CULTURE CHANGES WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

When the ways of life change, the ways of thought cannot remain the same.

[SITUATION:]

Maya: Another designer café just opened where that old bookshop used to be. This city’s turning into a lifestyle magazine.

Logan: That’s economic development for you. Higher income, more demand for aesthetics and comfort.

Maya: Yeah, but sometimes I miss the old-school vibe — local snacks, aunties selling handmade jewelry. Feels like we’re trading culture for frappes.

Logan: I get that. But maybe it’s not a trade, just a shift. Culture isn’t gone — it’s just... evolving with what people can now afford or access.

Maya: So you think more money automatically means culture changes?

Logan: Not automatically. But economic growth gives people new opportunities. More exposure, faster tech, global influence — that all reshapes behavior, fashion, even what we celebrate.

Maya: Like how street food now comes in food trucks with neon lights?

Logan: Exactly! Same flavors, but repackaged for a modern crowd. Development changes not just what we do, but how we do it.

Maya: My grandma’s always saying, “Back in our day, we had less, but we had meaning.” But maybe today’s version just has... different meaning?

Logan: That’s a fair take. Culture’s not disappearing — it’s just speaking a new language. Like Spotify instead of folk concerts. Both are still music.

Maya: Huh. So culture’s like a playlist that updates with the times.

Logan: And economic growth is the Wi-Fi that lets it stream.

 

[ESSAY:]

Culture and economy may seem like two separate worlds, one rooted in traditions, the other in profit and growth. Yet, history and modern life prove they are deeply connected. As societies develop economically, their culture, the shared values, customs, habits, and ways of life, also transforms. This transformation is not necessarily negative or positive; it’s simply a reflection of changing times. Let’s see how they are related, shall we?

 

Economic development refers to progress in wealth, education, technology, and living standards in a country or region. When people earn more, have better jobs, and access global markets or modern technologies, their lifestyles begin to shift. Culture, being a reflection of human behaviour and thinking, evolves alongside these changes.

 

Imagine a village that once relied on farming and local barter systems. With economic development, a highway is built, a mall opens nearby, and internet connectivity becomes widespread. What happens next? The youth start using smartphones, people wear jeans and sneakers, and instead of folk songs by the fire, there’s pop music on Bluetooth speakers. The community's culture is gradually reshaped by the forces of economic progress.

 

A real example would be of South Korea. In the 1950s, it was a war-torn, poor country with a strong culture that emphasized hierarchy and modesty. Over the next few decades, it became an economic powerhouse. Today, Korean pop culture (K-pop, K-dramas, fashion) is a global trend. Youths dress like global influencers, consume digital media, and live in ultra-modern cities, all influenced by the country’s booming economy.

 

In India, economic liberalization in the 1990s brought massive growth. Along with this came Western brands, malls, fast food, and tech jobs. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi became multicultural hubs. While traditions like Diwali and Holi are still celebrated, they’re now accompanied by Instagram reels, LED lights, and fusion music. Sweets are sometimes ordered online instead of made at home. This blending of old and new is a cultural shift sparked by economic change.

 

The digital revolution, powered by economic growth, plays a major role in changing culture. Platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram allow people to learn about trends from other countries instantly. This global exposure influences how we dress, speak, behave, and even think. Economic development means more access to gadgets and connectivity, which speeds up cultural exchange and transformation.

 

For instance, traditional storytelling in some communities has been replaced by watching shorts or listening to podcasts. Cultural knowledge is no longer just passed down by elders, it’s Googled, streamed, or reposted. This shift might seem drastic, but it’s a natural part of how culture evolves in a rapidly developing economy.

 

But is this change good or bad? That is quite a tricky question. Some people feel that cultural change due to economic development leads to the loss of identity. They argue that traditions are being replaced by shallow imitations of Western culture, and that younger generations forget their roots.

 

Others believe this change is part of progress. They say that economic growth brings freedom especially to young people allowing them to live differently, express themselves, and explore the world.

 

The truth is, both perspectives have value and culture shouldn’t become a cage, but nor should it be thrown away entirely. The ideal situation is when economic development enhances culture — preserving what’s meaningful, while also allowing space for new, better ideas.

 

As citizens of the world, we must understand that culture is not a museum artifact. It is alive, and like everything living, it grows, adapts, and sometimes sheds its old skin. Economic development can bring incredible opportunities but it’s up to us to make sure that our cultural roots are not forgotten in the race toward growth. The way we do things is constantly shifting, and culture naturally reflects these changes. While it’s important to honour our traditions, it is equally important to know that change is a part of life, or else the god Shiva wouldn’t have existed. The real challenge is to carry our identity forward, even as we walk new paths. After all, growth and tradition don’t have to be enemies, they can grow together, side by side.

 

Thank you.