Q. 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?

Model Answer:

Globalization has significantly impacted urban migration patterns in India, particularly among skilled, young, unmarried women from various social classes. This trend has profoundly affected their personal freedom and family relationships:

Impact on Personal Freedom:

• Economic Independence: Employment in urban centers, especially in IT and BPO sectors, has provided women with financial autonomy. For instance, a software engineer from a small town can now earn a salary comparable to or higher than male family members.
• Decision-making Power: This economic independence translates into greater control over personal decisions, including career choices, lifestyle preferences, and marriage timing.
• Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: Urban environments expose these women to varied cultures and ideas, broadening their worldview and personal aspirations.
• Educational Opportunities: Cities offer access to higher education and skill development programs, further enhancing personal and professional growth.

Changes in Family Relationships:

• Shifting Family Dynamics: Migration often leads to a transition from joint to nuclear family structures, altering traditional familial roles and expectations.
• Long-distance Relationships: Physical separation from family in rural or smaller urban areas necessitates new ways of maintaining familial bonds.
• Changing Expectations: Families increasingly view these women as financial contributors. For example, a daughter working in an urban IT sector might support her parents’ medical expenses back in her hometown.
• Marriage Decisions: Greater autonomy in partner selection and delayed marriages are becoming more common, sometimes creating tension with traditional family expectations.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity:

• Cultural Negotiation: These women often find themselves navigating between urban, globalized lifestyles and traditional cultural values.
• Redefining Gender Roles: Their success in urban workplaces challenges conventional gender norms, both within families and society at large. For instance, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles traditionally held by men in corporate sectors.
• Financial Responsibilities: Many women balance personal aspirations with financial support for their families, creating new dynamics of interdependence.

In conclusion, globalization-induced urban migration of young, skilled women in India has led to increased personal freedom, albeit with evolving family dynamics. This phenomenon is not just changing individual lives but is also contributing to broader societal transformations.