Jahnavi: OPTIONAL answer copy

Answer 1(a)

Village studies refer to empirical studies of villages to establish objective realities about it. This was popularized in India by MN Srinivas.

SC Dubey has carried out his village studies and given a holistic view of village life. He claims women are supposed to look down as a mark of respectability. Thus patriarchal norms were deeply set in village he studied.

His views on caste system are in consonance with MN Srinivas, in that there is mobility and changes present in caste. He also claims growth of capitalism in village life (agriculture).

Thus his studies gave a deeper look even in political and economic life of villages.

However, Yogendra Singh slams this approach as not representing entire country. He claims a study in single village cannot explain India. Thus one must collect samples from many areas. Also the anxieties to get accepted in village and approaching lower castes through dominant caste introduces a conservative look in village studies. However SC Dubey's village studies did impact many future studies and helped in development of Indian sociology.

Answer 1(b)

'Book view' or textual view in Indian context refers to Indology i.e. understanding culture through literature and linguistic studies. Field view, on the other hand, refers to directly visiting/staying in society (village in India) and observing the culture. M.N. Srinivas propagated this view. On caste system the two views both differ and converge on various aspects.

| 3 Jajmani system a reciprocal system of equality. | A. R. Desai claims jajmani system exploitive. Others show jajmani system not egalitarian | | 4 Occupational differentiation is mandatory. | Occupational differentiation not that rigid eg - Konkan Brahmins joined army | | 5 Integrative in nature. | Can be both divisive and integrative |

However Louis Dumont claims there is no difference between the two and they are complementary in nature. eg - Dalit movements donot mean book view of dalit being downtrodden can be rejected. Thus both views have its own interpretation of caste system and must be used complementarily.

Answer 1(c)

Industrialization refers to process of shift from manpower to inanimate power and setting up of large machines and factories leading to mass production and commodification of labour. Industrial class (IC) arise out of strata of division of labour in factories. IC in India came with British rule. The first industries were iron, cotton and jute. Pauperized peasants flocked into such factories and were often exploited. They were mainly concentrated in coastal areas. After independence, socialistic pattern was adopted many public sector companies (PSCs) came up, but their employees were government employees and not WC per-se. Besides at their head was administrator not capitalist. However import substitution policy also introduced capitalists in class. Earlier during British rule, mainly Parsis, Marwaris, Benaras were capitalists. As A.R. Desai says the former mercantile class became capitalists. However post liberalisation the composition of capitalists have widened. even the middle class has swelled. they form the middle managers in enteprises. Service sector has also diversified the industrial class. This industrial class in endia is a diversified class with many identities of its own.

Answer 1(d)

Communalism refers to using social traditional divisions for political purpose. Communalism, can be based on ethnicity, religion, etc. however in India it is mainly religion. Various dimensions of communalism can be -

• Political dimension - Andre Beteille claims that politicians use this huge chunck of voters for their vote bank purpose. eg - BJP rode on bandwagon of Hindutva in 1990s.
• Social dimension - In era of globalization, religious fundamentalism is growing to reassert to losing traditions. Thus again as Robert Samuelson claims globalization has proved to be a 'double edged sword' here. • Also religion is being used as a form of protest against growing inequalities. eg- many cults and sects in India emerging among lower castes mainly. Thus communalism can be seen as manifestation of various causes. It can be political, social. Even civil societies can propogate fundamentalism based on leadership (Neera Chandoke). To deal with it, election commission must be empowerd to deal strictly with such political parties. Besides education and campaigning may help.

Answer 1(e)

Caste system refers to hierarchally arranging groups in India with Brahmins at top and untouchables at bottom.

Britishers considered caste system as rigid and closed. However caste mobility was always present in India. Some ways of mobility are-

1. sanskritization as given by M.N. Srinivas
2. Gaining power and kingship. eg - Nandas belong to shudra caste
3. getting land somewhere to cultivate.
4. shifting to new locations and claiming higher caste.
5. Flexibility within the system.

eg - Valmiki, from very low caste wrote Ramayan. 6) Census 1901 had many castes claiming higher status eg - Vellelas claiming vaishya status 7) Education - opens opportunities for new occupations. 8) Urbanization and Industralization are decaying the caste rigidities. 9) Globalization - with emergence of globalized youth, caste identities decreasing.

