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 CHAPTER-3

STUDY AREA AND THE RESPONDENTS: A PROFILE

The understanding of causes and conditions of social change in a

given social setting can not be possible in isolation of the larger society of

which the empirical situation under analysis is a part. The reason and rational

being whatever changes take place in the selected empirical setting are also

visible in the larger setting. This chapter, in order to have comprehensive

analysis of social change, first focuses on the study area and later analyze the

profile of the respondents who have been contacted in order to ascertain

information on the causes and conditions of change. In view of the above

discussions this chapter is divided in two parts.

First, an attempt is made here to discuss the salient features of the

area of study- the district and the block on the basis of secondary sources.

Second part discusses the characteristics of the respondents who provided

vital information about the change taking place in their lives.

A Socio-economic Profile of the study Area

Himachal Pradesh is a hilly state of India and has boundaries with

Jammu and Kashmir in north, Uttar Pradesh in south east, Haryana State in

south, Punjab in the west and international border with China. This

mountainous state has altitudes ranging from 350 to 7000 meters (1050 ft. to

21000 ft.) above the sea level. Himachal Pradesh Comprises of twelve

districts. The total area of the state is 5567359 Kilometers inhabited by

6856509 persons comprising 1473892 males and 3382617 females. The

63
growth rate of 12.81 per cent in Himachal Pradesh is low as compared to all

India's growth rate of 17.64 per cent during (2001-2011), Census of India

(2011). The rural population has registered higher increase of 12.50 percent

and urban population has registered higher increase of 15.64 per cent.

Shimla, the only class I city, is also the capital of the state, housing the

Himachal Pradesh government and administration. The district spread over

geographic area 5131 Square Kilometers, which is 9.2 per cent of the total

area of the state. The total population of the district comprises of 424486

males and 388898 females.

The rural population of Shimla district is 6,11,884, which has grown at

the rate of 10.20 per cent and urban population's growth rate is 20.49 per

cent. Urban growth rate of Shimla is on number two (after Kullu), in Himachal

Pradesh. The urban population is 201,500 which has grown at the rate of

20.49 percent. The district has the largest urban population, 24.77 per cent in

comparison to other districts of Himachal Pradesh.

The rural population in the state is spread over 20,690 villages. A

village on an average has a population size of 298 persons. In Himachal

Pradesh, rural population constitute 89.96 percent of the total population. In

comparison to other districts Shimla district has the lowest rural population

75.53 per cent. In comparison the Urban areas number 59, located in only 10

districts of the state. There is no designated urban area in two districts,

namely Lahul & Spiti, Kinnaur.

The total urban population of the state is 688,704, which constitutes

10.04 percent of the state population, and has increased at the rate of 35.64

percent during the last decade. Census of India (2011, P-17).

64
 The demographic structure of Shimla district suggests that the child

population (0-6 yrs) in the state is 11.14 percent comprising 11.53 percent

male and 10.74 percent female. However the number of rural children is

higher than the urban. Shimla has only 9.93 per cent child population. The

rural-urban divide also indicates that children of rural area out number the

urban child population. In district Shimla rural child population is 10.46 per

cent in comparison to 8.34 per cent urban. Similarly the number of male

children in rural area is 10.56 percent where as it is 8.01 per cent in urban.

The female number 10.34 per cent in rural areas in comparison to 8.17 per

cent urban.

Whereas the above variations are caused by sex ratio or not is quite

important in the context demographic profile. Sex ratio is defined as the

number of females per 1000 males. In Himachal Pradesh as a whole there

are 974 females per 1,000 males censes (2011) as against 968 females per

1,000 in 2001 Census, (2001). It is better than the sex ratio of 940 females

per 1000 males in the country as a whole. However, in the rural Himachal it is

988 females, and 853 in Urban area per 1,000 males. The statistics show that

rural area which is with higher sex ratio are better placed in comparison to

urban areas. However, Shimla district has 952 females per 1000 males in

rural and 816 females in urban area. If we compare the 2011 census sex ratio

of Shimla district with 2001 census, it shows that urban and rural sex ratio has

increased, specially in urban area. In 2001 the rural sex ratio of Shimla District

was 946 and urban it was only 748.

