GlobalisationClass 12 Contemporary World Politics NCERT Solutions
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Q1Questions
Which of the statements are TRUE about globalisation? a. Globalisation is purely an economic phenomenon. b. Globalisation began in 1991. c. Globalisation is the same thing as westernisation. d. Globalisation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon.
Solution
d. Globalisation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon.
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states that globalisation is a multi-dimensional concept with political, economic, and cultural manifestations. It warns that it is wrong to assume it is purely an economic or cultural phenomenon. The text also indicates that globalisation has a long history, predating 1991, and while Westernisation is an aspect of cultural globalisation, they are not the same thing.
Q2Questions
Which of the statements are TRUE about the impact of globalisation? a. Globalisation has been uneven in its impact on states and societies. b. Globalisation has had a uniform impact on all states and societies. c. The impact of globalisation has been confined to the political sphere. d. Globalisation inevitably results in cultural homogeneity.
Solution
a. Globalisation has been uneven in its impact on states and societies.
Explanation: The text clearly states, "The impact of globalisation is vastly uneven it affects some societies more than others and some parts of some societies more than others". It also discusses political, economic, and cultural consequences, not just political. Furthermore, it argues that globalisation can lead to cultural heterogenisation (making cultures more distinct), not just homogeneity.
Q3Questions
Which of the statements are TRUE about the causes of globalisation? a. Technology is an important cause of globalisation. b. Globalisation is caused by a particular community of people. c. Globalisation originated in the US. d. Economic interdependence alone causes globalisation.
Solution
a. Technology is an important cause of globalisation.
Explanation: The chapter identifies technology as a "critical element" in causing globalisation. It highlights that inventions like the telegraph, telephone, and microchip have revolutionised communication and made the easy movement of ideas, capital, and commodities possible. The text suggests globalisation is a complex process with historical roots and multiple factors, not caused by a single community, country, or just economic interdependence.
Q4Questions
Which of the statements are TRUE about globalisation? a. Globalisation is only about movement of commodities b. Globalisation does not involve a conflict of values. c. Services are an insignificant part of globalisation. d. Globalisation is about worldwide interconnectedness.
Solution
d. Globalisation is about worldwide interconnectedness.
Explanation: The text defines the crucial element of globalisation as the "'worldwide interconnectedness' that is created and sustained as a consequence of these constant flows." These flows are not just of commodities but also of ideas, capital, and people. The example of Janardhan in a call centre shows the significance of services, and Sarika's story illustrates a conflict of values arising from new opportunities.
Q5Questions
Which of the statements are FALSE about globalisation? a. Advocates of globalisation argue that it will result in greater economic growth. b. Critics of globalisation argue that it will result in greater economic disparity. c. Advocates of globalisation argue that it will result in cultural homogenisation. d. Critics of globalisation argue that it will result in cultural homogenisation.
Solution
c. Advocates of globalisation argue that it will result in cultural homogenisation.
Explanation: This statement is false. According to the text, advocates of economic globalisation focus on its potential to generate greater economic growth and well-being. The argument that globalisation leads to cultural homogenisation is presented as a fear held by its critics, who worry that it poses a threat to the rich cultural heritage of the globe by imposing Western culture.
Q6Questions
What is worldwide interconnectedness? What are its components?
Solution
Worldwide interconnectedness is the crucial element of globalisation, created and sustained by constant flows across the globe. It means that events, ideas, and actions in one part of the world can have a significant impact on other parts of the world, linking societies and people together.
According to the chapter, its main components are the four types of flows:
- Flow of Ideas: Ideas moving from one part of the world to another, facilitated by technology like the internet.
- Flow of Capital: Capital being moved or invested between two or more places across national borders.
- Flow of Commodities: Goods and products being traded across borders with fewer restrictions.
- Flow of People: Individuals moving to different parts of the world in search of better livelihoods or other opportunities.
Q7Questions
How has technology contributed to globalisation?
Solution
Technology has been a critical element and a primary driver of contemporary globalisation. Its contributions are significant in several ways:
- Revolutionised Communication: The invention of the telegraph, telephone, and more recently, the microchip, has revolutionised communication. This allows for instant interaction between different parts of the world, which is fundamental for global integration.
- Facilitated Flows: Technological advances have made it easier, faster, and cheaper for ideas, capital, and commodities to move across the globe. The internet and computer-related services are prime examples of how technology enables the flow of information and capital.
- Created Global Awareness: Technology helps people in different parts of the world recognise their interconnections with the rest of the world. We are now aware that events like a tsunami or a pandemic are not confined by national boundaries and can have a global impact, fostering a sense of a shared world.
Q8Questions
Critically evaluate the impact of the changing role of the state in the developing countries in the light of globalisation.
Solution
Globalisation has had a complex and contradictory impact on the role of the state, especially in developing countries. The impact can be evaluated from three different perspectives:
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Erosion of State Capacity: Globalisation has led to an erosion of state capacity, which is the ability of a government to effectively carry out its functions. The traditional 'welfare state' is giving way to a more 'minimalist state' that withdraws from many of its social and economic welfare responsibilities like health, education, and sanitation. The market, influenced by multinational companies (MNCs), becomes the primary determinant of social and economic priorities. This reduces the capacity of governments in developing countries to make independent decisions that serve their poorest citizens.
