Q12. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalisation on women in India?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Globalisation, the process of increased interconnectedness of economies and cultures, has had profound impacts on women in India. While it has opened new opportunities for women's empowerment, it has also posed significant challenges.

Body

Positive Effects of Globalization on Women in India:

  • Increased Employment Opportunities: Globalisation has expanded job opportunities for women, especially in sectors like IT, BPO, textiles, and services. More women are participating in the workforce, contributing to economic growth and financial independence.
  • Education and Skill Development: Exposure to global trends has increased awareness about the importance of education for girls. More women are pursuing higher education and vocational training, enabling them to access better jobs and leadership positions.
  • Empowerment through Technology: Access to global communication networks has empowered women by connecting them to information, markets, and networks. Many women entrepreneurs are leveraging technology for small businesses and social ventures.
  • Increased Awareness of Rights: Globalisation has promoted awareness about gender equality and women’s rights through global movements and international conventions. This has led to increased activism, legal reforms, and policy initiatives to protect women’s rights in India.

Negative Effects of Globalization on Women in India:

  • Exploitation in Labour Markets: Many women are employed in low-wage, insecure jobs in sectors like textiles and agriculture. The informal nature of work often results in poor working conditions, lack of social security, and gender-based wage disparities.
  • Cultural Erosion and Objectification: The influence of global media has sometimes perpetuated stereotypes and objectified women, promoting unrealistic beauty standards and commodification in advertisements and entertainment.
  • Increased Burden of Unpaid Work: While more women are joining the workforce, they continue to bear the burden of unpaid domestic work. This "double burden" of paid and unpaid labour limits their personal and professional growth.
  • Widening Economic Inequality: Globalisation has exacerbated economic disparities, with rural and uneducated women having fewer opportunities to benefit from global trends compared to their urban, educated counterparts.

Conclusion

Globalisation has brought both opportunities and challenges for women in India. While it has empowered many women through education, employment, and access to information, it has also created new forms of exploitation and inequality. Addressing these issues requires targeted policies that ensure equal opportunities and protect women’s rights, so they can fully benefit from globalisation.

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