Rural Communities: Meaning And Characteristics Flashcards
What is a rural community?
A rural community refers to a group of people living in sparsely populated areas, primarily engaged in agriculture and other activities like dairy farming, fishing, and crafts.
What are the key characteristics of rural communities
Key characteristics include small size, self-sufficiency, agriculture as the main occupation, the predominance of castes, and a strong sense of social cohesion
What does “small size and self-sufficiency” mean in rural communities?
Rural communities tend to have a small population and are largely self-sufficient, meeting most of their needs through local resources
What is the main occupation in rural communities?
Agriculture is the primary occupation, with activities like farming, fishing, and crafts supporting rural livelihoods.
What is the Jajmani system?
: The Jajmani system is a traditional caste-based system where lower castes provide services to higher castes in exchange for goods or protection.
How does the caste system affect rural life?
The caste system determines social mobility, occupation, and marriage, creating rigid social structures that guide daily life and interactions.
What role does the Village Panchayat play?
The Village Panchayat oversees local governance, settling disputes, managing resources, and maintaining social order
How is land ownership typically handled in rural communities?
Land ownership is passed down from father to son, though it may be divided when sons demand their share.
Why is there a lack of industries in rural areas?
Rural areas are industrially backward, and many villagers are jobless outside of the agricultural season, leading to economic challenges
What is the concept of “joint family” in rural communities?
The joint family system involves close ties, with authority resting in the hands of the eldest male, preserving family traditions and occupations.
What is the “universality of marriage” in rural areas?
Marriage is considered a social obligation, with the elders arranging marriages based on caste and community norms.
What does “homogeneity” refer to in rural communities
Homogeneity in rural communities refers to the shared ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds that create a conservative and ethnocentric atmosphere.
