3.Social Institutions Continuity and Change
The chapter investigates social institutions in Indian society, focusing on caste, tribe, and family. It explores the historical context and evolution of the caste system, the characteristics and classifications of tribal communities, and the complexities of family structures. Each institution's dynamics illustrate the interplay of tradition, colonialism, and contemporary changes within Indian society.
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What we have learnt
- Caste is a rigid social structure that is traditionally determined by birth and entails rules governing marriage, food, and status.
- Colonialism significantly transformed the caste system, solidifying its definitions and societal roles while creating categories like Scheduled Castes.
- Tribal communities, historically marginalized, are increasingly asserting their identities and rights amid modern societal pressures.
Key Concepts
- -- Caste System
- A hierarchical social structure in India determined by birth, characterized by strict rules governing marriage, occupation, and social interaction.
- -- Sanskritisation
- The process through which lower castes adopt the rituals and practices of higher castes to elevate their social status.
- -- Tribe
- A community characterized by shared cultural practices and historical roots, typically without a written religious text or formal political structures.
- -- Family Structure
- The arrangement of family members and their relationships, which may be nuclear or extended and can vary based on cultural norms.
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