Question

According to the convergence thesis put forward by modernisation theorist Clark Kerr, an industrialised India of the 21st century shares more features with China or the United States in the 21st century than it shares with 19th-century India. Do you think this is true? Do culture, language and tradition disappear with new technology, or does culture influence the way people adapt to new products? Write a page of your own reflections on these issues, giving examples.

Answer 1

Part 1: Evaluating the Convergence Thesis in India

The convergence thesis states that industrial societies grow to look similar because of technology. This is largely true economically, but false culturally.

• Economic Similarity: 21st-century India mirrors the US and China in daily operations.
• Modern Work: India relies on tech hubs, corporate offices, and gig-economy jobs.
• Urban Infrastructure: Metro systems, smart cities, and digital banking are standard.
• 19th-Century Contrast: Today’s India is vastly different from agrarian, caste-segregated 19th-century India.

Part 2: Does Culture Disappear with Technology?

Culture, language, and tradition do not disappear when new technology arrives. Instead, a process called “Glocalisation” happens. Local culture shapes how global tech is used.

• Digital Tradition: Matrimonial websites still use caste and community filters.
• Tech and Religion: Apps are used to stream live temple prayers (Aartis).
• Festivals and E-commerce: Digital sales spike dramatically during Diwali or Eid shopping.
• Language Adaptation: Indians use “Hinglish” or regional languages on social media.

Conclusion:

Technology changes the tools we use, but culture drives how we use them. 21st-century India has modernised its infrastructure without completely westernising its social values. Traditional family structures, community bonds, and cultural identities coexist smoothly with high-tech workspaces.