Globalization as a new world economic order is likely to bring more progress, prosperity and freedom for all, but may even lead to the worsening of all these aspects for some communities. This write-up especially focuses on how the globalization process is going to impact Dalit occupations, in the benefit-oriented capitalistic mode of production system. Dalits are often known as ‘untouchable’ groups and are socially discriminated against, but they hold unique traditional artistic skills and industrial knowledge on a range of areas—iron, textiles, leather manufacturing and music—all of which have been their source of livelihood for centuries.[break]
Dalits have historically specialized in the production of all kinds of artistic tools and equipments for household and agricultural production, but now globalization is adversely impacting their traditional occupations. Their livelihood and specialized occupation is now being replaced by global capitalistic productions. Easy availability of mass production goods from latest technology-based industries at low prices has proved to be a huge challenge for their original occupation. Dalits neither have the capacity to compete with these productions nor do they have an alternative way so far to earn their livelihood.
Our artisan culture and traditional technological knowledge is on the verge of collapse. Before the advent of globalization as we know today, Dalits would make a range of products—from pots to plough, shoes, clothes etc and also indulge in artistic means like music and dance. Without the Dalit community’s skill and craft, the smooth functioning of any household seemed impossible.
EQUIPPING THE MARGINALIZED
Dalits have historically specialized in production of artistic tools and equipments for households and agriculture. But globalization is adversely impacting their traditional occupations now.
We must not forget that India’s ‘Charkha Andolan’—an initiative by Mahatma Gandhi during the British rule, was a movement that aimed precisely at protecting the local artisan. This movement rejected the cloth produced by British industries and mills and encouraged Indians to use indigenous and home spun cloth. If we really want to protect and promote the culture of Dalits based on traditional technology, we must learn something from this movement. The government of Nepal must stop importing cheap products from the global market and promote and protect the local market instead, helping export our indigenous items.
Before 1951, Nepal was a socio-economically self reliant nation because it promoted its local skills, knowledge and products. During this period, it had flourishing trade, architecture and local industries. However, post 1950, Nepal developed trade relations with developed countries and opened itself to international trade. Thus, gradually, it became fascinated with their finished goods and services and began importing them blindly. The result is complete dependence on foreign powers, to the extent that we need foreign expertise even to draft our own constitution today.
The productive labor force, largely Dalits, was socially excluded with the beginning of the Hindu Verna system. Apart from the impacts of globalization, Dalits in recent times started giving up their traditional occupation because they face social exclusion and discrimination. The younger generation does not see any future in such occupations and there has been no sustainable policy initiative from the government either. If this continues, our society will become completely bereft of real traditional technological artisans.
Globalization has had both positive and negative effects on the world’s social and cultural values and economies. There is no denying that globalization has brought cheer and hope to people, opening up a whole new world of opportunities. It has also impacted cultural and social practices of our country. Communication, technology and education has made life simpler and provided more opportunities in different sectors. Socialization is a process of change; and accordingly, a change can be seen in all aspects of our lives—our clothing, food habits, language, religion and social behavior.
With increasing competition from modern globally available cheap goods threatening to ruin our local artisans and industries, the government and local authorities need to urgently take adequate steps to promote and preserve the unique role of these artisans and for realizing their full potential. Financial assistance and proper guidance, facilities and channels for foreign trade should be ensured by concerned authorities. The government should set-up mass production factories for the traditionally skilled Dalit community who can share its experience, get employment and produce goods locally. This will also automatically help in stemming migration and outflow of manpower.
Further, since the community may not be fully equipped to deal with business complexities like marketing and operational management, the government needs to step in with training and facilitation initiatives. Modern technological and industrial knowledge should be disseminated to the Dalit community to enable them to compete with the global market. Priority should be given to the local produce and artisans so their traditional occupation can be sustained.
Financial assistance and raw materials should also be provided at subsidized rates. At a broader level, social inclusion and justice has to be engrained if we are to uproot the practice of untouchability and give equal opportunities to all. If the government does address this issue with sincerity in each development plan, then the country can go a long way in uplifting the poor and marginalized Dalits and making them a part of mainstream development.
The author is a sociologist
girithejorba@gmail.com
Related story
Is Nepal the winner of globalization?
