Society is a complex and multifaceted entity with numerous characteristics, some of which include:
- Social structure:Society is characterized by a structured system of social relationships and hierarchies, including institutions like family, government, and economy.
- Culture: Society is defined by shared cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices that shape social behavior and interactions.
- Socialization: Society plays a significant role in shaping individual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through socialization, which involves learning cultural norms and values from parents, peers, and other social institutions.
- Power and authority: Society is characterized by a distribution of power and authority among its members, with some individuals and groups holding more influence and control over social institutions and resources than others
- Diversity: Society is made up of diverse individuals and groups with different backgrounds, experiences, and identities, leading to complex interactions and social dynamics.
- Social change: Society is constantly evolving and changing, with new ideas, technologies, and social movements shaping its trajectory over time.
- Interdependence: Society is characterized by interdependence among individuals and groups, with people relying on each other for resources, support, and social connections.
Evolution of the Indian Society
Indian culture has a long and complex history, evolving through different ages and being influenced by various factors, including religion, philosophy, politics, and social changes. Here is a brief overview of how Indian culture has evolved through different ages:
- Indus Valley Civilization (2600 BCE – 1900 BCE): The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest known civilizations in the world, and its culture is characterized by well-planned cities, advanced sewage and drainage systems, and sophisticated arts and crafts.
- Vedic Age (1500 BCE – 500 BCE): The Vedic Age is known for the composition of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism, and the development of the caste system.
- Mauryan Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE): The Mauryan Empire is known for the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who embraced Buddhism and promoted social welfare policies.
- Gupta Empire (320 CE – 550 CE): The Gupta Empire is known for its flourishing arts, literature, science, and philosophy, including the works of Kalidasa, Aryabhata, and Varahamihira.
- Medieval Period (600 CE – 1700 CE): The Medieval Period saw the rise of Islamic rule in India and the development of Indo-Islamic culture, as well as the growth of regional cultures and languages.
- British Raj (1858 CE – 1947 CE): The British Raj marked a period of colonial rule in India, which had a significant impact on Indian culture, including the spread of Western education, values, and institutions.
- Post-Independence (1947 CE – present): India’s independence from British rule marked a period of social, political, and economic changes, as well as the emergence of new cultural movements and expressions, including modern art, literature, music, and cinema.
Impact of British Rule on Indian Society
Indian society underwent many changes after the British came to India.
Traditional:
- Ascriptive status: The status you acquire based on criterias applied by birth.
- Hierarchy: Ritual Hierarchy, Basis of hierarchy is borrowed from religious Scriptures.
- Strong Religious orientation: There exists a strong religion or religion was all encompassing it was not only a matter of faith but also a way of life.
- Collectivism: Pursuing the collective interest as against the vested interest.
- Particularism: It is the belief that circumstances dictate how ideas and practices should be applied.
Forces of Change
| Harbinger of new social Change | Harbinger of New Social Order |
| English Language. | Industrialization. |
| Secular education | 2. Urbanization. |
| Printing technology | 3. New indicators of social status |
| Transport and communication | 4. Emergence of New Elite class |
Modern
- Achievement Status: Based on Secular status, Socio, Political, economic.
- Egalitarianism: Equality in society.
- Rationality: Logical thinking, Scientific temper.
- Individualism: Primary interest in individuals rather than collectivism.
Features of the Indian Society
- Multi-Ethnic Society:
- India is a multi-ethnic society, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups living within its borders. The major ethnic groups in India include Dravidians, Indo-Aryans, Mongoloids, and others. These groups have their own distinct cultural practices, customs, and traditions, which contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of India.
- India is a complex and diverse society that can be described as ethno-racial, ethno-religious, ethno-regional, and ethno-national.
- Multilingual Society:
- India is a multilingual society, with over 1,600 languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. The major languages spoken in India are Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and others.
- The diversity of languages is a testament to the cultural richness and diversity of India.
- The latest 2011 count of Indian mother tongues/languages informs that Census had raw returns of 19569 mother tongues.
- After due processing of this raw data, it has arrived at a list of 121 languages. Among them, 22 languages are part of the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The rest of the 99 languages are non-scheduled languages.
- Multi-Class Society:
- India is a multi-class society, with a complex social hierarchy that is based on factors such as caste, religion, and economic status. The Indian caste system has been in place for centuries and has played a significant role in shaping Indian society. While efforts have been made to eliminate caste discrimination, it still persists in some parts of the country.
