Paper short abstract:

The present paper seeks to explore the ways in which the Sumi tribe of Nagaland had encountered various types of changes due to globalization. It is an attempt to identify those institutional features and cultural practices that are most affected by the recent changes.

Paper long abstract:

An examination of recent trends in Sumi Naga society reveals that so much has changed yet people are nostalgic about the ideal structure of the past and still take pride in it. It also reveals that people, especially the youth, are at a crossroad, encountering contradictory values of tradition and market-centred globalization. They are making an effort to cling to their roots but at the same time avail of the opportunities of the market. The present paper seeks to explore the ways in which the Sumi tribe of Nagaland had encountered various types of changes due to globalization. It is an attempt to identify those institutional features and cultural practices that are most affected by the recent changes. The manner in which the society accepted new ideas and beliefs and has adapted to the ways as prescribed is examined. The invading forces might have ushered in changes so as to raise Sumi society at par with the rest of the world, however if this becomes a threat to their cultural identity then it does become a matter of concern. Hence, it is imperative to consider the strategies people employ to keep certain aspects of their traditions and cultural practices alive.