Exercise No: 1 Characteristics of the Rural Society

Man is influenced by his total environment. Rural and Urban society have their
characteristics and qualities that influence the life of the people in the rural and urban areas. The
characteristics of the Rural society which may be studied under the following heads:
1. Too much nearness to nature:
We all know that the Rural Society is more or less an unpolluted society. It is nearer to
nature and does not suffer from the artificialities that are to be found in the urban society. Rural
society is full of the elements of nature and is also influenced by the philosophy of nature, trees,
plants, and birds from part of the rural life. In fact all these things make the rural life very
attractive. That is why Rural Society is said to be set in the background of the nature.
2. Agriculture being main occupation:
In Rural Society people mainly live on agriculture. Rural Society and agriculture are
more or less synonymous. The entire economic structure of the Rural Society is based on
agriculture. Due to agriculture, people have different values and different norms, because
agriculture society has a different type of culture.
3. Small size of the Society:
Urban society is very large and complicated one. As compared to it, Rural society is quite
small in size and simple on structure. Because of this small size inter communication is possible.
This changes the whole pattern of the urban way of life.
4. Less density of population:
In Rural areas the population is quite sparse. Because of the lesser number of people in
the rural areas, greater relationship between the people is possible. This changes the whole
pattern of the social structure in the rural areas.
5. Similarity and dissimilarity of the population:
Rural Society has mutually contradictory characteristics of similarity and dissimilarity in
population. Most of the people are in agriculture and therefore there is good deal of similarity in
the people live in the rural areas. On the other hand people of different castes and also belonging
to different cultural patterns live there and because of this there is a good deal of dissimilarity. In
spite of this dissimilarity in the groups of people living, there is no complexity in the structure of
the society.
6. Lack of social mobility:
People living in the rural areas are not socially mobile. Generally they do not move from
one social status to another and also do not change their occupation. Because of the lack of social
mobility the speed of social change in the Rural Society is very low.
7. Social inter- action:
In Rural Society, the process of social inter-action is not at all organized. In spite of the
lack of social interaction, there is a good deal of nearness amongst the people living in Rural
Society. Social activities like co-operation, conflict interference etc. is very much to be found in
the Rural Society. It means that on the other hand people living in the rural areas are very near to
one another and on the other they are also opposed to one another.
8. Traditional Social Stratification:
In Rural Society, there is the traditional social stratification, based on the Caste System.
Those who belong to the higher caste are considering as higher, while those belonging to the
lower caste are considering lower.
9. Social unity:
In Rural Society, the element of unity is present in every aspect. The basis of unity is not
formal but informal people living in rural areas have common objects, common experiences and
sometimes common characteristics, and because of these common factors they live in unity.
Exercise:
1. Define brainstorming?
2. Do the brainstorming on the characteristics of Rural Society.
3. List out the outcome of the brainstorming in your record.
4. Write down the differences in characteristics among Rural and Urban Society.

