IGNOU BA Sociology Study Material
Source : Sociology – eGyanKosh
IGNOU BA Sociology Study Material in ENGLISH DOWNLOAD !
An overview of the contemporary Indian social landscape, this course examines the foundational structures of society, the profound transitions it is undergoing, the persistent patterns of inequality, the assertive struggles for social justice, and the critical relationship between ecology and society.
Block-1: Social Framework
This foundational block outlines the basic structures that have traditionally organized society in India. It provides the context for understanding both continuity and change in the nation’s social fabric. Key components of this framework include:
- Village and an Agrarian Society: An exploration of the rural foundations of Indian society, where the village community has been the primary unit of social and economic life, organized around agriculture.
- Caste and Class: A detailed look at the hierarchical systems of stratification. Caste is examined as a traditional, hereditary system based on ritual status, while class is analyzed as a modern structure based on economic position. The block explores the intricate and often overlapping relationship between these two systems.
- Family, Marriage, and Kinship: An analysis of the core social institutions that govern personal life, inheritance, and social alliances. The emphasis is on the traditional prevalence of the joint family system and the social significance of marriage and kinship networks.
Block-2: Structure in Transition-I
This section begins the analysis of the profound changes that have been reshaping India’s traditional social framework, particularly since independence. It focuses on the initial drivers and processes of social transformation.
- Modernization and Westernization: The block examines how the adoption of modern technologies, institutions, and values, many introduced during the colonial era (Westernization), has impacted Indian society. This includes the influence of modern education, a democratic polity, and a bureaucratic administration.
- Urbanization and Industrialization: It analyzes the shift of the population from rural to urban areas and the transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy. This has led to the growth of new cities, the emergence of new social classes, and significant changes in social relationships and family structures.
- Sanskritization: A concept developed by M.N. Srinivas, it describes the process by which lower castes emulate the rituals and social practices of higher castes to try and achieve upward social mobility within the traditional hierarchy.
Block-3: Structure in Transition-II
Continuing the theme of social change, this block focuses on more contemporary forces that are accelerating the transformation of Indian society.
- Globalization: This explores the impact of India’s increasing integration into the global economy and culture since the 1990s. It examines how global flows of capital, goods, services, and media are influencing consumption patterns, lifestyles, and social values.
- The Rise of the Middle Class: A key outcome of recent economic changes has been the expansion of a new and assertive middle class. The block analyzes the characteristics, aspirations, and social and political influence of this significant demographic group.
- Changes in Agrarian Structure: It looks at the ongoing transformations in rural India, including the decline of traditional systems like jajmani, the impact of the Green Revolution, and the challenges of agrarian distress in a globalized economy.
Block-4: Patterns of Deprivation and Alienation
This section provides a critical examination of the persistent inequalities and forms of exclusion that characterize Indian society. It focuses on the communities that have been historically marginalized and continue to face systemic disadvantages.
- Scheduled Castes (Dalits): An analysis of the continued social, economic, and cultural deprivation faced by Dalits due to the legacy of untouchability and caste-based discrimination.
- Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis): It explores the alienation of India’s indigenous populations, primarily through their displacement from traditional habitats (forests and land), loss of livelihood, and the erosion of their cultural identity.
- Religious Minorities: The block examines the challenges faced by religious minorities, particularly Muslims, including issues of socio-economic backwardness, communal violence, and questions of security and identity.
Block-5: Identity, Dignity, and Social Justice-I
This block shifts the focus from a passive view of deprivation to an active analysis of the struggles for social justice and recognition launched by marginalized communities.
- The Concept of Social Justice: It introduces the constitutional and philosophical underpinnings of social justice in India, including the role of affirmative action (reservations) in addressing historical inequalities.
- Dalit Movements: An exploration of the history of Dalit assertion, from early reform movements to the rise of powerful political and social movements under leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. These movements have been central to the fight for dignity, self-respect, and equal rights.
- Adivasi Struggles: This section looks at the organized movements by tribal communities to assert their rights over land and forest resources (jal, jangal, zameen), resist displacement, and preserve their cultural autonomy.
Block-6: Identity, Dignity, and Social Justice-II
Continuing the theme of social justice, this block examines the movements and issues related to other significant social groups who have mobilized to challenge their subordinate status.
- The Women’s Movement: An analysis of the various phases of the women’s movement in India, which has campaigned on a wide range of issues, including legal reforms, combating violence against women, ensuring political representation, and challenging patriarchal norms.
- The Backward Classes (OBCs): The block discusses the mobilization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), a large and diverse group of intermediate castes, particularly their successful campaign for reservations in government jobs and education, which significantly reshaped Indian politics.
- Minority Rights: This explores the movements and debates surrounding the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to preserve their distinct culture and identity within a pluralistic society.
Block-7: Ecology and Resources
This concluding block examines the critical and often contentious relationship between the environment, natural resources, and society in India. It highlights how access to and control over natural resources are deeply intertwined with social structure and inequality.
- Land, Water, and Forests: It analyzes the social conflicts that arise over the control and use of essential natural resources. This includes disputes over land acquisition for industrial projects, inter-state water disputes, and the conflict between state forest management and the traditional rights of forest-dwelling communities.
- Environmental Movements: The block explores the rise of popular environmental movements in India. These are often not just about environmental protection but are also social justice movements led by communities whose livelihoods are threatened by environmental degradation and unsustainable development. The Chipko Movement and the Narmada Bachao Andolan are classic examples.
- Development and its Discontents: A critical look at the dominant model of development and its ecological and social consequences, prompting a search for more sustainable and equitable alternatives.