Globalization, the interconnectedness of economies and societies across the globe, has undoubtedly reshaped various facets of human life. Among its myriad effects, its impact on women, youth, the elderly, families, the caste system, employment, agriculture, and state institutions stands out prominently. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, these segments of society have experienced both opportunities and challenges. From altered gender dynamics to shifts in traditional family structures, from changes in employment patterns to transformations in agricultural practices, globalization has left an indelible mark on these spheres of human existence. Understanding the multifaceted repercussions of globalization on these diverse aspects of society is crucial for comprehending the complexities of our contemporary world. This essay will delve into the nuanced ways in which globalization has influenced these domains, exploring both the positive advancements and the persistent challenges they face in the globalized era.
Impact of Globalization on Women in India
- Globalization can have varied impacts on women in different locations. It may open up new opportunities for women to advance economically and socially.
- Conversely, it can also diminish job prospects by offering cheaper alternatives, such as assembly line production or outsourcing, which could potentially displace existing jobs held by women.
- The arrival of global communication networks and increased cross-cultural exchanges has influenced the status of women, albeit not extensively.
- Globalization has played a role in promoting ideas and norms of gender equality, raising awareness, and acting as a catalyst in the ongoing struggle for women to gain equitable rights and opportunities.
- Globalization might intensify gender inequality, particularly in patriarchal societies, especially in developing countries.
- In the economic sphere, it could further marginalize women within the informal labor sector or result in impoverishment due to the loss of traditional income sources. Reports from organizations like the United Nations Development Fund for Women suggest that over the last two decades, globalization has contributed to widening disparities within and between nations.
Positive and Negative impact of Globalization on women:
| Positive Impact | Negative Impact |
| Increased opportunities for women -The expansion of communication networks and the influx of numerous global companies and organizations into India have widened job prospects. As a result, more women are now participating in the workforce, contributing significantly to various industries and sectors. | Issues related to employment and workplace – While more jobs are available for women now, most of these jobs pay very little and don’t offer much job security. Women are facing exploitation at work, which has become a significant problem.” |
| Independence and self confidence -As women secure new employment opportunities, they gain access to higher-paying jobs. This not only boosts their self-confidence but also fosters independence. Urbanization has played a role in making women in urban areas more self-reliant. This shift is visible in various ways such as inter-caste marriages, single parenthood, and live-in relationships. | 2. Dual responsibility– Women in developing countries face a double burden. Even as they join the workforce, they often continue to shoulder their household duties. This means they essentially work two full-time jobs. |
| Development of entrepreneurial attitude – There’s a significant change happening in the lower middle class regarding family dynamics. Traditionally, women primarily focused on domestic roles, caring for the household and children. However, now more women are stepping out of their homes to work and earn a living. For instance, organizations like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India bring together women laborers who are eager to work diligently and seize available work opportunities. | 3. Commodification of women- Globalization has progressed alongside the enduring patriarchal beliefs in Indian society. This has resulted in issues for women, such as the commodification of women, the use of social media for harassing women, and an increase in violence against them. |
| Spread of Feminist movement – Globalization has played a role in spreading the feminist movement to India. This has empowered women to express their thoughts more openly. For instance, the fourth wave of feminism, aiming for workplace equality and to stop discrimination, has gained momentum through movements like “Me Too,” which has had an impact globally and in India. | 4. Women are encountering a consumer culture that treats them as commodities, and as workers, they face exploitation and workplace dangers. |
| Improvement in education and health care facility – Globalization has contributed to the increased education of women and improvements in healthcare facilities. This progress has resulted in the reduction of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). | 5. Despite globalization, issues like prostitution, abuse, and dowry-related suicides continue to rise. |
| Skills and vocational training -Various non-profit organizations from around the world have established a presence in India. These organizations have played a significant role in empowering women by providing essential skills like literacy and vocational training, enabling them to progress and thrive in various fields. | |
| Impact on rural women – Women in rural areas have been impacted by globalization through media exposure and various intervention programs initiated by non-profit organizations. These initiatives have contributed to bolstering the self-confidence of women, empowering them to advocate for their rights more assertively. | |
| Cultural change – Globalization has influenced women’s attitudes significantly. There’s now greater acceptance of Western clothing, dating has become more common in urban areas, and there’s increased utilization of contraception, both in rural and urban settings. |
Impact of Globalization on Youth in India
Globalization brings economic opportunities, yet it also imposes significant social costs, especially affecting young people who find themselves navigating through a swiftly changing global landscape.