Exercise no: 2 Data Collection Methods

Data may be collected through four primary methods

a) Participating in the setting,
b) Observing directly,
c) Interviewing in depth, and
 d) Analyzing the documents and material culture.
Surveys:
The survey is the preferred method if the researcher wishes to obtain a small amount of
information from a large number of subjects. Survey research is the appropriate method of
inquiry for making inferences about a large group of people based on data drawn from relatively
small number of individuals in that group. Its basic aim is to describe and explain statistically the
variability of certain features in a population. The general logic of survey research gives a
distinctive style to the research process; the type of the survey instrument is determined by the
information needed. Surveys are conducted in three ways: by mail, telephone and personal
interview. Analysis of survey data takes the form of quantitative analysis and relies mainly on
either descriptive or inferential statistics. Surveys have definite advantages when the goals of
research require obtaining quantitative data on a certain problem or population. They facilitate
research in politically or ethically sensitive areas. They are used in programs for public welfare
or economic development. Surveys are amenable to rapid statistical analysis and are
comparatively easy to administer and manage. Surveys have weaknesses, however. They are of
little value of examining complex social relationships or intricate patterns of interaction. Their
strengths can also be weakness. Although controlling accuracy, a survey cannot assure without
further evidence that the sample represents a broader universe. Thus, the method of drawing the
sample and the sample size are critical to the accuracy of the study and its potential for
generalizability. Also, even though surveys are convenient, they are generally a relatively
expensive method of data collection. Finally, surveys may result in an invasion of privacy or
produce questionable effects in the respondent or the community.
Questionnaires:
Separately identifies three main types of questions: i) Descriptive, ii) Structural, and iii)
Contrast. Descriptive questions allow the researcher to collect a sample of participant’s language.
Structural questions discover the basic units in the participant’s cultural knowledge, and contrast
questions provide the ethnographer with the meaning of various terms.
Researchers administer questionnaires to some samples of a population to learn about the
distribution of characteristics, attitudes, or beliefs. In deciding to survey a group of people,
researchers make one critical assumption- that a characteristic or belief can be described or
measured accurately through self- reporting. In using questionnaires, researchers rely totally on
the honesty and accuracy of participant’s responses. Although this limits the usefulness of
questionnaires for delving into tacit beliefs and deeply held values, there are still many occasions
when surveying can be useful. Questionnaires typically entail several questions that have
structured response categories: some open-ended questions may also be included. The questions
are examined for bias, sequence, clarity, and face-validity. Questionnaires are usually tested on
small groups to determine their usefulness and, perhaps, reliability. In sample surveys, data are
collected in a standardized format, usually from a probability sample of the population.
Mailed Questionnaires:
Researchers based on their interest they mail the questionnaires by mail or by post and
gather the relevant information. This is called a mailed questionnaire. It very less expensive and
time consuming method. But there will be no face to face interaction and there is a chance of
false information.
In-depth interviewing:
Kahn and Cannell (1957) describe interviewing as “a conversation with a purpose”.
Qualitative, in-depth interviews typically are much more like conversations than formal events
with pre determined response categories. The researcher explores a few general topics to help
uncover the participant’s views but otherwise respects how the participants frames and structures
the responses. The most important aspect of the interviewer’s approach is conveying the attitude
that the participant’s views are valuable and useful.
An interview yields data in quantity quickly. When more than one person participates, the
process takes in a wider variety of information than if there were fewer participants. Immediate
follow-up and clarification are possible. Combined with observation, interviews allow the
researcher to understand the meanings everyday activities hold for people. Interviewing has
limitation and weakness, however. Interviews involve personal interaction; cooperation is
essential. Interviewees may be unwilling or may be uncomfortable sharing all that the
interviewer hopes to explore, or they may be unaware of recurring patterns in their lives. The
interviewer may not ask questions that evoke long narratives from participants because of a lack
of expertise or familiarity with the local language or because of lack of skill. By the same token,
he may not properly comprehend responses to the questions or various elements of the
conversation. And at times, interviewees may have good reason not to be truthful. Interviewers
should have superb listening skills and be skillful at personal interaction, question framing, and
gentle probing for elaboration.
Observation:
Observation entails the systematic noting and recording of events, behaviors, and artifacts
(objects) in the social setting chosen for the study. The observational record is frequently referred
to as field notes- detailed, non judgmental, concrete descriptions of what have been observed.
This method assumes that behavior is purposeful and expressive of deeper values and beliefs. It
is used to discover the complex interactions in natural social settings. Even in in-depth
interviews, observation plays an important role as the researcher notes the interviewee’s body
language and affect in addition to her words. It is, however, a method that requires a great deal of
the researcher.
Participant observation:
Participant observation is both an overall approach to inquiry and a data gathering
method. To some degree, it is an essential element of all qualitative studies. As its name suggests,
participant observation demands firsthand involvement in the social world chosen for study.
Immersion in the setting permits the researcher to ear, to see, and to begin to experience reality
as the participants do. Ideally, the researcher spends a considerable amount of time in the setting,
learning about daily life there. This immersion offers the researcher the opportunity to learn
directly from his own experience.

Exercise:
1. Write the advantages and disadvantages of different data collection methods.
2. Write the difference between survey and questionnaire.
3. If you have any experience in data collection, write an essay about it.

