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Globalisation – Class 12 Political Science notes, important questions and MCQs

NCERT Class 12 Political Science, chapter 7. Notes, key terms, important questions with answers and MCQs.

Chapter overview

Globalisation is the flow of ideas, capital, goods and people across the world, leading to greater interconnectedness. It is driven largely by technology such as the internet and cheaper transport. Globalisation has economic, political and cultural consequences, and it has both supporters and critics. India adopted economic reforms in 1991 that integrated it more closely with the world economy, and movements such as the World Social Forum resist its negative effects.

Meaning and causes

Globalisation involves flows of ideas, capital, commodities and people across borders.
Technology, especially telecommunications, the internet and container shipping, has been the main driver.
International institutions such as the IMF and WTO promoted liberalisation of trade and investment.

Consequences

Political: some argue the state's capacity declines as markets gain power, but states remain central and can use technology to govern better.
Economic: trade and investment have expanded, benefiting some groups, while critics argue it increases inequality and harms workers and farmers in poor countries.
Cultural: fears of cultural homogenisation (spread of Western culture) coexist with cultural heterogenisation, where cultures mix and create new forms.

India and resistance

India's 1991 reforms of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation opened the economy to foreign trade and investment.
Critics within India include left parties, trade unions and farmers' groups concerned about jobs and inequality.
The World Social Forum, first held in 2001 at Porto Alegre, brings together opponents of neoliberal globalisation; its 2004 meeting was held in Mumbai.

Key terms

Globalisation: the flow of ideas, capital, goods and people across the world
Liberalisation: removal of government restrictions on trade and business
Cultural homogenisation: the spread of one dominant culture, making cultures similar
Cultural heterogenisation: the mixing of cultures to create new and distinct forms
World Social Forum: a global platform of groups opposed to neoliberal globalisation

Important questions with answers

What is globalisation?2 marks

Globalisation is the process of increased flows of ideas, capital, goods and people across the world, which makes countries and societies more interconnected.

What are the cultural consequences of globalisation?3 marks

Globalisation can lead to cultural homogenisation, the spread of a dominant, often Western, culture that threatens local traditions. It can also lead to cultural heterogenisation, in which cultures interact, borrow from each other and create new forms, increasing choice and diversity.

Discuss the economic consequences of globalisation and the resistance to it.5 marks

Economic globalisation involves greater flows of trade, investment and technology among countries, supported by international institutions such as the IMF, World Bank and WTO, and by reforms that reduce tariffs and controls. Supporters argue it promotes growth, efficiency, choice for consumers, jobs in new industries and access to technology, and countries such as China and India have benefited through rapid growth. India's reforms of 1991 increased foreign investment, exports and services such as information technology. Critics argue that the benefits are unequally distributed: large corporations and skilled workers gain, while small producers, farmers and unskilled workers may lose livelihoods; governments may cut welfare spending; and poor countries may become dependent on rich countries and multinational companies. Economic inequality between and within countries may rise. Resistance to globalisation comes from left parties, trade unions, farmers' organisations and social movements. Internationally, the World Social Forum, first held in Porto Alegre in 2001 and in Mumbai in 2004, brings together groups opposed to neoliberal globalisation. Many critics are not against globalisation as such, but seek a fairer form that protects the poor and the environment.

Quick revision

Flows: ideas, capital, goods, people.
Technology as main cause.
Political, economic and cultural effects.
India's 1991 reforms; resistance; WSF.

Exam tips

Write one positive and one negative effect under each dimension: political, economic, cultural.
Remember: India's reforms 1991; WSF Mumbai 2004.

Practice MCQs

The main driver of globalisation has been
1. wars
2. monarchy
3. isolation
4. technology
Show answer
Answer: (d) technology. The internet and transport cut distances.
India began major economic reforms in
1. 1947
2. 1975
3. 1991
4. 2004
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1991. Liberalisation opened the economy.
Removal of government restrictions on trade is called
1. nationalisation
2. liberalisation
3. planning
4. licensing
Show answer
Answer: (b) liberalisation. It encourages competition.
The spread of one dominant culture is called
1. cultural homogenisation
2. cultural heterogenisation
3. globalisation of politics
4. nationalism
Show answer
Answer: (a) cultural homogenisation. It is often linked to Western culture.
The World Social Forum's 2004 meeting was held in
1. Porto Alegre
2. Davos
3. Mumbai
4. Geneva
Show answer
Answer: (c) Mumbai. It brought together critics of globalisation.
Which institution sets rules for global trade
1. WTO
2. WHO
3. UNESCO
4. ILO
Show answer
Answer: (a) WTO. It was founded in 1995.
Which statement about globalisation and the state is most accurate
1. the state has disappeared
2. globalisation strengthens only the military
3. the state controls all markets
4. the state remains important, though its role has changed
Show answer
Answer: (d) the state remains important, though its role has changed. States still govern and adapt.
Cultural heterogenisation means
1. all cultures become identical
2. cultures interact and produce new mixed forms
3. culture disappears
4. one culture is banned
Show answer
Answer: (b) cultures interact and produce new mixed forms. Mixing creates diversity.

All chapters of Class 12 Political Science

Written by Kundali IQ from standard, well-established facts to help with revision. This is not an official NCERT publication; always read your textbook too.