However Louis Dumont claims that homo hierarchicus can never become homo equalis and any changes is minor. Caste mobility is a truth in Indian society as is caste rigidity. Both go along side. However as Ghurye claimed no open stratification and closed stratification is a matter of degree. Thus caste mobility is matter of degree.

Answer 4(a)

India is marked by both continuity and change in its traditions. Both traditions and modernity simultaneously exist in society. eg - before launching satellites pooja done. Various factors are responsible for it -

1. Nehru claims caste system, joint family and villages are responsible for continuity in Indian culture.

• caste system - caste consciousness has developed and it has adopted to changes. New caste gives identity. Positive discrimination by government has added to this identity. Rajni Kothari claims politicization of caste responsible for its persistence. Even MN Srinivas in his 'Obituary to caste' also claims politics is responsible for continuity of caste system. However Andre Beteille points out that caste identities give a sense of proud feeling. eg - Baniyas proud of their buisness acumen, etc. No amount of modernization can remove this. • Joint families - Parsons claimed that with industrialization nuclear families will come up. However studies by IP Desai and KM Shah reveals that joint families persist reason being a sense of responsibility in son for his parents, poverty, etc. • Villages - had a distinct life with 'self sufficient' economy. However it has changed owing to globalization, mechanization, capitalism, However old system like jajmani though weak still persists. As Utsa Patnaik claim pre-capitalist mode of living in villages today. (2) Education - is now exoteric not esoteric. However K M Pannikar says class education is different from mass education, thus quality of education still poor for lower class. Besides Madarasas, Vidya-peeth, etc. still teach scriptures. (3) women - are more empowered today yet crimes [NCRB claims average 92 rapes per day] show patriarchy prevelant. Reason is again poverty, politics, value system.

All above factors have role in both continuity and change in society. India must preserve our traditions while going for modernity.

Answer 4(b)

Caste system refers to a hierarchal system in which groups are placed one above other with Brahamins at top and untouchables at bottom. Caste system persists in India even after various changes. Indian society revolves around caste system -

• Food - Brahamins - vegetarian, shudra can be non-vegetarian
• Clothes - Shudras were not allowed to wear anything above waist.
• Marriage - strict endogamy.
• Language/Dialect used.
• Dieties worshipped - In south India Brahamins didnt worship dieties of shudra. Thus Indian society is deeply entrenched in caste system. It is in the DNA of Indian society. Indian national movement even revolved around caste and religion. Higher caste middle class provided leadership. Socio-religious reform movements were against untouchability and through it fostered nationalism. Gandhi was in favour of using religion in politics. He also garnered more weightage to his movements by incorporating caste equations in it (i.e. rallying for removal of untouchability). Rajni Kothari claims that politicization of caste and castization of politics is a reality today. Even MN Srinivas says caste comes in India through route of politics today. Incorporating caste in politics has many functions and dysfunctions. Functions - • It adequately helps representation of different factions. • Welfare of all is ensured through representation. • Parties such as BSP (for Dalits) have dealt strictly with violence against Dalits. However dysfunctions like - • increased divisions in socilty by increasing caste consciousness. • Parties have not made much changes in caste, just used it as note bank. For all practical purposes, caste system would persist. To prevent misuse laws should be tweaked and ECI should be empowered.

Answer 4(c)

Eduction is a powerful weapon one can use to change the world - said Nelson Mandela. Thus Indian state has tried many times to increase education among the most vulnerable section of Indian society i.e. Scheduled Tribes (STs). Challenges faced in process are (1) Geographical isolation - Thus difficult for qualified teachers to reach the schools. (2) Language barrier - with many tribes having language of their own, thus difficult to get teachers who know language. (3) Poverty - Gurupadswamy committee said child labour cannot be eliminated until poverty not addressed. Thus tribals prefer sending children for labour than to school. (4) Interest - among children for education low as culture based relevant education not provided. eg - if Munda children not taught about Birsa Munda, then interest in national struggle lost. (5) Cultural - Many tribes try to be protective and prefer isolation to preserve culture. eg - Jarawa tribe of Andaman and Nicobar. Education is important as it would help • remove poverty • empower STs • integrate them to society • help leaders to preserve culture • arrest assimilation But the challenges posed create hurdles for the same and it perpetuates exploitation of tribes. Governments endeavour such as Eklavya schools are welcome step in this direction.

