Is there a difference between moral values and cultural customs?
Moral values are values that an individual chooses to follow because they feel he world would be better if people acted that way. A person’s moral values are considered important by the society. Cultural values are the shared values the people have been following in a culture, regardless of if it makes life better or worse, they insist people continue to follow. These values are reliant on what the culture thinks. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining physical distancing is a life-saving behavioral approach, the reason being, it is the safest measure available so far.
Generally speaking, moral values are those based upon an inner, developed sense of right and wrong, matters of conscience, spirituality even. Such things can play a role in cultural values as well, but cultural values are based largely on the prevailing ideals and standards held by those of your particular culture that have come before you and those with whom you currently reside.
Cultural values are driven more by your social environment than by your inner self. Cultural traditions and customs are ingrained in a person. They are practices and beliefs that are learned since birth. Culture represents values, shared norms and a lot of traditions. Cultural customs are important because the transmit values, shared norms and traditions from one generation to another. Traditions help form the foundation of a family and their society.
Moral values are followed for a person’s own sake. Following the moral values will help make a person live a civilized and social life. Giving respect, being patient and respecting religion are a few common moral values followed by the people. Due to deterioration of morals and ethics, most of the individuals in the modern society engage in criminal activities. Following morals makes a person lead a disciplined life. The decisions we make are the reflection of our values and beliefs.
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