Globalization and Social Change MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Globalization and Social Change - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Digital divide

Key Points

• Digital divide
  • Refers to the gap between those who have easy access to the internet and modern information technologies and those who do not.
  • This gap can be seen in different regions of India, with urban areas generally having better access compared to rural areas.
  • Impacts educational opportunities, economic growth, and overall quality of life.
  • Addresses issues of inequality in access to technology.

Additional Information

• Knowledge gap
  • Refers to the difference in knowledge between those who have access to information through technology and those who do not.
  • Often a result of the digital divide but encompasses a broader scope including educational and information literacy disparities.
• Cyber exclusion
  • Refers to the exclusion of certain groups from participating in the digital world.
  • Can be due to factors such as lack of digital literacy, economic constraints, or social barriers.
• Technological disparity
  • Describes the uneven distribution and access to technology and technological advancements.
  • Closely related to the digital divide but more focused on the technology itself rather than the broader implications of access.

The correct answer is - I, II, and IV only

Key Points

• Belief that free enterprise is efficient and fair
  • Globalisation is often underpinned by the notion that a free-market economy promotes efficiency and fairness.
  • It is believed that when businesses operate in a competitive environment, it leads to innovation and economic growth, benefiting society as a whole.
• Criticism of state regulation
  • Proponents of globalisation tend to argue against excessive state intervention in economic affairs.
  • The idea is that reducing regulatory burdens can stimulate business activities and attract foreign investment.
• A belief that market forces should have a free rein
  • There is a strong advocacy for allowing market forces to operate with minimal governmental interference.
  • This belief is rooted in the idea that the market can self-regulate and allocate resources more efficiently than state-directed economies.

Additional Information

• Advocacy for state subsidies
  • While state subsidies can be part of economic policy, they are generally not a characteristic of the political vision underpinning globalisation, which favors minimal state intervention.
• Promoting isolationism in international relations
  • Globalisation inherently involves interconnectedness and the integration of national economies, which is contrary to the concept of isolationism.
  • Isolationism refers to a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.

The correct answer is - Maintaining close family ties and keeping in touch with relatives

Key Points

• Maintaining close family ties and keeping in touch with relatives
  • The expansion of telephone and cell phone services in India significantly enhanced the ability to maintain close family connections.
  • It provided a means for families, especially those with members living in different geographic locations, to communicate regularly.
  • This communication is crucial in preserving cultural and familial bonds in a country where extended families play an essential role.

Additional Information

• Impact on Rural and Urban Dynamics
  • Telephone and cell phone services have bridged the gap between urban and rural areas, enabling more frequent and effective communication.
  • This connectivity has also supported economic activities by allowing rural populations to stay informed about urban markets and opportunities.
• Access to Information
  • The expansion of telecommunications has provided widespread access to information and services, including healthcare, education, and government services.
  • This access has been particularly transformative for marginalized communities, improving their ability to participate in socio-economic activities.
• Emergency Communication
  • Telecommunications have become a critical tool for emergency communication, helping families and authorities coordinate during crises.
  • This capability has improved disaster response and management, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters.

The correct answer is - Tulsi, Haldi, Rudraksha, and Basmati rice

Key Points

• Tulsi, Haldi, Rudraksha, and Basmati rice
  • Tulsi (Holy Basil) is known for its medicinal properties and is widely used in Ayurvedic treatments.
  • Haldi (Turmeric) is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Rudraksha beads are traditionally used in meditation and prayer in Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • Basmati rice is a variety of long, slender-grained aromatic rice which is traditionally grown in India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
  • These traditional knowledge systems and plants have been targeted for patenting by some multinational companies due to their significant market potential and traditional uses.

Additional Information

• Patent Controversies
  • Patents on traditional knowledge and biological resources have sparked significant controversy and legal battles.
  • Countries like India have actively fought against patents that they believe unfairly appropriate their traditional knowledge.
  • Examples include the infamous cases of patents on Neem and Turmeric.
• Biopiracy
  • Biopiracy refers to the practice of commercially exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or genetic material, especially by obtaining patents that restrict its future use, without fair compensation to the communities from which it originates.
  • Traditional knowledge holders often do not receive the economic benefits that arise from the commercialization of their knowledge and resources.
• Legal Protections
  • Several international agreements and national laws aim to protect traditional knowledge and prevent biopiracy.
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol are key international instruments that advocate for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
  • India has implemented the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, to regulate access to biological resources and ensure fair compensation to local communities.

