Page 173 - DSOC401_SOCIOLOGICAL_THOUGHT_ENGLISH

Unit-29: Theory of Derivatives

There is a view point. A person does a tyrannous behaviour towards his wife; if given an opportunity, notes
lays hands upon her. Society’s expectation is that he should not do such behaviour towards his wife.
In such a situation, he cites Tulsi Das. This great poet has said, “Drum, boor, scheduled caste and
women are worth beating”. This is giving derivation of one’s activity. On the other hand, a husband
praises his wife with his full might, gets her whatever she wants. In general language it is called “slave
to the wife”. Society’s expectation is that he should not bow himself so much before his wife. At the
most, he should treat her equally. But he says that god lives where women are worshipped. Such
saying is derivation. In derivation, person believes that whatever he does, i.e., his feelings, emotions
etc. are all backed by rationality.

self assessment

Fill in the blanks–
1. Defining sociology he had said that it is that social science which studies ______ activities.
2. For studying these activities he brings in use _________ method.
3. Pareto says that _____ activities are made of derivatives and residues.
As is the process of Pareto’s theory building, like residue, he tells the classes of derivatives also. There
are four classes of derivatives:
(i) Assertions,
(ii) Authority,
(iii) Accord with sentiments,
(iv) Verbal proof.
1. assertions: For manifesting his sentiments humans take the help of assertions. He claims
that whatever he has done is right. When he puts his assertion he also gives the threat of
power. He puts his saying in a high pitched voice. Does up his fist and with all might, says
his assertion to be right.
2. authority: When people accept the assertion from the rational point of view then it becomes
authority. One the society accepts that men have the right to beat his wife, this right becomes
the authority. In this, it happens that in which field a person uses authority, his authority
establishes in other fields too. For e.g., education minister is considered to be a man of
authority in family planning too.
3. accord with sentiments: These are those derivatives which a person presents to prove the
reasonableness of any activity. Such kinds of derivatives are based on some feelings and
activities of those feelings are only considered to be appropriate.
4. Verbal proof: Such kind of behaviour that has no relation then with the actuality is accepted
on oral saying. It includes false reasoning sophistry and double meaning talks which are
not in accordance with actual facts and they are used only for proving the reasonableness
of behaviour.
Pareto has written a lot about residues and derivatives in Treatise. When he describes derivatives, he
also accepts that such reasons are not correct. These reasons only misguide the society. Despite of this
drawback, social interworking of derivatives may not be ignored. Worldwide and especially in our
country women liberation movements are going on, a big battle of theirs is on the controversies these
derivatives only. On the death of husband wife becomes widow while on the death of wife husband
re-marries. This entire system is based on derivatives. Many such viewpoints may be found in Epics,
upnishads and Brahmins which glorify widow life and that is why widows are suffering. This is the
wonder of derivation.

LoVeLY professionaL uniVersitY 167