Bhutanese Culture Analysis

Bhutan although a small nation maintain its independence and a unique identity of its own.

Modernization is a recent and influential phenomenon in the Bhutanese society and preservation

of customs and values has become crucial. However, with the moderation there has been a

massive shift and improvement in people's lifestyles as people now work hard for a better life.

Modernization has left Bhutanese unique cultures and traditions vulnerable to changes and

disappearance and has caused new conflicts of interest within the Bhutanese society by the influx

of differing cultures and norms. Modernization of Bhutanese society enhanced by

socioeconomic development has contributed to the loss of our traditional dress, intrinsic values,

The progression of Information Technology predominantly via

social networking such as facebook, twitter and television has exposed the younger generation to

multiple and new cultures and values of different countries around the world (Bhutan

Information and Media study, 2013). It can be presumed that some of the people, especially the

youth have started adopting and wearing foreign dress in the streets which has led to the loss of

the unique dress which defines Bhutan as an independent country (Collins, 2012). It is noticeable

that there are very few shops in the market that sell traditional dress and the whole market is

dominated by t-shirts, jeans and other foreign dress shops. This change has imposed a threat to

the loss of the traditional value highly associated with our dress in our society and it is on the

verge of disappearance.

It can be observed that modernization has brought changes and the loss of the intrinsic values in

areas such personal conduct and interpersonal relationships in the society. The important

intrinsic value associate with personal conduct such as the principle of mutual sincerity

Interest has shifted from traditional

games and sports to foreign games like soccer (Clint, 2011). Losing these values which were

passed from generations would be of great impact on our country's identity.

Traditional values in Bhutanese society which are associated with the deeply rooted Buddhist

culture have a major influence over most of the people however these are now being gradually

undermined. The Buddhist values address a person’s responsibly towards all sentient beings and

conduct of interpersonal relationship (Wangyel, 2001), however these conducts are being seen

practiced less. It has been observed that people these days tends to avoid the old beliefs and

faith in religion. The practice and faith in religion is depreciating particularly among the younger

generation as these values are given less importance (Leoparsica,n.d.). It is important for Bhutan

to keep these values which are associated with the religion preserved so that people there are

peace and harmony in the society however these things are changing.

Conclusion

Bhutan has seen tremendous changes in its traditionally and culturally bound society with