Diverse Influences on Values: Role of Religion, Politics, Media, Economy & Society in Value Formation

Diverse Influences on Values

• Religion as Value Educator: Religion teaches core moral values like compassion, honesty, and non-violence (e.g., Langar in Sikhism, Zakat in Islam, “Love thy neighbour” in Christianity). 
  • Hindu epics promote justice and ethical conduct, with religious teachings aiding early moral development (Harvard Divinity School).
• Traditions and Customs: Cultural practices effectively pass values through generations (e.g., touching elders’ feet, celebrating Diwali, Eid). Mythological stories, as noted by Devdutt Pattanaik, provide rich symbolic moral lessons, reinforcing societal norms.
• Role of Politics: Politics promotes democratic values such as liberty, equality, and justice. Honest leaders, like Dr. Kalam instills trust, and policies such as RTI encourage transparency. 
  • The Constitution itself is considered a “social document” by Granville Austin.
• Economy and Values: The economy encourages hard work and ethical entrepreneurship, exemplified by figures like Dhirubhai Ambani and Ratan Tata. 
  • Family influence often shapes a service or business mindset, and as Adam Smith noted, ethics are vital for functioning markets.
• Media’s Dual Role: Media has a dual role in value education. Positively, it promotes awareness (e.g., COVID guidelines), women’s empowerment (like in the movie “Dangal”), and accountability.
  • Negatively, it can lead to sensationalism, fake news, and harmful media trials (e.g., Arushi Talwar case), highlighting the need for media literacy (UNESCO).
• Civil Society: Civil society acts as a voice for the marginalized and demands accountability. Examples like Anna Hazare’s Lokpal movement, Pratham (education), and SEWA (women empowerment) are critical for value delivery at the grassroots (UNDP).
• Local Communities: Local communities foster cooperation and shared values, as seen in groups like the Dongria Kondh (environmental harmony) and through Panchayati Raj institutions. Community-based management is often more effective (Elinor Ostrom).
• Leadership as Value Carrier: Leaders influence extensively through their actions. Figures like Mandela (forgiveness), Ambedkar (justice), and Sachin (credibility) exemplify how leaders shape public value perception and inspire positive conduct.
• Societal Enforcement Mechanisms: Societal enforcement mechanisms have a dual nature. Positive aspects include boycotts and public disapproval promoting accountability. 
  • However, negative aspects like canceling culture and social ostracism can be unjust, highlighting that true justice requires public reasoning (Amartya Sen).
• Credibility and Influence: Integrity builds lasting societal impact, as seen in figures like Sachin, Pranab Mukherjee, and Azim Premji. As Stephen Covey notes, trust is foundational for human connection, emphasizing the power of credible individuals.

Critique of Society’s Role

• Promotes Negative Behavior: Society can inadvertently promote negative behaviors like glorified violence and lynching.
• Value Clashes: Diversity, while a strength, can lead to value clashes, manifesting as communalism or cow vigilantism.
• Orthodox Practices: Certain orthodox practices, like dowry and child labor, continue to hinder equality and progress.
• Normalization of Corruption: Corruption can become normalized through widespread citizen behavior, eroding ethical foundations.
• “Boomerang Effect”: Excessive punishment in society can paradoxically create rebellion, as highlighted by Yuval Noah Harari.

Conclusion

While society is a crucial value educator, it is not sufficient on its own. It requires consistent support from family, education, and various institutions to be truly effective. A delicate balance between tradition and modernity is essential for evolving societal values. Ultimately, as Tagore emphasized, true success lies in an individual becoming a “good human being.”