Cultural Conditioning: How Middle-Class Upbringing in India Affects Health

Is health and wellness taking a backseat in India’s middle-class homes? Find out how cultural conditioning shapes priorities.

Ignored Health in Pursuit of Safety and Stability

Many people struggling with fitness and health have never questioned why it feels so secondary. Cultural conditioning often skews our perception, making health seem less important. Shashank Sharma’s viral LinkedIn post sheds light on this phenomenon, explaining that Indian middle-class families often raise children to be safe and employable but not necessarily healthy or strong.

Prioritizing Reputation Over Well-being

In many Indian households, societal expectations prioritize stability. Children are taught to value career prospects over personal well-being. This cultural norm results in families valuing savings and standing—the famous ‘Indian reputation’—over proactive health measures.

A Routine of Sacrifice and Fatigue

Shashank’s poignant reflection portrays a grim but truthful picture: “We wear fatigue like a medal. We talk about acidity like it’s a family member.” Health is often an afterthought, considered only when illnesses emerge, portraying a cycle of neglect and delayed reactions.

The Irony of Middle-Class Priorities

Despite meticulously saving every rupee and receipt, many neglect the physical body they depend upon. This oversight can lead to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, forcing families to confront their health only once it’s threatened, not as a preventive measure.

Changing Perceptions and Emerging Awareness

As more middle-class Indians start valuing fitness, the tide is slowly turning, aided by posts like Shashank’s that generate awareness. These conversations spark a revolution in how health is perceived, gradually shifting from survival-based priorities to thriving lifestyles.

Community Reaction to Shashank’s Insight

Shashank’s candid post resonated deeply, accumulating over 6.5k likes and sparking crucial conversations. Comments expressed agreement and emphasized the need for a change in mindset: “It’s eye-opening how cultural conditioning shapes our relationship with health,” wrote one user.

A Survival Skill Not Yet Taught

“Breaking these cycles starts with awareness,” comments another, pointing out that while the journey is challenging, it’s doable. With increased awareness and mindset shifts, many in India’s middle class are re-prioritizing health, albeit gradually.

Read this post: Times of India

Understanding these cultural dynamics offers valuable insight into prioritizing health in a world demanding so much more. Let’s heed this call for awareness and transformation, embracing a future where health is foundational, not optional.