The Homogenization of Indian Culture: A Post-Liberalization, Post-Traditional Paradigm Shift in Urban Agglomerates
The Homogenization of Indian Culture: A Post-Liberalization, Post-Traditional Paradigm Shift in Urban Agglomerates
13(01), 841-848
RESEARCH ARTICLE
THE HOMOGENIZATION OF INDIAN CULTURE: A POST-LIBERALIZATION, POST-TRADITIONAL
PARADIGM SHIFT IN URBAN AGGLOMERATES
Vivek Paonam
Junior Research Fellow, Department of Sociology, Dhanamanjuri University.
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Manuscript Info Abstract
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Manuscript History This study examines the impact of globalization on cultural diversity in
Received: 18 November 2024 urban India, particularly in the post-liberalization era. The influx of
Final Accepted: 21 December 2024 global media, technological advancements, and transnational
Published: January 2025 corporations has created a cultural paradigm that prioritizes
homogenization over heterogeneity. The dominance of Western
Key words:-
Homogenization, Post-Traditional, Post- cultural narratives has resulted in the marginalization of indigenous
colonization, Paradigm Shift, Urban, cultures, leading to a loss of cultural diversity. The research explores
India how communities in urban India are redefining their cultural identities
in response to globalization. It analyses the intersection of post-
liberalization and post-traditionalism in shaping cultural
homogenization. The study also investigates the implications of cultural
homogenization for the urban populace and how cultural diversity can
be preserved in the face of overwhelming global influences. The
findings suggest that while globalization has brought about
unprecedented economic opportunities, it has also led to the erosion of
traditional cultural practices and values. However, many communities
in India are resisting homogenization and maintaining their unique
cultural identities. The study concludes that there is a need to promote
cultural diversity and preserve traditional cultural practices in the face
of globalization.
Copyright, IJAR, 2025,. All rights reserved.
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Introduction:-
The advent of globalization has brought about unprecedented transformations in India, particularly since the
economic liberalization of 1991. Globalization, often misconstrued as a benign force, has been instrumental in
perpetuating Westernization, thereby threatening the cultural diversity of India's smaller communities. The influx of
global media, technological advancements, and transnational corporations has created a cultural paradigm that
prioritizes homogenization over heterogeneity.
Globalization has facilitated the unfettered flow of ideas, cultures, and values across geographical boundaries.
However, this has also led to the dominance of Western cultural narratives, which often supersede indigenous
cultures. The proliferation of social media, the World Wide Web, and other digital platforms has further accelerated
this process. As a result, local cultures are facing an existential crisis, as they struggle to maintain their
distinctiveness in the face of overwhelming global influences.
The impact of globalization on Indian culture is multifaceted. Cultural homogenization has become a pervasive
phenomenon, where local traditions and customs are being replaced by globalized norms. The dominance of
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Corresponding Author:- Vivek Paonam
Address:- Junior Research Fellow, Department of Sociology, Dhanamanjuri
University.
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 13(01), 841-848
Western cultural narratives has resulted in the marginalization of indigenous cultures, leading to a loss of cultural
diversity. Furthermore, globalization has led to an increase in consumerism, with global brands and products
becoming increasingly popular, often at the expense of local businesses and traditions.
This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in urban agglomerates, where the confluence of globalization,
technological advancements, and demographic shifts has created a unique cultural landscape. India's urban
agglomerates, such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, have become melting pots of diverse cultures, where
traditional practices and modernity coexist in an uneasy alliance. The urban populace, particularly the younger
generation, is increasingly embracing globalized cultural norms, often at the expense of their indigenous heritage.
As a result, a cultural identity crisis has emerged, where individuals are struggling to reconcile their traditional roots
with their modern aspirations. This has led to a sense of disconnection from their cultural heritage, as they navigate
the complexities of a globalized world. In this context, it is essential to explore the impact of globalization on the
cultural diversity of urban agglomerates in India. How are other communities in these urban centres responding to
the challenges posed by globalization? What are the implications of cultural homogenization for the urban populace,
and how can we preserve the cultural diversity of these communities in the face of overwhelming global influences?
Moreover, the post-liberalization era in India has ushered in a new paradigm, characterized by the increasing
influence of global capital, technological advancements, and the proliferation of digital media. This has led to a
fundamental shift in the way individuals and communities interact, consume, and produce cultural goods and
services. The post-liberalization paradigm has created new opportunities for cultural exchange, innovation, and
entrepreneurship, but it has also raised concerns about cultural homogenization, the loss of traditional practices, and
the erosion of cultural diversity.
