Question

Impact of globalisation on cultural diversity in india

Answer 1

Answer:

Linguistic diversity: resulted in centralist language, which dominates regional dialects, and minority languages. E.g.: In urban areas, most of the families these days talk in English even at homes. But it has a positive dimension, where it had led to Indians excelling in the services sector of the economy.

Caste Diversity: has led to decreased emphasis on localized castes but the socio-economic disparities in societies continues to cause conflicts, which are dominated by caste hegemony.

Religious diversity: increased prosperity and materialistic pursuits have decreased the religion based conflicts but religion continues to dominate the social sphere mostly concerned with ethos and values. It also had led to questioning the age old exploitative traditions like Devadasi and Triple-talaq. Also though India was multi-religious but was dominated by Hindu’s with globalization it has led to be polarized by few religions. Also, exposed India to religious fundamentalism.

Racial diversity: Globalization to an extent has changed the racial demography to an extent with decreasing numbers of Mongoloid race. Migration from North East side of India has to an extent changed the demography of Indian races. The economic inequalities and slow movement towards mono-culture has led to increased attacks on racial minorities, E.g.: NE students attacked in New Delhi.

Influence

Negative influence:

Unmonitored access to Western culture – Misrepresentation, stereotyping and the risk of loss of cultural and intellectual property rights.

Increased consumerism and erosion of local cultural traits.

Under the influence of Western idea of individualism – more homogenization of values and beliefs. e.g.: Loss of local artifacts, promotion of western dressing, shift from local culinary habits etc.

Positive influence:

Technology has helped preserve some of the dying artifacts, document local languages and also exposed Indians to various global arts/movies etc.

It has minimized cultural barriers and promoted universal ethos (reducing partial mindset etc.), education etc.

Conclusion

Conclude that Globalization to an extent acted as a unifying force but monitored access would help India preserve its multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-caste society