Globalisation
Political Science • NCERT Solutions • Chapter 9
Objective Type Questions
1. Which of the statements are TRUE about globalisation?
Answer: (d) Globalisation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon.
(It involves economic, political, and cultural dimensions).
(It involves economic, political, and cultural dimensions).
2. Which of the statements are TRUE about the impact of globalisation?
Answer: (a) Globalisation has been uneven in its impact on states and societies.
(While some sectors/nations benefit greatly, others may be marginalized).
(While some sectors/nations benefit greatly, others may be marginalized).
3. Which of the statements are TRUE about the causes of globalisation?
Answer: (a) Technology is an important cause of globalisation.
(Advancements in transport and communication are primary drivers).
(Advancements in transport and communication are primary drivers).
4. Which of the statements are TRUE about globalisation?
Answer: (d) Globalisation is about worldwide interconnectedness.
5. Which of the statements are FALSE about globalisation?
Answer: (c) Advocates of globalisation argue that it will result in cultural homogenisation.
(Explanation: Critics argue it leads to homogenisation. Advocates usually argue it leads to cultural enrichment or modernization).
(Explanation: Critics argue it leads to homogenisation. Advocates usually argue it leads to cultural enrichment or modernization).
Short Answer Questions
6. What is worldwide interconnectedness? What are its components?
Worldwide Interconnectedness refers to the sustained and continuous links between people, nations, and economies across the globe.
Components (Flows):
Components (Flows):
- Ideas: Movement of ideologies and knowledge across borders.
- Capital: Movement of money and investments between nations.
- Commodities: Trade of goods and services.
- People: Migration for livelihood and education.
7. How has technology contributed to globalisation?
Technology is the catalyst of globalisation:
- Communication: The invention of the telegraph, telephone, and the internet has allowed for real-time communication, making the world a “Global Village.”
- Transport: Advances in air and cargo transport have enabled the rapid movement of goods across long distances.
- Information: The microchip revolution allows the processing and transfer of massive data instantly, essential for global finance and e-commerce.
Critical Analysis
8. Critically evaluate the impact of the changing role of the state in the developing countries in the light of globalisation.
Globalisation has transformed the state from a “Welfare State” to a “Minimalist State.”
Impact:
Impact:
- Erosion of State Capacity: The state withdraws from social sectors (health, education) and focuses mostly on law and order and security. Market forces determine economic priorities.
- Loss of Sovereignty: International institutions (IMF, WTO) often dictate economic policies, reducing the state’s autonomy to make decisions solely for its citizens.
- Counter-Argument: Some argue the state remains relevant. It is still the sole authority on national security and law, and essential for enforcing the rules of the global market.
9. What are the economic implications of globalisation? How has globalisation impacted on India with regard to this particular dimension?
Economic Implications:
- Greater trade in commodities across borders.
- Flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
- Reduction of import restrictions and tariffs.
- Role of international institutions (IMF/WTO) in policy making.
- Growth: Since the 1991 reforms (LPG), India has seen high GDP growth, a boom in the IT/service sector, and increased foreign reserves.
- Challenges: It has also led to “jobless growth” in some sectors, agrarian distress due to removal of subsidies, and increased competition for small retailers from MNCs.
10. Do you agree with the argument that globalisation leads to cultural heterogeneity?
Yes, I agree (partially). While critics fear westernisation (homogenisation), globalisation often produces Cultural Heterogenisation.
Reasoning:
Reasoning:
- Glocalization: Local cultures do not just disappear; they mix with foreign influences to create unique, new forms.
- Examples: Wearing jeans with a Khadi kurta (Indo-Western fashion) or eating a McAloo Tikki burger.
- This process makes each culture more distinctive and diverse rather than uniform. However, the power imbalance means western culture influences local culture more than vice-versa.
11. How has globalisation impacted on India and how is India in turn impacting on globalisation?
Impact on India:
- Access to global markets and technology.
- Changes in lifestyle, diet, and dress (cultural shifts).
- Rise of a global middle class within India.
- Human Capital: India provides a massive pool of skilled professionals (engineers, doctors) to the global economy.
- Outsourcing Hub: India has become the “back office” of the world (BPO/IT services), driving efficiency in global businesses.
- Soft Power: Export of Indian culture (Yoga, Ayurveda, Cinema, Cuisine) is reshaping global cultural trends.