Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Briefly introduce the concept of globalization.
• Discuss Globalization as a catalyst for cultural pluralism in India.
• Discuss Globalization as a threat to fostering pluralism.
• Conclude with a suitable way forward

Introduction:

Globalization, defined as the increasing interconnectedness of the world through the movement of goods, ideas, information, and people, has had a profound impact on the cultural fabric of Indian society. While it has opened new avenues for cultural exchange and pluralism, it has also led to concerns about the erosion of indigenous traditions, languages, and value systems.

Body

Globalization as a Catalyst for Cultural Pluralism in India :

• Global Recognition of Indian Traditions: Practices like Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian cuisine have gained global recognition, with the UN declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day, indicating the reverse flow of cultural influence.
• Cultural Hybridization: Indian society has demonstrated remarkable adaptability by absorbing global influences while retaining its indigenous identity.
  • The international success of films like Lagaan and RRR showcases cultural fusion with global appeal.
• Empowerment and Social Change: Global exposure has amplified discourses around gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental sustainability, encouraging shifts in social attitudes especially among urban youth.
  • The 2018 decriminalization of homosexuality (Section 377) was partly influenced by global human rights movements.

Globalization as a Threat to Traditional Values and Practices:

• Cultural Homogenization and Westernization: There is growing concern that Western ideals, consumerism, and media are displacing traditional Indian practices.
  • Festivals are increasingly commercialized, and traditional attire is often replaced by Western clothing.
  • Valentine’s Day, an imported concept, is now widely celebrated, often seen as overshadowing indigenous festivals like Basant Panchami.
• Language Displacement: English is increasingly becoming the dominant medium in education and employment, leading to the marginalization of regional languages and literature.
  • According to the People’s Linguistic Survey of India 2013, around 220 languages have been lost in the last 50 years and 197 have been categorised as Endangered.
• Family and Social Structures: The traditional joint family system is giving way to nuclear families, particularly in urban areas, leading to weakening intergenerational bonds and value transmission.
  • A NSSO survey (2011-12) showed a marked rise in nuclear households across India post-1990s economic liberalization.

Conclusion:

As sociologist Anthony Giddens notes, “Globalization is a dialectical process—it both enables and constrains.” India’s cultural journey reflects this dual impact—enriching pluralism while challenging traditions. The path forward lies in balancing heritage with global modernity through conscious cultural negotiation.