Chapter 7
Globalization
In this chapter we will study about globalization and its multi-dimensional concept and will also know the impact of globalization on India , opposition to globalization in the world and its impact on society.
Globalization
1. Meaning of globalization
Globalization means flow , which can be of many types.
- The movement of thoughts from one part to another.
- Reaching more than one country.
- Capital reaching more than one place.
- Movement of people from one country to another in search of better livelihood.
2. Due to globalization
1. High level of technology has brought the whole world together which is today called Vishwa Ram.
2. The invention of telephone , telegraph , internet and other means of communication has connected the entire world.
3. Printing technology has spread important ideas all over the world.
4. Cooperation among all the countries in the world has increased to solve all the environmental related problems .
Dimensions of Globalisation
- Globalization is a multi-dimensional concept , it has political , economic and social consequences.
1. Political effects of globalisation
- There has been a change in the policies , functions and role of the government .
- Government interferes less in industries.
- Now the government is moving away from the concept of welfare state and adopting a policy of minimum intervention.
- Government is getting high technology through which government is gaining control over the citizens.
- The state now limits itself to some tasks like maintaining law and order and giving security to the citizens.
- The state has now become more powerful than before.
2. Cultural effects of globalization
- Cultural uniformity has been promoted and the influence of western culture has increased.
- Changes in eating habits , changes in lifestyle.
- Cultures are declining.
- There is an increasing inclination towards American cultures.
- Deterioration and improvement in the status of women.
- The trend towards foreign films , festivals and music is increasing.
- Conservatism is coming to an end.
- Foreign culture has spread.
- People's thinking is changing.
3. Economic effects of globalization
- International institutions such as the International Monetary Fund , the World Bank and the World Trade Organization have increased their influence on economic policies.
- Free trade is increasing , import restrictions are being removed.
- Capitalist countries are benefiting and developed countries are making their visa policies stricter.
- Privatisation and capitalism are being promoted.
- Lakhs of people are getting employment , competition in the market is increasing.
- Products from different countries are easily available in the market.
India and Globalisation
- The history of globalization in the world and in India is very old.
- India was an importer of finished goods and exporter of raw materials.
- After independence, India took the decision that we will end our dependence on other countries.
- India adopted a policy of protectionism and tried to encourage its own producers.
- This led to progress in some areas while some areas sank.
- India lagged behind other countries.
- In 1991 , a new economic policy was adopted to overcome the financial crisis.
- Trade barriers were eliminated , which benefited India.
- Due to globalization, India's economic growth rate has increased from 5.5% per annum in 1990 to 7.5% per annum.
Opposition to globalization
- Globalization is being criticized all over the world.
- Both leftist and rightist people have opposed it.
1. Leftists
- Leftists say – the current globalization is a special system of capitalism.
- It is making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
- The state is becoming weak , the state is no longer able to protect the interests of the poor.
2. Right wing
Right-wing critics of globalisation say.
- This is having adverse effect on political , economic and cultural impact.
- Globalization has had bad cultural impacts.
- People are losing their centuries old culture.
3. World Social Forum (WSF)
- Anti-globalization movements are taking place not only in India but all over the world.
- WSF has been created as a platform to oppose globalisation .
- Human rights activists , environmentalists , laborers , youth and women activists have come together under this platform .
( WSF – World Social Forum )
1. WSF first meeting – Brazil in 2001
2. WSF 4th Meeting - Mumbai in 2004
3. WSF 16th Meeting - 2018 Brazil
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