Exercise No: 3: Village Settlement

Scattered throughout India are approximately 5, 00,000 villages. The census of India
regards most settlements of fewer than 5,000 as a village. These settlements range from tiny
hamlets of thatched huts to larger settlements of tiled-roofed stone and brick houses. Most
villages are small; nearly 80 percent have fewer than 1000 inhabitants, according to 1991 census.
Most are nucleated settlements, while others are more dispersed. It is in villages that India’s most
basic business- agriculture- takes place. Here, in the face of vicissitudes of all kinds, farmers
follow time –tested as well as innovative methods of growing wheat, rice, lentils, vegetables,
fruits, and many other crops in order to accomplish the challenging task of feeding themselves
and the nation. Here, too, flourish many of India’s most valued cultural forms.
Viewed from a distance, an Indian village may appear deceptively simple. In actuality,
Indian village life is far from simple. Each village is connected through a variety of crucial
horizontal linkages with other villages and with urban areas both near and far. Most villages are
characterized by a multiplicity of economic, caste, occupational and even religious groups linked
vertically with in each settlement.
According to pattern of settlement, the following classification is given
  Village settlement
 Scattered settlement
 Cross-road settlement
 Line settlement
 Circular settlement
 Regional settlement
Throughout most of India, village dwellings are built very close to one another in a
nucleated settlement, with small lane for passage of people and sometimes carts. Village fields
surround the settlement and are generally within easy walking distance. In hilly tracts of central,
eastern, and for northern India, dwellings are more spread out, reflecting the nature of
topography. In the wet states of West Bengal and Kerala, houses are more dispersed; in some
parts of Kerala, they are constructed in continuous lines, with divisions between villages not
obvious to visitors.
In northern and central India, neighborhoods boundaries can be vague. The houses of
Dalits are generally located in separate neighborhoods or on the outskirts of the nucleated
settlement, but there are seldom distinct Dalit hamlets. By contrast, in the south, where
socioeconomic contrasts and caste pollution observances tend to be stronger than in the north,
Brahman homes may be set apart from those of non-Brahmans, and Dalit hamlets are set at a
little distance from the homes of other castes.
The number of castes resident in a single village can vary widely, from one to more than
forty. Typically, a village is dominated by one or a very few castes that essentially control the
village land and on whose patronage members of weaker groups must rely. In many areas of the
south, Brahmans are major landowners, along with some other relatively high-ranking castes.
Generally, land, prosperity, and power go together.
In some regions, land owners refrain from using plows themselves but hire tenant farmers
and laborers do this work. In other regions, landowners till the soil with the aid of laborers,
usually resident in the same village. Fellow villagers typically include representatives of various
service and artisan castes to supply the needs of the villagers- priests, carpenters, blacksmiths,
barbers, weavers, potters, oil pressers, sweepers, leatherworkers, water bearers, toddy tappers
and so on. Village religious observances and weddings are occasions for the members of various
castes to provide customary ritual goods and services in order for the events to proceed
according to proper tradition. In villages near urban areas, an increasing number of people
commute to the cities to take up jobs, and many migrate. Some migrants leave their families and
go to the cities to work for months at a time.
At slack seasons, village life can appear to be sleepy, but usually villages are humming
with activity. The work ethic is strong, with little time out for relaxation, except for numerous
divinely sanctioned festivals and rite- of –passage celebrations. Residents are quick to judge each
other, and improper work or social habits receive strong criticism. Villages feel a sense of village
pride and honor, and the reputation of village depends upon the behavior of all of its residents.

Exercise:
1. What is the settlement pattern of your village?
2. Explain the different village settlement patterns discussed in your practical class?

Exercise No: 3 & 4 Preparing Interview Schedule

MODEL INTERVIEW SCHDULE FOR THE SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY

Interview Schedule number: Date:

Particulars of the village:
1. Name :
2. Total area (acres):
3. Population :
4. Occupation :
Major occupation Now 30 years before
a. Agriculture
b. Agriculture allied activities
c. Industries
d. Service sector.

5. Area under agriculture: acres

Particulars Now 30 years before
Area

6. Nature of usage of common property resources:

Particulars Now 30 years before
Restricted/unrestricted

7. Degree of Commercialization:
Now 30 years before
S.No Particulars Yes No Yes No
1. Market accessibility within 2 km
2. More than 5 shops in the village
3. Year round bus services available in
the village

8. Degree of factionalism:
Now 30 years before
S.No Particulars Yes No Yes No
 1. Religion
2. Caste
3. Class
4. Clan
5. Political groups

9. Farm holding status:

S.no Land holding size (Ha.) Now 30 years before
% of population % of population
1 Large (>4)
2 Medium (2 to 4)
3 Small (1 to 2)
4 Landless

10. Socio- capital status:

S.No Socio- capital status Now 30 years
before
1 Emergency sharing
a.
b.
2 Collective protests to government
a.
b.
3 Collective charities
a.
b.
4 Maintenance of village assets without government
help

11. Local Institutional status:

S.no Institutions Now 30 years before
1 Administrative
i) Panchayat raj
ii) Temple governance
iii) Water body
governance
2 Occupational
i) Farmers union
ii) Trade union
iii) SHG
3 Social welfare
i) Youth club
ii) Women’s club
 Exercise:
1. Add some more dimensions of sociological study.

