Introduction
Globalisation refers to the process of increasing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures across the globe, driven by advances in technology, communication, and trade. It impacts all aspects of life, including gender roles, norms, and behaviors. While globalisation can offer opportunities for gender equality, it can also reinforce existing inequalities and create new forms of discrimination and exploitation.
Positive Effects of Globalisation on Gender Behaviour
1. Increased Access to Information and Education
- Global media and the internet have exposed people to diverse gender identities and feminist movements worldwide.
- This has encouraged questioning of traditional gender roles, particularly among youth and urban populations.
2. Women’s Employment and Economic Independence
- Globalisation has led to the growth of service industries, BPOs, and manufacturing sectors where women find employment.
- Access to income can enhance women’s decision-making power and challenge traditional dependency models.
3. Global Feminist Movements
- Transnational feminist networks have influenced local struggles by sharing strategies and offering solidarity.
- Campaigns like #MeToo have resonated across countries and encouraged women to speak out against gender-based violence.
Negative Effects of Globalisation on Gender Behaviour
1. Exploitation of Women Workers
- In many global supply chains, women are hired in low-wage, insecure jobs with poor working conditions.
- Women are often seen as a source of cheap and docile labor, particularly in garment, electronics, and service industries.
2. Commodification of Women’s Bodies
- Global consumer culture often objectifies women through advertising, fashion, and beauty industries.
- This reinforces narrow beauty standards and puts pressure on women to conform to unrealistic ideals.
3. Deepening Gender Divides
- Access to the benefits of globalisation is often limited by class, caste, rural/urban divide, and digital literacy.
- Rural women, especially in developing countries, may be further marginalized as global economies shift towards urban-centric growth.
Changing Gender Roles and Identities
- Globalisation has led to more women entering public life, participating in protests, politics, and education.
- At the same time, some men experience insecurity due to changing gender dynamics, sometimes leading to backlash or reinforcement of traditional masculinity.
- LGBTQ+ identities have gained visibility globally, but acceptance still varies by region and culture.
Conclusion
Globalisation has a complex impact on gender behavior. It has helped challenge and reshape traditional gender norms but also deepened inequalities in some areas. While it offers new spaces for empowerment and resistance, it also commodifies gender and reproduces stereotypes. To ensure that globalisation contributes to genuine gender equality, policies must be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and aimed at dismantling both economic and social barriers to equality.