Socialization in the Indian context

Abstract

Traditional cultural images continue to influence the cognitive, social and emotional worlds of Indians. The core themes continue to be manifested in new and multiple forms, with or without the original significance, thereby contributing to the unique and distinct Indianness. Some of these are: Hindu belief in the principles of dharma (natural law, duty), moksha (liberation), and karma (action), belief in gunas (qualities), samskaras (innate propensities, rituals at different stages), and ashramadharma (duties related to life stages), traditional child care attitudes and practices, desire for children especially the male child and differential gender treatment, definition of man in relation to others, high ascribed status attached to increasing chronological age, adherence to the fundamental criteria of mate selection and practice of marriage rituals, and adherence to and the practice of traditional sociobehavioural, religious, and caste codes of conduct, rituals and ceremonies.