Negotiating Modernity: Local Traditions and Global Influences in Social Practices

Cultural Adaptation Globalization Modernity Social Practices Tradition

Authors

  • Mulyaningsih Mulyaningsih
    mulyaningsih@uniga.ac.id
    Universitas Garut, ID Indonesia
  • Joao Silva Agostinho Neto University, AO Angola
  • Maria Pereira University of Luanda, AO Angola
July 26, 2026
October 10, 2026

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Background. In an increasingly globalized world, the tension between local traditions and global influences has become a central issue in the study of social practices. As communities adapt to modernity, traditional cultural practices are often modified or reinterpreted to align with contemporary values, technologies, and global trends. This research explores the negotiation between tradition and modernity within social practices, focusing on how local communities balance the preservation of their cultural heritage while integrating global influences. The primary goal of this study is to examine how local traditions interact with global influences and how these dynamics shape social practices in contemporary societies.

Purpose. The research aims to identify the mechanisms through which traditions are preserved, adapted, or transformed in response to global forces, and to understand the role of modernity in reshaping cultural norms and practices.

Method. This study adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing ethnographic methods, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews, to gather data from various communities. Data were analyzed thematically to uncover patterns in the adaptation of traditions and the negotiation between local and global influences.

Results. The study reveals that while global influences often challenge local traditions, communities engage in complex negotiations to maintain cultural continuity. Younger generations show greater openness to global trends, while older generations emphasize the preservation of cultural practices.

Conclusion. This research underscores the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity, highlighting how communities adapt their cultural practices while striving to retain their unique identities amidst global change.