India’s significant young population holds substantial influence over how the country adapts to globalization. Their responses to globalization are varied, driving both positive and negative perceptions unlike the previous generation.
Positive and Negative impact of Globalization on Youth :
| Positive | Negative |
| Education and Enterprise : The main aspiration of young Indians, whether in rural or urban areas, is to “become wealthy.” They aim to achieve this aspiration through education and entrepreneurship, favoring high-paying jobs in technology and media over traditionally esteemed careers like civil service, engineering, and medicine. | Increased urban poverty: Economic globalization has caused more people to move from rural areas to cities looking for better opportunities. Many of these migrants are young. However, when they arrive in cities, they face a problem with finding jobs. The local economy in cities is not always strong and lacks important things like good roads or buildings. This makes life difficult for young people who face problems like not having enough resources, corruption, and sometimes natural disasters in crowded areas. Conflicts related to religion, community, and ethnicity also affect the economy in cities and involve young people directly. |
| Becoming a Global teenager:Globalization has not only impacted India’s economic landscape but has also influenced its diverse culture. Young Indians now view themselves as part of a global community, transcending their local upbringing. They are increasingly adopting Western popular culture while blending it with their Indian identity. This fusion of Western and Indian values is particularly prominent among the younger generation, showcasing a subtle yet impactful hybridization. | Consumerist attitude: Consumerism has changed how many Indian people think and behave. Traditional Indian clothing is becoming less common, especially among young people in cities, who prefer Western fashions. Many people like to buy the newest cars, TVs, electronic devices, and fashionable clothes. The younger people who don’t have much money are especially influenced by ads for expensive things. When they can’t buy these items, it makes them upset. |
| Cultural change: Today’s youth in India are departing from the conservative and limited traditional markets. They aspire for a more cosmopolitan society that fully engages with the global economy. Their ambitions are more materialistic, and they hold globally informed perspectives, marking a shift from the austere ways of the past. | Status of youth in family: Globalization is also altering family structures, with the nuclear family becoming more common. Young people nowadays are not as connected to their grandparents as in the past. This leads to less time spent with the older generation, resulting in a loss of wisdom and knowledge passed down from one generation to the next. |
| Attitude towards religion: The majority of young individuals find traditional religious practices irrelevant. They seek changes in religious norms and are not embracing traditional beliefs deeply, but rather tolerating them. While they may see some indirect value in religion, they are not actively internalizing traditional ideas. |
Impact of Globalization on Family
In India, the core unit of society used to be the joint family, but with changing times, Indian society has evolved significantly after independence. Globalization has contributed to weakening the family structure, fostering a rise in individualism among people.
Structure of the family
- Disintegration of joint family– The younger generation’s increased mobility in pursuit of better employment and education has weakened family ties and resulted in the breakdown of the joint family system. This gradual shift has led to a change in the family structure from larger joint or extended families to smaller nuclear families.
- New forms of family are emerging: for example Single parent households, live-in relationship, female headed households, dual-career family (both husband and wife are working), same sex couples etc.
Functions of the family
- Family bonds have become weaker due to physical distance, making it difficult for family members to gather as frequently as before. This has affected the traditional idea of a family as a close-knit and supportive unit for taking care of children, the sick, and the elderly.
- As more women enter the workforce, the traditional care provided to the elderly within families has decreased.
- Finding partners: younger generations have started depending on internet marriage sites like ‘Shadi.com, Bharat Matrimony‘ etc. Family involvement in finding a groom / bride is reducing. However, the tradition of arranged marriages is still relevant in Indian society.
- Traditionally, families used to provide education to the younger generation. However, specialized institutions have taken over this role because of the increasing division of labor and specialization in work.