- India is considered a multi-class society due to its diverse socioeconomic strata. Indian society is stratified based on factors such as wealth, education, occupation, and social status. The social classes in India can be broadly classified into three categories, which are:
- Upper class: This class comprises wealthy and highly educated people who have significant social, economic, and political power. The upper class includes business tycoons, politicians, bureaucrats, and other affluent sections of society.
- Middle class: This class comprises people who have moderate wealth, education, and social status. The middle class includes professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and teachers, among others.
- Lower class: This class comprises people who have low income, education, and social status. The lower class includes daily wage workers, farmers, laborers, and other marginalized sections of society.
- Patriarchal Society:
- India is a patriarchal society, with men traditionally holding positions of power and authority in society. Women have long been subjected to discrimination and oppression in various forms, including gender-based violence, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and restricted mobility.
- Patriarchy in India is deeply rooted in its culture and traditions. The social norms, religious beliefs, and customs of Indian society have contributed to the perpetuation of gender inequality. For instance, the practice of dowry, female infanticide, and child marriage are still prevalent in some parts of the country.
- Unity In Diversity:
- India is often described as a nation with “unity in diversity” due to its diverse mix of cultures, religions, and languages. Despite its diversity, India has managed to maintain a sense of national identity and unity.
- Unity in diversity is a salient feature of Indian society, which refers to the idea that despite the diversity of cultures, religions, languages, and traditions, people in India share a sense of national unity and identity.
6. Tribes
- India is home to numerous tribal communities that have their own distinct cultural practices and beliefs. These tribes are often marginalized and face challenges such as poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and discrimination.
- As per the 2011 census, there are approximately 705 Scheduled tribes in India, accounting for 6% of the population. However, several castes in India share many of these characteristics, casting doubt on the differentiation between tribes and other castes. Several conceptual efforts have been made to define tribes.
7. Kinship System
- India has a complex kinship system that is based on relationships of blood, marriage, and adoption. These relationships are highly valued and play an important role in shaping social and familial relationships.
- Kinship is a complex system of relationships that is an integral part of human society. It refers to the social ties created by blood or marriage that form a set of relationships and relatives. Kinship is a universal phenomenon and is present in every human society, although the way in which it is organized may vary.
- Kinship is one of the essential organizing components of society. It helps to establish social structure and hierarchy, define roles and responsibilities, and regulate behavior. In many societies, kinship plays a central role in the distribution of resources, such as property, inheritance, and wealth. It also determines social status and identity, such as caste in Indian society.
8. Family
- Family plays a significant role in Indian society, with the family unit being highly valued and prioritized. Extended families are common in India, and family members often provide emotional and financial support to each other.
- Types of family:
- Joint Family
- Nuclear Family
9. A balance between spiritualism and materialism:
- India is known for its spiritual traditions and practices, with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism originating in India. At the same time, India has embraced materialism and modernization, with rapid economic growth and urbanization in recent years.
10.The balance between individualism and collectivism:
- India values both individualism and collectivism, with individual freedom and autonomy being highly valued, while at the same time, social and familial responsibilities are also given significant importance.
11. Co-existence of traditionalism and modernity:
- India has managed to strike a balance between traditionalism and modernity, with traditional practices and beliefs coexisting with modern ideas and practices. This has resulted in a unique blend of the old and the new, which is evident in various aspects of Indian society such as music, art, and architecture.
FAQs
1. What are the fundamental characteristics of society?
- Societies are characterized by social organization, which involves structured patterns of relationships and interactions among individuals. They also exhibit shared norms, values, beliefs, and customs that guide behavior within the community.
2. How do societies maintain social order?
- Social order in societies is often maintained through the establishment of laws, norms, and institutions that regulate behavior and resolve conflicts. Additionally, social cohesion, achieved through shared values and cooperation, contributes to stability within a society.
3. What role does culture play in shaping societies?
- Culture plays a crucial role in shaping societies by influencing language, customs, traditions, art, and other aspects of collective identity. It provides a framework for understanding the world, transmitting knowledge across generations, and fostering social cohesion.
4. How do societies adapt to change?
- Societies adapt to change through processes such as innovation, social movements, and cultural evolution. They may also employ mechanisms like education, communication, and technology to respond to challenges and capitalize on opportunities presented by societal shifts.
5. Why do societies exhibit diversity?
- Societies are diverse due to factors such as geography, history, migration, and globalization. This diversity manifests in various forms, including cultural practices, social structures, economic systems, and political ideologies, contributing to the richness and complexity of human societies.
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