The correct answer is - II, III, and IV only

Key Points

• Silk Route
  • The Silk Route was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating cultural, commercial, and technological exchange.
  • It connected India to other major civilizations such as China, Persia, Egypt, and Rome.
• Historical Interactions
  • India has a rich history of interactions with other civilizations through trade, conquests, and migrations.
  • Traders, conquerors, and migrants from various regions have historically visited and settled in India, contributing to its diverse culture.
• Colonialism
  • Colonialism involved the establishment of colonies by powerful nations across the globe, significantly impacting global trade and cultural exchanges.
  • It had a global dimension, influencing various regions including India.

Additional Information

• India's Isolation
  • Statement I is incorrect as India was not completely isolated; it had significant interactions with other civilizations throughout history.
• Globalization and Migration
  • Statement V is also incorrect. Migration has been a feature of human history for millennia and is not unique to the modern period.

The ozone layer is a stratosphere layer, the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere. The stratosphere is a layer of protective gases that clings to our planet. Ozone is a trace gas in the atmosphere, accounting for approximately 3 molecules for every 10 million molecules of air. But it serves an important purpose. The ozone layer, like a sponge, absorbs solar radiation that hits Earth. Although we require some of the sun's radiation to survive, too much of it can be harmful to living things. The ozone layer acts as a protective layer for life on Earth.

Key Points The ozone layer is shrinking. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer. A chlorofluorocarbon is a molecule composed of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. CFCs are ubiquitous, most notably in refrigerants and plastics. Businesses and consumers use them because they are inexpensive, do not easily catch fire, and do not usually poison living things. However, once CFCs reach the stratosphere, they begin to deplete the ozone layer.

Ozone molecules, which are simply three joined oxygen atoms, are constantly being destroyed and reformed by nature. However, CFCs in the air make it extremely difficult for ozone to reform once it has been broken apart.

Important Points

 Globally, the ozone layer has been shown to be depleting, and halocarbon emissions are most likely to blame. Ozone loss raises the amount of biologically hazardous solar UV light that reaches Earth's surface, which has a number of negative consequences, including a rise in the prevalence of skin cancer. International production limits on ozone-depleting compounds are set down in the 1985 Vienna Convention.

Additional Information 

Therefore, the answer is skin cancer.

An italian consuming paneer tikka in Rome and an Indian consuming pizza in Varanasi is an example of Globalisation of food, commodities and culture.Important Points

• Globalisation is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide.
• This increase in global interactions has caused a growth in international trade and the exchange of ideas, beliefs, and culture.
• Globalization is primarily an economic process of interaction and integration that is associated with social and cultural aspects which includes food and commodities.

Additional Information

• Theodore Levitte coined the term Globalisation.
• He stated that the changes in technology and social behaviors that allow multinational companies like Coca-Cola and McDonald's to sell the same products worldwide.

The correct answer is - Globalisation

Key Points

• Globalisation
  • Refers to the growing interdependence among different people, regions, and countries worldwide.
  • Driven by the development of information and communication technologies that intensify the speed and scope of interaction.
  • It involves economic, political, and cultural dimensions, reflecting its multifaceted nature.
  • Includes both social and economic relationships that stretch globally, transcending geographical barriers.

Additional Information

• Glocalisation
  • A process of mixing global and local influences to create unique cultural phenomena.
  • Often used by businesses to adapt global products to fit local tastes and preferences.
  • It is not entirely spontaneous and is usually linked to commercial interests.
• Migration
  • Typically refers to the movement of people from one place or country to another for various reasons such as economic opportunities, safety, or family reunification.
• Industrialisation
  • The process whereby an economy is transformed from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods.
  • Involves technological and social changes, leading to urbanization and the development of infrastructure.

The correct answer is - The popularity of ‘Bhangra pop’ and ‘Indi pop’

Key Points

• The popularity of ‘Bhangra pop’ and ‘Indi pop’
  • These music genres are examples of glocalisation, which is a combination of global and local influences.
  • They blend international musical styles with traditional Indian music, showcasing a mix of global and local elements.
  • This phenomenon illustrates the adaptation and integration of global trends into local cultures, creating unique and dynamic cultural expressions.

Additional Information

• Glocalisation
  • This process involves the mixing of global and local cultures to create hybridized cultural phenomena.
  • It is often driven by commercial imperatives and aims to make global products more acceptable and appealing in local markets.
• Examples in India
  • Television: Foreign television channels like Star and MTV broadcast content in Indian languages, catering to local audiences.
  • Food: McDonald's adjusts its menu in India to include vegetarian and chicken options, avoiding beef due to cultural sensitivities.
  • Festivals: During local festivals like Navaratri, international brands may adapt their products and marketing strategies to align with local traditions.

