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26.4.2011

THE INDIAN SOCIAL STRUCTURE-ITS HIGHLIGHTS

The social structure fulfills certain needs and is self-perpetuating as it

leads to stronger bonds . Inspite of difference of opinion there is unity
in diversity.

Social structure : particular arrangement of the inter-related

institutions, agencies and social patterns as well as statuses and roles
which each person assumes in a group

Sarpanch may change but the panchayat remains. The panchayat is part
of the structure

Components of social structure :

1. The status system – position individual occupies in group by virtue

of achievements and several other factors

 Ascribed status-ascribed to a person by society depending

on his birth

 Achieved status-through various competitive situations

As the society advances the class system is given more importance than
the caste system and achieved status becomes more important.

2) Role system –part each person plays-function, obligations,

performances, rights and duties. Status is related to role.

3) Value system-standards by which things or actions are judged as

desirable or undesirable in a particular situation. Traditional values
come through our traditiona dnd modern values from our constitution
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4) Social control :

 formal –law,regulation, bye-laws, rules

 informal-folkways, traditions , customs

The social control system tries to bring about conformity of the

individual to the socially acceptable objectives and norms

Indian social structure

 Traditional Indian social structure

Dharma-is the code of right action

1) Artha-refers to wealth and power

2) Kama-satisfaction of senses-artistic and cultural

3) Moksha-salvation

 Modern Indian social structure

1) Caste system –

2) Urban, rural, tribal-narmada project has displaced tribals.

Floriculture is new area for rural areas

3) Social pluralism or composite culture-unity in diversity is the

true description of our society

Social constraints and social opportunities :

Social constraints can be divided into factors relatd to socio political

structure, social institutions and social values :
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1) Foreign rule-complete dependence on government for

everything sapped our confidence. The general mass of people
remained away from industrialization

2) The caste system-

 Brahmin-study of Vedas or education

 Kshatriyas-power and protection of society

 Shudras-menial jobs

 Vaishyas-associated with commerce(75% kept away from

industrialization)

3) Joint family-

 Residence

 Origin

 Property holding

 Karta-head-saps spirit of adventure, entrepreneurship and

freedom of decision making

4) Middle class tendency-babu culture, job till retirement

tendency. Independent industry considered very big risk

5) Traditional value system : male dominated, respect elderly

The child gets socialized into the concepts of inequality by

gender and age in the name of family status, family stability
and family unity. Women do not have decision making status.
Self complacency is another value-eg sant tukaram
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6) Vast population-1.21 billiion. The unproductive population is

increasing

7) Protective labour laws : against liberalization and globalization

Social opportunities :

1) Cheap labour but absenteeism, indiscipline and late coming

2) Technical personnel-good pool

3) Middle class

 Needs increases

 Demand increases

 Sophisticated products demand increases

 Conspicuous consumption demand increases

 Domestic gadgets demand increases

 Backed by purchasing power

 Provides manpower

4) Vast country with vast resources-this can be tapped

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