Chapter 6 Globalisation And Social Change

Are Global Interconnections New To World And To India

Global interconnections are not a new phenomenon. Historically, ancient trade routes like the Silk Route connected civilizations across continents. India has long had interactions with traders, conquerors, and migrants from various parts of the world, influencing its languages, culture, and even its demographic composition (e.g., Panini's Afghan origin, Chinese monks learning Sanskrit in India).

Colonialism intensified global connections, driven by Western capitalism's need for resources, markets, and labor. This period saw significant migration of indentured laborers from India to other parts of the world and the slave trade. Post-independence, India maintained global ties through foreign investment, trade, and cultural exchange, but the current phase of globalization is marked by the revolutionary impact of information and communication technologies, leading to unprecedented speed and scope of interaction.

Box 6.1: The well-frog parable warns against isolationism, highlighting the benefits of global interaction. Activity 6.1 suggests tracking media references to globalization to understand its varied usage.

The Early Years

India's historical links with the global world, evident from ancient trade routes like the Silk Route, demonstrate long-standing interconnections. Early interactions involved traders, conquerors, and migrants who settled in India, contributing to cultural exchange and influencing local populations.

Colonialism And The Global Connection

Western colonialism, intrinsically linked to the growth of capitalism, established global control over resources and markets. This period saw large-scale movements of people, including indentured labor from India and the slave trade, intensifying global interconnections.

Independent India And The World

Independent India continued global engagement, influenced by its nationalist movement's commitment to international liberation struggles and solidarity. Migration for education and work, exports, imports, and the presence of foreign firms were integral to India's development strategy.

Understanding Globalisation

Globalisation refers to the growing interdependence of people, regions, and countries worldwide, driven by social, economic, and political factors. While economic forces are central, advancements in information and communication technologies have significantly intensified global interactions. It represents a transformation in capitalism, communication, labor organization, technology, governance, and cultural experiences, moving beyond simple global interconnections.

The Different Dimensions Of Globalisation

Globalisation has multiple dimensions:

The Economic

• Liberalization Policies: Since 1991, India has undertaken economic reforms, removing regulations on trade, finance, and foreign investment to integrate with the global market. This marks a shift from earlier protectionist policies.
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs): These companies operate across multiple countries, influencing global markets and profits, and increasingly include Indian firms expanding internationally.
• Electronic Economy: Enabled by communication technology, allowing instantaneous international financial transactions, which also carry significant risks (e.g., stock market fluctuations).
• Weightless/Knowledge Economy: Economy increasingly based on information, design, development, and services rather than physical production.
• Globalisation of Finance: Integrated financial markets with 24-hour trading, centered in major global cities.

Activity 6.2 asks students to list products from TNCs and reflect on their impact. Activity 6.3 suggests analyzing financial news for global trends.

Global Communications

Advances in technology, especially telecommunications and the internet, have revolutionized global communication, enabling instant interaction across vast distances. India's "Digital India" initiative aims to enhance this connectivity. However, a "digital divide" persists, with rural areas lagging in access due to infrastructure limitations.

Box 6.2 describes the "thin-air" or knowledge economy. Box 6.3 shows the growth of internet users globally and in India. Box 6.4 details India's telecommunications expansion, highlighting the social function of telephones in maintaining family ties. Box 6.5 & 6.6 discuss the changing perception and regulation of mobile phones. Activity 6.4 explores the usage of internet cafes and cell phones.

Activity 6.5 asks for reflections on the phenomenal growth of cell phone usage and its social significance.

Globalisation And Labour

Globalisation has led to a new international division of labor, with routine manufacturing shifting to Third World cities. TNCs seek cheaper labor globally, leading to flexible production models (post-Fordism) rather than centralized mass production. This makes labor populations vulnerable and insecure, as production centers can relocate based on cost advantages.

Box 6.8: A Call Centre illustrates outsourced services. Box 6.9: Labour and Social Trends in Asia highlights a growing "employment gap" despite economic growth, indicating disappointing job creation relative to the workforce.

Globalisation And Employment

Globalisation has created new opportunities for the educated middle class, particularly in the IT and service sectors. However, broader employment trends show a widening "employment gap," where job creation lags behind economic growth, particularly affecting the less educated and marginalized.

Globalisation And Political Changes

The collapse of the socialist world hastened globalization and promoted neo-liberal economic policies emphasizing free markets, deregulation, and reduced state intervention. While this drives economic integration, it also raises concerns about the potential negative impacts on certain sectors and the already excluded populations. The rise of international governmental organizations (IGOs) like the WTO and non-governmental organizations (INGOs) reflects new forms of global political collaboration and advocacy.

Globalisation And Culture

Globalisation profoundly impacts culture, leading to debates about homogenization versus glocalization. While some fear the dominance of global (often Western/American) culture, others argue for glocalization—the adaptation of global products and ideas to local contexts. This mixing often serves commercial interests but also reflects cultural adaptation and negotiation.

Homogenisation Versus Glocalisation Of Culture: The idea that all cultures will become similar (homogenization) is countered by glocalization, where global elements are mixed with local traditions. TNCs often adopt glocalization strategies (e.g., McDonald's offering vegetarian options in India) to enhance marketability. Examples include 'Bhangra pop,' fusion music, and remixes in the music industry.

Gender And Culture: Globalisation's impact on gender is complex. While it can challenge traditional, discriminatory practices against women by introducing new ideas of equality, it can also be used to defend unjust customs or create new forms of exploitation.

Culture Of Consumption: Globalisation promotes a culture of consumption where spending and acquiring goods become central, often linked to status and lifestyle. Shopping malls, multiplexes, and advertisements play a role in shaping consumer desires and values.

Corporate Culture: This management approach aims to increase productivity and competitiveness through unique organizational cultures, employee loyalty, and the promotion of specific values and practices.

Threat To Many Indigenous Craft And Literary Traditions And Knowledge Systems: Globalization, with its emphasis on mass production and global markets, can threaten traditional crafts, literary traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems. Examples include the decline of traditional weavers due to power looms and competition, and attempts by multinational corporations to patent traditional Indian knowledge like Tulsi and turmeric.

Activity 6.5 asks students to reflect on the changing perceptions and usage of mobile phones, from luxury items to essential communication tools.

Activity 6.6 explores how global markets influence local traditions using examples like the Pushkar camel fair and fashion pageants. Activity 6.7 compares traditional markets with modern departmental stores and malls. Activity 6.8 investigates the role of corporations in political campaigns.