NCERT Book Class 11 Home Science Living and working in a global society

Each society is increasingly influenced by events and developments occurring in other societies of the world. For example, the US sub-prime crisis of 2008 impacted economies across the world and the ripple effect was seen on the financial status of markets, families and individuals in India. Many people lost money invested in shares and stocks or even their jobs; hence they had to adjust their living standards markedly. Fashion trends are another example. Increasingly we find ourselves adopting international fashion trends in our dressing styles. Similarity the style of dress is prominent in urban youth across the world, and between rural and urban youth in India. Our everyday lives are thus influenced not only by what we experience in our families, schools and neighbourhoods, but also by events occurring at the global level.

What is important to note here is that we are not passive entities that simply absorb any influence that comes our way. Every individual is an active being who interprets the external influence or input according to her/his own unique personality and cultural sensibilities. An example from fashion is the adaptation of the Western style of wearing jeans with T-shirt to wearing jeans with kurta. Furthermore, each individual in turn also influences the environmental contexts or persons with whom she/he comes into contact. For example, it is not uncommon to find adolescents or even younger children influence their parents on matters such as the brand and colour of a new vehicle or the place they want to visit during the holidays. Thus the influence is two-way. Even in your own family, you would find that not only are you being influenced by your parents, but in some areas they too are being influenced by you.

Contexts and individuals are dynamic. Across the life course, an individual passes through different stages of development and situations. At the same time, the settings also undergo change. In the present times, the pace of change is so rapid that what we know as “generation gap” may occur not only between two generations, i.e., between parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren, but it may also be evident between older and younger siblings. What was an accepted practice or way of thinking three years ago may have now changed. Those of you who have older or younger siblings may be able to think of instances when you and your sibling argued about something because both of you felt that what you were saying was the right way to do something. Do you recall saying, “When I was of your age…………..” to younger siblings or children?