In many parts of the world, the practice of gift-giving has shifted towards monetary rewards rather than traditional physical object offerings. This transition can be attributed to practicality and utility. While many people view it as a positive development, I still argue it is largely negative since it inadvertently promotes a materialistic society and diminishes other social values.
Giving money as a gift on important events is mainly driven by its convenience and versatility. People tend to reward others financially when they are invited to special celebrations such as weddings, graduations and house-warming parties. The popular belief behind this decision is that money is the most universal offering which not only symbolizes the aspirations for fortune and prosperity, but is also practical. The tendency to avoid giving gifts stems from people’s uncertainty regarding whether a gift aligns with the recipient’s interests and preference. Therefore, a neutralized monetary gift can later be used by recipients to purchase more essential items. Another possible explanation is deep-rooted culture. Some Asian countries regard giving money on special occasions as a non-negotiable social norm. In the globalized world, intercultural cooperation and connections have popularized this practice, making it widely acceptable these days.
On the surface, the behavior appears positive as it strengthens social bonds and redistributes wealth. However, considering it from a more critical perspective, this trend contributes to the rise of materialism and the erosion of important social values. Materialistic individuals may start judging the generosity of people who give money by the amount of money received, which diminishes the perceived genuineness of the offering. In the worst-case scenario, interpersonal relationships are even hampered and ruined by money. Moreover, frequently giving money as a gift creates unnecessary stress for people and places financial burdens on them, especially those who struggle financially whenever social events take place. When money is overvalued, this practice also reduces genuine human connections and fuels a money-oriented lifestyle, which is an undesirable social consequence.
In conclusion, giving money as a gift is fueled by both long-standing traditions and modern life characterised by high practicality and greater convenience. The development does not merely present a dichotomy of both sides, since a perusal examination reveals more concerning consequences for society and social ties.