6.2.7. Gender and Culture

Very often defenders of a fixed traditional idea of cultural identity defend undemocratic and discriminating practices against women in the name of cultural identity. These could range from a defence of sati to defence of women’s exclusion from education and participation in public matters. Globalisation can then be taken as a bogey to defend unjust practices against women.

This chunk discusses how certain individuals or groups may use cultural identity as a shield to justify practices that discriminate against women. For example, traditional practices like 'sati' (the historical practice where a widow self-immolates on her husband's funeral pyre) are often defended on the grounds of preserving cultural values. Such defenses can stifle the progress towards gender equality by framing attempts to change these practices as threats to cultural integrity. Globalization becomes a scapegoat where advocates for such practices claim that they are under siege from external, modern influences, which they argue endanger their traditional way of life. Hence, globalization is sometimes viewed not as a force for empowerment, but as a reason to cling to outdated and discriminatory practices.

Consider a community that has a tradition of arranged marriages. Proponents might argue that this practice preserves familial and cultural bonds. However, if the tradition starts to restrict women's choices or increase domestic responsibilities disproportionately, this could reflect a discriminatory practice. Such defenders might say that modern ideas of marriage threaten their culture, using globalization's influence as a scapegoat to maintain practices that restrict women's autonomy.

Fortunately for us in India we have been able to retain and develop a democratic tradition and culture that allows us to define culture in a more inclusive and democratic fashion.

This chunk highlights the positive aspect of India's cultural evolution. The country has cultivated a democratic tradition where cultural definitions are inclusive. This means that modern perspectives challenge traditional norms that have previously discriminated against women. The democratic ethos allows for discussions about rights, equality, and modernization of practices that once may have been uncontested. Therefore, this democratic culture facilitates a re-examination of cultural practices, promoting gender equality and fostering a more progressive societal view.

For instance, India has seen a rise in women's rights movements that advocate for women's access to education and participation in public life. This democratic approach means laws and reforms can be debated and implemented to protect women’s rights—like the banning of sati and the push for women's education, which contrasts with other societies where such cultural practices remain unchallenged.

Often when we speak of culture we refer to dresses, music, dances, food. However, culture as we know refers to a whole way of life. There are two uses of culture that any chapter on globalisation should mention. They are the culture of consumption and corporate culture.

In this chunk, the complexity of culture is emphasized. While cultural references often focus on tangible aspects—like clothing, music, and food—culture also encompasses broader lifestyle choices and societal norms. The chunk introduces two concepts related to globalization: the culture of consumption and corporate culture. The culture of consumption describes how consumption patterns shape social behaviors, while corporate culture pertains to the values and practices within businesses influencing employee interactions. This illustrates how globalization can intertwine personal habits with larger economic systems, impacting individual lifestyles.

Think about how fast fashion brands leverage cultural elements in their marketing. These brands often utilize traditional designs or motifs from various cultures in their clothing lines to appeal to consumers globally. This phenomenon highlights how the culture of consumption can adopt and adapt cultural symbols while sometimes stripping them of their original significance for profit, showcasing both cultural appreciation and appropriation.

Look at the crucial role that cultural consumption is playing in the process of globalisation especially in shaping the growth of cities. Till the 1970s the manufacturing industries used to play a major role in the growth of cities. Presently, cultural consumption (of art, food, fashion, music, tourism) shapes to a large extent the growth of cities.

This chunk highlights a significant transformation in urban development, noting that, historically, manufacturing industries were the backbone of city growth. However, in recent times, cultural consumption has taken center stage. Cities are not only built on factories and manual labor, but on vibrant cultural scenes—like art galleries, music festivals, and restaurants—enhancing the urban experience. This shift signifies a change in what drives economic development, showing that culture and lifestyle now heavily influence city dynamics and economies amidst globalization.

For instance, cities like Amsterdam and Paris are renowned for their art, cuisine, and nightlife, drawing millions of tourists annually. As cultural hubs, these cities attract international investments, catering more to cultural consumption than to traditional manufacturing. The bustling cafes, art districts, and music festivals serve as magnets for both local and global populations, illustrating how cultural consumption reshapes urban landscapes.

--