In an interconnected world, the term “globalization” has become a ubiquitous buzzword that encapsulates the intricate web of economic, technological, cultural, and social interactions that bind nations and people together. The rapid advancements in communication, transportation, and trade have paved the way for a new era of interconnectedness, fostering both opportunities and challenges for societies and individuals worldwide. As globalization continues to reshape our world, it’s essential to examine its multifaceted impact on society and people. Globalization began with European industrialization in the 14th and 15th centuries, or even earlier, but the speed and intensity were accelerated after the Industrial Revolution in 1779. In 1990, the process of globalization increased the space of world trade, communication technology, smartphones, TV, internet technology, etc. reducing the world to the level of a village.
Globalization received impetus in India in the 1990s. In 1991, India adopted a New Economic Policy that was based on: (i) Globalization, (ii) Liberalization, and (ii) Privatization. Globalization integrated the Indian economy with the global economy through the reduction in import duties and export restrictions, the promotion of foreign investment and the permission for the free flow of foreign technology and skill. The main aspects of the New Economic Policy of the Government of India were:
• The government licensing system was loosened and significant relaxations in the restrictions were made.
• The subsidies on fertilizers and agriculture were withdrawn or reduced.
• A drastic reduction in the allocation of funds for poverty, alleviation programmes, and health and education.
• Rapid privatization of education and public-owned companies, e.g., banking, insurance, and massive growth of contract labour.
Penalties of Globalization
Globalization has closely influenced the life and work of people, their families, economy and society. Some of the impacts have been briefly presented in the following:
• Globalization has affected employment, working conditions, income, security, identity, customs, traditions and culture of the people and workers.
• The reduction of jobs in the public sector and increase in job opportunities in the private sector.
• There is an increase in the number of people below the poverty line.
• There is large-scale migration of rural workers to the million and megacities.
• Entry of the private sector in education and health care has made both more expensive and beyond the reach of ordinary income groups.
• Increasing competition among the private services has created the danger of a reduction of payroll, ultimately making the workers unemployed. job security in the private sector is undoubtedly less.
• Increased mechanization, automation and new technology have displaced unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Moreover, the existing skilled workers became obsolete which required training and up-gradation.
• The income and social status of farmers have decreased substantially.
• In order to grow more cereals and cash crops, there is heavy application of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. These chemical inputs have polluted the surface and underground waters.
• The export-oriented fisheries sector opened the waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone to multinational corporations for fish trawling. Such activities have adversely affected the marine ecosystems.
• The global movement of people and goods can facilitate the spread of diseases and pathogens. Additionally, the adoption of Western-style diets and sedentary lifestyles in various parts of the world has contributed to an increase in non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes. The presence of pesticides in some of the soft drinks is a great health hazard.
• Globalization led to the dominance of certain cultural norms, values, and languages, often from more powerful nations. This can marginalize local cultures and languages, resulting in a loss of cultural diversity and identity. The English language has achieved the status of lingua franca. English speakers are increasing in the country, while some of the languages are disappearing.
• There is a high degree of cultural pollution in both urban and rural areas. The young generation is adopting the lifestyle of Western society. They prefer Western foods, clothing, hairstyle, manners and etiquette.
• In some cases, globalization led to social fragmentation and the erosion of community ties. As individuals pursue opportunities abroad or become more integrated into global networks, traditional social bonds and local communities may weaken. It has damaged the institution of the joint-family system. The nucleated families are under great stress. The children are generally ignored as both the wife and husband are in jobs.
• The fine arts, literature, music, dance, paintings, sculpture and over the gamut of life have either adversely affected.
The influences of globalization serve as a stark reminder that the intricate web of interconnectedness also brings with it a set of challenges that cannot be ignored. As the world becomes more interdependent, it becomes imperative to address these negative consequences with urgency and proactive measures. By striving for a harmonious balance between the benefits and drawbacks of interconnectedness, humanity can forge a path toward a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
The writer is a researcher, geographer and writer. He can be reached at [email protected]

Daawar Bashir Ganaie