Social change which is evident in the positive developments such as technology, increased urbanization, and changes in social-cultural practices has transformed societies over the world including the cultural belt of Punjab in Pakistan. Being one of the most important states in terms of agricultural production, rich cultural heritage and tight-knit population, Punjab has experienced many changes in more recent years. Thus, this article aims at investigating the process and effects of modernization on some selected traditional practices and cultures in Punjab, with focus on areas of change and continuity and the continuous effort to preserve the cultures of the region.
In the contemporary world the process of modernization particularly in form of technology, growth of urban centers and change in socio-cultural life has transformed societies into the global village including the culturally diverse Punjab in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Being one of the agricultural provinces of the country, Punjab is also famous for its colourful culture and tight-knit families, but it has undergone considerable changes in the recent decades. This article aims at understanding and evaluating the change that modernization has brought into Punjab and its focus is on significant areas of change and continuity and the attempts to retain the traditions.
Before embarking on an exposition of some of the effects modernization had on traditional forms of the Punjabi dance, it will be useful to consider a few of the relevant previous works. It is for this reason that scholarly works have provided the different impacts of technological developments and expansion of towns on farming activities, human organizations and other cultural activities within varied areas. For example, Smith (2018) documents the way modernization has impacted farming in South Asia whereas Kumar (2020) describes how changing social patterns have impacted the breakdown of the traditional nuclear family in cities. This literature sets a background against which specific effects can be studied bearing in mind some aspects of Punjabi culture.
The general approach of this article is qualitative in nature which investigates effects of modernization on traditional Punjabi culture and practices. This information is obtained through different sources such as government records, questionnaires and research journals. The trends are discussed from the point of view of economics, sociocultural and linguistic changes and the changes which modernization brings to Punjabi society are illustrated with the help of statistical data and case studies. The methodology also includes analysis of the literature of the past and present to give the best knowledge about the subject.
Economic Transformation and Agricultural Practices
Punjab is the leading producer of agricultural products which is more than half of the Pakistan’s total agricultural produce. Contrary to the traditional practices of agriculture, the Green Revolution which was initialized in the late of 1960s, lead to some changes in Punjab. Conversion to HYV seeds, fertilizer and pesticides resulted into what is known as green revolution whereby the yields per unit area especially for wheat and recognizable grain, rice, increased tremendously.
The above points of advancement came at some cost in the following ways; Old world practices ; such as the application of organic methods of farming, rotational farming, and use of local seed varieties have been conventional. Technologization on one hand has boosted productivity but has on the other hand constrained employment for the country especially in the rural sectors. From 1990 to 2018, the agricultural labor force in Punjab declined by 12 percent, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in its report published in the year 2019 which excluded the hard farming done in the past.
The implications of such changes are felt on the environment as well. From the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, soil has been depleted, water resources contaminated concentrating fewer varieties of seeds. These have disregarded traditional practices of farming which were environmentally friendly and sustainable farming systems are muing the place with unsustainable farming methods that are capitalistic.
Changes in Social Structure and Family Dynamics
Several changes have also occurred in the social structure of Punjab largely under the impact of modernization. The traditional family structure prevalent among the Punjabis for long years was the joint or composite family but, of late, it has been replaced by the nuclear family system, particularly in urban areas, where the economy has become education and employment oriented and because of fragmentation of the large joint family.
Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey 2020-21(1) reflects that the percentage of nuclear families have also increased by 18% in Urban Punjab in the last two decades of the present millennium. This transformation has rested a transformative impact on all and sundry general and traditional practices being in vogue traditionally. Festivals pertaining to Birth, Marriage, Death and Rituals of these were being celebrated in large congregation with participation of whole family members have now been made confined only to home; availability of rare occasions are even not being celebrated religiously now a day. Furthermore the persisted trend for a long time especially when families are forced to do so either due to extensive migration towards cities or working abroad had adversely malnourished this segment of imparting culture.
Impact on Festivals and Rituals
Festivals and rituals are the life spirit of Punjabis in Pakistan. Over the years, their celebration has undergone drastic changes as a result of modernization. Baisakhi, Eid and Mela Chiraghan, for example, used to be an occasion to meet people from other villages or parts of Lahore. They were community functions which strengthened social interaction and cultural cohesiveness. But today due to urbanization and the onslaught of global cultures things have changed.
