A study of impact of globalization on the socio-economic status of Neo-Buddhist community in Akola district

Abstract

Globalization is the most widely debated and discussed phenomenon in all over the world. The world opinion is divided on what constitute globalization and whether the globalization is good or bad? Handful of scholars perceived globalization as the only way to make the world hunger free and prosperous. On the contrary evidences shows that poverty, both absolute and relative has increased in the countries where these policies are implemented. The various World Bank Reports supports those evidences. This has raised the serious doubt about achieving the Millennium Development Goals, more particularly the first goal to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by the year 2015. Globalization whether good or bad almost every nation state is bound to become a part of a global economy. Some thinkers called it a new world order . In this so called new world order which does not exists today in its fullest form, what will be the status of welfare and where would the poor go?. The privatization and liberalization of the Indian economy has shaken the very social fabric of the Indian society. The caste system in India which is based on the principle inequality whether those inequalities (Social and Economical) are going to diminished or perpetuated further in the period of globalization? Are they be able to compete with the changing scenario? What will happen with their occupations? Are they able to get quality education? What changes globalization has brought into their lifestyles? Do they have new skills so as to get the benefits of globalization? Is there any social and occupational mobility among them in view of globalization or are they stagnated? Etc. needs to be answered if they have to become a citizen of a global community- dreamed as a knowledge society. The NeoBuddhist in India are the most vulnerable group assumed to be severely affected by the policies of globalization. The earlier state policies of protective and positive discrimination led a microscopic section of that population.