HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 296: Model Answer

Question: To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain (8 marks/ 120 words)

Answer.

The cultural diversity of India encompasses the spectrum of demographic as well as philosophical differences. India is diverse not just in religion, race and caste, but also in languages, traditions, foods, clothing, festivals and the way of living.

The globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India in the following ways:

Family structure: Increasing urbanization as a consequence of globalization has resulted in migration of people from rural areas, resulting in the disintegration of the joint family system. A new trend of nuclear families with one or maximum two children has emerged in India.

Role of Women: As a result of globalization, women in India have become more aware of their rights and are now stepping out of homes to pursue not only schooling but higher education and jobs. With patriarchy’s influence decreasing, women are taking leading roles in various walks of life.

Role of caste is decreasing: with increasing urbanization as a result of globalisation, not only are caste barriers breaking at workplace but also at areas of living-people belonging to all caste work and live together. On the other hand, class discrimination is increasing.

Lifestyle: Whether it be in attire, food habits or taste in music, there has been an attempt to imitate the West. Sarees, Salwar-Kameez for women has given way to skirts and pant, jeans and shirts. Similarly for men, traditional dhoti-kurta has been replaced by shirts and trousers. Even in food habits, junk food like pizzas, burgers, pasta are the preferred choices of the youth today in India.

Language:  English today is becoming the favoured mode of communication among the people of India over their mother tongues.

Conclusion:

Globalization has made a gradual but an irreversible impact on the Indian cultural diversity, making visible changes in the priorities and ways of living of the people.