Rising 'ethnocentricism' is leading to conflict in our society. Assess this statement with appropriate reasons. (UPSC CSE Mains 2021 - Sociology, Paper 2)
Ethnocentrism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture. It often involves the tendency to judge other groups or cultures by the standards of one’s own. In India, a diverse country with a multitude of ethnic groups, languages, religions, and cultures, the rise of ethnocentrism has led to increased tensions and conflicts among different groups.
- One of the main reasons for the rise in ethnocentrism in India is the growing influence of identity politics. Political parties and leaders often use identity-based issues to mobilize support and gain power. This has led to a situation where different ethnic and religious groups are pitted against each other, leading to increased tensions and conflicts.
- For example, the rise of Hindu nationalism in India has led to a growing sense of ethnocentrism among some sections of the Hindu population. This has resulted in increased incidents of violence against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. The cow protection movement, which seeks to enforce a ban on cow slaughter, has led to the lynching of several people, mostly from the Muslim community, on suspicion of cow smuggling or consumption of beef.
- Another example is the ongoing conflict in the northeastern states of India, where ethnocentrism has fueled tensions between indigenous tribes and non-tribal settlers. The demand for separate states based on ethnic identity has led to violent clashes and loss of lives in these regions.
- Caste-based discrimination is another manifestation of ethnocentrism in India. Despite legal measures to prevent caste-based discrimination, the caste system continues to be deeply entrenched in Indian society. This has led to widespread discrimination, violence, and social exclusion of lower caste groups.
- The rise of ethnocentrism in India can also be attributed to the rapid pace of globalization and modernization. As people are exposed to new ideas, cultures, and lifestyles, there is a tendency to cling to one’s own cultural identity as a means of asserting one’s distinctiveness and superiority. This has led to a growing intolerance towards cultural diversity and an unwillingness to accept and accommodate differences.
The rising ethnocentrism in India is indeed leading to conflict in society. The increasing influence of identity politics, the persistence of caste-based discrimination, and the impact of globalization and modernization have all contributed to the growth of ethnocentrism. To address this issue, it is crucial to promote a culture of tolerance, inclusiveness, and respect for diversity. This can be achieved through education, awareness campaigns, and legal measures that promote social harmony and discourage discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or caste.
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