Social Technology for a Better Future
Anthropologists have studied so many different cultures and societies. We have seen a wide variety of ethical beliefs, values and norms.
As we interact with people from different cultures and society we see that some values seem to be treasured by most of societies. On the other hand there are norms and rules that vary from one society to another. Are there any universal values? If so which values? Honesty, Compassion?
Misunderstandings occur for we do not have a clear idea of the values and norms of other cultures. Values and norms are deeply embedded in the psyche of individuals. They are not static either. They seem to adapt to the changing world at variable pace in different societies.
We need to conduct research to determine the strands that are common to most of the societies and the skeins that are different. This would become possible by the accurate data gathering tools developed by information and communication technology. Such studies would be needed repeatedly because of the dynamic nature of the variables involved.
This will hopefully lead to better understanding and tolerance amongst various cultures, societies and groups.