Exercise no: 5 Technique of Eliciting Data

Data:
Data is a collection of information.
PRA tools:
Diagram
A diagram presents information in a readily understood visual form and has a dual use.
First, the act of constructing a diagram is in itself an analytical procedure, which enables those
preparing it to understand clearly the dynamics they are trying to record. Second, the diagram
becomes a tool of communication and discussion among different people.
i) Map:
This is very useful for creating an alternative database for the design of the village plan
by the local people. People can draw maps of their village and locate the services, facilities and
infrastructure according to the availability and access to different groups, thus facilitating the
identification of needs, problems and solutions. Different village groups can draw different maps
to depict their perceptions, problems and needs. A number of maps by all sections of people in a
village can help in prioritizing and preparing village plans of action.
People in the village can draw maps on the ground, floor or on paper (these can later be
transferred to paper by the facilitator/PRA actor). Social, demographic, health, natural resources
or farm maps can be drawn to construct three- dimensional models of their land. The part to be
played by the decentralized development actors in this exercise is that of patient listening and
motivating people to participate by accepting and respecting their knowledge.
ii) Transect:
 Can be used to substantiate and support a map. A transect is a systematic walk with
villagers through the village, observing, listening to villagers descriptions, asking relevant
questions, discussing ideas, identifying different zones, local technologies, seeking problems,
solutions and finally, diagramming/mapping the transect walk and its findings. This helps to:
 Build rapport with local people
 Substantiate and support the diagrammed facts, and
 Identify locations of the problems and opportunities for development.

Seasonal Calendar:
A seasonal calendar is a participatory tool to explore seasonal changes (e.g. gender-
specific workload, diseases, income, expenditure etc. The main objective is to learn about
changes in livelihoods over the year and to show the seasonality of agricultural and non
agricultural workload, food availability, human diseases, gender-specific income and
expenditure, water, forage, credit and holidays.
Key Questions:
1. What are the busiest month of the year?
2. At what time of the year is food scarce?
3. How does income vary over the year for men and women?
4. How does expenditure vary over the year for men and women?
5. How does rainfall vary over the year?
6. How does water availability for human consumption vary over the year?
7. How does livestock forage availability vary over the year?
8. How does credit availability vary over the year?
9. When are holidays and how many days in which month?
10. When are most agricultural work carried out by women?
11. When are most agricultural work carried out by men?
12. When is most non-agricultural work carried out by women?
13. When is most non-agricultural work carried out by men?
14. Which could be the most appropriate season for additional activities for men and women?

Daily Activity schedule:

 Daily Activity Clocks illustrate all of the different kinds of activities carried out in one
day. They are particularly useful for looking at relative work-loads between different groups in
the community. Comparisons between clocks show who works the longest hours, who
concentrates on a few activities and who does a number of tasks in a day, and who has the most
leisure time and sleep.

Time Lines:

A list of key events in the history of the community that helps identify post trends, events,
problems, and achievements in its life. The time line helps the team to understand what local or
national events the community considers to be important in its history. The time line is prepared
through discussion with a small groups or elders. The significant events in the history of the
community hitherto kept in oral form are now documented.

Venn diagram
A Venn diagram shows the relationship between individuals, groups and institutions in a
community as perceived by the people. It is made up of touching or overlapping circles of
various sizes, with each circle representing an individual or institution. The size of the circle
indicates the degree of contact or inclusion in decision making. This will help in the formulation
and implementation of development initiatives at the local level, as well as in identifying
marginalized individuals/group in the community.

Multiple - Role playing

This is an important tool that will help trainees understand the situations they will face in
their work. It aids understanding of other actors in the working situations, their points of view,
their reactions and feelings. It also gives them an opportunity to practice their roles in a safe
environment.
Most role-playing uses an improvised script, based on suggestions made by the trainees,
either from their experiences or hypothetical situations that may arise in future. Trainees can be
divided into two main groups, one enacting the script, the other observing the players/actors. The
roles can be reversed after one performance, firstly, within the same group of actors playing
different roles, secondly, with the observers acting out the script and the actors taking the role of
observers. The role reversals can be repeated to allow each trainee to play all the roles. The role-
playing can be followed by the group discussion to identify the most appropriate/effective
behavior/attitudes and mistakes to be avoided. This helps trainees learn in a risk-free
environment with objective feedback from their peers and the facilitators, which is generally not
possible in real life situations.
Role – playing tools can be a mirror for trainees to see themselves as others perceive
them, encouraging insights into their own attitude and behavior and sensitivity to the opinions,
attitudes and needs of others. Role – playing addresses basic aspects of face to face
communication such as, listening, awareness and recognition of body language and appreciation
of other points of view. The strength of role-playing lies in the fact, that it gives trainees the
confidence to try new approaches and innovate in the fields.

