Sociology Notes for Community Development

1 Society

Society is viewed by sociologists as s chain of social relationships. A relationship is

social, when it is determined by mutual awareness, that is, the behaviour of one
individual influences the behaviour of another. For example, when a teacher enters the
classroom, students stop making noise and stand up as a mark of respect for their
teacher. This behaviour signifies the social relationship between the teacher and the
taught. Thus, social relationships exist only when individuals behave towards one
another in ways determined by their recognition of each other. This is why society is
called a relational concept. In other words, society is not a substantial concept. It does
not denote a concrete reality, rather it refers to social relationships, which become
institutionalised, when people relate to each other in well-established and familiar ways.

According to JF Cuber, “A Society may be defined as a group of people who have lived
long enough to become organized and to consider themselves and be considered as a
unit more or less distinct from other human units”

1.1 Types of Society

The predominant types of social relationships form the basis of classifying human
society in various types. Most sociologists contrast the industrial society in which they
live with all other types. Some sociologists, like Spencer and Durkheim, classified
societies on the basis of their size or scale and other features, such as, the extent and
degree of the division of labour, political organisation and social stratification, etc.
Some scholars, like Karl Marx, distinguish them on the basis of their economic
institutions. Thus, there are clearly many ways of classifying societies. Without going
into complicated arguments at this stage of your introduction to sociology, it is
necessary to realise that there is no ideal classification and no 'pure' example of various
types of society. In broad terms, taking the wider interests of sociology into
consideration, we can divide societies into two types, namely; simple and complex. All
primitive or tribal social organisations are included among simple societies. The
industrial societies with overlapping sets of social relationships are called complex
societies.

1.3 Characteristics of Society

A comprehensive understanding of society requires a thorough analysis of its
characteristics. But the term society could be understood both from a narrower and
broader sense. In a narrower sense society refers to a group of people but in a broader
sense it refers to the whole human society. However, society has the following
characteristics:
(1) Population : A society must have population. Without a group of people no society
could be formed. Of course, society refers not to a group of people but to system of
social relationships. But for the establishment of social relationships a group of people
is necessary. This population is a self perpetuating individuals who reproduces itself
through some sort of mating relationship. Hence it is the first requirement of society.
(2) Likeness : Likeness is the most important characteristic of society. Famous
sociologist MacIver opines that society means likeness. Without a sense of likeness,
there could be no mutual recognition of ‘belonging together’ and therefore no society.
This sense of likeness was found in early society on kinship and in modern societies the
conditions of social likeness have broadened out into the principles of nationality.
Society consists of like bodied and likeminded individuals. Friendship intimacy and
association of any kind would be impossible without likeness. It also helps in the
understanding of one by the other. That is why F.H. Giddings opines that society rests
on the ‘Consciousness of Kind’.
(3) Differences : Along with likeness, differences is another important characteristic of
society. Because society involves differences and it depends on it as much as on
likeness. That is why MacIver opines that “primary likeness and secondary differences
create the greatest of all institutions-the division of labour”. Because, differences is
complementary to social relationship. If people will be alike in all respect society could
not be formed and there would be little reciprocity and relationship became limited.
Family as the first society based on biological differences and differences in aptitude,
interest and capacity. Though differences is necessary for society but differences by
itself does not create society. Hence differences are sub-ordinate to likeness.
(4) Inter-dependence : Interdependence is another important characteristic of society.
This fact of interdependence is visible in every aspect of present day society. Famous
Greek Philosopher, Aristotle remarked that ‘Man is a social animal’. As a social animal
he is dependent on others. The survival and well being of each member is very much
depended on this interdependence. No individual is self sufficient. He have to depend
on others for, shelter and security and for the fulfillment of many of his needs and
necessities. With the advancement of society this degree of interdependence increases
manifold. Family being the first society, is based on the biological interdependence of
the sexes. Not only individuals are interdependent but also the groups, communities
and societies.
(5) Co-operation and Conflict : Both co-operation and conflict are two another
important characteristics of society. Because famous sociologist MacIver once
remarked that “Society is Co-operation crossed by conflict”. Co-operation is essentially
essential for the formation of society. Without co-operation there can be no society.
People can’t maintain a happy life without co-operation Family being the first society
rests on co-operation. Co-operation avoids mutual destructiveness and results in
economy in expenditure.
Like co-operation conflict is also necessary for society. Conflict acts as a cementing
factor for strengthening social relations. In a healthy and well developed society both co
-operation and conflict co-exist. Because, with the help of these two universal process
society is formed. Conflict makes co-operation meaningful. Conflict may be direct and
indirect. However both are necessary for society.
(6) Society is a network or web of social relationship : Social relationships is the
foundation of society. That is why famous sociologist MacIver remarked that society is
a network of social relationship. Hence it is difficult to classify social relationships. But
this social relationship is based on mutual awareness or recognition to which Cooley
call we-feeling, Giddings call consciousness of kind and Thomas as common propensity.
Without these social relationships no society could be formed. As social relationships
are abstract in nature so also the society is abstract in nature. Different kinds of social
processes like co-operation, conflict constantly takes place in society. And the
relationships established around these creates society. Hence a network of social
relationships which created among individuals constitutes society.
(7) Permanent Nature : Permanency is another important characteristic of society. It is
not a temporary organization of individuals. Society continues to exist even after the
death of individual members. Society is a co-herent organization.
(8) Society is Abstract : Society is an abstract concept. As MacIver opines society is a
web of social relationships. We can’t see this relationship but we can feel it. Hence, it is
an abstract concept. Wright has rightly remarked that “society in essence means a state
or condition, a relationship and is, therefore, necessarily an abstraction”. Besides
society consists of customs, traditions, folkways, mores and culture which are also
abstract. Hence, society is abstract in nature.
(9) Society is Dynamic : The very nature of society is dynamic and changeable. No
society is static. Every society changes and changes continuously. Old customs,
traditions, folkways, more values and institutions got changed and new customs and
values takes place. Society changes from it’s traditional nature to modern nature. Hence
it is one of the most important characteristic of society.

