Q. Globalisation has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Core Demand of the Question

  • Impact on Personal Freedom.
  • Impact on Familial Relationship.

Answer

Introduction

A study by UN Women highlights a 20% rise in urban migration among unmarried women aged 20–30 in the past two decades. Globalisation has played a key role in this shift by opening up urban job markets, enabling women to migrate independently, reshaping both their individual freedoms and traditional family ties.

Body

Impact on Personal Freedom

Positive Impact Negative Impact
1. Economic Sufficiency and Decisional Autonomy: Independent income allows women to make choices in lifestyle, savings, housing, and career.

Example: Single working women in cities manage their own finances, investments, and health needs without family intervention.

1. Safety and Mobility Constraints: Concerns around harassment and lack of safe public spaces limit women’s free movement.

Example: Avoiding night shifts due to safety concerns.

2. Freedom in Social and Personal Choices: Urban anonymity and cosmopolitan environments allow freedom in clothing, friendships, relationships, and mobility.

Example: Inter-caste/inter-faith relationships or solo travel with less scrutiny.

2. Mental Health and Emotional Displacement: Being away from familial support and coping with high-pressure environments can cause anxiety and loneliness.

Example: Women in demanding jobs experience burnout with limited emotional support.

3. Exposure to Progressive Ideas and Identity Assertion: Access to global education, workplace diversity, and feminist discourse promotes self-confidence and ideological freedom. 3. Social Stigma and Moral Policing: Independent women often face judgment for defying traditional norms.

Eg: Unmarried women are denied rental homes or stereotyped as “non-traditional.”

4. Digital and Informational Empowerment:

Urban environments offer better digital access, enabling women to learn, express, and organize independently.

4. Balancing Autonomy and Traditional Expectations: Urban freedom often clashes with traditional expectations leading to internal conflict.
Eg: A woman working may delay marriage for her career, but faces regular pressure from family back home to “settle down.”

Impact on Relationship with Family

Positive Impact Negative Impact
1. Improved Family Standing:  Financial contributions increase respect and influence in family decisions.

Example: Supporting a sibling’s education strengthens their role in household matters.

1.Value Clashes Creating Tension: Urban attitudes often conflict with traditional expectations.

Eg: Parents object to clothing choices or lifestyle decisions.

2. Gradual Shift in Gender Norms: Exposure to urban life reshapes family views on women’s independence.
Eg: Families slowly accept late working hours or modern lifestyle choices.
2. Familial Pressure to Revert to Norms: Women face demands to marry early or move back home.

Eg: Frequent reminders to settle down despite career focus.

3. Inspirational Impact on Younger Siblings: Sets a precedent for educational and career aspirations.
Eg: Younger sisters seek higher studies after seeing elder sibling succeed.
3. Guilt from Emotional Absence: Missing out on family moments can strain relationships.

Example: Inability to care for aging parents or attend events.

4. Reversal of Traditional Dependency Roles: Migration empowers daughters to become providers, challenging son-centric norms.
Eg: Funding her parents’ medical expenses, becoming the primary caregiver.
4. Perceived Alienation or Distance: Success can be misread as detachment from roots.

Eg: Accusations of “forgetting one’s values” after settling in cities.

Conclusion

Globalisation has undoubtedly expanded personal freedom for young women through education and economic opportunity. At the same time, it has redefined family relationships by introducing both tension and transformation. The future lies in fostering an environment where autonomy and familial bonds co-evolve with mutual respect.

Extra Edge

Impact of Globalisation on increased Urban Migration by Skilled, Young, Unmarried Women
  • Expansion of Economic Opportunities: Globalisation opened up employment opportunities in sectors that actively recruit women like IT, media, hospitality and healthcare.
  • Rising Access to Higher Education and English Proficiency: Post-1990s liberalisation led to educational expansion, enabling women to gain degrees, English fluency, and skills relevant to urban and global job markets.
  • Rise of Gender-Inclusive Workspaces: Global MNCs promote diversity and inclusion, creating relatively safer and more enabling work environments for unmarried women.
    Eg: Many firms now offer gender-sensitive HR policies, including maternity leave, harassment redressal, and flexible hours.
  • Aspirational Urban Culture: Urban settings influenced by global media encourage individualism, mobility, and aspirations beyond domestic roles.
    Eg: Young women are increasingly migrating alone for education, gigs, or entrepreneurship to metro cities.

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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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