In the context of change educational profile of a place and the

population concerned, including the subjects of the study is highly significant.

65
The literacy is considered to be as ability of the population to read and write,

which is believed to be positively related with knowledge and awareness. The

literacy in Himachal Pradesh in 1971 was only 31.96 per cent, which rose to

63.86 per cent in 1991 and 83.78 per cent in 2011. The number of the male

literates increased more than double form 43.19 per cent in 1971 to 90.83 in

2011 during the last four decades. The percent of female literates which was

20.23 in 1971 has risen to 76.70 per cent in 2011, showing nearly four times

increase in the literacy of females. The literates who are 83.78 per cent of the

total population in Himachal Pradesh is higher than the all India average of

74.04 per cent Census of India, (2011).

Although Himachal Pradesh is the least urbanized state having only

10.04 percent urban population but has the highest literacy rate of 91.39

percent. The literacy in Urban Shimla is 93.76 percent. However, the rural

literacy in comparison is only 89.44 percent. The gender gap in literacy in the

urban area is only less than two percent where as in the rural area is little

above ten percent. Census of India, (2011).

Although urbanization is one of the a major factors of social change,

and urbanization in this hill state has been quite slow, except in the case of

Shimla due to historical reasons. The urban population in Himachal Pradesh

is 688,708. This constitutes 10.04 per cent of the total population of the state

and ranks 35**^ among all states and union territories of the country. The

district Shimla ranks first in terms of percentage of urban population, which is

24.77 per cent of the total population of district.

The economic situation of the state as a whole indicates per capita

income of Rs 50,365 and expenditure on every consumer is Rs. 1365.34 for

66
the rural and Rs 2321.52 for the Urban area Economic Survey, (2009-10). In

comparison to the country as a whole this hill state shows higher earning and

expenditure capacity. The economy of the state is predominantly based on

aghculture, horticulture and its allied activities. The percentage contribution of

the agriculture and allied sectors to total states domestic products has

declined from 57.9 per cent in 1950-51 to 26.5 per cent in 1990-91 and to 17

per cent only in 2010-11. However, contrary to this the industries share has

increased from mere 5.9 per cent in 1950-51 to 13.3 per cent in 2010-11,

Himachal Pradesh Economic Survey Report, (2011-12). The state has made

significant progress in the development of horticulture. The topographical

variations favor the cultivation of sub tropical fruits. The region is also suitable

for cultivation of ancillary horticulture produce like flower. Mushrooms, honey

and hops. The hydro power is emerging as a powerful mechanism for

speedier economic growth. In addition tourism and Information Industry are

two other contributors towards the economic and sustainable growth.

Since this study is concerned with change in this rural area of Shimla, it

is quite relevant to provide a brief profile of agriculture, once the backbone of

Himachal economy. The latest available data indicate that the total crop area

is 89454 hectares. The main crops of the district are wheat, rice, maize,

barley, pulses and potato. The area covered for potato cultivation is 3502

hectare, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department, (2007-08). Apple is the

main horticulture product. As per horticulture department, production as on

March 2010 was 418.90 Metric Ton on 33.68 hectare land. The production of

other fruits was only 13.92 Metric Ton on 3.57 hectare land and dry fruits were

1.28 Metric Ton on 1.84 hectare land.

67
 Mashobra Block:- After having discussed the general profile of the

district of the study area, a brief socio-economic background of the Mashobra

block, the area where the study has been carried out is also given here.

The total population of the block is 75136, settled on a total area

410.25 hectare. Male population is 39593 and female population is 35543,

Census (2001). The sex ratio is very low i.e. 897 women per 1000 men. Total

number of literates are 55640 (excluding population from 0-6 yrs.), comprising

31830 male and 23810 female. Total percentage of literate population is 84.2

percent, comprising 90.8 per cent male and 76.6 per cent female literate.

Amongst the 10 blocks of Shimla district the literacy in Mashobra block is on

top. The caste composition of the block indicates 28.84 per cent are

scheduled castes and only 302 scheduled Tnbes. Being geographically closer

to Shimla, the state capital, the people in this block have relatively better

access to educational, health, information and other services, partially in

comparison to the population living away.

