by Mumtaza Akhter
An examination of how social comparison shapes academic pressure, marriage patterns, mental health, and cultural transformation in modern society.
In today’s society, the culture of comparison has become a common part of everyday life. It refers to the habit of constantly comparing our success, lifestyle, education, and achievements with those of others. Comparison now exists in almost every area of society, including professional, academic, and personal life. This article discusses how comparison has become a serious mental distraction in modern society.
From daily observation, it is clear that many people feel pressure to measure themselves against others. In many cases, comparison is no longer healthy or motivating. Instead, it creates stress, dissatisfaction, and a feeling of not being “good enough.”
Comparison can even be described as a kind of social disease because it makes many individuals struggle as they do not accept themselves as they are. While chasing a luxurious lifestyle, higher status, or social approval, they lose focus on personal growth and self-acceptance. Understanding the effects of the culture of comparison is important, as it helps us recognize how it influences our thoughts, emotions, and daily lives.
The Impact on Academic Performance
Comparison is pervasive in contemporary society, with academic performance in 10th and 12th grades having become a benchmark for social validation. Many parents pressure their children to achieve high marks, not solely for personal development, but to maintain social standing among relatives and peers. This pressure stems from a culture of comparison, wherein anything less than a high percentage is perceived as inferior. Consequently, students face immense stress during academic examinations, which has led to tragic outcomes, including suicide.
While academic achievement is important, it is equally essential to recognize that success cannot be measured solely by comparison to others. Failure is a part of life and does not define a person’s entire future. Through this article, I aim to raise awareness of the harmful effects of such comparison and to encourage a more balanced perspective on academic and personal worth.
Beyond this, it is essential to examine other significant factors, including the societal pressure placed upon students to prepare for competitive examinations. Parents often exert considerable pressure on their children by comparing them with relatives or peers. This persistent comparison, coupled with the tendency of parents to foreground their own accomplishments, can have a detrimental impact on students’ mental health. Furthermore, driven by comparative expectations, parents frequently impose pre-determined career paths, limiting their autonomy and freedom of choice.
Such externally imposed decisions may constrain intellectual growth and restrict the development of independent and critical thinking skills. When young individuals are confined within an orientation shaped primarily by parental expectations, their ability to explore diverse perspectives and innovative ideas may be significantly hindered. If such patterns persist within society, it raises serious concerns about the cultivation of future scientists and creative thinkers. A society that discourages intellectual freedom and independent inquiry may struggle to foster genuine innovation and scientific advancement.
Marriage, Employment, and Social Hierarchy
Late marriage has increasingly become a significant personal issue in communities. One of the major factors contributing to this trend is the culture of social comparison. In many societies, parents prefer their daughters to marry men who hold government jobs because such employment is associated with financial security, social prestige, and stability. As a result, proposals from individuals working in the private sector or in other occupations are often rejected.
This preference creates a social hierarchy in the marriage market, where individuals with government employment are considered more desirable, while others are viewed as less suitable. The pressure to meet these social expectations leads many families to delay marriage until a “suitable” match, often defined by government employment, is found. Consequently, this process contributes to the increasing age at marriage. Late marriage can have social and personal consequences; it may lead to instability in social relationships, increased pressure on young people, and, in some cases, health issues such as infertility among women when marriage and childbearing are delayed.
Besides, men who do not hold government jobs often experience significant social pressure. They may feel compelled to achieve the occupational status demanded by society, which can place a heavy burden on their physical and mental well-being. The constant rejection of marriage proposals due to the absence of a government job can lead to stress, frustration, and a sense of social exclusion. Thus, the culture of comparison and the overemphasis on occupational status, particularly government employment—play an important role in shaping marriage patterns within society, reinforcing social stratification.
Cultural Transformation
Cultural transformation and the influence of modernization have also emerged as significant factors contributing to social comparison and challenges in many communities. There is a growing tendency to prioritize external cultural models and lifestyles, often perceived as more “advanced” or prestigious. As a result, traditional cultural values and practices are gradually being overlooked or marginalised. This shift fosters a sense of comparison not only at the economic or occupational level but also at the cultural level.
Families increasingly evaluate potential marital alliances based on influences from other cultures, such as lifestyles, social status, and material display, rather than indigenous values and compatibility. Consequently, this process contributes to the erosion of local cultural identity and reinforces social hierarchies. Thus, modernization, when accompanied by uncritical cultural imitation, intensifies comparison within society and plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary challenges related to marriage and social cohesion.
Social Behaviour
Excessive comparison can negatively influence human behaviour and personal responsibility. When individuals constantly measure themselves against others, they may begin to act in insensitive or inhumane ways. In many cases, they become less concerned about the well-being of society. The strong desire to gain status sometimes pushes people to adopt unethical or even illegal methods in order to maintain social status and financial success.
This issue is also visible in social institutions such as marriages and wedding ceremonies, which were traditionally meaningful cultural and family events, but have increasingly become occasions for social comparison. Many families feel pressured to organize lavish celebrations in order to match societal expectations. However, for lower-income families who cannot afford such expenses, this pressure can create financial hardship and emotional distress. The psychological impact of striving to meet unrealistic social standards is often ignored, even though it can seriously affect mental health and overall well-being.
Comparison is a poison in modern society. It has taken away people’s peace of mind and leaves them mentally disturbed most of the time. It contributes to psychological instability, with constant exposure to symptoms such as forgetfulness and cognitive dullness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has brought together and articulated a range of diverse factors that contribute to emerging social challenges, particularly those leading to instability in society. The intention in presenting these interconnected issues is to critically reflect on the underlying causes and recognize the need for addressing these factors in a systematic and holistic manner. The primary purpose of this article is to encourage readers to critically reflect, create awareness, and inspire a sense of responsibility among individuals and communities to work towards minimizing these challenges. It is hoped that by acknowledging and addressing these issues, society can move towards greater stability, inclusivity, and balance.
(The author has masters in Social Work. Ideas are personal.)