Exercise:

1. Write your experience in gathering data through PRA tools and Schedule.
Exercise no: 6 Collection of data using the Interview Schedule

The Role of the interviewer

The interviewer is really the “jack-of-all-trades”. The interviewer’s role is complex and
multifaceted. It includes the following tasks:
The first thing the interviewer must do is gain entry. Several factors can enhance the
prospects. Probably the most important factor is your initial appearance. The interviewer needs to
dress professionally and in a manner that will be comfortable to the respondent.
Don’t ask—suggest what you want. Instead of saying “May I come in to do an
interview?” you might try a more imperative approach like “I‘d like to take few minutes of your
time to interview you for a very important study”. Without waiting for the respondent to ask
questions, you should move on introducing yourself. You should have this part of the process
memorized so you can deliver the essential information in 20-30 seconds at the most. State your
name and the name of the organization you represent. Show your identification badge and the
letter that introduces you.
Explaining the study with “25 words or less” description. What you should spend some
time on is assuring the respondent that you are interviewing them confidentially, and that their
participation is voluntary.
Asking the questions
 Use questionnaire carefully, but informally
 Ask questions exactly as written
 Follow the order given
 Ask every question
 Don’t finish sentences
Obtaining Adequate Responses
 The probe
 Silent probe
 Overt encouragement
 Elaboration
  Ask for clarification
 Repetition

Recording the Response

 Record responses immediately
 Include all probes
 Use abbreviations where possible
Abbreviations will help you to capture more of the discussion.
Concluding the interview
 Thank the respondent
 Tell them when you expect to send results
 Don’t be brusque or hasty
 Immediately after leaving- write down any notes about how the interview went.

Exercise
1. Write your experiences in gathering information using interview schedule.

Exercise no: 7 & 8 Consolidation of Data and Preparation of Report

Report writing can be described as a career skill. Not only it is a task that forms part of an
increasing number of business jobs, but also it can make a huge difference to how you are
perceived and even how well you get on in your career. Today, good communication skills and
the ability to write effective reports are essential competencies for every successful business
persons.
 Style is the most nebulous area of report writing. It is very easy to criticize a writer’s
style as ‘poor’ or ‘inappropriate’; what is not so easy is to specify the stylistic improvements that
should be encouraged.
Style
To be completely successful, a report which makes recommendations must ensure that the
persons for whom the report is intended.
 Read it without unnecessary delay.
 Understand everything in it without undue effort.
 Accept the facts, findings, conclusions and recommendations.
 Decide to take the action recommended.
Achieving this demands more of you than merely presenting relevant facts accurately. It
also demands that you communicate in a way that is both acceptable and intelligible to the
readers.
Selectivity
Careful choice of words can enable you to convey many subtleties of meaning.
Accuracy
Check that everything you write is factually accurate. The facts should be capable pf
being verified. Moreover, arguments should be soundly based and your reasoning should be
logical. You should not write anything that will misinform, mislead or unfairly persuade your
readers. If you do, you will be doing a disservice not only to yourself but also to your department
and organization. Accurate information is essential for effective communication and decision
making.

