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Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks (UPSC IAS Mains 2024 General Studies Paper – 1)
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.
Impact on personal freedoms
Positive |
Negative |
1. Economic Independence: reducing the pressure of early marriage and childbirth. |
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. |
Impact on familial relationship
Positive |
Negative |
1. Secularization of Customs: The rising preference for court marriages over traditional big fat Indian weddings. |
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. |
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.”