3.3 Hinduism

3.3 Hinduism

Ideologies
1. Traditional Hindu
  1. Have more conservative values about their faith. They're strict followers of the teachings in the Vedas.
  2. They want to protect India from outside cultures to preserve Hindu customs. They value things like: -Traditional Hindu customs and traditions should be followed -Protecting India from the influences of other religions (eg Christianity, Islam) and western values. -Following strict dietary traditions (eg no beef.)
2. Capitalist
  1. When people believe that things (e.g. property) should be owned by people or an individual, not by a government or communities
  2. Believe that people should work for money so that they can buy things they want (e.g. food.) Capitalism mostly has a 'free market' economy, meaning people should buy and sell things by their own judgement
Social Processes
1. Globalisation
  1. Globalisation is the process of sharing ideas, culture, people, technology and products across the globe. Globalisation has resulted in the world being increasingly inter-connected. This has resulted in increased levels of trade and exchange.
    1. Advantages and Disadvantages
      1. ADVANTAGES -Goods and people transported with more ease- Global mass media connects all people- Spread of democracy - Jobs for more minority/discriminated groups in workforce -Increased use of cars, radio, telephones and computers globally
      2. DISADVANTAGES -Outsourcing leads to fewer jobs in richer countries -Economic problems occurring in one country can affect the entire world economy -More control over the media as it is controlled by a smaller number of MNCs -Spread of consumerism -Possible exploitation of workers as MNCs control wages
    2. India to sell Western consumer goods and household electronics, as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish and dairy in places such as Bharti Walmart (operating as Best Price India.) First branch opened in Amritsar in May 2009. There are now 19 locations across India. No beef or pork products are sold in Walmart India
2. Protest
  1. Protest is a series of actions undertaken to show disapproval or opposition to an issue in society.
    1. Groups such as Shiv Sena and the BJP Party have a strong traditional ideology. They often try to shape society by protesting. Groups have protested against MNCs like McDonalds. -In OCtober 2010, Shiv Sena protested in Mumbai calling for a ban on Muslim burqas -In December 2009, Shiv Sena youth protested by pulling off headgear of catholic nuns -In February 2013, Shiv Sena attacked several couples celebrating valentines day in a restaurant in Mai Mandi
Changes
1. in capitalism due to globalisation
  1. -Blending of Indian and Western culture in India. Some Indian culture is changing or disappearing because of capitalism -With more American products on sale, Indians are dressing and eating differently and celebrating Western holidays (eg. Indians now spend 50billion rupees on Valentines Day products each year) -Globalising MNCs such as Walmart sell American brand clothing in India -Other companies are creating a blended style of clothing known as 'Indo-Western' wear by combining traditional items such as the Kurti with jeans -Miniskirts, dresses and shorts are commonly worn by urban women in India today -More jobs created from capitalism. Capitalism brings more jobs to India through globalisation. The MNCs setting up business in India create more employment. Major MNCs have created 6-10million new jobs worldwide. Unemployment has dropped from 8.3% to 6.6% from 2005 to 2010
2. In traditional Hinduism due to protest
  1. -Divide between liberal and traditional Hindus widening -Fewer Indians supporting protesters, many facebook groups such as "Ban Shiv Sena" has 37400 members. -Shiv Sena and BJP labelled 'terrorist organisations.' Government minister Chintar Shiva claimed that "we have reports that BJP camps are promoting Hindu terror in the country." -Hindu and their protests have slowed change by resisting MNCs -KFC outlets closed because of Shiv Sena protests (New Delhi KFC shut down in July 2012.) -2012 protests prevented Walmart and McDonalds stores from opening near religious sites in Katra
Point of View
1. Amit Jatia (owner of McDonalds in West and South India)
  1. Believes that globalising India with brands like McDonalds has a positive effect by creating long term jobs and helping the Indian economy. He believes that McDonalds is a popular and expanding company in India. He believes this because he values the expansion of the Indian economy and creating business and employment opportunities for the Indian people. He says that "McDonalds has successfully mastered the art of globalisation. McDonalds has recreated it's image to suit India and the benefits are obvious." This is shaped by his capitalist ideology, which favours making profit and creating business and investment opportunities to improve the economy
2. Bal Thackeray (leader of Shiv Sena)
