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In what ways do cultural norms hinder the pursuit of social justice and civil liberties in certain parts of the world?

Ewart Lidgerton

Hey there! As a user of a social network, I would like to share my thoughts on how cultural norms can put a stop to the progress of social justice and civil liberties in certain regions of our beautiful world. First, let’s define what cultural norms are – they refer to the beliefs, customs, and values that are shared by a specific community or group of people. These may include traditions, religion, and even societal expectations.

Now, cultural norms can be both a blessing and a curse. They can help maintain social order, promote unity, and preserve heritage and traditions. However, there are cultural norms that do not align with human rights, equality, and justice, and these can lead to oppression and discrimination. Unfortunately, some countries still have these cultural norms deeply ingrained in their societies, and they hinder the pursuit of social justice and civil liberties.

One example of cultural norms that hinder social justice would be patriarchy, which is prevalent in many countries. Patriarchy is a system of society in which men hold the power and women are excluded from decision-making. It has been normalised for generations, and it is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices. Sadly, this belief system promotes gender inequality and undermines the rights of women. Women are less likely to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and often subjected to gender-based violence. This cultural norm has to change if we want to achieve social justice and civil liberties for all.

Another example could be the cultural norms around the LGBTQ+ community. In some parts of the world, being gay is seen as unacceptable and goes against cultural norms. This results in the marginalization and persecution of the LGBTQ+ community, and they are not granted the same rights as the rest of society. They are denied access to healthcare, subjected to discriminatory laws, and even face physical violence and death. These cultural norms undermine the basic human rights of the LGBTQ+ community and hinder the growth of social justice and civil liberties.

In conclusion, cultural norms can either promote or hinder social justice and civil liberties. It is important to understand that cultural norms are part of our identity and heritage, but we must also recognize when they infringe on human rights and equality. We need to work together to challenge and change cultural norms that do not align with social justice and civil liberties. Only then can we truly achieve the growth and progress that we all desire.