Significance of cultural values in securing asset portfolios of rural communities

Chandima D Daskon

doi:10.4038/sljss.v38i1.7384

Abstract

Cultural values play a significant role in th context of rural livelihoods. Rural livelihoods are fundamentally determined by the capabilities of people and their cultural practices, values, norms, customs, knowledge and belief systems that are preserved for generations. The aim of this paper is to understand and explore the intricate relationship between livelihood assets and local cultural values with respect to building secured asset portfolios of rural communities. Empirical evidences are drawn from field research undertaken in 2008/09 in rural villages in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The ways in which villagers construct their livelihoods in their villages are multiple and, there are significant traditional components, which facilitate their resource accessibility and ownership. Cultural traditions are treated as a considerable resource that strengthens social assets and the solidarity of villages. Although the opportunities may be fewer, traditional skills and knowledge are considered important as a source that strengthens human assets. Locally shared cultural values and norms also play a significant role in defining community problems. However, the extent to which cultural value facilitates and impedes asset entitlement may vary among communities. The paper recognises culture as a capital asset which is fundamental building a secure and sustainable asset portfolio, encompassing all tangible and intangible values embedded in human society, enabling and empowering rural people. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences 2015 38(1): 31-50

Highlights

Efforts have been made elsewhere to demonstrate the link between culture and development (Rao & Walton, 2004; Schech & Haggis, 2000; Commonwealth Foundation" 2008), there has been little recognition of the significance of culture in the context of achieving sustainable rural livelihoods (Daskon, 2010 & 2011)
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the links between livelihood assets and local cultural values with respect to building and securing asset portfolios of rural communities, drawing upon field research undertaken in rural villages in the vicinity of Kandy, Sri Lanka
This paper argues that cultural traditions are fundamental in forming livelihood assets in the Kandyan context, and proposes a new form of asset – cultural capital - where cultural values can be explicitly treated as a resource

Summary

Introduction

Efforts have been made elsewhere to demonstrate the link between culture and development (Rao & Walton, 2004; Schech & Haggis, 2000; Commonwealth Foundation" 2008), there has been little recognition of the significance of culture in the context of achieving sustainable rural livelihoods (Daskon, 2010 & 2011). The role of local culture in fostering a complete understanding of rural community development has received relatively less attention in empirical analyses. The contribution of culture is analysed on a nation-wide basis and there has been less focus on the importance of cultural values in the everyday life of people and in building community identity at the local level. Analysing the significance of cultural traditions in relation to rural livelihood systems, Daskon (2010; 2011) concludes that culture is a fundamental phenomenon that plays a crucial role in strengthening livelihood assets, livelihood resilience, livelihood security and sustainability of rural communities. Most rural communities possess their own customs, heritage, values and knowledge systems that affirm identity and diversity, and play a key role in sustaining their lives

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