Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Globalization, the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence of world economies, cultures, and populations, has emerged as a defining force of the 21^st century.

• For India, a nation steeped in millennia-old traditions and diverse cultural practices, the advent of globalization has ushered in an era of profound transformation.
• This phenomenon has permeated every facet of Indian society, from economic structures to social norms, challenging long-held beliefs and reshaping age-old institutions.

Body

Impact of Globalization on Traditional Indian Values and Social Institutions:

• Family Structure: Globalization has influenced the traditional joint family system in India. The rise of nuclear families, particularly in urban areas, can be attributed to factors such as:
  • Increased job mobility
  • Changing attitudes towards individualism
  • Economic pressures
  • Example: Nuclear families comprise half of Indian households in 2022.
• Marriage and Relationships: Traditional arranged marriages are giving way to love marriages and live-in relationships, especially in urban areas. This shift is due to:
  • Increased exposure to global cultures
  • Rising education levels
  • Financial independence of women
  • Example: According to a report by WeddingWire India, arranged marriages have seen a 24% drop from 2020.
• Gender Roles and Women's Empowerment: Globalization has contributed to changing gender dynamics in Indian society:
  • Increased workforce participation of women
  • Greater emphasis on gender equality
  • Challenges to patriarchal norms
  • Example: The Female Labour Force Participation Rate in India has improved significantly by 4.2% points to 37.0% in 2023.
• Consumerism and Materialism: The influx of global brands and consumer culture has impacted traditional values of simplicity and frugality:
  • Rise in conspicuous consumption
  • Shift from savings-oriented to spending-oriented mindset
  • Adoption of Western consumption patterns
  • Example: India's e-commerce market is expected to reach USD 200 billion by 2026.
• Religious and Spiritual Practices: While India remains deeply religious, globalization has influenced spiritual practices:
  • Commercialization of religious festivals and rituals
  • Rise of new-age spirituality and wellness practices
  • Increased interfaith dialogue and understanding
  • Example: The global yoga market size was estimated at USD 107.1 billion in 2023, with India being a major contributor.
• Education System: Globalization has led to changes in the Indian education system:
  • Adoption of international curricula (e.g., ICSE)
  • Emphasis on skill-based learning and employability
  • Increase in students pursuing higher education abroad
  • Example: Over 1.3 million Indian students studying abroad in 2024.

Conclusion

Globalization has undoubtedly transformed traditional Indian values and social institutions. While it has brought numerous opportunities and advancements, it has also posed challenges to cultural preservation and social cohesion. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing global influences and maintaining India's rich cultural heritage.