Most of the people in this block are engaged in agriculture. A few

outside labour are involved in agriculture activities. It is important to know that

the number of female agriculturist (10122) in this block is more than the

number of male i.e. 8903 only. The agriculture labour is carried out by more

number of male (480) in comparison to the number of female i.e. 209. The

domestic industry was only 309 male and 64 female workers. A substantial

population is engaged in other works, 10984 males and 143 females, Block

Indicators, (2011). The agriculture workers include 1863 males and 3613

females, it is almost double. The agricultural labourers are 116 males and 148

68
females, domestic industry has 48 males and 104 females and in others these

are 494 males and 294 females.

The social services primarily include, electricity, drinking water. There

are facilities in health and education, and quite visible in the block. Civil

hospital, primary health center and 41 sub centers. In addition Mashobra has

27 ayurvedic health institutions which is highest in the blocks of all Shimla

district. The educational facilities are provided through a network of

institutions which include 183 Primary Schools, 38 Middle Schools, 12 high

Schools, and 23 Senior Secondary Schools. Director Elementary Education,

(2010-11). The economic services are provided through a network of banks in

the block. There are 12 such banks, each one of which serves. 6261 persons,

as per the information given by Agrani Bank Adhikari Shimla. The registered

co-oprative societies in the block are 54, (Assistant Registrar of Co-oprative

society). There are 35 irrigation schemes cover 736.28 hectare area of land.

Though block Mashobra has 45 panchyats but a few villages of the block are

covered under the municipal corporation, Shimla.

Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile of the Respondents

This section deals with the demographic and socio-economic

characteristics of the respondents which includes age, sex, occupation,

marital status, education, family structure, traditional occupation, income of

family, level of living house pattern and other amenities available. A brief

discussion on these variables is as follows.

69
Table 3.1 : Age-wise Distribution of Respondents

S.N. Age groups (in years) Frequency Percentage

1. 18-25 15 3.7

2. 26-35 133 32.4

3. 36-45 151 36.8

4. 46-55 81 19.8

5. 56.65 10 2.4

6. 66+ 20 4.9

Total 410 100

Age is an important demographic characteristic. Media habits are

generally based on the age factor like youths are interested in new media,

whereas old generations prefer reading newspapers. The younger

respondents are more exposed to different types of media. In view of this and

in order to describe the type of respondents the data on age was collected,

Showing the age wise distribution of respondents.

The respondents falling in the sample are between minimum 18 years

age and maximum of 66 years and above. A majority of respondents (69 per

cent) are in two age groups, i.e. of 26 to 35 years and 36 to 45 years. In the

subsequent higher age group (46-55 years) nearly one-fifth of the total

respondents fall. Beyond which the number declines to negligible number.

Thus the study sample indicates that the majority of the respondents are in

the active and productive age groups. It is the age when people settle down

well in their carrier and looks for the development programmes for better

future.

70
Table 3.2: Distribution of Respondents by Sex

S.N. Category No. of Frequency Percentage

1. Male 280 68.3

2. Female 130 31.7

Total 410 100

The sex wise decisions of the respondents indicates that all the 410

respondents 68.3 per cent are male and 31.7 per cent are female. Needless

to say that sex and gender constitute important demographic characteristic in

the human society, where the role differentiation attributed contributes to be

based on gender. The exposure to mass media is found to be quite high in the

Indian society, more In the urban areas and relatively less in the rural areas. It

is assumed that the gender is likely to influence the development schemes for

social change.

Himachal Pradesh predominantly comphses of Hindu population where

the number of the minority communities is very small. Incidentally, all the

respondents are Hindus only.

Table 3.3: Distribution of Respondents by Caste

S.N. Caste/Category No. of Frequency Percentage

1. General 188 45.9

2. Schedule Cast 205 50.0

3. Other Backword Class 15 3.7

4. Others 2 0.5

Total 410 100

71
 The caste conceived as the key variable of social differentiation, social

stratification, social inequality in Indian society, has strong hold influence on

the attitudes, opinions and values of the people towards various aspects of

social life, including life chances, life styles and even media habits. Since

certain castes and tribes have been historically subject to social economic

and political exclusion, the government in order to promote inclusion of these

groups into the main stream has introduced affirmative action and formulated

socio-economic development schemes. All this has made caste groups

conscious of their rights. Thus the data has been collected in this regard.