Objectivity
A report should not be an essay reflecting personal emotions and opinions. You must look
at all sides of a problem with an open mind before stating your conclusions.
Making it clear that you have an open mind when writing your report will, in most cases,
make your conclusions and recommendations more acceptable to your readers. The emphasis,
therefore, should be on the factual material presented and the conclusions drawn, rather than on
any personal beliefs, biases or prejudices.
Conciseness
Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, I conquered). That is how Julius Caesar reported his visit
to our shores. While none your reports will be as short as this, you should aim to keep them
concise. In doing this, do not make mistake brevity for conciseness. A report may be brief
because it omits important information. A concise report, on the other hand, is short but still
contains all essential details.
 To ensure you do not include material which can safely be left out, you should not ask:
‘Can this information be included?’ rather, you should ask: ‘Is it necessary for this information to
be included?’
Clarity and Consistency
The best way to achieve clarity in your writing is to allow some time to elapse between
the first draft and its revision. Try to leave it over the weekend, or at least overnight. If you are
really under pressure and this is simply not possible, at least leave it over a lunch or a coffee
break. It is essential to have a period of time, no matter how short, when you can think of other
things. In this way, when you come back to your report, you can look at it with a degree of
objectivity.
Simplicity
Usually, if your writing is selective, accurate, objective, concise, clear and consistent, it
will also be as simple as it can be. You should guard against over simplifying, for example to the
point of missing out information which the reader needs to fully understand what you are trying
to say. You should again keep your readers firmly in mind and keep asking yourself whether or
not they will be able to follow the logic of your perception.
Avoid pointless words
Some words and phrases- like basically, actually, undoubtedly, each and every one and
during the course of our investigation- keep cropping up in reports. Yet they add nothing to the
message and often can be removed without changing the meaning or the tone. Try leaving them
out of your writing. You will find your sentences survive, succeed and may even flourish without
them.
Exercise
1. Mention the difficulties in reporting the data.
Exercise no: 9 Psychological Behavior of Farming Community.

The sociologists have used various terms in order to classify various behavior of farming
community.
Customs are socially prescribed forms of behavior transmitted by tradition and enforced by
social disapproval of its violation (nothing doing).

Folkways are expected forms of behavior but are not rigidly enforced. Examples of good
folkways are: good manners, entering home only after removing of shoes, greeting others with
folded hands.

Mores are the socially acceptable ways of behavior that do involve moral standards (regulations)
and violation of more may result in severe social action or sanction, such as ostracism (exclusion
of individual or family from the village or society). Religion provides foundation for mores of
the society. Examples of mores: inter- dining of high- caste Hindus with out-caste Hindus,
Saluting the National flag Standing during the playing of National Anthem, Monogamy.

Ritual is prescribed form of behavior for certain occasions and certain actions are designated in
prescribed manner. Ritual may be defined as a pattern of behavior or ceremony, which has
become the customary way of dealing with certain situations. Examples of rituals are: playing
with crackers on ‘Diwali’, celebration of Independence Day.

Conventions are customs regulating more significant social behavior. Parents instruct their
children the conventions though they (parents) cannot explain why the child must confirm.
Examples of conventions: Being polite to others, Wearing cloths in public, Using knife, Spoon or
fork for eating.

Values are relative importance or preferences we give to any object, idea or content of
experience etc. Value is defined as anything desired or chosen by someone. Values are the
attitudes, held by the individuals, groups or society as a whole, as to whether material or non
material objects are good, bad, desirable or undesirable.
Attitude is a positive or negative feeling one has towards any psychological object. Attitudes are
based up on values and attitudes influence our action positively or negatively. Hence they are
covert and not overt value system. The values in terms of attitudes taken together as a set form a
system, which is called value system of society. Example prestige based on caste of individual,
status based up on individual’s possession of land etc.

Norms are the accepted and approved forms of behavior that are based on and consistent with
dominant social values in society. The values and norms go together. Examples of norms:
observance of religious festivals and performance of rituals and worship and other relevant
activities are important norms of society towards the value.

Major values prevailing in the rural society or social values in Indian rural society:
1. Importance of ascribed (given by somebody) status: Status of individual is decided by the
group to which he belongs. There is an established order of hierarchy of castes in the Indian
society.
2. Recognition of inequality: Caste is still a guiding factor. There are inequalities based on the
concept of higher and lower castes which are manifested (brought out) in many ways.
3. Patriarchal tendency: father is the head of the family. Eldest male member of family has
supreme power and tends to act autocratically.
4. Status of women: There is a tendency towards giving greater respect and recognition to
women, but they are supposed to be inferior to men. As far as their sphere of work is
concerned it is mostly restricted to home management.
5. Greater male dominance: Boys receive greater attention than girls. Eg. It is general attitude
of parents that daughter(s) need not be highly educated.
6. Adherence to well regulated sex relations.
7. Charity: There is religious significance and approval for the giving of alms (something or
money or food item given freely to poor).a person with a charitable disposition is respected.
8. Tendency of non- violence: Killing of animals expect for the purpose of food is considered to
be immoral.
9. Respect for old aged and elders: There are fixed norms which guide the behavior of
individuals towards elders, superiors and old persons.
10. Religious attitude: People in rural areas are religious. Performance of rituals and
ceremonies are common in the traditional way.
Social control is the way in which social order coheres (join together) and maintains itself, hoe it
operates as a whole as a changing equilibrium (balance). Social control is the sum of those
methods by which a society tries to influence human behavior to maintain a given oreder.
Exercise
1. Explain the behavior that you have observed among the farming communities.

