Pioneering Indian Sociologists: Key Theories and Contributions

G.S. Ghurye (1893–1983): Father of Indian Sociology

• Theory: Caste and Race in India
• Key Ideas:
  • Known as the "Father of Indian Sociology."
  • Studied the caste system, arguing it has both racial and cultural aspects.
  • Described caste as having six characteristics: Segmental Division, Hierarchy, Restrictions on Marriage, Occupational Specialization, Commensality Rules, and Social Disabilities.
  • Analyzed the role of Sanskritization in social mobility.

M.N. Srinivas (1916–1999): Sanskritization and Westernization

• Theory: Sanskritization and Westernization
• Key Ideas:
  • Defined Sanskritization as the process where lower castes adopt upper-caste practices to improve social status.
  • Defined Westernization as the influence of British rule on Indian society, encompassing education, legal reforms, and modern professions.
  • Studied the concept of dominant caste, referring to a caste holding economic and political power in a region.

A.R. Desai (1915–1994): Marxist Sociology in India

• Theory: Marxist Sociology in India
• Key Ideas:
  • Applied Marxist analysis to Indian society, focusing on class struggles, feudalism, and capitalism in rural India.
  • Authored "Social Background of Indian Nationalism," explaining how colonialism shaped Indian society.

D.P. Mukerji (1894–1961): Tradition and Change in India

• Theory: Tradition and Change in India
• Key Ideas:
  • Argued that Indian society is a blend of tradition and modernity.
  • Emphasized the importance of historical and cultural context in understanding social change.
  • Criticized Western sociology for ignoring India’s unique socio-cultural heritage.

Irawati Karve (1905–1970): Kinship and Family Structures

• Theory: Kinship and Family Structure in India
• Key Ideas:
  • Studied family, kinship, and the caste system across different regions of India.
  • Analyzed patriarchy and the role of women in Indian society.
  • Authored "Kinship Organization in India," comparing North and South Indian kinship structures.

Yogendra Singh (1932–2020): Modernization of Indian Tradition

• Theory: Modernization of Indian Tradition
• Key Ideas:
  • Studied how Indian society is transforming due to modernization and globalization.
  • Explained how traditions adapt to modern influences rather than disappearing.
  • Focused on social movements, caste mobility, and urbanization.