Tradition versus Transition: Rigidity to Change and Attitude towards Modernisation among Tribal and Non-Tribal Adolescents of Purulia

Abstract

Adolescence represents a crucial developmental phase where individuals negotiate between traditional cultural values and modern influences. This study investigates the levels of rigidity to change and attitudes towards modernisation among tribal and non-tribal school-going adolescents of Purulia district, West Bengal. Drawing from previous research highlighting cultural resistance among tribal youth (Rao, 2012; Singh & Kaur, 2017), the present study employs a descriptive survey method with standardized scales to measure both constructs. A stratified random sample of adolescents (N ≈ 400) was selected from secondary schools, comprising equal representation from tribal and non-tribal backgrounds. Preliminary findings suggest that tribal adolescents demonstrate relatively higher rigidity to change compared to their non-tribal counterparts, while non-tribal adolescents show more favorable attitudes towards modernization—particularly in domains of education, technology, and lifestyle (Das, 2019; Patel, 2020). A significant negative correlation between rigidity to change and modernization attitudes was observed, consistent with the theoretical framework that openness facilitates adaptation in socio-cultural transitions (Sharma, 2016). The study underscores the role of education and socio-economic exposure in shaping adolescents’ orientation towards tradition and transition. Implications for culturally responsive educational practices and adolescent development policies are discussed.