Why do traditions in our society impede change? To what extent can social legislation be instrumental against old customary practices?

Traditions → Impede change. Reasons:

1. Strong religious centric society.

2. Collectivism over individualism

3. Fear of social ostracization due to non-obedience.

4. Resistance to reforms by elderly population.

5. Civilisational ethos are centre of cultural traditions.

[E.g] Opposition to allow same-sex relationship, Live-in cohabitation, Inter-caste marriages etc.

Social legislation's role:

1. Promote transformation by law.

2. Forced implementation of reforms.

[E.g] Triple Talaq Laws.

3. Top-down approach

[E.g] Uniform Civil Code (Article 44)

Limitation:

1. The effort should come from within the society.

2. Need of bottom-up approach

3. Social legislation only figures on peripheral values.

4. Core values remain same.

[E.g] Dowry practice still prevails

Conclusion:

Therefore, instead of social legislation at the need is to bring mass awareness and to ensure a balance of culture and modernism within the society.

— Prajnanandan Giri · AIR 24