Page 253 - DSOC202_SOCIAL_STRATIFICATION_ENGLISH

Social Stratification

Notes existing systems with a view to reduce or remove structural inconsistencies, inequalities and
contradictions and to ensure an egalitarian system of social relationships.
• Sanskritization and westernization can be defined only in cultural terms. But Lynch (1968)
maintains that sanskritization can be defined structurally too. The major difficulty of
sanskritization is of being ‘culture-bound’, which could, however, be overcome by an
application of a frame of analysis that uses generalized types of reference groups
(identification, imitation, negation) and generalized types of status (dominant and salient).
With such a frame of analysis sanskritization could be compared with movements of mobility
in other societies and their similarities and dissimilarities could be compared and analyzed.
But these arguments of Lynch do not stand the test of validity. Sanskritization as a concept
is applicable basically within the frame of caste structure. Again, mobility at all the levels as
referred above cannot be understood with the concept of sanskritization because there is a
gross negligence of realization of the role of initiative and incentive, individual aspirations
and resourcefulness. Thus, the structural changes which are induced through extra-caste
mechanisms but have definite reper-cussions on caste structure are not understandable either
with reference group theory or sanskritization. However, the analysis of mobility in caste
structure could be better understood at different levels of mobility as analyzed above.
• Finally, it could be pointed out that if the concept of sanskritization is used in the wider
sense as referred to by Lunch, it does not remain sanskritization as defined by either Srinivas
or Bailey. It becomes altogether a new concept perhaps unacceptable to Srinivas. Structural
changes are understandable through reference group theory or not remains still an unsolved
question. Merton has used reference group theory for socio-psychological analysis at
intermediate level (middle range). Whether it could also be extended to an analysis of a
macro social and psychological phenomena remains an unsolved puzzle.

11.5 Key–Words

1. Defiled : Jutha
2. Chamars : Untouchable
3. Nairs : Barbers

11.6 Review Questions

1. What is meant by social mobility? Explain.
2. What are the determinants of social mobility? Discuss.
3. Discuss the patterns of mobility in caste and class.
4. What is demographic factor? Discuss.

Answers: Self–Assessment
1. Horizontal and vertical 2. Vilfredo pareto
3. Veblen 4. Descending

11.7 Further Readings

1. Sharma, K.L., 2010 : Perspectives on Social Stratification, Rawat Publication.
2. Sharma, K.L., 2010 : Social Stratification & Mobility, Rawat Publication.
3. Hasnain, Nadeem, 2011 : Indian Society and Culture Continuity and Change,
Jawahar Publishers and Distributors.

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