In what ways is a theme of the book about the conflict between modernity and traditionalism?

I think the background of the novel is steeped in traditions of agriculture, Judeo Christian ethic, and superstition yet there are shades of modernity. Sleepy Hollow is an old town inhabited mostly by descendants of its original settlers. This would seemingly make it prone to family prejudices, a younger parallel to the European aged communities, yet there is no evidence of this kind of hierarchy. Instead, people are valued for their merits, such as their book learning or their ability in teaching, activities requiring strength, or singing.