The data (Table 3.3) reveals that the sample comprises of various

castes. The general category consisting of castes, considered higher in

status, is represented by the Brahmin, Rajput, Vaishya, etc. whose number is

45.9 per cent. The Scheduled Castes considered to be lower in the Hindu

society, this category represent 50 percents of the total respondents. The

other classes representing 4.2 per cent. Only one respondent did not specify

their caste. Although higher castes dominate the area of study but the sample,

as a matter of chance represents the scheduled castes and others in almost

equal numbers.

The education is another variable which not only indicates one of the

dimensions of social status of individuals and groups but holds key in

generating awareness, increasing comprehension of various aspects of life

and society, but also leads to social development. It is also a very important

factor in the overall process of mass awareness. Media usage is also

assumed on the basis of the educational level of the respondents. It is

assumed that higher education may help to educational new ideas,

comprehension of developmental schemes, and finally impact media

72
Table 3.4: Distribution of Respondents by Educational Levels

Sr. No. Educational Level Frequency Percentage

1. Illiterate 11 2.7
2. Primary 73 17.8
3. Middle 59 14.4
4. Matric 99 24.1
5. 10+2 75 18.3
6. Graduate (arts) 51 12.4
7. Graduate (Science) 7 1.7
8. M.A. Above 24 5.9
9. Professional 11 2.7
Total 410 100

The data (Table 3.4) indicate the educational profile of the respondents

which ranges between illiterate to professional education. In the sample, the

matriculates are one fourth of the total. Only a small number is illiterate.

Those with primary and middle education represent 17.8 per cent and 14.4

per cent respectively. The post-matriculation educational profile indicates

gradual decline in the percentage of respondents. The number of those with

post-graduation is only 5.9 per cent. This may be due to the lack of facility for

higher education. However, the capital city is quite near to this block where

higher educational institutions are providing education. May be due to lack of

resources and limited opportunities people remain deprived. However, varying

educational levels are likely to have differential impact on media habits

The income is dependent on the occupation of the respondents and

constitute one of the most important socio-economic variable. The social

status of the family to which the individual belongs largely depends on the

income levels. The styles differ on the basis of resource. The studies have

shown that income act as catalysts of change in the human performances in

73
social economic and political life as well as in the determination of change in

tastes, attitudes, opinions, values, perceptions and even in the belief system.

Table 3.5: Occupation-wise Distribution of the Respondents

Sr. No. Occupational Categories Frequency Percentage

1. Agriculture/household 277 67.6
2. Business 23 5.6
3. Government Job 90 22.0
4. Private Job 20 4.9
Total 410 100

The (Table 3.5) reveals that the majority of the respondents (67.6 per

cent) are engaged in agriculture and household activities. The reason two are

clubbed together is that women whos number is 31.7 per cent of the total

sample, in addition to household work are also engaged in agriculture outside

home. The second higher category in terms of respondents number (22.0 per

cent) are government servants in class III and IV positions. Only a few people

are working in private jobs. As observed in the profile of district and the study

block, the large number of the respondents are in agriculture.

Table 3.6 : Gross Per Month Income-wise Distribution of Respondents

Families

Sr.No. Gross Monthly income (in Frequency Percentage

Rupees)
1. Upto 5000 158 38.5
2. 5001-10,000 173 42.2
3. 10,001-30,000 60 14.6
4. 30,001-50,000 16 3.9
5. 50,001 & Above 3 0.7
Total 410 100

74
 The income distribution (Table 3.6) that a very small percentage of the

respondents have income beyond Rs. 30,001 per month. Only 0.7 per cent

earn Rupees fifty thousand salary per month, whereas only 3.9 per cent fall in

the Rs. 30,001 to Rs. 50,000 per month. Few earn between Rs. 10,001 to Rs.

15,000 only. The majority of respondents are in the Rupees five thousand

Rupees ten thousand income. There number Is 38.5 per cent and 42.2 per

cent respectively. The data thus suggest majority of the respondents are in

the lower income group. A close examination of their educations, occupation

and income is highly revealing of the fact how each of these variables effect

the other.

