Globalization describes the growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in goods and services, technology, and flows of investment, people, and information, often led to changes in lifestyle, beliefs, ideologies and economies.
Increased Urban Migration By Skilled, Young, Unmarried Women From Various Classes Due To Globalization
- Economic Opportunities in Urban Areas: According to a NASSCOM report (2021), the Indian IT sector is projected to create over 1.5 million new jobs by 2025, with women constituting about 34% of the workforce in these cities, highlighting the demand for skilled labor.
- Access to Education and Skill Development: As per All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 which said that female enrolment in Higher Education increased to 2.07 crore in 2021-22 from 1.57 crore in 2014-15
- Financial Independence and Personal Freedom: Working in urban tech sectors enables women to achieve financial autonomy.
- Social Mobility: Migration provides young women with opportunities for upward social mobility, allowing them to improve their socio-economic status.
- Breaking Traditional Family Norms: A study by UN Women (2021) found that 60% of urban women prioritize their careers over traditional family expectations.
- Access to Better Living Standards: According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO, 2020), urban areas have seen a 20% increase in access to basic services, contributing to a higher quality of life that attracts young women.
Globalization’s Impact on personal freedoms
| Positive | Negative |
| 1. Economic Independence: reducing the pressure of early marriage and childbirth. 2. Breaking Traditional Norms and to explore their personal identities, choose their attire, and build social networks. 3. Freedom in Lifestyle Choices about relationships, career paths, and social activities. 4. Enjoying Fundamental rights like Right to bodily autonomy under Article 21. 5. Professional Growth – Access to better career opportunities and skill development. 6. Changing Attitudes: Eg:The MeToo movement in India has raised awareness and changed workplace policies on harassment. 7. Increase in Live-In Relationships: A 2023 report by the India Today Group found that 18% of urban youth are open to live-in relationships, a significant increase from 5% in 2010. | 1. Persistent Glass Ceiling: Women still face significant barriers in employment opportunities. Eg: In 2022, women held only 15% of senior management positions in India. 2. Social Media Challenges: According to NCRB data, crimes against women increased by 15% in 2021. 3. Socio-Cultural Expectations: often relegated to “pink-collar” jobs such as nursing and caregiving. India ranks 135th out of 156 countries in the Gender Gap Index (2022). 4. Mental Health Issues: Among those aged 15-39, suicide has become a leading cause of death, with women accounting for 71% of these cases in this age group. |
Globalization’s Impact on familial relationship
| Positive | Negative |
| 1. Secularization of Customs: The rising preference for court marriages over traditional big fat Indian weddings. 2. Shift in Familial Expectations – Changing family roles as daughters become breadwinners or key contributors. 3. Assertiveness in Nuclear Families: Women find it easier to assert their rights in nuclear families which has seen a rise due to globalization. 4. Financial support of family increases respect and status. 5. Emotional Maturity: more self-aware and emotionally resilient, enabling them to handle family dynamics with patience and understanding. | 1. Diminished Sacredness of Marriage: The divorce rate in India, though still low, has risen, with urban areas like Bangalore reporting a 4.5% divorce rate as per a 2022 study by the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2. Emotional Distance: Urban migration often leads to less frequent interactions with family members, creating emotional distance. 3. Conflicts Over Independence: Migrant women may face disapproval from family regarding their lifestyle choices, such as working late hours or living independently. 4. Cultural and Generational Gaps: Migrant women may adopt new values and lifestyles that differ from their family’s traditions, leading to misunderstandings and tensions. |
As per american philosopher Nancy Fraser, “Globalization has the potential to both liberate and oppress women, depending on the context and the policies that are put in place.”