In this context, the concept of post-traditionalism becomes particularly relevant. Post-traditionalism refers to the
decline of traditional social structures, institutions, and norms, and the emergence of new forms of social
organization, identity, and culture. In the post-traditional paradigm, individuals are no longer bound by traditional
norms and expectations, and are free to create their own identities, choose their own cultural practices, and forge
their own paths in life.
The intersection of post-liberalization and post-traditionalism has created a unique cultural landscape in urban
agglomerates. On the one hand, the post-liberalization paradigm has brought about new economic opportunities,
technological advancements, and cultural exchange. On the other hand, the post-traditional paradigm has led to a
decline in traditional social structures, institutions, and norms, and the emergence of new forms of social
organization, identity, and culture.
In this context, the study of cultural homogenization in urban agglomerates can be approached from a new
paradigmatic perspective. Rather than viewing cultural homogenization as a straightforward process of cultural loss
and domination, researchers can explore the complex and nuanced ways in which individuals and communities are
negotiating and redefining their cultural identities, practices, and traditions in the post-liberalization and post-
traditional era.
Review of Literature:-
Globalization, which is often touted as a harbinger of economic prosperity, has also led to the homogenization of
cultures. The Western cultural paradigm, which is rooted in the values of individualism, consumerism, and
capitalism, is increasingly being adopted by the smaller communities in India. According to Manuel Castells, a
renowned sociologist, "the globalization of culture is a process of cultural homogenization, where the dominant
culture, in this case, the Western culture, is imposed on the rest of the world" (Castells, 1996). The cultural
homogenization is further exacerbated by the rapid spread of Western media, such as television, films, and music.
The Indian media, which was once dominated by regional languages and cultural programs, is now increasingly
being influenced by Western content.
Marshall McLuhan, a Canadian philosopher, predicted that the advent of technology would lead to the creation of a
"global village" (McLuhan, 1964). According to McLuhan, the global village would be characterized by the
instantaneous transmission of information and the collapse of geographical distances. However, McLuhan's concept
of the global village has been criticized for its failure to account for the power dynamics involved in the
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transmission of information. The global village, as it exists today, is largely dominated by Western cultural and
economic interests.
Anthropologists and sociologists have long been concerned with the impact of globalization on smaller
communities. According to anthropologist Arjun Appadurai, "the globalization of culture is a complex process that
involves the creation of new cultural forms and the transformation of existing ones" (Appadurai, 1990). Sociologist
Zygmunt Bauman has argued that the globalization of culture has led to the creation of a "liquid modernity"
(Bauman, 2000). According to Bauman, liquid modernity is characterized by constant flux and change, which has
led to the erosion of traditional cultural practices and values.
Several theoretical frameworks have also been proposed to explain the impact of globalization on smaller
communities. One such framework is the concept of "cultural imperialism" (Tomlinson, 1991). According to this
framework, the dominant Western culture is imposed on the rest of the world, leading to the erosion of traditional
cultural practices and values. Another framework is the concept of "glocalization" (Robertson, 1995). According to
this framework, globalization is not a one-way process, but rather a complex interaction between the global and the
local.
From an ontological perspective, the cultural paradigm and heritage of smaller communities in India are facing an
existential crisis. The rapid cultural homogenization through Westernization is eroding traditional cultural practices
and values, challenging the very existence of these communities. As the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard argues,
"the simulation of reality is more real than reality itself" (Baudrillard, 1994). This means that the simulated reality of
Western cultural values and practices is becoming more real than the traditional cultural practices and values of
smaller communities.
This ontological crisis raises fundamental questions about the nature of reality, identity, and culture. As Indian
philosopher and cultural critic Ashis Nandy argues, "the survival of traditional cultures depends on their ability to
resist the homogenizing forces of globalization" (Nandy, 2003). In this context, the concept of "cultural ontology"
(Escobar, 1995) becomes essential, as it refers to how culture shapes our understanding of reality and our place
within it. The cultural ontology of smaller communities in India is rooted in traditional cultural practices and values,
which are now under threat.
Research Methodology:-
A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, including academic journals, books, and reports from
reputable sources. The content analysis involved a systematic examination of texts, identifying patterns and themes
related to cultural homogenization, globalization, and cultural identity in urban India. A comparative study approach
was also used to analyse the intersection of post-liberalization and post-traditionalism in shaping cultural
homogenization, and to investigate how communities in urban India are redefining their cultural identities in
response to globalization.
By leveraging existing research and data, this study aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex
dynamics between globalization, cultural diversity, and identity in urban India.
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among the younger generation. Over time, this has resulted in a gradual erosion of traditional cultural practices and
the homogenization of Indian culture, as globalized cultural norms and values become increasingly entrenched in
urban India.