Exercise no: 10 Preparation of Interview Schedule on Social Institutions

The term ‘institution’ is used to indicate the procedures followed by social organizations.
These procedures may be formal or informal, which define and regulate actions of members of
social organizations. The Major Social institutions are

1. Family: is a universal primary social institution. It functions as a social, biological and

economic unit and therefore it has a prime place in human society. Following are the
important functions of family.
i) Fulfils sexual and reproductive urges.
ii) Provides physical necessities for upbringing of children.
iii) Provides affectionate and intimate relationships.
iv) Serves as an effective agency of socialization.
v) Acts as an important agency of social control.
vi) Determines initial status of its members.
vii) Organizes and transmits assets.

2. The Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs):

 The PRIs came into being in India in 1959 on the recommendations of the Balwanth Roy
Metha Committee as an institutional agency of rural development. The PRIs are the local self-
government consisting of three tiers namely Gram (Village) Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and
Zilla Panchayat duly elected for taking care of rural administration and development. Of late, the
PRIs have been strengthened through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, 1993. The PRIs have
provided administrative apparatus for planning and implementation of rural development
programmes effectively through the involvement of the rural people. They also help in the
democratic decentralization and devolution of powers, functions and authority to the rural people
to achieve rapid socio- economic development. The SCs and STs are given reservation based on
the size of their population or 15 and 3 percent respectively. Further, 33.33 percent of seats are
also reserved for women.
Gram Panchayat (GP) is an elected body serving a village or a group of villages having a
population of not less than 5000 and not more than 7000 in maidan regions and not less than
2500 people in malnad or hilly regions. Each elected member represents 400 villagers. The
chairperson of the GP is elected by and from among the elected members.
The Taluk Panchayat (TP) functions at taluk level and it is an elected body. However, this
includes MLAs/MLCs/MPs of the taluk and also one-third of the chairmen of Gram Panchayats
in the taluk as associate members on rotation for a period of one year. Each elected member
represents 10,000 population or part thereof. The minimum number of members in a taluk less
than one lakh population is 11. The chairperson of the TP is elected by and from among the
elected members.
The Zilla Panchayat (ZP) functions at district level and has responsibility to promote
development of villages in the district. The ZP is an elected body and each elected member
represents 40,000 population in the maidan districts and 30,000 people in the Malnad or Hilly
districts. In addition, the ZP includes MLAs/MLCs/MPs of the district and also of the chairmen
of the TPs in the district as its associate members. The chairperson of the ZP is elected by and
from among the elected members.
Following are the important development functions of the PRIs.
1. Provision and maintenance of civic services.
2. Promotion of public sanitation and hygiene
3. Promotion of women and child development
4. Promotion of health and family welfare.
5. Provision of rural electrification
6. Implementation of rural housing schemes.
7. Promotion of development of Khadi, Village and Cottage industries.
8. Undertake welfare programmes for handicapped, mentally retarded, SC & ST.
9. Promotion of education
10. Promotion of agriculture, animal husbandry and social forestry.
11. Undertake minor irrigation and other public works.
12. Provision for public distribution system.
13. Promotion of cultural activities and libraries.
3. Co- operatives
Co- operatives are the forms of organizations in which persons voluntarily organize
themselves on the basis of equality for promotion of their economic interests. Examples of co
operatives in Indian rural community are primary agricultural credit society, milk producer’s
co operatives, consumers cooperative society, etc. The functions of the co operatives are as
follows:
1. Agriculture development
a) Providing agricultural credit
b) Supply farm inputs.
2. Live-stock development
3. Marketing of agricultural and live-stock products.
4. Providing consumer requirements.
5. Providing services of agricultural machinery to the members.
6. Serving as forum for democratic planning and implementation of development
programmes.
7. Promoting co-operative value such as self-help, mutual aid, self reliance, mutual trust etc.
8. Providing opportunity for emergence of development oriented leadership.