(10) Comprehensive Culture : Culture is another important characteristic of society.

Each and every society has it’s own culture which distinguishes it from others. Culture is
the way of life of the members of a society and includes their values, beliefs, art, morals
etc. Culture is comprehensive because it fulfils the necessities of social life and is
culturally self-sufficient. Besides, each and every society transmits its cultural pattern to
the succeeding generations.

1.4 Community

Robert Bellah defines community as “a group of people who are socially interdependent,
who participate together in discussion and decision making, and who share certain
practices that both define the community and are nurtured by it”

1.4.1 Elements of Community

The basic elements of community are discussed as under

Locality
Locality means a community occupies a territorial area permanent or changing. The
people are having belonging to their locality and develop “we” feeling with each other.

Sentiments
The community sentiment is the social coherence, which the people inculcate within
themselves. This sense of belonging together and to the residence is the real sentiment
of community. Hence a common way of life of people along with its awareness on a
common territory is a community.

Wider Ends
Everyone in community share some of their interest. They combine not for the
execution of a specific end. The ends are wider and people work in group to accomplish
some interests.

Group of People
Community is the totality of individuals with similar conditions of life. Thus it is a group
of a people living together similarly.

Common Life
One of the elements of community is that there is always common life. There is no up
and downs and inequality in community.

Particular Name
A community is always identified by its name. Thus a it is having its own particular
name.

A Spontaneous Origin and Growth

There is no community on the global world without its origin and growth. Thus each and
every community has its own origination and growing with the passage of time
 Permanence
Permanence one of the basic element of community , the membership of the
community is permanent. An individual is always identified through his community.
Thus It is permanent in its nature.

1.4.2 Difference Between Society and Community

Parameters Society Community

Larger, encompassing multiple

Scale and Size Smaller, localized group of individuals
communities

Complex interactions on regional/global

Interactions Intimate, direct interactions
scale

Shared Identity Diverse values, beliefs, and interests Aligned values, traditions, identities

Resource Challenges in managing resources

More localized, effective management
Management sustainably

Environmental Larger ecological footprint, significant Smaller ecological footprint, reduced

Impact impact impact

Extensive collaboration among diverse Close-knit collaboration, grassroots

Collaboration
groups initiatives

Straightforward decision-making
Policy-Making Complex policy-making, diverse interests
processes

Resilience May struggle to adapt quickly to changes Higher resilience, adaptability

2. Rural
  The U.S Census Bureau's classification of “rural” consists of all territory,
population, and housing units located outside urban areas. The Bureau's
definition is the only federal definition that applies the term “rural” in an official,
statistical capacity, allowing it to be viewed as the official or default definition of
rural.

