Money, society, social prestige and honour
Money, society, social status and honour — all are deeply intertwined. To understand the structure, values and relationships of society, we need to understand how money plays a role.
In the society we live in, every individual desires money, status and honour in some form or the other. These three words have become so intertwined in today’s world that it has become difficult to differentiate who dominates whom—money over society, or society over money?
What is money?
Money is not just a medium of transaction, but it has become a symbol of social status, security, power and opportunity. Almost everything in modern society—education, health, entertainment, even time—is linked to money in some form or the other.
Money – means or purpose?
Money is a necessity of human life — there is nothing wrong with that. Food, clothing, education, health, transport—everything is linked to money. But when money goes beyond being a means to become the purpose of life, then imbalance begins in society.
In today’s time, many times we see that a person’s social status is evaluated on the basis of how much money he has, how big a car he has, or which mobile he uses.
But does true respect come only from money?
The real definition of respect in society
Social prestige is not made only by wealth, but by a person’s behavior, his deeds, and his thinking.
A teacher, who gives knowledge to the society,
A doctor, who saves lives,
A farmer, who grows food –
their prestige is invaluable in the society, even if they do not have immense wealth.
True respect is earned –
with humility, honesty and a sense of service.
Money can make someone rich,
but humanity is necessary to get respect.
Effect of money on society
Class division (Social Stratification):
Money creates a deep gap between the rich and the poor. Those who have more wealth get better education, health, and opportunities, while people from poorer classes are often deprived of even basic needs.
Social prestige and respect
Generally, those who have more money enjoy more respect and influence in society, no matter how morally degraded the person is.
Changes in relationships
Money can make or break relationships. Sometimes family relationships and friendships are also affected due to money.
Corruption and morality
The hunger for money can lead a person astray from morality. When money is considered the measure of success in society, people start adopting wrong paths.
Positive aspects
Economic development:
Money is a means of development of society. Through good investments, entrepreneurship, and economic policies, money can improve education, health, and employment.
Contribution to social reform:
If used in the right direction, money can create social institutions, NGOs, schools, hospitals, etc. that improve society.
Today’s era is an era of material progress and economic development. Human needs are increasing and one thing is increasing along with them—the desire for money. Money today is not just a currency or a medium of transaction, but it has also become the basis of social prestige, power and identity.
But the question is—is true respect really related only to money?
Should one’s social prestige be evaluated only on the basis of his economic status?
And what kind of impact does money have on the relations, values and balance of society?
Let us find the answers to these questions through this detailed discussion.
Money: Means or Everything?
Money is an essential resource in human life. Without it, it is difficult to fulfill basic needs like food, clothing, housing, education and medical care. In the modern era, money has become a necessity of social existence.
However, when money becomes an end rather than a means, then many social and moral problems arise.
When someone is valued only on the basis of his wealth, then greed takes the place of humanity in society.
The interplay of society and money
Many factors determine a person’s identity and position in society—his conduct, education, occupation, ethics, and yes, now even money.
Money today:
Determines a person’s level of education,
Determines social class (rich or poor),
and even affects his opportunities for marriage, relationships, and friendships.
We have created a society where the illusion of “more money, more respect” is spreading. Those who are rich get respect—even if they lack ethics.
On the other hand, the truth of those who are poor is often ignored.
The real definition of social status and respect
Social status reflects the image a person creates in society. It is based on his behavior, thinking, contribution, and ethics—not just his wealth.
For example:
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was respected because of his knowledge, humility and honesty—not his wealth.
Without money, Mahatma Gandhi taught the world how moral force can change a society.
This makes it clear that money can be a condition of respect, but not its sole basis.
Money and its effect on relationships
Money builds and breaks relationships.
Where there is abundance of money, selfishness is often hidden. Whereas, where there is no money, there is conflict, but often the relationships are true.
Quarrels between brothers have become common over money.
Jealousy creeps into friendship if one is rich and the other is poor.
Even marriage relationships are now based on ‘dowry’ and ‘economic status’.
The inequality created in society due to money has become not only economic but also emotional.
Money and moral degradation
When society starts considering money as the most important thing, then moral degradation begins.
We can see examples of this in:
corruption,
scams,
false pretenses,
and unethical competition.
Many people go to any extent just for money, even if they have to lie or cheat others. These are dangerous signs for the society.
Is money important?
Yes, money is important. The fabric of society is linked to it.
But, considering money as a value is one thing, and making money the value itself is another.
The truth is that life is difficult in a society without money, but without respect, dignity and moral values, life becomes meaningless.
Solution: Need for balance
We need to understand that it is not only money that drives the society, but compassion, justice, hard work and truth are equally important.
A balanced society is one where:
Money is a means, not the goal of life.
Social prestige should not be gained through money but through deeds.
Honor should not be bought, it should be earned.
Money, society, social prestige and honor – all three are interconnected, but their impact is positive only when there is a balance between them.
If we keep running after money only and forget the value of morality, truth and relationships, then the society will become hollow.
Remember – we can buy things with money, but not respect.
Respect is made with money, but respect comes from character.
A strong society will be one where a person is judged by his morality, thoughts, deeds and contribution – not by his bank balance.
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