Social Stratification

Stratification – segmental division of group in a society. In a primitive society, there were no divisions among the people. They produce goods for their own consumption and there was no trade. Once people started accumulating the means of production, divisions emerged in the society and they owned the means of production that led to disparity in wealth and status.

In ancient times, the stratification was rigid and larger section of people accepted the unjustified division of class in a society as it was their fate rather than the problem. Most of the people were unaware of their rights against the exploitation due to illiteracy.

Status and role has a major role in the division of groups in a society. Status is the position of an individual whereas role can be stated the action or discharge of function based on the status. Status may be ascribed (i.e. Caste) or achieved (i.e. Educational qualification).

Stratification has its own advantages and disadvantages. The stability of society is ensured, people gets the specialized knowledge in a particular field that improves the wealth of a particular group. The major drawbacks of this system are conflicts among the people, restricted job opportunities, restricted socialization, restricted religious ceremony, hierarchical classification in the society etc. Though it has a fingered number of advantages, the disadvantage counts high.

Castes and classes are the daughters of social stratification. India is multi-ethnic, multi-religious & multi-linguistic country. Hence, the complete abolition of discrimination i.e castes, classes and gender is not possible overnight. The stratification in the form of classes based on wealth is always accepted, since the achieved status is dynamic and subject to change. But, any form of misbehavior on account of social stratification is unacceptably condemnable.

Social Development

Social Development

Society is dynamic i.e. progressing in one way and regressing in other way.The major setback for unequal development in our society is due to Religious and Economic factors prevailing in our society

Religion:

Religion plays a vital role in our life from cradle to grave. Religion is nothing but the social consciousness of a common activities in a group. Over the period of time, it evolved and perceived to be good or bad. In ancient society there were only two group of people as mentioned in the vedic text, Asthiga (Those who believe in god and religion) and Nasthiga (Those who do not bother about the god or religion). They worshipped nature and later on idol and now nobody knows what is actually the meaning of god and religion.

Fine, now the question is Do we really need religion in a present scenario?

Religion brings the harmony among the people during festival times ( what it actually meant for?). Through religion, we develop the code of conduct, unity, culture, etc. But in a present industrialist society, we do not have time to think about the positive aspects of religion. (Some use religion as a tool for political cause).

Though we have the positive aspects of the religion, it cannot be denied it also acted as a cause for some of the social disastrous. i.e Social stratification – The division of class has come from the religion (Though it is presumed that it came from the job they did like, Vaishya, Kshatriya, Shudra etc). The actual purpose behind the social action in a religion was misinterpreted that leads to the social stratification.

But even today religion has a major role in the development of society. Religion is not alienated from the individual. Individuals are the cause for religion. We need religion for constructive purpose not for destructive purpose.

Economic factor.

Do we need money?

The most important thrust among the youth aiming blindly for money. It cannot be said, money is not important. I will put it different way.

For eg:

If a person gets Rs. 1 lakh per month will he be satisfied? or even one crore, will he be satisfied?. The answer always depends on the individual. So, the interpretation of the value of money depends on others income. Suppose, in a group everybody is earning only rupees ten thousand per month and you are earning rupees one lakh then it matter and vice versa.

We infer, money is important to lead a healthy and safe livelihood ( again varies from individual to individual). But society needs money to develop. Money contributes a lot to the society. Do you know why biharies are working for a very less salary across our country?. Because, their society is still struggling to survive their daily activities. We are in a LPG era (Liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation). As our Ex-President K.R. Narayanan rightly pointed out

“In the highway of Industrialisation Please

lay down the pedestrian for downtrodden people.”

In order to protect the deprived classes in our society, everyone should contribute i.e. Government, Industrialist, individuals etc. Our brothers and sisters are struggling, as an indian allot sometime to take care of brothers and sisters. It is not like the contribution should only through economic means even otherwise.

Growing Economy !!!

India is one of the fast growing econonmy in the world. A simple question that cannot be answered by all strata in our society. Yes, it is true. What do you mean by actual growth?

Is it infrastructure?

Is it educational reforms?

Is it all about per capita income?

Lot many questions!!! Before going into the concept of growth, we should understand the difference between the growth and development. The main difference is " Growth is particularly confined to the sphere of a particular society, but in contrast the development pertains to the entire population or we can say Inclusive growth".

In our country, more than 77% of people is still struggling to earn Rs. 25/day. But, we

are claiming in a global forum that our country is marching towards the achievement of double

digit growth. In every five year plan, we talk about the inclusive growth. But what about the

deprived class whose survival itself is a big question.

Most of us know the answers why it has not been achieved so far?...

1. Corruption ?...

2. Inefficient Politicians ?...

3. Capitalist or Industrial society ?

We all be in harmony to resolve the problems and we take a pledge that we bring our country,

to a level where everyone gets everything ( But, dont go to the extreme of Socialist society )

JAI HIND.