Sociology Daily Answer Writing (15-11-2022)

Questions

1. Write a short note on Srinivas’s conception of functionalism.    10
2. Do you think that a lot has changed from Desai’s comprehensive and systematic account of the genesis of Indian nationalism and national consciousness?   20

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Model Solutions

1. Write a short note on Srinivas’s conception of functionalism. 10

Model Structure
Introduction

• Define Functionalism

Main Body

• Srinivas pioneered structural functionalism in India through his work on Coorgs of Mysore (1940s). He initiated the tradition of macro-sociological generalization of micro-anthropological insights.
• His approach is blend of -
  • Structural Functionalism of Robert Brown
  • Anthropological view of Pritchard
• Attempt to develop an interpretation of particular social phenomenon like caste in Functional terms in larger social context
• Challenged the then prevailing dominant paradigm which focused on understanding Indian society from purely textual point of view
• Coorg study - holistic study - understanding it via field view
• In 1976 Rampura Study -- Explained Social Functionalism + Dynamic nature of caste
• Focused on Unity
  • In the study of Rampura Village, he concluded – the village is a ‘vertical unity’ of many castes. (Jajmani system)
  • In his study of Coorgs, he describes functional unity of castes by explaining the interaction in ritual context of different castes.
  • Horizontal unity in castes – extended beyond the village.
• Critique:
  • Ignored structural change.
  • Over-emphasis on solidarity, status-quoist approach
  • This perspective ignored conflict in Indian society (Marxist)
  • Srinivas is often criticised for upholding upper caste values through his concept of dominant caste and sanskritization.

2. Do you think that a lot has changed from Desai’s comprehensive and systematic account of the genesis of Indian nationalism and national consciousness? 20

Model Structure
Introduction

• The growth of Indian nationalism as an outcome of struggle against British rule which systematically alienated and exploited people.
  Main Body
• Explain the stages of Indian nationalism (5 stages)
  • 1st SRM - 1885: Intelligentsia out of western education; Very Narrow base
  • 2nd 1885 - 1905: Rise of INC, Bourgeoise
  • 3rd 1905 - 1918: Wider social basis as Gandhi enters
  • 4th 1918 - 1934: MASS basis; Direct action; Working class, youth enters
  • 5th 1934-39: Rapid Changes; peasant, communist growth; Rise of national consciousness
• As earlier, still middle class - carrier of national consciousness in Society E.g. 2011 Corruption movement against Govt
• Role of charismatic leaders - still commanding influence in Indian polity
• Modern education and ideas make disadvantageous groups aware.
  • More assertive now
  • Yet few social groups use their social capital to consolidate their position
  • As Yogendra Singh mentions- both continuity and change occur
• Economic contradictions
  • So high as inequalities are way high.
    • Still unequal control over FoP
  • Labour movements and marginalized class movement
• Global events still have an impact on the psyche of Indians. E.g.: America’s protectionism
• Religious nationalism is rising, which disrupts the social fabric.

Conclusion

• Relevance of Desai’s perspective

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