  1. Believes that controversy and conflict are necessary to slow down the changes and modernisation of India. Without action, India will become too Westernised and traditional values will be lost. He believes this because he values the old ways of life in India and the teachings of the Vedas. He values India as belonging to only the Hindu people and all Hindus should share a common behaviour and language. He states that "All Hindus should love and respect the traditions and history of the nation." This is shaped by his traditional Hindu ideology, which aims to keep Hindu values from being changed by outside influences. It is the view that Hinduism should remain mono-cultural to be preserved
Reasons
1. How/Why Capitalism shapes Indian society
  1. - India is a developing economy, 4th largest economy in the world with a population of 1.2billion. Average income of Indians expected to grow by 13% by 2020. MNCs want to invest in largely populated countries with growing incomes. In a developing country, food and clothing are most in demand, MNCs like McDonalds and Walmart have come to India to meet this need. -Outsourcing to India for it's lower paid workers. Globalisation works by taking advantage of cheap labour costs to set up factories and operating centres. Labour costs in India are 1/3 of what they are in the UK. 2011: 700000 technology degree university graduates in India. India has the largest pool of technically skilled graduates in the world. -Globalisation exposes Indians to international brands through the internet, media and travel. India now has 120million internet users and there were 6.2million tourist arrivals in India in 2011. -English now domnant language with only 30% speaking Hindi, allows people...
  2. ...from different cultural backgrounds to connect with and share their values. -India is one of the largest and fastest growing economies=growing consumerism in India. 5th largest retail market=Indians expect to buy the same brands as the rest of the world , many Indians prefer Western brands and see them as a status symbol. 2002: most Indian youth (14-25) perceive the Western world as modern and sophisticated (the youth market is the largest consumer market in India.) Traditional Hinduism is a way of life and anything that goes against these values must be met protest. MNCs are associated with non-traditional values, McDonalds supports cow slaughter (67000 a day worldwide.) Therefore, McDonalds has become a target for traditional Hindus because they consider the cow sacred.
2. How/Why traditional Hinduism shapes Indian society
  1. -Protests allow traditional Hindus to express traditional views and establish their aims, they express their core values as being the most pure and authentic in society. They believe in keeping Indian society mono-cultural and free of Western influences. Keeping India mono-cultural means that Tradition Hindu try to preserve the following beliefs:-The cow is sacred and a descendant from the God Kamadenhu. Vegetarianism is an important aspect of being Hindu. -Behaviour and dress should be conservative (especially in women), this helps a person fulfill their dharma. -Gods should be worshipped and customs and traditions (eg. visiting the temple) should be followed. Traditional Hindus must live a pure life to fulfill their dharma (duty.) They believe that actions such as eating meat can generate bad kharma. If they do not fulfill their duty, they will not reach Moksha. They shape society through protest to preserve these ideas and ensure that they will reach enlightenment
Evaluate
1. Impact of Capitalism shaping India
  1. -Improving Indian economy, average 8% annual GDP growth, 11th largest economy in the world. -Ranked 2nd place behind China as fastest growing economy=positive future for businesses and career prospects of India's 4million youth. -Creating a greater gap between rich and poor, changes coming too quickly=jobs created out of reach for majority low-skilled workers in rural areas. Number or billionaires living in India has risen to 49 from only 3 in 1999, 29.8% of population still live below poverty line. -Global fast food brands contribute to 20% increase in obesity, however 16% still suffer malnutrition. Growing gap between rich and poor placed India 136/186 of Human Rights index. -Weakening traditional values: fewer arranged marriages, caste system outlawed, more Indians changing diets and eating meat. Author Anand Giridharadas: India is "experiencing a huge cultural shift."
2. Impact of Traditional Hinduism in shaping India
  1. -Slowing down change and preserving Hindu customs for the future. It's impact is smaller than the impact caused by capitalism because India is becoming more Westernised. Since 2003, the consumption of meat in India has doubled. Traditional Hindu ideology is also having a negative impact on Indian society because there is growing extremism in India. In a desperate attempt to slow changes in society and prevent India from becoming Westernised. Traditional Hindus are shifting to have more extremist ideologies known as Saffron Terror. There are now an estimated 800 terrorist cells operating in India which pose a significant threat.

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