I’ll explain this clearly, conceptually, and in UPSC-ready language, keeping it Notion-compatible and without condensing any part beyond what is necessary.

“Complete Structural Breakdown of Tradition” — What It Means

Core Meaning

A complete structural breakdown of tradition refers to a situation where tradition does not merely change, adapt, or reform, but where its underlying social structure collapses, losing its institutional continuity, normative authority, and functional relevance in society.

In such a breakdown, tradition ceases to operate as an organizing principle of social life.

Tradition as a Social Structure (Before Breakdown)

Tradition is not just customs or rituals. Structurally, it consists of:

• Norms (customary rules of conduct)
• Values (shared moral ideas)
• Institutions (family, caste, kinship, religion)
• Authority systems (elders, priests, customary leaders)
• Transmission mechanisms (socialization, oral memory, rituals)

As long as these components remain interlinked and functional, tradition survives—even if modified.

What “Structural Breakdown” Specifically Implies

1. Normative Disintegration

• Traditional norms lose binding force
• Social behavior is no longer guided by customs