A pluralistic society is one that encourages diversity and tolerance towards different beliefs, practices, cultures, and lifestyles. In such a setting, it is often assumed that people will be exposed to multiple viewpoints and perspectives from which they can choose what suits them best.
This freedom of choice can also lead to challenging traditional morals and values, especially in more rigid or conservative societies where moral absolutism is prevalent. Moral absolutists believe that there are certain absolute truths about right and wrong behaviour which must be obeyed without question. They see the world in terms of black and white and do not allow for shades of grey. Exposure to pluralistic values disrupts this thinking because it exposes individuals to ideas and ways of life that challenge their core beliefs. This can result in conflict between personal desires and religious or cultural norms, leading to feelings of confusion, guilt, and shame. People may start to question their own values and seek new ones that better align with their individual needs and interests. This can create tension within families, communities, and even entire nations as old traditions are challenged by modern ideologies.
Examples of how global exposure to pluralistic values can disrupt moral absolutism include LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, reproductive health, and sexual liberation.
Many countries have strict laws against homosexuality due to religious or cultural reasons.
Exposure to Western media and social media has led to increased awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and activism for equal rights. This has caused significant backlash in some places but also created a dialogue about the meaning and importance of human dignity. Similarly, women's rights movements have gained traction globally, including the MeToo movement which exposed the pervasiveness of sexual violence and harassment. These movements challenge patriarchal structures that prioritize male power over female autonomy and safety.
Access to information on birth control and abortion has given people more control over their bodies and reproductive choices, which some see as an attack on traditional family values. In all these cases, globalization is forcing conservative societies to confront and renegotiate what it means to be morally righteous.
Global exposure to pluralistic values can pose a threat to moral absolutism in conservative societies because it forces individuals to confront ideas and beliefs they may not have previously considered. While this can lead to positive change and growth, it can also cause conflict and division within communities. It is essential to recognize that there are multiple perspectives on right and wrong behaviour, and that everyone deserves respect and understanding regardless of their beliefs.
How does global exposure to pluralistic values disrupt moral absolutism in conservative societies?
Exposure to pluralistic values from around the world has had a significant impact on traditional societies, where morality is often based on rigid cultural norms and religious beliefs. As people become increasingly exposed to different cultures and ways of life through international travel, media, and communication technologies, they begin to challenge their preconceived notions about what constitutes right and wrong.