Q. In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing in India? Comment. (UPSC CSE Sociology Optional, 2020 | 10 Marks)

Introduction

Globalisation has transformed India’s economy, culture, politics, and social institutions. Consequently, the scope of sociology has expanded to study emerging social realities beyond traditional concerns.

Main Body

1. Study of New Social Institutions

Globalisation has created new institutions and forms of work.

Example: Growth of the IT and Gig Economy in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

2. Changing Family and Kinship

Globalisation has altered family structures, marriage patterns, and gender roles.

Example: Rise of nuclear families in metropolitan cities.

3. New Forms of Inequality

Economic liberalisation has widened inequalities despite increasing opportunities.

Example: The digital divide between urban and rural India.

4. Identity and Cultural Change

Globalisation has strengthened both cultural homogenisation and identity politics.

Example: Increasing assertion of regional and ethnic identities alongside global consumer culture.

5. Migration and Urbanisation

Internal and international migration have become major areas of sociological research.

Example: Large-scale rural-to-urban migration to cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

6. Emergence of Digital Society

Digital technology has introduced new forms of interaction, surveillance, and social movements.

Example: Social media campaigns such as #MeTooIndia.

Thinker: Manuel Castells – Network Society.

Conclusion

Globalisation has not replaced the traditional concerns of Indian sociology but has considerably expanded its scope to include digital society, migration, identity, global inequalities, and transnational processes.

Thinkers: M. N. Srinivas, Yogendra Singh, Manuel Castells

Globalisation, Liberalisation, Digital Society, Migration, Identity Politics, Network Society

In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing in India.

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