2.1 Town

Any human settlement which is larger or bigger than a village is termed as town in many
parts of the world. In India, a census town is one which is not statutorily notified and
administered as a town, but nevertheless whose population has attained urban
characteristics. They are characterized by the following:

They are characterized by the following:

i. Population exceeds 5,000

ii. At least 75% of main working population is employed outside the agricultural
sector
iii. Minimum population density of 400 persons per km2
A town refers to place were Population is more than 5,000. And it has a temple of its
own. A nagar nigam. A five member Bench of Panchayat.

2.2 Rural Development

Rural development usually refers to the method of enhancing the quality of life and
financial well-being of individuals, specifically living in populated and remote areas.

Traditionally, rural development was centred on the misuse of land-intensive natural

resources such as forestry and agriculture. However today, the increasing urbanisation
and the change in global production networks have transformed the nature of rural
areas.

Rural development still remains the core of the overall development of the country.
More than two-third of the country’s people are dependent on agriculture for their
livelihood, and one-third of rural India is still below the poverty line. Therefore, it is
important for the government to be productive and provide enough facilities to upgrade
their standard of living.

Rural development is a term that concentrates on the actions taken for the development
of rural areas to improve the economy. However, few areas that demand more focused
attention and new initiatives are:

 Education

 Public health and Sanitation

 Women empowerment

 Infrastructure development (electricity, irrigation, etc.)

 Facilities for agriculture extension and research

 Availability of credit

 Employment opportunities

2.3 Difference Between Town and Village

The major difference between town and village exist in terms of their sizes, population,
amenities & quality of life.

A town is typically larger than a village and has more developed infrastructure and
public services. Villages are generally more rural and have a smaller population. Towns
often have a wider range of shops and amenities, and may serve as a regional center for
surrounding villages.
Additionally, towns may have a mayor and a town council as opposed to a village, which
may have a village chairman or board. However, the difference between town and village
can vary depending on the country or region.

2.4 Agrarian Structure

1. Agrarian societies rely primarily on agriculture for their livelihoods.

2. They emerged when humans transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settled

communities.
3. Agriculture allowed for a more stable food supply and the development of

permanent settlements.
4. Agrarian societies hold a close relationship with the land. They follow traditional

farming methods.
5. They have a division of labor, with different individuals or groups having specific

roles related to farming.

6. Land ownership and control of resources are important in agrarian societies.

7. Agrarian societies have undergone changes with industrialization and

urbanization. However, rural areas still maintain agrarian traditions.

2.5 Nature of Rural Sociology

In India, rural sociology is treated as a part of sociology. Like sociology it is also

considered as a social science. It is precisely a specialized field of sociology. Its nature
is scientific. Actually to say, by nature rural sociology is a science. Science in simple
words refers to a systematic body of knowledge. In case of rural sociology the rural
problems are systematically and logically studied. Most of the sociologists opine that
Sociology has all the characteristics of science and it is, no doubt, a science. Since rural
sociology is a specialized branch of Sociology, therefore it is also a science.
Nevertheless, before furthering to elaborate rural sociology as a science, it is essential
to know what science is. Science is a method and way of looking at things consisting of
systematic steps like observation, collection and classification of data, hypothesis,
testing, theory and conclusion. Science possesses six basic ingredients. Firstly, science
employs the scientific method. Secondly; it is a study of facts. Thirdly scientific
principles are universal. Fourthly, scientific laws are vertical. Its validity can be examined
at any time and it proves true in every place. Fifthly, science discovers the causeeffect
relationship in its subject-matter and in this connection provides universal and valid
laws. Finally, science can make predictions on the basis of universal and valid laws
relating to the cause-effect relationship in any subject. The function of science is based
upon a faith in causality. The nature or Rural Sociology as a science can be examined on
the following grounds.

1. Scientific Methodology: Rural Sociology utilizes scientific methodology and hence, all
the methods used in rural sociology are scientific in nature.

2. Facts Accumulation: Rural Sociology is always founded on factual study. It studies

rural social relationship and activities in a factual manner. It makes a scientific study of
facts, general principles and theories involved in them. It is also a known principle that
science grows on the data collected from the field and that a sociologist stands on the
shoulders of other sociologists as said by Robert Merton.

