Falling Standards of Morality in Society

ALOK K. SHRIVASTAVA

The starting point in a discussion of this kind could be that certain human actions are inherently right or wrong in all situations. At the same time, it should also be recognised that what is considered good in one social system may be regarded as bad elsewhere. The moral basis of society relies on empathy and reciprocity towards one another.

Having said that, basic morality refers to personal or cultural beliefs about right and wrong actions. These beliefs are shaped during childhood through upbringing and by gradually absorbing the prevailing social customs during both primary and secondary socialisation.

Morality is rooted in human reasoning, logic, rationality and ethical frameworks. To develop moral instincts, qualities such as sympathy, fairness and cooperation are essential.

According to information available online, the types of morality recognised across cultures worldwide include: love your family, help your group, return favours, be brave, respect authority, be fair, respect others' property, and refrain from theft and trespassing. Anyone who follows these principles is generally considered morally good across the world. However, we all know the harsh reality.

Moral Education in Family & Schools

To begin with, in the good old days, the virtues of moral education were carefully taught in almost every school. In some colleges, it was taught as Ethics. In schools, students had to score marks in the subject, while in colleges it was often treated as a free-for-all.

Role of Elders

With the rapid rise of computer-, internet- and smartphone-based education, the important aspect of moral education is sadly missing. This shifts much of the responsibility to the family.

If there are elders in the family who command respect, the nuances of morality can be passed on to the younger generation. However, in today's rapidly changing family structure, one may ask how many such families still exist, whether elders receive the respect they deserve from their sons and daughters-in-law, and whether they are trusted.

Children and the younger generation may be willing to learn and follow moral values, but is that encouraged or even tolerated?

Schools, especially missionary schools, have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in imparting moral values to students from a formative stage. However, the efforts of schools and elders often become ineffective when growing children interact with peer groups, many of whom possess smartphones and, thanks to their affluent lifestyles, tend to go astray much sooner than expected.

It may be said that life was better when we did not have access to so many so-called "necessary amenities". In some families, the number of mobile phones exceeds five, yet in an emergency, no one can be reached.

Advent of a New or Neo Morality

The golden rule of morality and ethics is based on the principles of reciprocity and empathy. Simply put: treat others as you would like them to treat you.

However, if one looks at the obnoxious behaviour of certain Heads of State, the theft of temple offerings in some of the country's biggest temples, the leakage of NEET question papers, corruption in expressway projects, controversies surrounding ethanol blending in petrol, large-scale lynching in the name of religion and social values, the submission or non-submission of forged certificates by people in high positions, or the alleged crimes involving individuals from Pune, Shillong, Bhopal and elsewhere, one notices a definite shift in societal and cultural values. Society appears to be moving away from strict traditional or religious norms towards more flexible, subjective and individualistic frameworks. Such individuals, and many among today's youth, tend to behave according to the demands of the situation rather than established moral principles. They seem unconcerned about the extent of the repercussions of their actions.

An unexpected decision in a situation such as the FIFA World Cup can affect public emotions, the enormous expenditure involved in training, national prestige, and even lead to allegations that a match referee succumbed to the idiosyncrasies of a Head of State. Similarly, individuals who commit acts of violence or murder often fail to think about the immense harm caused to their own families as well as to the victims and their families. Such technically educated individuals are not merely immoral; they represent a disturbing new form of anti-social behaviour.

To Sum Up

One does not wish to appear biased, but the reported rise in criminal acts involving groups of trusted priests in temples, as well as ambitious women allegedly acting as kingpins in certain crimes, is both shocking and concerning. Such incidents belie public expectations. Higher education and the widespread adoption of modern technology by these "new free birds" may be contributing factors.

Sadly, cheating has not only become a national habit but, in many instances, an obsession or even a profession.

This issue deserves serious exploration, preferably through case-by-case research. No one should be condoned or spared merely because of their status or position.

When it comes to the care parents provide and the expectations they have for their children, every parent wishes for a meaningful and successful future for their sons and daughters. Yet, as the saying goes, there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.

The situation can still be salvaged because the Indian family system continues to be characterised by care, fairness, loyalty, compassion, tolerance, forgiveness, humility and perseverance.

All said and done, every adult, irrespective of personal interests or societal pressures, should be able to distinguish between right and wrong.