Sociology Mains Syllabus
Paper 2
Section A – (i) Perspectives on the study of Indian society:
(a) Indology (GS. Ghurye).
(b) Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).
(c) Marxist sociology ( A R Desai).
Section C – (i) Visions of Social Change in India:
(a) Idea of development planning and mixed economy.
(b) Constitution, law and social change.
(c) Education and social change.
Introduction:
Embarking on a journey to comprehend social change in India, we delve into the nuanced realms of Great Tradition and Little Tradition. This conceptual approach, pioneered by Robert Redfield in “Peasant Society and Culture” (1956), unfolds a rich tapestry rooted in the villages of Mexico. As we navigate the corridors of cultural continuity, scholars like Mckim Marriott and Milton Singer have adapted this approach to scrutinize the social changes unfolding in India.
Understanding Little Tradition:
The essence of ‘little tradition’ lies in the unlettered communities inhabiting specific areas. Non-literate and unreflective, these communities cultivate traditions at home, passing them through generations as part of the socialization process.
Exploring Great Tradition:
In contrast, the ‘great tradition’ is the legacy of the literate, reflective few. Sophisticated and universal, this tradition finds its home in distinct institutions like temples, mosques, and churches. It is transmitted through rigorous learning, with individuals expected to internalize the tradition correctly.
Perspectives from Scholars:
Milton Singer observes a unique coexistence of modern and indigenous traditions in India, where cultural continuity preserves traditional values alongside the acceptance of modernity. Meanwhile, Mckim Marriott introduces the concepts of Universalization and Parochialization, reflecting the dynamic interaction between great and little traditions.
Redfieldian Approach:
Redfield’s cultural approach examines the interaction between village and city lifestyles, fueled by economic and political interdependence. This interaction establishes continuity, with cultural elements from little traditions integrated into the great tradition, eventually attaining universal applicability.
Analyzing Changes:
Orthogenetic evolution signals changes driven by internal factors, while heterogenetic contacts result from external influences. At the levels of folks and elites, little and great traditions interact, causing diverse changes and growth in cultural structures.
Conclusion:
The concepts of ‘Little Tradition’ and ‘Great Tradition’ provide a lens to study Indian culture. Rooted in the ceaseless interaction between rural and urban societies, these concepts, borne out of Redfield’s study of Mexican communities, offer valuable insights into social dynamics
