Diversity is the key word that describes the culture of India. And Globalization, which is the process of expanding and accelerating the movement of ideas, people, capital and exchange of commodities (goods and services) over vast distances, has had a significant impact on Indian cultural diversity.
Affect on core of cultural diversity:
• Linguistic diversity:The influence of transnational corporations has resulted in centralist language, which dominates regional dialects, and minority languages. Eg: In urban areas, most of the families these days talk in English even at homes. But it has a positive dimension, where it had lead to Indians excelling in the services sector of the economy.
• Caste Diversity:Though globalization 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:In a globalized world where 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 minorties, Eg: NE students attacked in New Delhi.
Influence
Negative influence:
• Unmonitored access to Western culture has led to increasing Misrepresentation, stereotyping and the risk of loss of cultural and intellectual property rights.
• Increased consumerism and availability of media has led to erosion of local cultural traits.
• Under the influence of Western idea of individualism there has been more homogenization of values and beliefs. Eg: 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.
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.
