Understanding Society

We are biological creatures, blood, bones and flesh. At the most basic level, our genes express themselves in physical characteristics, affecting bodily aspects such as skin tone and eye color. Genes govern most part, yet we are much more than our biology. And this is evident particularly in the way humans generate, and live within complex cultures.

The concept of ‘social structure’ is widely used but is also most elusive concept to understand. There is little agreement on a precise definition and general meaning of this concept. It can be conceived of in a variety of ways however, the enduring, orderly and patterned relationships between elements (groups, institutions etc.) of a society are usually described as social structure. It has been defined in myriad ways. Early social anthropologist viewed social structure as a mesh of mutual positions and interrelations, with interdependence of the component parts.

Social life does not happen in a random fashion. Most of our activities are structured. They are organized in a regular and repetitive way. Interaction tends to develop certain uniformities over time, some of which tend to persist. As they are orderly and systematic, they can be recognized as ‘social system’. Because the social system is composed of identifiable and interdependent parts, it is said to possess ‘social structure’.

We are still living in this complex society which is characterized as a pluralistic society because it possesses complex social order. It still suffers from multitude of ethnic, linguistic, religious and caste divisions. In India, both tradition and modernity exist side by side and the cocktail is both deceiving and interesting. From time we are born, we have already been placed into a social class and a predetermined social structure based on our parents place in society basis race, sex, wealth and power.
 
Therefore, before social interaction has occurred, we have already secured a place on the hierarchy of society. We may not necessarily remain in that class or within the same structure as we develop our own identities. The Constitution provides for secularism however racial factor plays major role in real operation of socio-political processes in India.
 
Its still a big question do we have a cultural liberty in today’s diverse world? I am still in pursuit of understanding both the complexities and simplicities, hopefully should be able to weave a story basis my understanding soon.