Question

Analyse any two reasons for resistance to globalisation in India.

Hint:

Two Dimensions of Resistance to Globalisation in India: - Economic Resistance: Harm to small-scale industries, artisans, and marginal farmers due to MNC competition and reduced subsidies. - Cultural Resistance: Loss of traditional cultural identity and values due to Westernization.

Answer 1

Concept: While globalisation has brought economic growth, technological modernization, and expanded consumer choices, it has also sparked significant opposition across various socio-economic groups in India. Anti-globalisation resistance in India comes from both political spectrums (Left and Right) and civil society movements. Detailed Analysis of Reasons for Resistance to Globalisation in India:
• Socio-Economic Threat to Small-Scale Farmers, Local Traders, and Small Businessmen (Economic Critique):
• Economic critics argument that the removal of import duties and opening of domestic markets to powerful Multinational Corporations (MNCs) severely harms traditional small-scale industries, local artisans, and small traders who cannot compete with global economies of scale.
• In the agricultural sector, commercialization, reduction of state subsidies, and patenting of agricultural inputs (like seeds by MNCs) have exposed small and marginal Indian farmers to global market price volatility, contributing to agrarian distress.
• Left-leaning political groups argue that globalisation enriches high-skilled urban sectors while accentuating wealth inequality and weakening safety nets for vulnerable populations.
• Threat to Cultural Identity and Traditional Values (Cultural Critique):
• Cultural critics, particularly right-wing political and social organizations (such as the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch), argue that economic globalisation leads to cultural homogenization or 'Westernization' (McDonaldization).
• There is deep concern that pervasive foreign television networks, Western fashion, commercialism, and lifestyle norms threaten traditional family values, indigenous artistic traditions, local languages, and cultural heritage.