In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing in India? Comment.

Traditional Scope of Sociology in India

Historically, Indian sociology, particularly during the colonial and post-colonial periods, was heavily influenced by structural-functionalism and focused on understanding the traditional social structures of India. Key areas of study included:

• Caste System: Pioneering works by M.N. Srinivas on ‘Sanskritization’ and Louis Dumont’s study of ‘Homo Hierarchicus’ dominated the field.
• Kinship and Family: Irawati Karve’s work on kinship in Maharashtra provided insights into family structures and their social significance.
• Village Studies: M.S.A. Rao’s study of Rampura (1955) and S.C. Dube’s work on Indian villages offered detailed ethnographic accounts of rural life.
• Tribal Studies: Verrier Elwin’s extensive research on tribal communities contributed significantly to understanding their socio-cultural dynamics.

Impact of Globalization and Changing Scope

Globalization has broadened the scope of sociology in India in several ways:

• Migration and Diaspora: Increased international migration has led to studies on the experiences of Indian migrants, remittances, and the formation of diasporic communities.
• Urbanization and Slum Studies: Rapid urbanization, driven by economic liberalization, has necessitated research on urban poverty, informal economies, and the challenges of urban governance.
• Consumer Culture and Globalization of Culture: The influx of global brands and media has prompted studies on consumerism, cultural hybridization, and the impact on traditional values.
• Digital Divide and Information Technology: The spread of information technology has created a digital divide, leading to research on access to technology, online communities, and the impact of social media.
• New Social Movements: Globalization has facilitated the emergence of new social movements focused on issues like environmental protection, human rights, and gender equality.
• Global Capitalism and Labor: The rise of global capitalism has led to studies on labor exploitation, informalization of work, and the impact of economic policies on vulnerable populations.

Theoretical Shifts

The influence of globalization has also prompted theoretical shifts in Indian sociology:

• From Structural-Functionalism to Critical Perspectives: A move away from the emphasis on social order and stability towards critical perspectives that focus on power relations, inequality, and social change.
• Adoption of Postcolonial Theories: Increased engagement with postcolonial theories to understand the legacies of colonialism and their impact on contemporary Indian society.
• Intersectionality: Recognition of the interconnectedness of social categories like caste, class, gender, and religion in shaping individual experiences.

Methodological Adaptations

Sociological research in India has also adapted to the challenges of globalization:

• Mixed Methods Approach: Combining quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.
• Use of Digital Tools: Utilizing digital tools for data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research findings.
• Comparative Studies: Conducting comparative studies to understand the similarities and differences between India and other countries in the context of globalization.

For example, the study of the impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) on agrarian communities requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating economic analysis, ethnographic fieldwork, and an understanding of global supply chains.