About the Author(s)
Bushra Zainab, a dynamic first-semester student at Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, is pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).
Tylor defined culture as;
“The complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities acquired by man as a member of society”
Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the beliefs, customs, practices, values, language, religion, arts, and social behaviours of a particular group or society. It is the lens through which individuals view the world, influencing how they interact with others, perceive their environment, and form social structures. Culture is passed from one generation to another through learning and socialization, and it shapes identities at both individual and collective levels.
In essence, culture defines what is considered normal or acceptable in a society and provides guidelines for everyday life, from family dynamics to broader societal roles. Culture is dynamic—it evolves as societies change, influenced by factors such as technology, globalization and intercultural exchanges.
Background and Evolution of Culture:
Historically, culture has been shaped by a variety of forces, including geography, economy, religion, and politics. For example, early civilizations developed unique cultural identities based on their location and resources, which shaped their way of life. In the modern era, the interaction between different cultures has accelerated due to migration, media, trade, and the internet. As a result, cultures are constantly merging, adopting new elements while sometimes resisting or transforming others.
Cultural diversity is a hallmark of the human experience, and societies can have multiple layers of culture coexisting, such as national, regional, ethnic, and religious cultures.
Culture in the Pakistani Context:
Pakistan is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, drawing from its historical roots in the Indus Valley civilization, as well as later influences from Persian, Turkic, Arab, and British rule. Pakistan’s culture is a blend of various traditions, reflecting its multi-ethnic composition, with dominant groups including Punjabis, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Baloch, and various smaller ethnic minorities. Each of these groups brings its own language, customs, and traditions to the national culture, contributing to a tapestry of cultural diversity. Urdu, the national language, acts as a unifying force, while regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi maintain strong cultural relevance in their respective areas.
Religion, particularly Islam, plays a central role in shaping Pakistani culture. As an Islamic republic, Pakistan’s cultural norms are heavily influenced by Islamic traditions, which impact everything from clothing and food to celebrations and legal frameworks.
In Pakistan, as in many societies, certain cultural practices or norms are considered superior or more prestigious, while others are often marginalized or looked down upon. These distinctions often arise from historical, social, or economic power dynamics. Urban areas, particularly cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, are seen as more progressive and cosmopolitan, adopting modern lifestyles, fashion, and practices influenced by global trends. Urban culture is often considered superior in terms of education, technological advancement, and social openness. In contrast, rural culture, with its emphasis on traditional practices, agriculture-based economies, and close-knit communities, is sometimes viewed as “backward” or less developed. This perception creates a divide where urban culture is idealized, and rural culture is seen as inferior despite its strong adherence to values like hospitality, family bonds, and local traditions.
In Pakistan, class plays a significant role in cultural perceptions. The elite and upper-middle classes, who often have access to Western education and lifestyles, are considered more sophisticated. These groups tend to embrace a fusion of Pakistani and Western culture, which includes speaking English fluently, participating in Western-style consumerism, and valuing individualism. On the other hand, the working class and lower-income groups are often seen as embodying “traditional” Pakistani culture, with greater emphasis on collectivism, modesty, and community-based values. Unfortunately, the latter is often seen as inferior in a society where economic success and Western influences are increasingly valued.
Regional and Ethnic Differences:
Ethnic groups in Pakistan also experience varying degrees of cultural acceptance. For instance, Punjabi culture, due to the political and economic dominance of Punjab, is often seen as superior or more mainstream, while cultures from smaller provinces, like the Baloch and Pashtuns, may face marginalization. This hierarchy is not rigid, but it does reflect underlying political and social power structures. Sindhi and Baloch cultures, in particular, have faced challenges in gaining recognition on a national scale, partly due to economic and political imbalances. As a result, these cultures are sometimes viewed as less influential, although they retain strong regional identities.
While Pakistan is predominantly Muslim, there are various sects within Islam (such as Sunni and Shia), and religious minorities such as Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs. In terms of cultural prestige, Sunni Islam is the dominant sect, often shaping mainstream cultural practices and public policies. Minority groups, both religious and sectarian, sometimes face marginalization, and their cultural practices are viewed as less important or “foreign” in the broader national discourse.
In modern Pakistan, Western culture is often seen as a marker of modernity and progress, especially among the educated elite. This includes the adoption of Western fashion, music, and entertainment, as well as English as a language of prestige. However, this admiration of Western culture has also led to a backlash from conservative elements of society, who view it as a threat to traditional Islamic and Pakistani values. As a result, there is a cultural tug-of-war between those who embrace Western ideals and those who seek to preserve and promote indigenous cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of history, religion, and ethnic diversity. However, a hierarchy exists, favouring urban, educated, and Western-influenced elite cultural elements over marginalized rural and traditional practices. This cultural landscape mirrors the country’s broader social, economic, and political power dynamics. Despite these divisions, Pakistan boasts remarkable cultural diversity, with each region and ethnic group enriching the national identity. As Pakistan navigates globalization and development, its culture will continue to evolve, blending heritage and progress.