Yes

by Weavie

Created on: May 14, 2011   Last Updated: May 15, 2011

Societal practices directly affect the behavior of the individuals the society contains.  For example, Iraqi women normally wear a hajab - the veil which covers their faces.  They are clothed from head to toe, with only their eyes and hands visible.  In Iraq, it is considered a serious offense for a married woman to do so much as make eye contact with another man.  However, in the United States of America most women wear bikinis to the beach.  American women go out in public in mini skirts and heels.  Provocative attire is not only widespread and accepted in most social settings, but preferred. Just as societal practices are reflected in the lives of individuals, any societal change - such as economical change - will affect the behavior, opinions, beliefs, ethics and morals of individuals living in a specific society.  Since the recession of 2008, noticeable changes have occurred in the viewpoints, morality and ethics of most Americans.

For example, during the 1960's and 70's, it was not only normal but expected that a child left home at the age of eighteen.  By age twenty one, most men and women were married, had a career, or purchasing their first house.  In 2011 however, with the cost of education and living increasing sharply in comparison to wages, it is normal and accepted for children to live with and be financially supported by their parents and single until twenty five. 

Another instance in which morality and ethics have shifted in order to accommodate economic changes would be viewpoints toward unemployment.  Even within my own lifetime, drastic changes in opinion regarding unemployment have occurred.  When I first joined the workforce at age fifteen in 2003, I had never heard of anyone receiving "unemployment" benefits after losing a job.  I had no idea it existed.  It wasn't until 2008 that I had even heard of unemployment benefits.  When most adults mentioned it, there was a negative stigma attached.  Bums needed unemployment.  Unemployment benefits were for the moochers, the lazy and the irresponsible.  The same people already on Welfare, taking advantage of the taxpayer's hard earned cash.  But now, in 2011 unemployment, the unemployment rate, unemployment benefits - I feel as if I hear about it or it comes up in conversation daily.  Once the unemployment rate began to seriously rise, the negative stigma attached to those receiving unemployment benefits started to disappear.  As unemployment became more widespread, it became more accepted.  The 'blame'  is not as often placed on an individual for being lazy or irresponsible, but more so on the economy, former president George W. Bush, current president Obama, corporations, or the government. 

Another way in which morality and ethics are shifting in response to economic changes is an increase in which fields of work are considered "respectable."  In decades prior to 2009, working in kitchens, fast food restaurants, or manual labor was generally considered work for the "lower" class.  Ex-criminals whose records prevented them from entering a more professional field, those who had a poor education, or illegal immigrants.  However, due to economic recession beginning in 2008 and less job opportunities becoming available, coupled with corporate downsizing, more "middle" class citizens and students engage in these types of work.  So many Americans are so desperate financially and grateful to have a job, that they don't put as much importance on job title, pay or description.

Clear examples of shifts in morality and ethics occurring in response to economic change can be seen not just in the USA, but throughout the world.  Much of the recent civil unrest and protests occurring in the Middle East, starting with Egypt are said to have been "ignited in part by higher food prices"(Huffington Post).  Economic change in any society has a major impact on the views, morality, ethics and behavior of its citizens.

Works Cited:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/28/egypt-subsidized-bread-new-government_n_841368.html

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