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Primacy of the State Continues: At the same time, globalisation has not completely undermined the state. The state continues to be the primary basis of political community and performs its essential functions, such as maintaining law and order and ensuring national security. States consciously choose to withdraw from certain domains while retaining control over others. Old rivalries and national interests have not disappeared from world politics, showing that the state remains a key actor.
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Enhanced State Capacity: In some respects, globalisation has actually boosted state capacity. New technologies, which are a product of globalisation, provide states with enhanced tools to collect information about their citizens. With this information, the state is better able to rule and monitor its population, making it more powerful in terms of surveillance and control than it was before.
Q9Questions
What are the economic implications of globalisation? How has globalisation impacted on India with regard to this particular dimension?
Solution
Economic Implications of Globalisation:
Economic globalisation involves greater economic flows between countries. Its implications are a subject of intense debate:
- Increased Flows: It leads to greater trade in commodities as countries reduce import restrictions. It also involves fewer restrictions on the movement of capital, allowing investors to invest in other countries for better returns.
- Positive View: Advocates argue that it generates greater economic growth and well-being for large sections of the population. They believe de-regulation and free trade allow economies to specialise in what they do best, benefiting the entire world.
- Negative View: Critics argue that it benefits only a small, wealthy section of the population while impoverishing those dependent on government jobs and welfare. They fear it leads to economic ruin for weaker countries and the poor within them, describing it as a form of 'recolonisation'. This has led to calls for 'social safety nets' to protect the vulnerable.
Impact on India:
India's experience with economic globalisation has been shaped by its history. After independence, India adopted a policy of 'protectionism' to build its own industries. However, this led to a sluggish rate of economic growth.
In 1991, in response to a financial crisis and to achieve higher growth, India began a program of economic reforms. This involved de-regulating various sectors and opening them up to trade and foreign investment. The chapter suggests that while this has led to growth, the true measure of its success is whether the benefits of this growth are shared among all sections of society to ensure everyone is better off.
Q10Questions
Do you agree with the argument that globalisation leads to cultural heterogeneity?
Solution
Yes, I agree with the argument that globalisation can lead to cultural heterogeneity. While a common fear is that globalisation causes cultural homogenisation (the world becoming culturally uniform under Western influence), the chapter provides strong evidence for the opposite effect as well.
Cultural heterogeneity is the process by which cultures become more different and distinctive as a result of their interaction. The text argues this in several ways:
- Cultures are not Static: All cultures are dynamic and constantly accept outside influences. These influences do not always overwhelm the local culture.
- Enlargement of Choice: External influences can simply enlarge our choices rather than replace them. The text gives the example of the burger being added to our food choices in India without replacing the masala dosa.
- Creation of New Hybrids: Globalisation can lead to the mixing of cultures to create something new and unique. The example of wearing a homespun khadi kurta over blue jeans illustrates this perfectly. This new combination is neither purely Indian nor purely Western but a hybrid outcome of cultural interaction. Interestingly, this hybrid style has even been exported back to the West.
Therefore, while the threat of cultural homogenisation exists, globalisation also triggers a counter-process where local cultures assert their distinctiveness and create unique new forms through their engagement with global influences. Cultural exchange is rarely a one-way process.
Q11Questions
How has globalisation impacted on India and how is India in turn impacting on globalisation?
Solution
Impact of Globalisation on India:
Globalisation has impacted India in various economic, social, and cultural ways:
- Economic Reforms: In 1991, India moved away from its post-independence policy of protectionism and embraced economic liberalisation. This involved de-regulating trade and foreign investment, integrating India more deeply into the world economy.
- Movement of Goods and Services: The impact is visible in daily life. Consumers now have access to foreign-manufactured goods like Chinese cycles and American dolls. India has also become a major hub for the globalisation of services, with call centres serving overseas clients, as illustrated by Janardhan's story.
- New Opportunities and Social Change: Globalisation has created new job opportunities that were previously unavailable, particularly for women, as shown in Sarika's example. This has led to social change and sometimes a conflict between traditional and modern values.
How India is Impacting Globalisation:
India is not just a passive recipient of globalisation; it is also an active participant that influences the global landscape:
- Economic Influence: Indian companies are becoming global players, such as the example of an Indian company acquiring a major rival in Europe.
- Cultural Influence: Indian culture is also making its mark globally. The text provides the example of the clothing combination of a khadi kurta and jeans being exported back to the US, where it is worn by young Americans. This shows that cultural flow is not a one-way street from West to East.
- Resistance and Dialogue: India is a significant site for resistance to and dialogue about globalisation. Social movements, trade unions, and forums like the Indian Social Forum actively protest against what they see as the negative effects of neo-liberal globalisation. India also hosted the World Social Forum (WSF) in Mumbai in 2004, providing a global platform for activists opposed to certain forms of globalisation.