Globalization is integration of economies of the world. It results in increased interdependence between countries and enables free trade between them. Free trade means removal of entry barriers like heavy import duties to liberalize economy. This enables companies to sell products and services in other countries at competitive prices. This is the economic aspect of globalization. However, another significant impact of globalization and market integration is diffusion of cross border cultures and lifestyle. With opening up of Asian markets and free flow of information with the developed markets, adoption of western culture has become widespread. This has increased the vulnerability to changes in their social structure and belief systems. It has led to increasing incidences of divorce, crime and drug abuse in the society.
A growing techno-culture has let to weakening of familial and marital bonds of love and intimacy (Fabc 9). People are increasingly lacking in patience and lifetime commitment to relationships. The traditional ‘home maker and bread winner’ concept of marriage is changing into the culture of working couples. Women are becoming more empowered and interdependence is reducing between spouses. With pervasion of the modern culture of lack of patience, reluctance for lifetime commitment, weakening of relationship bonds and reducing interdependencies, incidences of divorce are bound to increase.
Drug abuse has been a global problem, but a shift is observed in its production, trafficking and consumption patterns (Gamal). As a result of globalization, manufacturing and consumption of deadly drugs is increasingly significantly in South East Asia. The main impact of globalization that has increased the incidences of drug abuse are weakening of familial bonds, ready availability of harmful drugs and increasing westernization. Weakening of bonds between parents and their children has reduced communication between them. The moral, cultural and social values that children imbibe from their parents have also significantly declined. The children set their own standards and values, which is more inspired by their peers and friends. Thus, the present youth culture is being increasingly associated with use of deadly drugs.
Increased threat of organised crime and terrorism can also be accounted to globalization. The increasing cross border movements and permeability have helped terrorists build their crime network internationally. It has been possible due to advancements in mode of communication and transportation. In fact, generating funds for such heinous acts has become much easier with technological advancements that have come with globalization. Apart from this, growing popularity of drug abuse in youth has also increased the incidences of crime in Asia.
Works Cited
Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference. “The Asian Family towards a Culture of Integral Life”. Fabc.org, 2004. Web. 9 Jun. 2012.
Gamal, Raghda. “Drug Use in East and South-East Asia is a Growing Problem”. Yobserver.com, 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 8 Jun. 2012.