Civil Society is not basic in Giddens's definition of modernity.Important Points 

• Anthony Giddens defined Modernity, "developed due to the interactions of many institutions and each level specified by classical theorists.
• Modernity has four institutional dimensions

1. Capitalism
2. Industrialism
3. Surveillance
4. Military power

Additional Information

• Civil society can be understood as the "third sector" of society, distinct from government and business, and including the family and the private sphere.
• Civil society is used in the sense of the aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that advance the interests and will of citizens or individuals and organizations in a society which are independent of the government.

According to the given passage, globalisation involves more and more people travelling to the farther parts of the world. Therefore, the correct answer is option 3. 

Additional Information

• Globalisation is a socio-economic process by which countries and people become more interconnected and interdependent through increased trade, investment, technological advancement, and cultural exchange. This process transcends geographic boundaries, enabling businesses and people to interact efficiently without constraints of location.

The ozone layer is a stratosphere layer, the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere. The stratosphere is a layer of protective gases that clings to our planet. Ozone is a trace gas in the atmosphere, accounting for approximately 3 molecules for every 10 million molecules of air. But it serves an important purpose. The ozone layer, like a sponge, absorbs solar radiation that hits Earth. Although we require some of the sun's radiation to survive, too much of it can be harmful to living things. The ozone layer acts as a protective layer for life on Earth.

Key Points The ozone layer is shrinking. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer. A chlorofluorocarbon is a molecule composed of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. CFCs are ubiquitous, most notably in refrigerants and plastics. Businesses and consumers use them because they are inexpensive, do not easily catch fire, and do not usually poison living things. However, once CFCs reach the stratosphere, they begin to deplete the ozone layer.

Ozone molecules, which are simply three joined oxygen atoms, are constantly being destroyed and reformed by nature. However, CFCs in the air make it extremely difficult for ozone to reform once it has been broken apart.

Important Points

 Globally, the ozone layer has been shown to be depleting, and halocarbon emissions are most likely to blame. Ozone loss raises the amount of biologically hazardous solar UV light that reaches Earth's surface, which has a number of negative consequences, including a rise in the prevalence of skin cancer. International production limits on ozone-depleting compounds are set down in the 1985 Vienna Convention.

Additional Information 

Therefore, the answer is skin cancer.

The correct answer is the Gender Inequality Index (GII). ​

Key Points The Gender Inequality Index (GII) was introduced in the 2010 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This replaced the previously used Gender Development Index (GDI).

The aim of the GII is to measure the loss of achievement within a country due to gender inequality, and it uses three dimensions to do so: reproductive health, empowerment, and economic status.

• Reproductive health is measured by two indicators: maternal mortality ratio and adolescent birth rates.
• Empowerment is assessed through two other indicators: the proportion of parliamentary seats held by each sex and the percentage of the population with at least some secondary education, divided by sex.
• Lastly, the economic status is measured through labor market participation rates, again divided by sex.
  • The outcome is an index that ranges from 0 to 1 with higher values representing higher inequality.
• The introduction of the GII represented an attempt to develop a more comprehensive understanding of gender inequality, moving beyond merely assessing women's participation in education and work (as the GDI did) to include considerations of health-related inequalities and empowerment.

An italian consuming paneer tikka in Rome and an Indian consuming pizza in Varanasi is an example of Globalisation of food, commodities and culture.Important Points

• Globalisation is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide.
• This increase in global interactions has caused a growth in international trade and the exchange of ideas, beliefs, and culture.
• Globalization is primarily an economic process of interaction and integration that is associated with social and cultural aspects which includes food and commodities.

Additional Information

• Theodore Levitte coined the term Globalisation.
• He stated that the changes in technology and social behaviors that allow multinational companies like Coca-Cola and McDonald's to sell the same products worldwide.

The correct answer is the Gender Inequality Index (GII). ​

Key Points The Gender Inequality Index (GII) was introduced in the 2010 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This replaced the previously used Gender Development Index (GDI).

The aim of the GII is to measure the loss of achievement within a country due to gender inequality, and it uses three dimensions to do so: reproductive health, empowerment, and economic status.

• Reproductive health is measured by two indicators: maternal mortality ratio and adolescent birth rates.
• Empowerment is assessed through two other indicators: the proportion of parliamentary seats held by each sex and the percentage of the population with at least some secondary education, divided by sex.
• Lastly, the economic status is measured through labor market participation rates, again divided by sex.
  • The outcome is an index that ranges from 0 to 1 with higher values representing higher inequality.
• The introduction of the GII represented an attempt to develop a more comprehensive understanding of gender inequality, moving beyond merely assessing women's participation in education and work (as the GDI did) to include considerations of health-related inequalities and empowerment.