In a dynamic world, there is a high possibility of a conflict between modernity and traditions. Modernity has brought in changes in different areas such as religion, technology, education and even leadership. With the modern changes, there are those who have not accepted these changes and opt for traditional practices, and this has created conflict between those in support of modernity and traditional practices.
Modernity has been brought about by social changes and even globalization, as well as education. Many people believe that modernity has shed light on many issues that were not addressed by earlier traditions. Supporters of modernity argue that those in support of the traditional way of life are just scared to adopt modernity yet they face so many challenges and oppression in their traditional way of living, there are, however, many forces that compel one to appreciate the role that modernity plays in the society. Major global development have been achieved because of modernity, traditional approach of life can be used just to check on the effect that modernity has and not as a stabling block.
One key area where modernity has seen immense growth is on the gender aspect especially on women who have upheld the changes that modernity has brought and used this for their development. Women have used modernity to fight for their right for equality in society, which is male dominated. There are social and civil groups that have been formed by women that they use for advocating their rights and social development. There is, however, those opposed to the approaches used by women in the modern world and they argue that they do not reflect the religious expectations. Women in the traditional religion are finding it difficult to cope with the changes brought about modernity, which has even changed the role of women in the society. There has been a contradictive view on modernity in relationship with religion, some people argue that modernity has eroded some of the traditional religious values, those in support of modernity argue h that traditions are barriers toward the development of any society.
Women in traditional religion are currently facing many challenging and opposition with the changing role of women in the society brought about by modernity. Many women in traditional religion are being faced by criticism with many viewing them as people who have allowed to be oppressed and use religion as an excuse not to fight for their rights. Modernity, which has been influenced by globalization, has resulted to economists, social and political changes within the society. Feminist movements have developed in the modern world as opposed to the traditional religion, which does not allow women to form such movements. There are those who believe that modernity has brought about radicalization among women. In the traditional religion women were supposed to take, the second position after the men but modernity has changed this. Women in traditional religion believe that they should always be submissive to their husbands, but modernity has changed this. Women who have adopted modernity have a different opinion on submission, and they believe that all human beings are equal and gender should not be a reason for gender inequality.
Some women who are in support of modernity have defended some practices such as abortion, which are rebuked in the traditional religion. In the traditional religion, abortion is considered to be an act of murder but the modern woman believes that one does not need to give birth to a child who she cannot traditional religion are finding it difficult to cope with the pressure brought about by modernity. In the modern word, divorce is not big issue and many women prefer to be single mothers, this is not the case with women in traditional religion. In the traditional religion, children are considered blessings in the institution of marriage and not a burden or a barrier towards personal development (Aune & Kristin 21).
In the traditional religion many women have not taken up the political and many other leadership roles, modernity has, however, brought in a new generation of women. Many women are now actively being involved in politics. Many women have rule out joining politics arguing that it is a dirty game and leave it out to the men. Traditional religion should not be used, as an excuse that hinders women from achieving development is men dominated society. There is a difference between religion and fear, many women in traditional religion are in fear of joining politics since they think it is against their religious believes. Women who have stuck in the traditional religion and believe find it difficult to cope in a society where people have adopted modernity as a tool toward women empowerment.
The shift to modernity has also seen the development of the modern religious institutions, and this has made it more complex for women who still stick in the traditional religion to fit in a society, which has become more discriminative. Religion is personal one cannot live in isolation especially in a society where globalization has taken over social dynamics. There needs to be a line drawn between religion and modernity since both have to be there for social and personal growth to be achieved. The conflict between traditional religions especially among women cannot be achieved if one is considered superior to the other. Religion came first before modernity, but it cannot be used as a justification for avoiding social change (Cousineau & Madeleine 78).
Modernity has its positive and negative side; there are some modern aspects among women that have resulted to social degradation and traditional religion regulates the growth and modernity. There has to be a limit on how far a woman can go in respect to modernity so as not to compromise morality and positive social growth. Religion also needs to promote human development and not limiting itself on certain boundaries. Religion has a role in promoting social development since the society cannot stagnate due to unjustified traditional religious believes.
The role of women in the society will keep on changing, and women in traditional religion have to understand that change is inevitable. Positive change brought about by modernity needs to be accepted in religion to avoid the conflict that exist between modern role of women and traditional religion. Modernity also needs to consider the beneficial aspects of the traditional religion that promotes the development of women and the society. Gender competition cannot be undermined in the society and many societies; women are not able to achieve social and gender growth since religion acts as a barrier. Having a balance between traditional religion and modernity would be the best approach in eliminating any social or religious stigmatization. There are different aspect of modernity such as technology, fashion, education and even gender growth that play a role even in promoting religion (Heelas,Paul & Martin 48).
Work Cited
Aune, Kristin. Women and religion in the west challenging secularization. Aldershot, England: Ashgate Pub., 2008. Print.
Cousineau, Madeleine. Religion in a changing world: comparative studies in sociology. Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 2002. Print.
Heelas, Paul, David Martin, and Paul Morris. Religion, modernity, and postmodernity. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishers, 2001. Print.
