Question 1(a) · 257 words written
Westernisation :-
Opening
The concept of 'Westernisation' was put forwarded by M.N. Srinivas while discussing caste mobility in Indian society.
Body
• MN Srinivas advocates 'modernisation of Indian tradition' & 'Indianisation of modernity' put forwarded by Modernists like Yogendra Singh & to its contrast, Indianisation of modernity by Milton Singer respectively are value-loaded concepts. He suggests Structure-functionalist approach ie fieldview approach to study the impact of modernity on Indian society. • Sanskritisation & Westernisation are two such middle-range theory advocated by MN Srinivas. • Westernisation refers to adoption of western customs by Indian masses which is reflected in their food behaviour, dress, language etc. Whereas Sanskritisation is the imitation of higher caste culture by lower caste/tribe to improve their ritual & secular position. • He categorises all into 4 different categories by taking permutation & combination of these two phenomena. (i) External westernisation & internal westernisation which is a rare phenomena in India. (ii) External westernisation & internal Sanskritisation which is adopted by most. (iii) External Sanskritisation & internal westernisation which is rarely seen in India, (iv) External Sanskritisation & internal Sanskritisation which is observed in sadhus & saints in India. • MN Srinivas glorifies field view approach to study Indian Society as it's a land of diversity influenced by many customs & tradition. Hence, he advocates concepts like Westernisation & Sanskritisation instead of value-loaded modernisation approach. • Yogendra Singh criticises MN Srinivas as he sticks to his stand of slight change of Indian tradition by the influence of modernity & talks about change in tradition instead of change of tradition.
Close
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