Cultural Differences Between Rural And Urban Life: The Transformation Of Tradition And Etiquette – OpEd

Rural life thrives within a familiar and intimate environment where individuals recognize one another and show mutual respect for each other’s rights. Transitioning to the city, however, can often lead individuals to not recognize those around them, thus feeling a greater sense of freedom in their behaviors. Behaviors such as city drivers using the emergency lane or not leaving picnic areas clean illustrate the presence of specific rules and etiquettes in city life.

In urban environments, adhering to traditional etiquettes such as offering seats to the elderly and mothers with children in public transportation or waiting in line, and showing respect to others is expected. Yet, learning the ethical rules of city life and adapting to this culture can be time-consuming, making it challenging to adjust to the fast-paced city lifestyle. This scenario often applies to immigrants as well, as they tend to maintain their own cultural habits.

For instance, Germany provides adaptation programs, particularly for select educated refugees. These programs aim to teach various cultural concepts, including traditional German etiquettes, being punctual, tax and debt payments, and even listening to classical music. However, in our country, the situation is different: the liberality in various aspects may push the boundaries of tolerance.

Similarly, an educated individual might wholeheartedly obey the decisions of the Constitutional Court, while those without the same level of education might prefer not to follow these decisions without considering the necessity of law for themselves in the future.