- However, despite changes in the functions of the family, there are still certain functions that are specific to the family:
- i) Primary socialization of children, and
- ii) Acting as an agency of social control.
Inter-personal relations
- The traditional authority structure has shifted. The head of the family, like the father or grandfather, has begun to lose authority to the main earner of the family.
- In nuclear families, there have been alterations in marital rules and the distribution of powers.
- Total subordination of women to men and strict disciplinarian role of father towards children are changing.
- Individualism in younger generation is increasing, many of them don’t believe in total surrender of their individual interests to family interests.
- However, due to the widespread use of technology, connectivity with extended family members has improved.
Impact on Caste System
The traditional caste system is based on the principles of Purity and pollution. It had following characteristics:
1. Hierarchy
2. Separation of contact
3. Occupational division of labour
Due to globalization, there have been changes in the traditional caste system in following ways:
- Weakening of caste system:Globalization has led to the expansion of economic opportunities, education, and liberal thoughts, resulting in the weakening of the caste system.
- Acceptance of Inter caste marriage: Inter caste marriages are becoming more common and are being accepted gradually.
- Caste free division of labour: The traditional division of labor started breaking down due to industrialization, and this was further accelerated by globalization.
- Decreased feeling of casteism: The increased use of modern communication tools and higher interaction among people from different castes has contributed to a decrease in feelings of casteism.
- Secular pattern of living: Globalization has led to increased urbanization, enabling a more secular way of life and affecting the aspect of the caste system related to social separation.
- Despite various changes, the caste system remains a significant feature of Indian society, displaying immense resilience over time.
Economic Impact of Globalization
- Globalization has made countries more interconnected and competitive in the world market. This connection involves trading goods and services, as well as the movement of capital and labor.
- Consequently, the economic development within a country isn’t solely shaped by its internal policies and market conditions. It is significantly influenced by both domestic and international factors. The direction and depth of economic activities in India are now largely influenced by the global economy.
Positive Impact includes
- The introduction of privatization and liberalization, combined with globalization, had a significant impact on the Indian economy. The economy responded quickly and favorably to these measures, experiencing notable changes.
- Globalization has stimulated innovation within the economy and has fostered a culture of startups in the country.
- Access to global capital reserves – via the stock market and international debt depending on the economic potential of nations and their markets.
- More space to the private sector – Sharp reduction in industries reserved exclusively for public sector Decision to go for disinvestment in public sector enterprises thus promoting efficiency and merit.
- Development of tourism sector – Increase in tourism and development of tourist destinations in India- leading to increase in foreign reserves
- Customised and quality products – The biggest contribution of globalisation is in the field of quality and development of products with various features to suit the Indians. Now wide choices are available to select goods, which has led to better quality of products due to greater competition.
- Improved access of health technology – Globalization has improved access to health technology (medicines, vaccines and medical equipments and knowhow). This has led to improvement of health care system. Improved education sector – Globalization has also affected the education sector in India. Globalization has increased the demand for education due to the economic payoffs of higher education to global, science based, knowledge. University training has become more of a necessity to get good job in a globalized world. Moreover, socio-political, demographic and democratic ideals increase pressure on universities to provide access to groups that traditionally have not attended universities. Opening Indian higher education to foreign competition will benefit education sector further.
Negatives
- Vulnerability to global economic shocks – Indian Economy has become more vulnerable to global shocks like East Asian crisis 1997, European crisis, Global Financial crisis (2007-08) etc.
- Stiff competition to Indian corporate – Globalization has adversely affected many established companies (like organisations manufacturing Ambassador Cars or Fiat cars etc) which failed to face competition from established global players.
- Steep and fast reductions in custom duties have snatched large part of Indian market from Indian Industry and passed it on to imports from established global players.
- Increase in unemployment – For its survival in the face of global competition, Indian industry has transformed itself from labour intensive processes to Capital intensive processes by adopting global technologies and automatic machinery. This has resulted in high rate of unemployment in India. Unemployment is the biggest challenge for Indian Government today.
