cultural disillusionment

Cultural disillusionment occurs when individuals or groups realize that their beliefs, ideals, or hopes about a society or culture are unrealistic or haven’t been fulfilled. It often happens after experiencing or expecting certain values—like fairness, progress, or community—that don't match reality. This mismatch can lead to disappointment, skepticism, or a sense of betrayal, as people confront the gap between their expectations and the actual social or cultural conditions. In essence, it’s a feeling of disillusionment with a culture’s promises or ideals that no longer seem to hold true.