Exercise no: 11& 12

Preparation of interview schedule on basic institution and visit to study basic
institution.
Exercise no: 13 Discussion of the Data gathered on Basic institution.
Exercise no: 14
Preparation of interview Schedule on Social problems and village visit

Social problems in India require deep insight into the rich heritage and culture of the country.
It is deep rooted in the Indian heritage and from that is has outgrown to a serious crime
prevailing within the boundaries.
India is certainly one of the fastest developing nations of the world. It has been more than
half a century ago that the country gained independence and become a republic but sadly the
freedom of thought and freedom of life is not enjoyed by all even today. However, issues rooted
in our colonial past, cultural processes, socio economic changes, and certain advancements have
together led to experiencing a variety of problems.
At present, poverty, gender discrimination, and unemployment are the most distressing social
evils in India that has weaken the growth factor of the society. At one end we say economy is
progressing at a soaring rate but the truth remains that in certain sections of the country, people
are deprived of their basic requirements like food, water, and shelter. Poverty in India is a
dehumanizing condition that snatches away the right to fulfill the necessary resource of life.
Gender discrimination is undoubtedly one of those social problems in India that is causing an
uncertain imbalance in the society. Issues like girl infanticide, exploitation, illiteracy, maternal
mortality, and dowry deaths are throbbing discrimination women of India are subjected to. In all
the fields and phases of life women are becoming the key targets of various kinds of atrocities.
Unemployment is another issue that is pushing many people under the poverty line. With
increasing price of necessary resources of life, unemployed people are unable to fetch themselves
and families. Increasing competition in the business and job sector is aggravating the conditions
of unemployment in India.
Further to that social evil in India like corruption, illiteracy, and urbanization is also making
the condition of worst for people living in the Indian society. All these social issues need a
careful analysis and demand rational solution to help the society grow in all possible ways.
 There has to be an end to these social problems in India or else the growth and development
of the country will be at sake.

Exercise no: 15
Preparation of Interview Schedule on village leaders and visit to study village
leaders.

Particulars about the leadership:

1. Name of the leader :
2. Age :
3. Religion :
4. Caste :
5. Education :
6. Occupation :
7. Background : Rural/ Urban
8. Leadership Experience :
a. Co-operative bodies
b. Market committees
c. Panchayat Raj bodies
d. Social work
e. No experience
9. Leadership style
a. Always takes decisions independently without consulting others.
b. Take decisions after consulting with superiors/ subordinates on certain issues.
c. Always take decisions after consulting with others.
10. Political- administrative status :
a. Relationship with officials : good and cordial/ correct and proper/ not good
b. The works of officials : good/ improved/ satisfactory/ below satisfactory
c. Execution of the decisions: always/ sincerely/ no refusal but delay/ plain refusal.

11. Social maturity:

S.No Statements Always Most of the time Sometimes Rarely Never
1 Handles others well,
gets co-operation.

2 Gives evidence of
sound decisions
 3 Usually well
balanced
emotionally
4 Co-operates
willingly when
others direct

12. Achievement motivation:

a. All our efforts are directed towards avoiding failure: hardly ever/ seldom/half the
time/frequently/nearly always.
b. How often do you seek opportunity to exceed: hardly ever/ seldom/half the
time/frequently/nearly always.
c. Would you hesitate to undertake something: hardly ever/ seldom/half the
time/frequently/nearly always.
d. How many situations do you think you will succeed in doing as well as you can:
most/many/some/few/very few
e. How many spheres lead you to failure: most/many/some/few/very few

13. Collective decision making.

S.No Statements Always Sometime Never
1 I take much time to finalize decision outcome
2 I normally allow villagers to participate and
express their views that are uppermost in their
mind.
3 I normally allow elders and co-leaders to
involve in decision making process to
contribute to contribute to its effectiveness in
reaching the goal
4 I facilitate youth/ women to involve in
decision making process to keep trace their
effectiveness in DMP.

14. Sense of belongingness

S.No Statements Always Sometimes Never

1 I am sensitive to the needs of the others
2 I believe my people are assertive in problems
during DMP
3 I wish to motivate my people towards change
 4 I am enthusiastic about the member of my
community.

15. Strategic participation

S.No Statements Always Sometimes Never
1 I provide the agenda to our members well in
advance for type of decision to be taken for
development activities
2 I enhance peoples participation in the meetings
to express their view freely
3 The relationship with the villagers is cordial,
open and supportive.

16. Self confidence

S.No Statement Strongly agree Agree Disagree
1 I feel no obstacle can stop me from achieving
my final goal.
2 I am generally confident of my ability
3 I am bothered by inferiority feelings that I
cannot compete with others.
4 I am not interested to do things at my own
activities
5 I get discouraged easily
6 Life is strain for me for much of the time
Exercise No: 16
Discussion of the Data gathered on Village leaders and Social problems.