- Formation of slums – Boost to urbanization and industrialization, which has also led to unplanned growth of urban centres leading to formation of more slums.
- Spread of diseases – But globalization has also led to a greater threat of spread of communicable diseases like Ebola, Covid 19.
- Consumerism – There has been a tremendous increase in consumerism for goods and services.
Impact of Globalization on Employment in India
- Globalization affects the employment situation through trade liberalisation, through encouraging exports and imports and through increasing incentives for investment and innovation. It also encourages FDI which supplements domestic investment and leads to higher growth of the economy.
- Globalization, which is often combined with domestic liberalisation, also results in reducing the power of trade unions and encourages informal contractualization and lockouts.
- No wonder, the advocates of globalization have always been of the firm view that globalization would result in significant increases in labour intensive exports there by promoting employment and income generation in developing countries.
- Simultaneously, larger flows of FDI would result in increased investment in Greenfield areas and would lead to accelerated direct and indirect employment and income growth in the developing countries.
- In the Indian context of post economic reforms, the rate of growth of the economy and the rate of growth of employment have accelerated, but the economy as also employment remains undiversified. Both interpersonal and inter-regional income inequalities remain high and seem to have increased.
- The quality of employment remains very poor for a major portion of workers. The following points may be noted in Indian context:
- Globalization has resulted in casualization of labour. Global competition tends to encourage formal firms to shift formal wageworkers to informal employment arrangements without minimum wages, assured work or benefits. It encourages informal units to shift workers to piece-rate or casual work arrangements without assured minimum wages, or benefits.
- Real wages of casual labour increased faster than in the past- both among agricultural and industrial workers.
- There has been a shift in the composition of labour force in favour of the skilled labors, in general, and more significantly in the unorganised sector. As a natural consequence, labour productivity indicated faster improvement both in organized and unorganised sectors
- International mobility of labors: The migration of labours across international boundaries is one of the most striking features of globalization worldwide.
- Since Independence, migration from India has been characterized by movement of persons with technical skills and professional expertise to the industrialized countries, and flow of unskilled and semi-skilled workers to the oil exporting countries of the Middle East.
- During the 1990s, however, there has been a clear shift in the pattern of labour demand in the Middle East away from unskilled and semi-skilled categories towards service, operations and maintenance workers requiring high skills.
- Besides, there has been a runaway growth in exports of IT and software services from India.
- All these have enhanced the employment opportunities for the Indian labour, particularly when the country boasts to have very large pool of English speaking people.
- In the process, sustained remittances from the Indian Diaspora, which is in fact the largest in the world, have imparted an element of stability in the country’s balance of payments.
- Woman labour: Feminization of the workforce increased after liberalization.
- Child labour: Though undesirable, child labor persists primarily in rural and agricultural activities on account of socio-economic compulsions. But there has been a decline in participation of children aged 5- 14 years in the workforce. There has been a substitution effect, which favors the employability of adult females.
- Industrial relations: Increasingly, consultation, co-operation and consensus are taking the place of coercion and confrontation. This is reflected in the reduced number of man days lost.
Impact of Globalization on Agriculture
- With a view to move towards liberalizing the agricultural sector and promoting free and fair trade, India, a member nation of the World Trade organization (WTO) signed the Uruguay Round Agreements on 1st January 1995.
- The Agreement On Agriculture of the WTO, was the first multilateral agreement, meant to curb unfair practices in agricultural trade and set off the process of reforms in the agricultural sector.
- Indian agriculture has shown a slow average annual growth rate. It was 3.1 % during the decade 1980-1990 prior to liberalization of the economy. But since then the annual growth rates have declined consistently relative to the annual growth rate of the population.
- Several factors were responsible for this fall in growth rate; lack of credit, inadequate irrigation cover, and indebtedness, continuing use of obsolete technology, improper use of inputs and decline in the public investments.
- Since the non-agricultural sectors of the economy have been growing at a much faster rate than the agricultural sector, this has resulted in a declining share of agriculture in the total GDP.
- Although the share of agriculture in GDP declined rapidly, its share in employment declined at a much slower rate.
