A COMPARISON OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CHANGES AMONG YOUTH IN THE CONTEXT OF WESTERN CULTURE IN THE DISTRICT OF FAISALABAD, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Western culture's profound influence on Pakistani society, the country's masses are insecure and confused, and the country's upper, middle, and lower classes are divided along religious, cultural, and modern value lines. No civilization on Earth is equal because of disparities in economic and technological capacity; modernization, or Westernization, is the process by which every society strives to become more modern. As a result, this transition impacts how young adults interact with their loved ones, how they learn and socialize, the things they enjoy doing for fun, and their capacity to form new relationships. The impact of Western culture on the ethics, beliefs, religious festivals, and language practices of Pakistani youth in Faisalabad is the focus of this research. To find out if and how much Westernization has changed their social attitudes, it will interview several young people. The results can be extrapolated to different regions of Pakistan with the use of hypothesis testing. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted. Riphah International University Faisalabad Campus was selected using purposive sampling. College students with internet access and a penchant for social media made up the study's sample population. Thirty undergraduates participated in the study. To delve into their thoughts and backgrounds, we utilized a semi-structured interview guide. In-depth interviews with participants were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using both written and audio formats. While some have pointed out the positive impacts, such as increased exposure to new ideas, better communication skills, and access to information from around the world, the conversations among participants show how complicated the impact of Western culture on lifestyles is. But they are worried about the possible downsides, like the loss of traditional values, generational strife, materialism, and mental illness. Incorporating Western cultural elements should be approached with a balanced perspective, participants said, taking into account both the positive and negative aspects while also preserving cultural identity. Changes in Western festivals and the adoption of Western holidays are discussed, along with changes in language usage, eating habits, fashion trends, and more.

Keywords: Sociology, family health incentives, education incentives, social justice.