Answer 5(a)

Urbanization refers to process of movement of people from villages to cities, where non-agricultural activities form economic core. It leads to many social consequences - (1) Economic - Mill and Becker said urbanization is by product of economic growth. (2) Caste - caste system exists but with many organizational change (M S A Rao). A study by Harold gould reveals that caste plays importance only in private sphere in urban areas. (3) Family - nuclear families are on rise. Increased women's participation in decision making and occupational activities. Parents allow children to take decisions. However IP Desai claims that functional joint famities present. (4) Religion - secularization of religion takes place. (5) values - Increase in indivisualism, materialism, anxiety, global orientation, etc. (6) Political system - Gets highly influenced from slums (Saumitra Jha). Slum dwellers know the importance of their vote and use it judiciously. (7) Health - slums increase, → unhygenic conditions → mortality increases. Pollution increases → mortality increases. This urbanization has multidimensional impact. To address the problems government must plan urban areas taking in view the migrants, pollution, etc. schemes such as AMRUT, Smart cities must be promoted.

Answer 5(b)

Marriage refers to an institution in which adults are socially sanctioned to procreate and reproduce. objectives of marriage varies with religion as religion is inextricably linked with marriages. For Hindus, marriage is sacramental. It is for dharma, rati and reproduction. The objective of marriage and form of it determines if it is Dharmik or Adharmik. 8 forms of marriages are there - Daivya, Bramha, Prajapatya, etc. are dharmik. While Ashra (eloping), gandharva (sex before marriage), rakshasha (abducting), paischacha (rape) are adharmik forms. objectives in Muslims are quite diffuent - Here marriage is contractual and is accepted with mutual consent. In Pakistan, second marriage possible only when consent from first wife recieved. The wife therefor is not at given maintainence. The diffrence in objectives results in - • Hindus having difficulty in divorce. Though in Muslims Triple Talaq is banned yet many othu ways to get quick divorce. • Hindus widow remarriage difficult compared to muslims. However despite diffrences due to mutual contact for centuries, Muslim marriages have also adopted a religious form. This shows how Indian society adopts and assimilites diffuent culturs.

Answer 5(c)

Dalits refer to the most socially disadvantaged group that earlier faced even untouchability. They are mostly the most economically disadvantaged as well. Dalit consciousness is changed throughout history. → Earlier it took form of sanskritization where they imitated higher castes to get upper mobility. → During British rule, a sense of awakening came. They called themselves Adi-Dalits proclaiming themselves to be indigenous while Aryans to be invaders. → Those who couldn't gain mobility adopted other measures such as conversion to other religions. eg - Namdharis, syrian christians, Kabir Panthis, etc. → Another form was of resorting to various sects and cults. Mangoo Ram (Punjab) was an example of it. → Ambedkar view was of political consciousness being developed in them. Thus he advocated for separate electorates and formed Independent Labour League for it. → Post independence, with many positive discriminations, Dalits are asserting their identities. Formation of Republican Party of India (RPI), Dalit Panthers, BSP point to same. As Sachadananda claims positive discrimination by government, growing Dalit consciousness and liberal view by caste Hindus can help elevate Dalits in society.

Answer 5(d)

Patriarchy i.e. "rule of father" is ingrained in Indian society. Thus gender equality becomes a tough challenge for Indian society.