Table 3.7: Distribution of respondents by their family structure

Sr.No Family Structure Frequency Percentage

1. Joint 165 40.2
2. Nuclear 245 59.8
Total 410 100

The most common fact observable all over the world is that there exists

some or the other form of family system. It is conceived as the primary

institution socio-economic production and reproduction as well as socialization

of the individuals. The nature and type of family provides specific space to its

members to form particular type of altitude, and acquire knowledge of social

phenomenon's. Being agency of socialization it helps in the formation of

specific interests, habits and practices.

The data (Table 3.7) reveals that there are two types of family systems

found preventing in the study area. One is nuclear, and the second is joint.

75
The existence of the traditional joint family system among respondents is the

40.2 per cent. However, in the institutions of nuclear family is also visible as

59.8 per cent of respondents. The change from traditional joint family to

nuclear is mainly due to spread of education, better employment opportunities

outside where people trend to migrate better socio-economic status of

individuals and soon.

In general the educational levels also reflect on the possible

occupational profile of a population. The occupation as a determining factor

tends to be positively associated with the relative economic independence,

decision making propensities and even media awareness for media usage.

Men and women's work participation outside the home gives them relatively

more exposure as compared to those who simply and remains work at home.

It is therefore assumed that occupation to some extent may influence the

media behavior.

Table 3.8: Type of House of the Respondents

Sr. No. Category Frequency Percentage

1. Pakka 127 31.0

2. Semi Pakka 187 45.6

3. Kacha 96 23.4

Total 410 100

In the background of socio-economic profile, the data on the level of

living of the respondents. Indicate that almost all (98.8 per cent) respondents

have a house of their own to live in. However, in the case of majority of the

76
respondents live in Semi Pakka houses only. The number is 45.6 per cent.

There are 23 percent respondents who have only Kacha house. The rest

whose number is around 23.7 per cent have Pakka homes. It is thus obvious

that majority of the respondents being from lower socio-economic strata have

semi pakka and kacha houses to live.

Table 3.9 : Level of Living of Respondents

Sr. No. Category Frequency Percentage

1. BPL 121 29.5

2. Above BPL 289 70.5

Total 410 100

The further analysis of their economic status (Table 3.9) reveal that 70

per cent of the respondents are having the level of living above poverty line

whereas only 29.5 per cent are living below the poverty line income. The

further revelations suggest 91.5 per cent with separate Kitchen, 93 per cent

have toilets and 74 per cent have separate cow sheds. All the houses are

electrified. Apart from gadgets 96.8 per cent have tap water for drinking in

their houses. Only 3.2 percent have to bring water from natural resources like

Bavari or hand pump. Almost 50 per cent respondents have land line

telephones and 73.4 percent use mobile phones.

Further data revealed that 34.4 per cent of the respondents have their

own personal vehicles. However, the majority does not have their own

personal transport and depend upon public transport.

77
Table 3.10: Gadgets available with the Respondents

Sr. No. Category Frequency Percentage

1. Electronic Equipments (Radio, 354 86.3

TV. VCR etc.)

2. Home Electrical Appliances, 22 5.4

microwave. Refrigerator etc.

3. Others 34 8.3

Total 410 100

Gadgets are the tools of mass media. Most of the people in study area

have radio and television even if they are below poverty line. The society

whether in the urban or rural areas is under the tremendous influence of

consumerism and is advocated and promoted by the global market forces and

trends. More and more people irrespective of their income levels tend to

possess media mediums. Among them maximum respondents 86.3 per cent

have radio and Television. But none of them uses the internet. It shows that

majority has common access to mass media. Only a few have electric

appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, micro wave etc. They no

doubt have great access to news and information through radio and

television.

Apart from gadgets, 96.8 per cent have tap water for drinking in their

houses. Only 3.2 per cent have to bring water from natural resources like

Bavari or hand pump.

