Page 24 - DSOC201_SOCIAL_STRUCTURE_AND_SOCIAL_CHANGE_ENGLISH

Unit 1: Indian Society

Traditions which are local in nature are more important for the students of sociology and Notes
anthropology. The vast multitude of masses, especially rural masses, largely live by their
Little Traditions.
• The density of population in villages is so low that it not only affects production and
distribution but also the total life of the community and peoples’ living standard. Both birth
rate and death rate are high in villages in comparison to cities which adversely affects the
quantitative and the qualitative growth of the rural people.
• Family and familism play a decisive role in the material and cultural life of villages and in
moulding the psychological characteristics of the rural collectivity. While joint family continues
to be the predominant form, nuclear family also exists as a result of the growth of market
economy in the agrarian areas, migration of youth to cities, and the impact of urban socio-
economic forces on the rural society.
• The interdependence of members on each other enables them to develop more collectivist
family consciousness and less individualistic emotion. Though the impact of urbanisation,
industrialisation, education, etc., has weakened traditional authority structure, created
centrifugal tendencies, and reduced economic homogeneity based on a single economic
activity, yet the family has not become atomistic, and family as an institution continues to be
strong.
• Religious life of rural people which was rigorously determined by caste is no longer affected
by it. Religious practices are slowly changing in villages.
• Leadership too is not totally based on caste membership in the rural society. Caste leaders
are no longer leaders of the social, economic, political, and ideological life of the villagers.
The jajmani system and inter-caste economic relations have also undergone significant change.

1.7 Key-Words

1. Unity in diversity : It is a concept of unity without uniformity and diversity without
fragmentation that shifts focus from unity based on a mere tolerance of
physical, cultural, linguistic, social, religious, political, ideological
differences towards a more complex unity based on an understanding
that difference enriches human interactions.
1.8 Review Questions

1. Discuss unity in diversity in India.
2. What are the cultural and Regional diversities of Indian society? Discuss.
3. Write a short note on the evolution of Indian society along with socio-cultural dimensions.
4. Explain the impact of Modern West on Indian society.
Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i)(a) (ii)(b) (iii)(c) (iv)(b) (v)(a)

1.9 Further Readings

1. Ahuja, Ram, 1994: Indian Social System, Rawat Publication.
2. Srinivas, M.N., 1963: Social Change in Modern India, University of California
Press.
3. Sharma, K.L., 2007: Indian Social Structure and Change, Rawat Publication.

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