According to Eugene M. Makar, “Traditional Indian culture is defined by relatively strict social hierarchy.” He also mentions that from an early age, children are reminded of their roles and places in society. In my culture, family is given the first importance. This leads to limited freedom in career choices and no independence, particularly for women. Career choices and independence should be the first priority for any individual. In my culture, the choices made by a family member are mostly guided by the rules and goals of the culture, irrespective of how old they are. Children in my culture are not given freedom of choice nor are their views considered unless they start earning. I strongly disagree with this ideology of my culture.
Women in my culture are badly affected by the cultural importance given to the family. Often they are taught to be silent and never express their views and opinions. This is tagged as giving values to the culture. Eugene M. Makar in his book says that important family relations extend as far as
“gotra,” the mainly patrilinear lineage or clan assigned to a Hindu at birth. This means that most of the future decisions of a person are already made based on caste and gender. This should not be the case. Using the name of culture, women are mistreated and taught to be naïve. As a woman is said to be perfect when she has extraordinary patience in family issues, they tend to remain silent even when they are suffering.
Giving importance to the family is good but each individual should be given freedom of choice and expression irrespective of age and gender. Marriages in Indian culture are mostly arranged marriages. The marriages are planned by the family head or elders. This decision is influenced b...
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...of the family. Men should be given freedom to have career decisions irrespective of caste. For example, men in the Brahmins caste are forced to become priests and Vaishyas are often forced to look after their family businesses.
Hence giving importance to family is only good if it does not interfere with one’s freedom of choice. Culture should not be misused by the elders of the family. A family can contribute to the individual development of its members but should not violate their rights. Independence, freedom of choice, individual goals should be given first priority than family.
Works Cited
Eugene M. Makar. An American's Guide To Doing Business In India: A Practical Guide To Achieving Success In The Indian Market. Adams Business, c2008.
Carries Friedman, Reflect, Inform, Persuade: College Writing Today.
Boston: Pearson , 2010(361-363).
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