UNDERSTANDING URBANIZATION: AN ANALYSIS OF CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF CULTURAL CHANGES IN ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Culture is a total way of life. Culture itself is not static, it is dynamic in nature. Urban areas are more prone towards cultural changes. This research study is investigating the causes behind cultural changes along with consequences of cultural changes in urban areas. It is a case study of Islamabad. The sample size of 300 respondents was targeted by purposive sampling technique. The data has been collected through a well-structured interview schedule. The tool was designed by a mix method. The findings of the research study shows that the major leading causes behind cultural changes are technology and materialistic approach as far as some influential causes are modernization, multiculturalism and tourism. The consequences of cultural changes are highly prevailed in urban areas. As our traditional values become demoralized as our education system is not equivalent to our traditional values. Nuclear family system gets prioritize as well parents have not enough time for their children in urban areas and the gap between them are increasing day by day. Technology has merged the Islamic values with the western values and makes people alienated internally. It is suggested that this type of study should be held in other mega cities of Pakistan and the participation of policy makers must be insured.