The notable effects of Globalization on Indian agriculture may be listed as under: Student Notes:
- Shift from traditional crop to cash crop – With globalization farmers were encouraged to shift from traditional crops to export- oriented ‘cash crops’ such as cotton and tobacco but such crops needed far more inputs in terms of fertilizers, pesticides and water.
- Uneven spread of farm mechanization – Appropriate use of agricultural equipment’s, suited to the crops and the region of cultivation, lead to efficient utilization of farm inputs, making farming is financially viable and profitable. Though there has been considerable progress in farm mechanization, its spread across the country still remains uneven.
- Introduction of water saving techniques – Introduced new water saving practices in India such as drip irrigation.
- Capitalist farming and contract farming – There has been a gradual shift from Subsistence farming to capitalist farming and contract farming
- Increased access to developed country markets – However Indian farmer still find it difficult to export their products to rich countries because of their inferior technology and stringent quality parameters imposed by foreign consumers. (Due to sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, example temporary ban of Mangoes by EU in 2014)
- Increase in input cost – Seed prices have increased due to entry by seed producing MNCs like Monsanto and Cargill. There are also concerns related to patent rights on seeds. The large scale suicide by Indian farmers in Karnataka, Punjab and Haryana under the burden of heavy loans is attributed to rising cost of inputs and thin margins on profit.
- Trading of agricultural commodities has increased which at times lead to fluctuation of prices of these commodities.
- Feminisation of agriculture: Globalisation has led to the shift of population from rural area to the urban areas and eventually It has led to feminization of agriculture. As per the 10th Agriculture Census (2015-16), agriculture sector employs 80% of all economically active women; they comprise 33% of the agricultural labour force and 48% of self-employed farmers. According to the Economic Survey 2017-18, a rise in migration of men from rural to urban areas has resulted in feminization of agriculture.
FAQs
FAQ: How has globalization affected women’s roles in society?
Answer: Globalization has led to both opportunities and challenges for women. On one hand, it has opened up new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship, allowing women to participate more actively in the workforce. On the other hand, it has also exacerbated gender inequalities, as women often face exploitation in low-wage sectors and bear the burden of balancing work and family responsibilities. Additionally, cultural norms and traditional gender roles may be challenged or reinforced depending on the context.
FAQ: What are the effects of globalization on the youth population?
Answer: Globalization has provided young people with greater access to information, education, and technology, offering opportunities for learning and skill development. However, it has also intensified competition in the job market and contributed to rising youth unemployment rates in some regions. Moreover, globalization has influenced youth culture and identity, leading to both cultural exchange and the spread of homogenized global trends.
FAQ: How has globalization affected the elderly population?
Answer: Globalization has brought changes in healthcare, technology, and social welfare systems, which can have both positive and negative impacts on the elderly. On one hand, advancements in healthcare and access to global markets can improve their quality of life. On the other hand, globalization may also disrupt traditional support structures and cultural values, leading to social isolation and economic vulnerability for some elderly individuals.
FAQ: What changes has globalization brought to the institution of family?
Answer: Globalization has altered family dynamics by influencing patterns of migration, employment, and consumption. Increased mobility and economic opportunities have led to greater geographic dispersion of families, challenging traditional notions of kinship and community. Moreover, exposure to global media and consumer culture has influenced family values and lifestyles, contributing to both cultural diversity and the erosion of traditional norms.
FAQ: How does globalization intersect with caste systems, employment, agriculture, and state institutions?
Answer: Globalization has had complex effects on caste systems, employment patterns, agricultural practices, and state institutions. While it has facilitated economic growth and technological advancements, it has also widened socioeconomic disparities and exacerbated inequalities within and between caste groups. Additionally, globalization has transformed employment sectors, leading to shifts from traditional agriculture to service-based economies. State institutions have had to adapt to new global norms and pressures, sometimes resulting in policy changes that either mitigate or exacerbate existing social inequalities. Overall, globalization has reshaped power dynamics and socio-economic structures, requiring nuanced approaches to address its impacts on marginalized communities and vulnerable sectors.
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