Likewise, the shifting trends in consumer behaviour, including the transition from Maggi noodles to Buldak Ramen
(which can be contributed to trending Korean culture rather than marketing success) or transitioning from Parle-G
biscuits to Oreo in supermarketsor adopting branded clothes like H&M and ZARA over traditional clothes
especially among large sections of English speaking Indian urban youth; prompt significant ontological reflections
on the nature of reality, identity, and culture. Martin Heidegger wrote, "the question of the meaning of being is the
most fundamental question of philosophy" (Heidegger, 1927). In cultural homogenization, the question of cultural
identity and tradition becomes central: are they defined by local customs or global trends?
The economic liberalization of 1991 in India had profound consequences, including cultural homogenization—
where local cultures increasingly adopt global cultural trends. Studies reflect that liberalization resulted in increased
foreign investment and growth of multinational corporations, thereby propagating Western cultural values (Kumar,
2001). The consumption of Western products surged, leading to a decline in traditional goods (Mazzarella, 2003;
Dutta, 2008). This spread has redefined marketing practices in India (Kumar, 2008), altering the cultural landscape.
Enculturation—the process of learning and internalizing cultural norms—faces disruption amid cultural
homogenization, which can create disconnection between cultural heritage and identity (Hong, 2010). This
disruption illustrates a paradigm shift, ultimately leading to the homogenization of cultural practices (Tomlinson,
1991).
Cultural roles—social expectations associated with specific statuses—are rearranged as new cultural norms
challenge traditional ones (Lamont, 2000). Cultural homogenization, therefore, significantly affects enculturation,
cultural roles, and overarching paradigms, often creating cultural disorientation.
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Consumer Culture and Westernization - The growth of consumer culture in India has sparked increased demand for
Western-style products and services, resulting in the emergence of Western-style shopping malls and restaurants as
symbols of modernity and aspirational lifestyles (Varman & Belk, 2012). According to a study published in the
Journal of Consumer Research, "Indian consumers are increasingly embracing Western-style consumption patterns,
which is leading to a homogenization of cultural practices" (Dwyer, 2011).
Media and Cultural Influence - Since the 1990s, the Indian media landscape has evolved with satellite television, the
internet, and social media, where Western media content has gained popularity and shaped local cultural tastes
(Punathambekar, 2010). A study published in the Journal of International Communication found that "Indian youth
are increasingly influenced by Western media, which is leading to a decline in traditional cultural practices" (Kumar,
2015).
The Advent of social media - The widespread adoption of social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram,
WhatsApp, and Snapchat have further accelerated the process of cultural homogenization. Social media platforms
have created new avenues for cultural exchange and influence, allowing Western cultural norms and values to
penetrate deeper into Indian society (Kumar & Sharma, 2018). According to a study published in the Journal of
social media Studies, "social media has become a key driver of cultural homogenization in India, with young Indians
increasingly embracing Western-style cultural practices and values" (Singh & Kumar, 2020).
The advent of globalization and social media has made Western and Eastern thoughts, ideas, ideals, beliefs, culture,
taste, lifestyle, and aspirations increasingly accessible to the Indian population, particularly among the younger
generation. This has been particularly significant for a population that has historically harboured a wary post-
colonial mindset, suspicious of Western cultural influences and mindful of the need to preserve Indian cultural
identity. However, with the proliferation of social media platforms, online content, and global cultural flows, Indian
youth are now exposed to a diverse array of cultural influences, from Western ideals of individualism and
consumerism to Eastern philosophies of Buddhism and Confucianism. Moreover, trends and fads now emerge and
dissipate at a global level, rather than being confined to regional boundaries. As a result, Indian youth are swept up
in a constant cycle of consumption, with the latest global trends in food, clothing, accessories, and vacationing
becoming the ultimate status symbols. The emphasis on spending and consuming has created a culture of instant
gratification, where the value of goods and experiences is often measured by their Instagram-worthiness, rather than
their intrinsic value or cultural significance. This has led to a homogenization of cultural experiences, where
regional identities and traditional practices are increasingly being supplanted by a globalized consumer culture.
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published in the Journal of Family Issues, "changing family structures and increasing urbanization are leading to
new forms of social organization and identity in India" (Kumar, 2015).
Despite the prevalence of cultural homogenization, many Indians are seeking to reconnect with their heritage. There
is a growing interest in traditional Indian crafts and practices, particularly among young Indians who are seeking to
rediscover their cultural roots (Tarlo, 1996; Scandin, 2017). According to a study published in the Journal of
Material Culture, "there is a growing interest in traditional Indian crafts and practices, particularly among young
Indians who are seeking to reconnect with their cultural heritage" (Scandin, 2017). This renewed interest in
traditional culture is reflected in the way Indians are reviving traditional cultural practices, such as yoga and
Ayurveda, and incorporating them into their modern lifestyles.
