What is a society?
- A society is a group of people participating in continuous social connection, or a broad social group occupying the same social or spatial territory, normally exposed to the same political power and dominant cultural standards.
Nature of Indian Society
- Indian society is a grand synthesis of multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-ideological constructs, shaped by the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
Salient Features of Indian Society
- Diversity
- India is a multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic society.
- Diversity is seen in food, clothing, festivals, languages, traditions, and customs.
- Caste System
- A historical social hierarchy based on birth, occupation, and status.
- Despite legal measures, caste influences politics, social mobility, and resource access.
- Joint Family System
- Traditionally, multiple generations live together, sharing resources and responsibilities.
- Urbanization and modernization are leading to nuclear family trends, though joint families still exist, especially in rural areas.
- Patriarchy and Gender Inequality
- Indian society is largely patriarchal, with men holding primary decision-making power.
- Gender disparity persists in education, employment, property rights, and healthcare access.
- Religion and Spirituality
- Home to major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
- Religion significantly influences social norms, traditions, and identity.
- Rural-Urban Divide
- Rural and urban areas differ in lifestyle, economic opportunities, and infrastructure.
- Migration and urbanization are causing socio-economic transformations in cities.
- Education and Literacy
- Significant improvements in literacy rates and education accessibility.
- Regional, socio-economic, and gender disparities in education persist.
- Socio-economic Stratification
- Society is divided based on caste, class, income, and occupation.
- Wealth inequality and social mobility barriers remain significant challenges.
- Cultural Pluralism
- Coexistence of multiple languages, traditions, cuisines, arts, and festivals.
- Indian culture reflects syncretism and inclusivity.