3. Empiricism: Unlike natural sciences that carry out experiments in the closed
laboratory for measurement and verification, rural sociology uses the empirical method
in the form of fieldwork. For a rural sociologist going to the field carries immense
significance as it helps him/her to gather relevant data on the basis of which he will
formulate theories and also it provides an occasion for experimentation, observation
and verification.

4. Precision and Accuracy: Two of the important features of scientific investigation are
precision and accuracy. The data that is collected should reflect the exact existing
situation at the time of observation. The principles of rural sociology need to be proved
true when verified. Their validity can be examined by any one.

5. Discovery of cause-effect relationship: Like Sociology, Rural Sociology also discovers

a cause effect relationship between the phenomena. For Rural sociology is a science or
Not? 4 example, in the modern society, the rate of divorce increases rapidly due to the
family disorganization. Similarly, due to the swift growth of population the rate of
poverty and unemployment increases in the rural society. In these examples, family
disorganization and population growth are two causes and divorce as well as poverty
and unemployment are their effects. Rural Sociology has discovered a cause effect
relation between the phenomena and population growth and divorce.

6. Predictions: Eventually, on the basis of cause-effect relationship rural sociology

becomes capable of anticipating the future and make predictions concerning social
relationship, activities, incidents etc. For example, if disorganization in the families
becomes pronounced, it can make predictions concerning the number of divorces and
many other things. Knowing the cause-effect relationship, rural sociology can conclude
what will be‘ on the basis of what is‘. Thus, it is evident from the above analysis that
Rural Sociology, by nature, is a science. It possesses all the essential characteristics of
science. Some sociologists have raised their views against the nature of Rural
Sociology as a science. They have vehemently objected to the scientific nature of rural
sociology on the basis of the following grounds:-

7. Lack of Objectivity: The first objection rose against the nature of rural sociology being
called a science is that, an unbiased and objective study cannot be made in it. The chief
reason of this is that the sociologists have to play dual role of both the doctor and the
patient in society. They are the members of that very society which they studies. From
this point of view, they have established a very secure relation with the contents, very
commencement of society. The sociologists study religion, family, marriage, economic
system etc. But hold their observation lacks the ingredient of objectivity, which is so
much indispensable to science.

8. Lack of experiment: There was also an objection that rural sociology doesn‘t use
Rural Sociology is not a science just because of the term, science used in it. If science
is used for physical sciences, then rural sociology cannot assert to be a science. The
term science is used for physical sciences includes the dual process of experimentation
and prediction. Rural Sociology, in this context, is not a science because its subject
matter, the human relationship and behavior and they are abstract 5 in nature. One can
neither see nor touch, neither weigh nor analyze in the laboratory.

9. Lack of measurement: The third argument against the nature of Rural Sociology as a
science is that it is deficient in measurement. In natural sciences, definite and standard
measurement is used to measure and weigh. The different measurements like units,
grams, meters, centimeters etc, by which the subject matter of natural sciences can be
measured the units or Rural Sociology. Due to the lack of measurement, the results of
rural sociology differ from time to time which is not in the case of natural sciences.

10. Lack of Exactness: The fourth objection is that the discipline doesn‘t provide
exactness. It is not possible to follow the laws and principles of rural sociology
universally as the principles of natural science can be followed. Its law and principles
vary on the basis of time and place concerned. For example, the rural social problems of
one country may be different from the other country. In India untouchability is a serious
rural problem but in America it is not so.

11. Lack of Prediction: The fifth and final objection against the nature or Rural Sociology
being called a science is that it is deficient in accurate prediction. But due to the lack of
objectivity and electivity, the principles that are invented by rural sociology are not
always acceptable. Consequently, it becomes to predict any occurrence or phenomena
or forecast cannot be possible about the laws and principles of Rural Sociology.
 Conclusion: It is evident from the above analysis regarding the nature of Rural
Sociology, that it is very difficult to conclude whether, by nature it is science or not as
there are dual and contrasting opinions both in favor and against the scientific nature of
rural sociology. There can be no doubt over the question that rural sociology uses
scientific techniques like observation, experimentation, classification and tabulation in
the collection and interpolation of data systematically. The conclusion derived by the
rural sociology is based upon empirical realities.