Problem
Erosion of collective memory in traditional cultures
Other Names:
Limitations of oral traditions Nature:
Oral history often goes back no further than events within in the memory span of living villagers. As a result, people often have only a slight awareness of the significant common history of their ancestors. While many developing communities are consciously using what remains of their heritage to foster community solidarity, some small villages seem to hold on only to those aspects of tradition which heighten individualism to the detriment of common development efforts. Community meetings, which were once held to discuss and decide community issues, have virtually disappeared from the social fabric of these villages; many traditions, which formerly passed from the older to the younger people, have been dissipated as the young people move to the cities; those activities which used to bring women together have been replaced by the partial introduction of modern conveniences.
Broader Problems:
Global amnesiaErosion of collective consensusModern disruption of traditional symbol systemsOveremphasis on self-sufficiency with respect to interdependence Narrower Problems:
Leadership age gapDecision-making tradition lostLimited social guidance by older generationsUnmeaningful relationships to place Related Problems:
Unchallenging world vision Aggravates:
Lack of commitment to common symbolsDecline in rural customs and traditionsUnadapted significance of cultural traditionShifting baseline syndrome Subject(s):
Culture → Culture Medicine → Teeth, mouth
Psychology → Psychology
Recreation → Folk traditions
Societal Problems → Restrictions
Value Redistribution → Cooperative
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST