UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Define globalization. Explain its positive and negative impacts. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies through trade, investment, technology, and information exchange. For India, globalization gained momentum after the 1991 economic reforms, which liberalized trade, reduced tariffs, and opened the economy to foreign investment. This transformation has had far-reaching consequences on Indian society, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

Body

Impact on Indian culture:

• Globalization has led to changing food behaviour in the form of fast foods. E.g., McDonald and KFC outlets.
• It has also led to homogenization of the way of living, cultures etc. For example, the trend of multiplex, spread of Mc Donald and KFCs.
• But for few it is Glocalization i.e., the mixing up of global with the local.E.g., McDonald catering to vegetarians.
• It has also impacted the native languages of the different societies. E.g., English has become lingua franca.
• It has affected our purchasing behaviour by creating false needs. E.g., The phenomenon of Walmartization (opening of retail stores).
• It has led to the celebration of secular festivals in the form of Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day etc.

Impact on Women:

• Globalization has led to creation of new opportunities for women. They are becoming more self-confident and independent. The concept of ‘Business Women’ has emerged due to globalization.
• With the spread of feminist ideas women are knowing their rights and standing in solidarity globally. E.g., Me Too movement.
• They are getting better health and education. The global standards help in setting the Mortality ratios.
• In rural areas the reach of media has helped women seek help from NGOs etc.
• They are accepting western cultures like clothing sense, inter caste marriages, live in relationship etc.
• Despite these, globalization has led to creation of dual role of women. The traditional patriarchal mindset forces her to be a housewife and the global world has led her to seek job.
• The commodification of women has led to more crimes against women.
• Women also face the problem of ‘Pink Coloured Occupation’ where only one set of opportunity is available to women like teacher, receptionist, nurses etc.

Impact on Youth:

• The youth are getting highly influenced by the west. This is most evident in the attitude towards religion.
• Globalization has widened the window of opportunities for youth by opening up the global markets.
• They do not internalize any tradition as they now make informed choices.
• To keep up with the world they are embracing western culture and becoming global teenagers.
• They are developing materialistic and consumerist thinking by seeking the latest cars, phones etc.
• This increased peer pressure leads to more suicides and depression.

Impact on Family:

• It is getting nuclear instead of joint families.
• The structure of family is also changing as the women and younger generation are exhibiting more authority.
• Traditional family values are getting diluted because of the impact of western morality.

Impact on Caste System:

• Due to the spread of liberal thoughts and education the caste system is also becoming flexible.
• There is acceptance of inter caste marriages, less discrimination in labour force on basis of caste and a growing secular pattern of living.

Impact on Economy:

• Globalization has led to an increase in foreign direct investment and GDP.
• It has allowed access to global funds and institutions.
• There is a boost to the tourism sector as well.
• Consumers have access to more options and better-quality products. It has led to a decrease in poverty.
• Still, it has widened the inequality and has made the state vulnerable to external shocks.

Impact on Agriculture:

• There is a change in production of crops from traditional crops to cash crops.
• Indian agricultural markets have been linked to global supply chain. It is both an opportunity as well as a cause of vulnerability. E.g., Agricultural issues in the World Trade Organization.
• It has allowed use of technology, but it has been distributed unevenly.

Conclusion

Globalization has made the world interdependent. There is no field in society where it has not cast its influence whether positive or negative. It has led to the concentration of wealth and increased global inequality which should be mitigated by equitable distribution of resources. Therefore, being a significant and unavoidable phenomenon, globalization must be seen as a two-sided coin.