78
Table 3.11: Land Ownership of Respondents

Sr. No. Size Frequency Percentage

1. Up to 4 Biswa 41 10.0

2. 4-10 Biswa 53 12.9

3. 1 Bigha 52 12.7

4. 1-4 Bigha 81 19.8

5. 5 Bigha 183 44.6

Total 410 100

The land owned wise data (Table 3.11) indicate that the maximum

number of the respondents have land measuring 5 Bighas and other two

major groups own 1 Bigha and between 1 to 4 Bigha land. The land

ownership also refers to that more than two third engaged in the agricultural

farming and horticulture activities, this was also indicated by the occupation-

wise distribution of respondents. This further conforms to the fact that majority

of the respondents have low socio-economic status.

Table 3.12: Big Cities ever Visited by Respondents

Sr. No. Visit Frequency Percentage

1. Once a year 110 26.8

2. Twice a year 52 12.7

3. Every month 59 14.4

4. Never 189 46.1

Total 410 100

The further analysis of data whether the respondents have any

exposure to the metro culture. The respondents were asked weather they

79
have visited any big city. It is found that 46 per cent respondents have not

visited any big city. The remaining others have varying exposure as most

among them have visited a big city once a year (26.8 per cent), twice a year

(12.7 per cent) and every month (14.4 per cent).

For the growth of business or agriculture work, the loan benefit taken

by the bank is very important component. In the study area the bank loan

benefit proportion is as follows:-

Table 3.13: Loan Benefit taken by the respondents

Sr. No. Bank Loan taken No of Respondents Percentage

1. Yes 91 22.2

2. No 319 77.8

Total 410 100

Table 3.13 shows that there are very less percent of these respondents

who have taken loan from bank. 78 percent respondents have not availed

loan facilities specially meant for the development of the area.

Therefore Himachal Pradesh can be seen as fast changing state in

terms of education & economy, as it has better growth rate, good literacy rate,

less population and slowly but a trend of shift from rural to urban area. State's

per capita income and good economy is an indicator of prosperity.

The first part of the chapter regarding study area shows the salient

features of the district and blocks. The information gathered from secondary

sources show that Himachal Pradesh's Urban population has increased than

80
rural population. The State's growth rate is not much higher than the country's

growth rate.

Since Shimla is nearer to study area, hence it is an important indicator

to observe an impact on the awareness of people. Shimla's urban growth rate

is highest in the state, presumed that rural population may be migrating to

urban area for better amenities like education and employment etc.

Although Himachal Pradesh's rural population is very higher than urban

population, but Shimla district has largest urban population. It shows that

people are more inclined to modern culture of cities, a clear indicator for

knowledge and awareness of people.

Similarly the data comparison on child population, shows that urban

area is aware of population control measures, resulting less number of child

population. But as compare to urban, rural area has large percentage of child

population. Interestingly urban Shimla has very less number of girl child, in

comparison to rural area.

In Himachal Pradesh rural sex ratio is better placed in comparison to

that of urban area. As far as literacy is concerned the state has done

remarkable work on it. Not only males but females have shown keen interest

for education. The gender gap in literacy is very less in Himachal Pradesh.

State is economically well in terms of income and expenditure.

Horticulture and agriculture are two important sections for state's economy but

shift in industrial area was observed in recent past, maybe for employment

and better income, after education.

81
 The block of the study area:- Mashobra have maximum literate but the

gap of literacy among male and female is high. Females are less literate.

Block has less sex ratio. Most of the people depend more into agriculture

work, and women are higher in number as agriculture worker. This block has

better access to roads education, health, information and other services.

Respondents of the study area are Hindu's in religion, they are young,

literate but not highly qualified. Maximum respondents are from scheduled

caste category. Majority of them are agriculturist, and very less are into

government jobs. Although they are agriculturists but fall into lower income

group. Some respondents have held on to joint family, but some have

migrated into nuclear status. Education and better employment may be the

reason for it.

The majority of respondents are from lower socio-economic strata and

have semi pakka or kacha houses, and they live above poverty line. They

have all the basic amenities like electricity, and water etc. Respondents are

well connected to latest communication technologies. They use either mobile

or landline phones, but finical resources are so less that have no personal

transportation. Majority have an access to Television and Radio only but they

are not using internet. Respondents have land holdings and engaged in

farming activity. May be due to commitment to agriculture work, they hardly

get time to move out of house, therefore majority are confined to their places

and have less exposure to metro cities.

Though banks are available in these area but less number have

availed the loan facility which shows they are not aware of their financial

management for upliftment.

82