Effect of globalisation on Indian society - I

Globalisation

“Critics of globalisation contend that, even if increased trade promotes material prosperity, it comes with a high spiritual and cultural cost, running roughshod over the world’s distinctive cultures and threatening to turn the globe into one big, tawdry strip mall.”

Socialisation of people for improving business and financial activities across the globe can be referred as globalisation. It is not a new phenomenon as people kept searching new places and avenues to increase their business activities as evident by explorations of Vasco-digamma, Columbus and East India Company.

Bitter experiences from East India Companies & British rule makes Indian little bit cautious for adventures of globalisation. This has been the root cause for delay in liberalisation in India. In literary terms, globalisation has been defined in several ways as evident from definitions reproduced below. In the initial sense of the term, globalisation refers to the spread of new forms of non-territorial social activity (Ruggie, 1993; Scholte, 2000). To make term more clear, Globalisation has been defined as the process of rapid integration of countries and happening through greater foreign trade and foreign investment.

In essence, it refers to increased possibilities for action between and among people in situations irrespective of geographical considerations as per the definition of social theorists. Developed countries have been trying to pursue developing countries to liberalise the trade and allow more flexibility in business policies to provide equal opportunities to multinational firms in their domestic market. International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank helped them in this endeavour. Liberalisation began to hold its foot on barren lands of developing countries like India by means of reduction in excise duties on electronic goods in a fixed time frame. Indian government did the same and liberalised the trade and investment due to the pressure from World Trade Organisation.

Import duties were cut down phase-wise to allow MNC's operate in India on equality basis. As a result globalisation has brought to India new technologies, new products and also the economic opportunities. Despite bureaucracy, lack of infrastructure, and an ambiguous policy framework that adversely impact MNCs operating in India, MNCs are looking at India in a big way, and are making huge investments to set up R&D centers in the country. India has made a lead over other growing economies for IT, business processing, and R&D investments. There has been both positive and negative impact of globalisation on social and cultural values in India. There is no denying of the fact that globalisation has brought cheers to people's life by opening new vistas of employment. It has also made inroads in the cultural heritage of this country.

Due to economic liberalisation and globalisation, the world has become a “global village”. There is increasing interaction between people of different countries. As a result food habits, dress habits, lifestyle and views are being internationalised. The influence of globalisation on such aspects are analysed under the following heads

Religion

India is the birth place of Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Dharmic religions, also known as Indian religions, are a major form of world religions next to the Abrahamic ones. India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world, with some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures. Religion still plays a central and definitive role in the life of most of its people. Despite the strong role of religion in Indian life, atheism and agnostics also have visible influence along with a self-ascribed tolerance to other faiths.

Impact

Along with Christian religion came the rest of British or Western culture, thought and customs and the gradual end of traditional ways of life. Thus our traditional religions and cultures were gradually subverted or eliminated. The new Indian converts to Christianity were encouraged not only to give up their religion but their culture, which often had religious or spiritual implications as well. A good Indian Christian convert would dress like an Englishman and emulate English manners in all things. Thus in India the Hindus who converted to Christianity were encouraged to think, behave and live like Englishmen.

Society

The traditional Indian culture is defined by relatively strict social hierarchy. From an early age, children are reminded of their roles and places in society. Several differences such as religion divide culture. However, far more powerful division is the traditional Hindu bifurcation into non-polluting and polluting occupations.

Strict social taboos have governed these groups for thousands of years. Among developing countries, India has low levels of occupational and geographic mobility. People choose same occupations as their parents and rarely move geographically in the society.

Family

India for ages has had a prevailing tradition of the joint family system. Arranged marriages have the tradition in Indian society for centuries. Overwhelming majority of Indians have their marriages planned by their parents and other respected familymembers, with the consent of the bride and groom. Although women and men are equal before the law and the trend toward gender equality has been noticeable, women and men still occupy distinct functions in Indian society. Woman's role in the society is often to perform household works and pro bono community work.

Greeting

Namaste, Namaskar or Namaskaram is a common spoken greeting or salutation in the Indian subcontinent. When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest.

Festivals

India, being a multi-cultural and multi-religious society, celebrates holidays and festivals of various religions. The 3 National holidays in India, are the Independence Day, the Republic Day and the Gandhi Jayanti, Popular religious festivals include the Hindu festivals of Diwali, Durga puja, Holi, Rakshabandhan, Dussehra, Ramsaan etc.

Impact

Nuclear families are emerging.

Divorce rates are rising day by day.

Men and women are gaining equal right to education, to earn, and to speak.

‘Hi’, ‘Hello’ is used to greet people in spite of Namaskar and Namaste.

American festivals like Valentines day, Friendship day etc. are spreading across India.

Cuisine

The multiple families of Indian cuisine are characterised by their sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs. Though a significant portion of Indian food is vegetarian, many traditional Indian dishes also include chicken, goat, lamb, fish, and other meats. Cuisine across India has also been influenced by various cultural groups that entered India throughout history, such as the Persians, Mughals, and European colonists. Though the tandoor originated in Central Asia, Indian tandoori dishes, such as chicken tikka made with Indian ingredients, enjoy widespread popularity.

Impact

Indian cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines across the globe. Historically,Indian spices and herbs were one of the most sought after trade commodities. Pissas, burgers, Chinese foods and other Western foods have become quite popular.

Source: http://iascharisma.blogspot.in