Model Answer

Introduction

Globalisation has significantly influenced urban migration patterns among skilled, young, unmarried women in India, leading to profound changes in their personal freedom and family dynamics. As these women migrate to urban centers like Bengaluru and Mumbai in search of better economic opportunities and education, they experience both positive and negative impacts on their lives.

Positive Impacts on Personal Freedom

1. Financial Independence: Migration allows women to achieve financial autonomy, enabling them to make independent life choices, such as career paths and personal investments. This independence often translates into increased decision-making power over their earnings.
2. Broader Social Exposure: Urban migration exposes women to diverse social networks and cultures, enhancing their personal growth. For instance, women in creative industries, such as fashion, gain access to global networks that foster professional development.
3. Career Opportunities: Urban areas provide access to a wider range of career options that may not be available in smaller towns. The media and entertainment sectors in cities like Mumbai offer numerous opportunities for women to excel.
4. Personal Space and Freedom of Choice: Women in urban settings often enjoy the freedom to live independently, choose their lifestyles, and make personal decisions without societal pressure, such as living in shared apartments or alone.

Negative Impacts on Personal Freedom

1. Disturbed Work-Life Balance: The fast-paced urban work culture can lead to burnout, with long working hours often resulting in stress and decreased personal time.
2. Social Isolation: While migration offers independence, it can also lead to feelings of isolation due to the lack of family support and a disconnect from familiar cultural norms.
3. Economic Exploitation: In some sectors, particularly low-wage jobs, women may face poor working conditions and limited personal freedom, highlighting the darker side of globalisation.

Impact on Relationships with Family

1. Increased Respect and Role in Decision-Making: Financial independence often enhances women’s respect within their families, giving them a greater voice in household decisions.
2. Strengthening Bonds Through Technology: Technology facilitates maintaining family ties despite physical distance, with platforms like WhatsApp and Zoom allowing for regular communication.
3. Breaking Traditional Gender Roles: Migration challenges traditional expectations, leading to greater acceptance of women’s careers and independence within families.
4. Emotional Distance and Conflicts: However, migration can also create emotional distance and conflicts over lifestyle choices, particularly in conservative families that may disapprove of young women living alone or prioritizing careers over marriage.
5. Delayed Marriage and Family Tensions: The focus on career often leads to delayed marriages, which can create tensions with traditional family expectations that value early marriage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while globalisation has empowered skilled, young, unmarried women by providing them with greater personal freedom and opportunities, it has also introduced challenges that affect their relationships with family. Balancing these factors requires societal support and a shift in family acceptance of evolving norms.