However, the rate of change in India is accelerating exponentially, driven by technological advancements,
globalization, demographic changes, and growing environmental concerns (Rosenau, 2003). This rapid change is
likely to continue, with significant implications for Indian culture and society (Dator, 2009). According to a study
published in the Journal of Futures Studies, "the current rate of change is unprecedented, and it is likely to continue
to accelerate in the coming decades" (Dator, 2009). This exponential change is reflected in the way Indians are
adapting to new technologies, such as social media and e-commerce, and incorporating them into their daily lives.
A Paradigm Shift?
The last significant paradigm shifts in India occurred during British colonial rule. Since then, cultural paradigms
have continued to evolve, influenced by Nehruvian socialism, globalization, and the rise of Hindu nationalism
(Khilnani, 1997). The post-independence period has seen significant cultural shifts, particularly with the rise of
globalization and Hindu nationalism (Bose, 2004). According to a study published in the Journal of Asian Studies,
"the post-independence period has seen significant cultural shifts, particularly with the rise of globalization and
Hindu nationalism" (Bose, 2004). This paradigm shift is reflected in the way Indians are redefining their cultural
identity and negotiating between traditional and modern cultural values.
The post-traditional paradigm in India is also characterized by de-rationalization and consumerism. With the rise of
globalization and the growth of the Indian middle class, consumer culture has become a dominant force in Indian
society (Brosius, 2010). According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Culture, "consumer culture has
become a key driver of cultural change in India, as individuals increasingly define themselves through their
consumption practices" (Varman & Belk, 2012).Globalization has also led to the rise of individualism in India. With
the growth of the Indian economy and the increasing influence of Western cultural values, individualism has become
a dominant ideology in Indian society (Giddens, 1991). According to a study published in the Journal of Personality
and Social Psychology, "individualism has become a key driver of cultural change in India, as individuals
increasingly prioritize their own needs and desires over traditional social norms" (Triandis, 1995).
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For example, migrant workers may be using mobile phones and social media to stay connected with their families
and communities back home, but they may not be adopting Western-style consumer culture or values (Kumar,
2015). A study published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies found that "migrant workers in India are
using technology to maintain transnational connections, but they are also maintaining strong ties to their traditional
cultural practices" (Rajan, 2017).
Similarly, rural communities may be adopting modern agricultural technologies, but they may not be abandoning
their traditional farming practices or cultural values (Sharma, 2011). A study published in the Journal of Rural
Studies found that "rural communities in India are adopting modern technologies, but they are also maintaining
strong ties to their traditional cultural practices and values" (Singh, 2013).
Indigenous communities in India are also experiencing the impacts of globalization, but in complex and varied
ways. On the one hand, globalization has brought new economic opportunities and access to modern technologies
and services (Xaxa, 2016). However, it has also led to the loss of traditional lands, cultures, and ways of life
(Kumar, 2010).
A study published in the Journal of Indigenous Studies found that "indigenous communities in India are
experiencing significant cultural and economic changes as a result of globalization, but they are also resisting and
adapting to these changes in creative and innovative ways" (Kumar, 2010).
Resisting Homogenization
Despite the forces of globalization and modernization, many communities in India are resisting homogenization and
maintaining their unique cultural identities. This resistance can take many forms, from the maintenance of traditional
cultural practices and languages to the creation of new cultural forms and identities (Bhabha, 1994).
A study published in the Journal of Cultural Studies found that "communities in India are resisting cultural
homogenization by creating new cultural forms and identities that blend traditional and modern elements" (Gupta,
2012).
Conclusion:-
This study has examined the impact of globalization on cultural diversity in urban India, particularly in the post-
liberalization era. The findings suggest that globalization has led to cultural homogenization, where local cultures
are adopting globalized cultural norms and values. However, despite these trends, many communities in India are
resisting homogenization and maintaining their unique cultural identities.
The study highlights the importance of recognizing diversity in the face of globalization. While globalization and
modernization trends may be prevalent in urban areas and among certain sections of society, it's essential to
acknowledge that not all communities are uniformly adopting these trends. Indigenous communities, rural
communities, and migrant workers are all experiencing the impacts of globalization in complex and varied ways.
The research also underscores the need to promote cultural diversity and preserve traditional cultural practices in the
face of overwhelming global influences. This can be achieved through policies and initiatives that support cultural
education, community engagement, and cultural exchange programs.
Ultimately, this study demonstrates that cultural diversity is a vital component of Indian society, and it's essential to
preserve and promote it in the face of globalization. By recognizing and valuing diversity, we can work towards
creating a more inclusive and equitable society that celebrates the unique cultural identities of all its citizens.
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