For instance, though Baisakhi is still a big deal in rural Punjab, urban observances of the day often include concerts, DJ parties, social-media engagements and the like, which have very little to do with agriculture. And weddings — once long-drawn-out affairs spanning several days — have embraced modern practices, such as themed ceremonies and destination nuptials. In a 2022 Gallup Pakistan survey, 47% of urban Punjabis surveyed said they preferred the trends of modern-day weddings to traditional customs.
Language and Communication
Punjabi language plays a role, in shaping the identity of Punjab in Pakistan but has been influenced by modernization over time. The prevalence of Urdu and English in media settings has resulted in a decrease in the usage of Punjabi language among the populace. As, per the 2017 Census of Pakistan data indicates that 38·78 percent of individuals speak Punjabi as their language; however this figure is dwindling notably in regions where Urdu and English are widely spoken.
The move, towards using bilingual or mainly non Punjabi languages brings up difficulties in maintaining language customs intact and passing down important elements like folklore and idioms that are significant in Punjabi culture. It is essential to support Punjabi language education and literature initiatives such, as the Punjab Institute of Language (known as PILAC) located in Lahore through platforms to safeguard this heritage amidst the changes brought about by modernization.
Women Roles and Gender Norms
It has also transformed gender roles and norms in Punjabi society. For ages women in Punjab were mainly relegated to home, without much exposure or inspiration for education and job. But this situation has been completely changed by the modernization. As per the Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2020-21, female labour force participation has seen an upward trend from around 16% in 2000 to about 24% for the women in Punjab which is a clear indication of higher economic independence and social mobility.
There has also been considerable growth in opportunities for women to pursue a high-quality education. The Punjab Education Foundation’s (PEF) report in 2021 stated that female enrollment had increased by 32% in secondary education during the last decade. This change has allowed women to leave their traditional domestic roles and explore other job areas, helping achieve greater gender equality. Reconciling these new age roles with the whispers of centuries-old tradition has always been hard but for rural sections of the society where deep-rooted patriarchal bonds are still predominant it has become even harder.
Evolution of Clothing, Music and Cuisine
The evolution in fashion, music, and food is the taste of things to come as Punjab goes through a ‘cultural’ revolution. Even though traditional outfits like “shalwar kameez” and “pagri (turban) are still worn, they have adapted to accommodate some of the latest fashion trends, combining dresses in the West with respects of culture. Especially the younger generation is keen on modern materials and styles, as they are perceived to be more convenient and trendy.
Similarly, the cuisine of Punjab—famous for its bold flavours and robust meals—has also seen a superb concoction of traditional and modern wonders. Several traditional dishes like “makki di roti and sarson da saag” remain high in demand, though the urban shift has led to a continuous advertisement of global cuisines or fusion foods. According to a 2021 survey by the Pakistan Hotel Association, 65% of restaurants in Lahore provide both local and international varieties, showing changes in taste.
Preservation and Revival of Cultural Heritage
In Pakistan, although methods of modernization have changed the landscape fundamentally, there still is an increasing trend to maintain and revive original Punjabi values and traditions. Cultural institutions, governmental programs, and community organizations maintain an important role in the documentation and preservation of traditional arts, crafts, music, and dance styles.
To conserve the cultural heritage and preserve history, projects have been started in different cities of Punjab for restoring historical sites etc. To promote the traditional crafts also being restored in each city. Madeeha Malik, an arts educator in Lahore, says the biennale there (where Pietrangeli is also currently creating work) still skirts around showing contemporary art and doubles down on showcasing traditional cultural expressions. Moreover, the Punjabi diaspora, mainly from UK, Canada and USA have played a very critical role in keeping its culture alive by organizing festivals, running language schools and having community meets.
Conclusion
Modernization has various dimensions in Pakistan, affecting social customs in more than one way i.e. economic, social, cultural and linguistic practice of Punjabi systems. The country is passing through the phase of modernization and it has resulted in certain traditional realities having been cornered but has created new avenues for cultural expression. The challenge for Punjabi society is to walk the tightrope between modernity on one hand, and keeping their cultural heritage supremacy intact which are precariously pinned down as part of its very identity. Recognizing and stopping these dynamics will ensure the viability of Punjab in particular as a sub-national cultural region — that tries to assert itself within a rapidly changing Pakistan.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Global Dynamic or its editorial team.
