Inspite of its failure, the Non-Cooperation Movement has great significance in the history of India not only in relation to political sphere but also in terms of social aspects. In processions, meetings and jails people of all castes and communities worked together which weakened the caste separateness and accelerated the pace of social mobility and reform. The lower classes could raise their head high without fear. The movement showed remarkable unity among the Hindus and Muslims.
The economic boycott in 1920-22 was more effective than a swadeshi movement in 1905-08 and created panic among the British capitalists. The Indian textile industry was immensly benefited by boycott of foreign goods. The popularisation of charakha and khadi, the village reconstruction programme through self-help brought about economic revival. In the political field, the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements, involving all the communities and classes added a new dimension to the national movement.
A new nationalist awareness was generated and the national movement reached the remotest corners of the land. The common people for the first timebecame an integral part of the mainstream of the national movement, Self-cofidence and self-esteem among the Indian people developed in palce of frustration and hopelessness.