The above forms given by Margaret suchler show the various ways Indian women are subordinated to men. Prospects of gender parity - (1) Nuclear families are on rise where companionship and equality in decision making is likely to be prevelant. (2) Parents are taking conscious efforts to make their daughter independent even after marriage. (3) Government is supporting women empowerment through various laws such as sexual harrassment act, criminal laws (12 years rape would amount to death), SHE box to register complains, etc. (4) Globalisation changes values to more egalitarian and humanistic norms. (5) Technology is too empowering with women openly giving their opinions on blogs, etc. Also many safety gadgets. (6) Corporates employing making women especially IT sector. entel encourages women education. challenges - (1) Patriarchy, described as "cultural enslavement of women" by Veena Das still holds true. (2) Green Revolution, technologies, such as social media, have been a bane to women as well, explained by 'cultural lag' of William Ogburn. This Indian society has come a long way, yet many proactive steps by government, civil societies needed.

Answer 5(e)

Slums refer to a residential area which is unfit for human habitation. • there are 17% urban dwellers living in slums in India. Development of slums is linked to growth of industralization in India. → British rule → Many industries came up. Peasants and landless flocked to cities. Due to poor conditions, they started living in small, crowded, unhealthy areas. → Post independence → government tried to rehabilitate slum dwellers through various schemes, latest being Pradhan Mantri Awas Vikas Yojana, however slums still persist. Slums were considered as a temporary phenomenon during urbanization but it has reduced to being a permanent structural problem. McCloud in his paper 'Slumming it' explains how slums can adapt to any changes and thus persist over time. Now government is trying to retrofit slums rather than rehabilitating it. Slums can only be dealt with, once poverty is addressed. Besides any planning must include migrants near industrial areas to prevent more influx in slums. (NITI Aayog recommendation)

Answer 7(a)

Poverty refers to sub standard living for a considerable period of time to undermine one's health, self esteem, life chances, etc. According to lastest figures 22% Indians are below poverty line. Amartya Sen claims that non-inclusive growth has resulted in poverty in India. But this notion today had quite diffuent undertones earlier. During British times, the Britishers claimed India destined to be poor due to inherent fault in Indians. They said Indians have many traits (primitive) and they propogated 'white man's burden' theory. However many Indian intellectuals like Dada Bhai Naroji came up to refute the claim. He showed how Indian poverty is due to drain of Indian wealth by Britishers. Indian poverty is a not natural as - • India endowned with fertile agricultural land to feed all. • Monsoons bring enough rainfall (> 125 cm) to India. • Many minerals and coal found in India. • Its proximity to middle east also provides a sustained oil supply. Thus poverty is social - • Middle class today apathetic to conditions of poor. Rudolph and Rudolph claim that they are not interested in helping their brothers in rural area. • Patriarchy puts one half of country (women) on back burner. As Vivekananda said "As bird cannot fly with one wing, nation cannot progress without women" • Caste system creates factions in society. Large amount of violence, dharnas, etc. put drain on economy. eg - anti reservation riots after Mandal commission. • Religion - often prejudices against certain group result in divisions. Besides certain groups unable to take advantage of modernity. Thus social factors have added to poverty in India. government policies such as subsidies create a dependency culture. Thus government must go for inclusive growth through education, infrastructure improvement, health facility improvement, etc.

Answer 7(b)

Laws refers to a set of rules that are accepted as valid by community/society to guide the behaviour of its members and also to award punishments for deviance. Laws show - • Ideology of state - eg - UP government direction to appoint low castes as cooks in mid-day meal to break the rigidities show state trying to change caste system. • Individual freedom - to achieve goals and express yourself freely. Many laws have been brought in to induce social change. • Hindu code bill. • Untouchability (Offences) Act • Equality to all • Reservation to SC/ST/OBC. • Reservation in panchayati system • Recent striking off Triple talaq. • Marriage act (against leprosy discrimination) The list is long but the efficacy of same remains doubtful - • Positive discriminations of reservations have enhanced caste consciousness. • study by MN Srinivas in Rajasthan shows that 80% professors are Brahmins. • In village Rampura Dalit sarpanch beaten for flying flag on 15th August. shows reservation has changed ground realities. • crimes against women are on rise. NCRB shows 20% increase in such crimes in last decade. • Many instances of Muslims husbands still giving triple talaq to their wives. This ample evidence that alone changing law dosent bring about a social change. • As Bougle points that that the base in India is cultural and if you want to bring change, look at culture. eg - It was through sustained efforts of Raja Rammohan Roy that sati get outlawed and also looked down upon by people. Thus change in value is needed along with change in law. Government must promote civil societies to bring about changes. Programmes as such as community Development program & more recently Beti Bachao Beti Padhao that aim at value change should be promoted.

