Information & Communication Technology (ICT)-Led-Globalization & Its Socioeconomic Impact on Youth (With Special Reference to Opportunities for Employment Generation)
Author: Bansal, Nidhi , nidhib.84@gmail.com
Department: Sociology
University: University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
Supervisor: Dr. Rashmi Jain
Year of completion: 2011
Language of dissertation: English
Keywords:
globalization
, youth
, ICT
, culture
Areas of Research:
Youth
, Sociocybernetics
, Science and Technology
Abstract
In the current world of knowledge, globalization is a frequently discussed topic. This research is an attempt to shed light on some critical issues that have emerged from the interplay of ICT, globalization, and culture. Understanding the role of technologies in the society and economy is central to social theory.
Globalization and the proliferation of information and communication technologies have transformed the world we live in. It has affected our worlds in both positive and negative ways. These changes are not completely harmful, but not completely beneficial either. ICTs has changed the way we interact and communicate, the way we work, the way we entertain ourselves, in short, the way we live. Youth are at forefront of these changes.
India is a developing country and has a large pool of young people. While developed countries are graying, India has immense opportunities for capturing the benefits of demands of human resources around the globe. In the present information age, ICTs are playing a significant role in altering the structure of the economy, employment trends, and pattern of skill demands. Some skills are becoming indispensable. But a digital divide exists because of differences along lines of residence (rural or urban), education (uneducated, less educated or well educated), socioeconomic status (low, middle or high), language (acquainted with English or not) as well as opportunity.
These divides not only affect employment opportunities for youth from different SES, but also their educational opportunities, social interaction and communication pattern, lifestyle, exposure to ICTs, attitudes, traditional social and cultural values, leisure patterns, etc. Even today, around 35% of population of India live below the poverty line, 65% live in villages, 24% are still illiterate, and more than 40% of population do not have any telephone. These basic facts illustrate how the worlds of youth are fragmented, uneven and diverse.
There are a number of problems which youth are facing today. They confront economic and employment insecurities and risks, their aspirations and social expectations are high, and the world is more competitive and tough. Youth are exposed to global culture and information through media, but they must deal with their local situations and limitations. Old skills, knowledge and attitudes are being replaced by new ones. Social ties are losing their strength and community sentiments are deteriorating. Social relationships are becoming virtual and mechanical. Most of our communication with other people is not directly human or expressive; lacking human contact and face-to-face interaction. Thus it is important to analyze the impact of globalization and ICTs on lifestyle, values, attitudes and situations of youth from different sections of Indian society, in a sociological manner.
