Pakistani culture has the following elements:
1. Islamic Values
Pakistani culture is actually a part of the contemporary Islamic civilization which draws its value and traditions from Islam and rich Islamic history. The majority of the population comprises Muslims and follows teachings of Islam, i-e., belief in one Allah, Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad P.B.U.H, brotherhood, equality and social justice, etc. Islam is a religion of peace and patience. Pakistani society is very cooperative. The national calendar is marked by religious days which are observed with great devotion.
2. Religious Festivals
Festivals play an important part in our culture. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are our two main religious festivals. They are celebrated with great happiness throughout the country.
3. National and Regional Languages
Pakistan is a large country that comprises four provinces, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA). All of these component parts have their own regional languages. As such Punjabi, Pashtu, Sindhi, Balochi, Baroni, and Kashmiri are regional languages. However, Urdu is the national language that is spoken and understood in all parts of the country.
4. Mixed Culture
Practically speaking Pakistani culture is a beautiful blend of the Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan, Baluchi, Barohi, Seraiki, and Kashmiri cultures. In addition, the presence of The Hindu community in Sindh gives touches of dance and music in the Sindhi region. The Hindus sing Bhajan but Pakistani culture has adopted Qawwali which is a praise of the Holy Prophet P.B.U.H.
5. Rich Literature
Pakistani culture is rich in the literature of Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, Baruhi, Baluchi, and Kashmiri languages. Urdu literature boasts of the masterpieces of Maulana Azad, Iqbal, Shibli, Hali, Ghalib, Agha Hashar, Manto, and Faiz whereas Punjabi literature stands out with great names like Waris Shah, Sultan Bahu, Ghulam Farid, Bulhay Shah, and Shah Hussain, etc. Similarly, Sindhi literature glitters with the masterpieces of Shah Abdul Latif, Sachal Sarmast, Shah Qadir Bakhsh, and Faqir Nabi Bakhsh. The Pushto literature also boasts of names like Sheikh Saleh, Raghoon Khan, Akhund dardeeza, Khushal Khan Khattak, and Rahman Baba. The Baluchi literature comprises of masterpieces of Jam Durk, Muhammad Ali, Zahoor Shah Hashmi, Ghani Parvez, Hasrat Baluch, Abbas Ali Zemi, and Aziz Bugti, etc.
6. Male Dominated Society
Pakistani society is dominated by male members. Each family is headed by the senior A most male member is responsible for arranging the bread and butter of the family.
7. Variety of Dresses
Pakistani culture is rich in a variety of dresses: The people of Punjab, the Pathans of KPK, the Baluchi people, and the Sindhis wear their own distinct dresses. These dresses are very colorful and prominent and give an attractive look during national fairs and festivals.
8. Fairs and Festivals
The culture of Pakistan has a great tradition of fairs and festivals. These fairs are held in all parts of the country. Moreover, annual urs of great saints are held to commemorate their anniversaries. On these occasions, fairs are also held in which people take part in great numbers. Out of these the Horse and Cattle shows of Lahore, Mianwali and Sibi are famous whereas the Polo festival of Gilgit is prominent at the national and international level. Moreover, annual urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, Madhu Lal Hussain, Baba Bulhay Shah, Baba Farid Gunj Shakar, Baba Gulu Shah, Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, Abdul Latif Bhitaii, Hazrat Noshah Ganj Bakhsh, Bari Imam, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, and Bahauddin Zakriya are celebrated with great fervor.
9. Sports
Pakistani people are great lovers of sports and games. Modern games like hockey, cricket, football, badminton, squash, table tennis, and lawn tennis are played throughout the country. In addition wrestling, boxing, and athletics are also very popular among the masses. Pakistan has produced great sportsmen in the past. These include Bholu in Wrestling, Hanif, Miandad, Imran, Wasim Akram, and Inzamam in cricket, Shehnaz sheik, Islahuddin, Khalid Mahmood, Akhtar Rasool, and Munir Dar in hockey and Jahangir, Jansher in squash.
10. Handicrafts
Pakistan enjoys great distinction in handicrafts at the international level. Wooden furniture of Chiniot, sports goods of Sialkot, and embroidery of Multan and Hyderabad is world-famous
. 11. Arts and Architecture
The iconoclasm of Islam has given a characteristic form and pattern in the use of elegant designs, based on geometric figures and floral forms borrowed from nature. The Shah Jahan Masjid, Shalimar Garden, Badshahi Masjid, Shahi Qila, and many such graceful buildings are living proof of the excellent Mughal architecture.
12. Recreational Activities-Sports
Recreational activities all over Pakistan are common. Games like wrestling, hockey, cricket, football, squash, Kabaddi, etc are popular in every part of our country. These games reflect our cultural identity.
13. Education
Education contributes a great deal to developing national character. The educational system plays a vital role in the formation of culture, unity, and solidarity of a nation. it is, therefore, important that the entire syllabi right from the lower to higher level should be placed in accordance with the ideology of Pakistan.
14. Ulema, Mushaikh, and Sufi Poets
Ulema, Mushaikh, and Sufi Poets occupy an honored place in our cultural aspect of life. Sufis like Lal Shahbaz, Data Ganj Baksh, Shah Abdul Lateef, Sachal Sarmast, Hazrat Sultan Bahu, and Waris Shah rendered meritorious services for the spread of Islam in the Sub Continent.
CONCLUSION
A culture that includes religion, literature art, architecture, dresses, music manners, and customs has its roots in Islamic culture Islam has described the rights and duties of every individual. Even in drinking, eating and dressing, we have to observe certain rules prescribed by Islam. So it may be said that Pakistani culture represents the true picture of Islamic culture.
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