Question

Analyse any two reasons for resistance to globalisation in India.

Hint:

To write a high-scoring answer on resistance to globalisation, divide your arguments into two clean, distinct headers: Economic Resistance (focusing on MNC dominance and threats to small traders/farmers) and Cultural Resistance (focusing on Western cultural imperialism and the erosion of local values).

Answer 1

Step 1: Analysing Economic Resistance:
A major source of resistance to globalisation in India comes from the economic domain, championed by both left-leaning political groups and trade union networks. Critics argue that economic globalisation, characterized by trade liberalization and the entry of Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), harms domestic industries and marginalizes vulnerable populations. Specifically:
• It threatens the livelihoods of local, small-scale retail traders and domestic manufacturers who cannot compete with global corporate giants.
• In the agricultural sector, there is severe anxiety among farmers over corporate patenting of indigenous seeds, reduction of state subsidies, and the influx of highly subsidized foreign agricultural imports. %

Step 2: Analysing Cultural Resistance:
Another significant vector of resistance is cultural, often spearheaded by right-leaning political outfits and socio-cultural preservationists. This school of thought fears that globalisation leads to "cultural homogenization," which is perceived as a form of Western cultural imperialism. Specific concerns include:
• The erosion of traditional Indian values, community-centric family systems, and local cultural practices.
• The commercialized spread of Western lifestyle habits, dress codes, food preferences, and commercial celebrations (e.g., Valentine's Day), which are seen as detrimental to indigenous cultural heritage.