Answer: 

Introduction:

Globalization means growing interdependence and integration of economies, societies and cultures from across the world. It is brought about by cross border trade of goods, services and technology and flow of investment and people.

Body:

Globalization has affected all sections of the society, and women in India are not an exception. The new circumstances created by globalization affects almost all aspects of women’s life in India. Some of these are as follows:

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Positive effects of globalization on women

• Change in value systems: Liberal values have toned down the patriarchal mindset of Indian society. The belief that women should be homebound has changed. More women are independent and participate in family and societal decision-making.
• More opportunities: Globalization has undermined the traditional role of women in homemaking, farming, livestock, animal husbandry, handicrafts, handlooms etc and resulted in a relatively better environment for women. Women are able to engage in productive labor outside their house which helps them raise their standard of living and boosts confidence.
• Changing role in Family, Marriage, Caste: Globalization has posed a major challenge to the institution of patriarchy in India. As women take up jobs and achieve social mobility, they have also begun to stand up for their rights. Nuclear families have become more common and marrying within the same caste has become less important.
• Rise in access to education and skills: Different NGOs have come up in India which impart literacy and vocational skills to women. These make women capable of improving their life.
• Political participation: Increased political participation of women makes it possible for women to raise their issues and get them resolved through their direct participation.

Negative effects of globalization on women:

• Dual burden: Balancing the traditional role of women in the household with her new found role as a working woman in the globalized economy is the foremost challenge faced by working women.
• Gender Wage disparity: Although globalization has provided opportunities, it has not addressed the inequality ingrained in the society. This is manifested in wage disparity i.e., despite the same position and type of work, women earned less than their male counterparts.
• Feminization of labor: Females are considered apt for certain kinds of jobs, often called ‘pink-collar jobs’. Eg. Teaching, nursing, hospitality, etc. Anything apart from these jobs are considered taboo by families and women are not allowed to enter such jobs.
• Distant from traditions: Traditional family values are fading. Women are no longer the carriers of traditions. Working women’s changing attitudes have rendered traditional values obsolete.
• Decline in mental and physical health: Overwork has harmed women’s health. Lifestyle illnesses are more common among women. Fertility and mental health difficulties have increased.
• Objectification of women: The Western ideas about women are etched into the minds of people due to globalization while the core way of living in India is totally different. This clash leads to increased objectification of women and crimes against women.

 Conclusion:

Globalization affected Indian women in both ways, but there is a greater scope to improve the situation for women as globalization keeps on providing new opportunities and Indian women have infinite capabilities.