Answer 7(c)

sexual division of labour in Indian society is driven by all pervasive values of patriarchy. → A girl child is culturally expected to help her mother at home and raise her siblings, while son is sent to school. → A docile, submissive attitude expectation through socialization is inbred in people. According to Paul Wallis, boys are not scolded for using derogatory words in school thus developing his aggressive form. → Zoya Hasan, calls repeated pregnancies as 'reproduction slavery'. women is expected to look after children at home. → Other deturminants are- → Skill not being imparted to women thus they have no choice but to work in informal sector (Ashmita Gupta) → Political affiliations missing thus sometimes unable to do job which through 'social capital' do can easily do. → Natural biological features such as pregnancy do take toll on health. Thus radical feminist firestone was against family system /mothering itself. Thus sexual division of labour in India is clearly laid out. only through positive discrimination in imparting education, skills, etc. can hange take place.

Answer 6(a)

Education has been guaranteed in India through right to education (RTE) act till primary level. India however needs quality education that imparts - • market based skills • innovation • education not literacy • values • linguistic acumen. The reason for this is - • K. M. Panikar says class education and mass education are different thus education reinforces the inequalities present. • Andre Beillelie too points out that middle class uses its social capital to provide best education to their children, while others are left behind. • Education makes democracy stronger. Amartya Sen in his "Argumentative Indian" says middle class (known for its education) examines, debates, criticizes government. • given the demography of India, need to provide quality education to change it to demographic dividend. • To raise people out of poverty, quality education needed. • To bring about social changes, education plays important role - eg - during Indian renaissance of 19th century, it was the intellects that brought about many changes. • It strengthens economy. Quality education skills of students to adapt to global needs. Thus international migrants send India $60-80 billion annually. • focus on environment due to education. eg - Delhi recent Chipko movement led by middle class educated citizens. Thus India needs quality education. If literacy not education provided then - • Frustration in masses leading to increase in crimes. eg - in UP (highest crime rate) for 180 sweeper job 2500 PHDs applied. • Communalism will increase. • Unemployment creates many problems. eg - Indians were educated but unemployed during British rule. This segment led the freedom struggle. Thus quality education is need of hour. As Bill Gates said, "As long as every child gets fantastic education, there is lot to be done in world".

Answer 6(b)

A recent PIL in Supreme court brought forth the lacunaes in implementation of sexual harassment at workplace (SHW) act 2013. sexual violence is one of the cheif instruments through which women are subjugated under men. Thus it is a oveit manifestation of patriarchy in society. SHW is a perennial issue - • Patriarchy guides society. As parsons game theory - values → roles → institutions [patriarchy → mothering role → marriage/education/work place] • When men see women earning more than them in urban areas it evokes violence. • SHW is not taken seriously by corporates. findings show less than 20% of Indian corporates have internal committee that was mandatory under SHW act. • SHW act desnt gene any accountability for implementation of the act. Thus giving an excuse to all to ignore the act and perpetuate patriarchy. • SHW act clearly defines the acts under its ambit. The list is long showing various form of SHW but due to lack of political will it gets poorly implemented. Thus government must take proactive steps to fully implement the act.

Answer 6(c)

Social Mobility refers to moving up or down the hierarchal order of society in India. State policies have made substantial impact - (1) Green Revolution - have benefited dominant caste the most. These castes are among the backward classes in India. (2) Land Reforms - led to distribution of land to landless backward class (BC) people. (3) Reservation policy - enhanced BC representation in administration, educational institutions, etc. (4) even in Panchayats BC have been able to again power. (4) Many schemes such as Ujwalla Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Awash Vikas Yojana are for poor. But social mobility due to these policies is in doubt - ① Green Revolution did create a dominant class, but other BC which were tenants were rendered jobless. ② Andre Betille points out that in India purity is non-transferable. Thus Brahamins still at top. ③ Lower castes still lower classls. eg - 98% manual scavengus are Dalits.