Rural Sociology and Psycology (1+0)

1.1.6 Characteristics of Rural Society

Rural society in India as well as in several developing countries have some distinct characteristics.Due to technological advancements in many fields including communication,many of these distinctive characteristics are undergoing gradual transformation . But ,still many of these characteristics are still there significantly in many rural societies. Some of these basic characteristics are listed below.

1. Contact with nature : Mainly owing to occupational requirements

2. Occupation : Agriculture is the fundamental occupation supported by animal husbandry and allied activities.

3. Size of Community : Usually small scale agriculture demands a higher land to man ratio than industries.

4. Density of population : Low and this low density brings greater intimacy among the members.

5. Homogeneity of population : Homogenous interms of occupations, culture, customs etc.

6. Social differentiation and stratification : Low degree of social differentiation and stratification due to their homogenous nature.

7. Social mobility : Low levels of social mobility in village

8. Social interaction : Low levels of interaction (fewer contacts) due to low density of population but rural masses have more primary contacts (informal)

9. Social control : High degree of social control. Strict punishments like ostracism for deviation.

10. Social Solidarity : More pronounced in rural areas.

11. Leadership pattern : Usually traditional and based on known personal qualities of the individual or some times hereditary.

12. Standard of living : Normally low