Q19. Globalization has increased the urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? 

Approach

‍

Introduction

Globalization, through the expansion of digital economies, educational opportunities, and job availability, has facilitated urban migration for women seeking independence and career advancement. This trend has transformative effects on their personal freedoms and familial relationships, reflecting broader societal changes driven by economic and cultural shifts.

Body

Impact on Personal Freedom:

• Increased Financial Independence: Skilled women can achieve financial autonomy. Urban  exposure allows for the construction of new identities and lifestyles that prioritize self-actualization and economic independence
• Impact on Marriage and Partnership Choices: urban migrant women are delaying marriage in favor of career development, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards female agency and relationships. 
• Expanded Social Networks: Urban environments enable broader social interactions. Urban women often form diverse networks, leading to increased social capital and support systems.
• Greater Educational Opportunities: Migration leads to access to better educational institutions. The Ministry of Education's data reveals that women pursuing higher education has increased by 40% over the last decade.
• Increased Participation in Decision-Making: Women gain a voice in household decisions. Urban women are more likely to influence family financial choices compared to their rural peers.  

Impact on Family Relationships:

• Changing Family Dynamics: Migration alters traditional family roles. Urban  families are now more egalitarian, with women taking on leadership roles in household decisions due to urban migration.
• Potential Strain on Familial Bonds: Distance may weaken familial connections. Migrating women feel emotionally distant from their families, impacting relationships.
• Redefining Gender Roles: Urban migration challenges conventional gender norms. The Gender Equality Index indicates that women migrating for work often reject traditional roles, impacting societal perceptions of gender.  
• Changing Dynamics of Parent-Child Relationships: Migration alters traditional parent-child dynamics, fostering independence. Studies suggest that migrant women often prioritize their professional aspirations, leading to less dependence on parental guidance and altering intergenerational relationships. 

At the same time, migrant women also face issues in the new urban spaces: 

• Many women experience emotional distress when leaving behind familial support systems, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness in urban environments. 
• Many migrant women often face discrimination based on their rural origins, which can hinder their social integration and access to resources. 
• Young migration women often face resistance from families regarding adoption of modern lifestyles, leading to tensions rooted in differing cultural expectations between generations. 
• Many migrant women find themselves in low-paying, unstable jobs, perpetuating cycles of economic insecurity despite their educational qualifications.   

Conclusion

In conclusion, the urban migration of skilled women catalyzes a profound transformation in personal freedoms and familial relationships, challenging entrenched norms and reshaping societal dynamics. While these women gain autonomy and redefine their roles, they simultaneously confront emotional and structural challenges. Thus, as globalization continues to influence gender relations, it becomes essential to create supportive frameworks to encourage the advancement of women.  

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly

‍

✅ Download Model Answer PDF for complete UPSC Mains 2024 GS1 Paper with analysis here - Download GS1 Model Answers