Though the phenomenon of globalization cannot be captured in and bound to a single definition, we do so for our own convenience and understanding. Globalization, therefore, in layman’s language can be defined as the movement of people, ideas and commodities from one part of the world to the other. 

Time and again, the notion that the phenomenon of globalization is associated with the phenomenon of Westernization has been propounded. However, it is either that people are made to believe such notions or choose to remain ignorant about the fact that Westernization as a phenomenon is completely different from the phenomenon of globalization. 

The above stated notion takes two forms, according to Samuel P. Huntington (Professor at Harvard University and Chairman of the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies). These forms are relevant to our topic because more often than not, globalization as a phenomenon has been viewed in the same light, that is, it has been considered a threat to Indian culture.

One of the forms is the Coca- colanisation thesis. Its proponents claim that Western (more specifically American) popular culture is enveloping the world (read India): American food, clothing, pop music, movies and consumer goods are more enthusiastically embraced by people.  

The other has to do with modernization. It claims that, as people in other countries modernize, they also westernize, abandoning their traditional values, institutions, and customs and adopting those that prevail in the West. 

Both these project the image of an emerging homogenous, universally Western world and in our context as being a threat to Indian culture. However, both are to varying degrees misguided and false and compel us to reconsider the question: Is globalization a threat to Indian culture?

Advocates of the Coca-colanization thesis identify culture with the consumption of material goods. The heart of a culture, however, (as also mentioned in the book ‘The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order’ by Samuel Huntington) involves language, religion, values, traditions and customs.  

The argument that the spread of pop culture and consumer goods (globalization) around the world represents the triumph of western civilization depreciates the strength of other cultures so also ours. 

The modernization thesis is equally flawed. Modernization involves industrialization; urbanization; increasing levels of literacy, education, wealth, and social mobilization; and more complex and diverse occupational structures. It is a revolutionary process comparable to the shift from primitive to civilized societies. The attitudes, values, knowledge and culture of people in a modern society differ greatly from those in a traditional society.  

Since India is a classic example of a country with a fusion of both modern and traditional societies, this difference that has been talked of above, is prominent and thus more visible. It is because of this very reason that we tend to ‘attribute’ the variations in attitudes, values etc. to the forces of globalization, not realizing that they are a culmination more of the economic development and technological innovation among other factors, than globalization per se.  

It is to be understood that the forces of globalization neither require to nor produce a threat to Indian culture. On the contrary, they promote a resurgence of, and renewed commitment to, our indigenous culture.  

SAKSHI OJHA

2^ND YEAR JOURNALISM, LADY SHRI RAM COLLEGE 

(LACS GRADUATE  2004, NEW DELHI)