Unit I Understanding the social diversity

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Unit I Understanding the social diversity

Social diversity: Meaning and definition - Levels of social diversity: Individual, regional, linguistic, religious, castes and tribes - Education for understanding the social diversity in India.

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Diversity

Ordinarily diversity means differences. For our purposes, however, it means something more than mere differences. It means collective differences, that is, differences which mark off one group of people from another. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

Social Diversity

     A successful community in which individuals of different race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, language, geographical origin, gender and/or sexual orientation bring their different knowledge, background, experience and interest for the benefit of their diverse community.

Meaning

Social diversity is a feature of a society which is determined by caste, class, religion, occupational pattern in a given territory.

Definition

            The Social diversity is a concept that defines and encompasses the great variety of different and similar characteristics that are shared between all human beings, both personally and at a group level.

Social Diversity of India

       India is known for its vast human diversity, consisting of more than four and a half thousand anthropologically well-defined populations. Each population differs in terms of language, culture, physical features and, most importantly, genetic architecture. The size of populations varies from a few hundred to millions. Based on the social structure, Indians are classified into various caste, tribe and religious groups. These social classifications are very rigid and have remained undisturbed by emerging urbanization and cultural changes. The variable social customs, strict endogamy marriage practices, long-term isolation and evolutionary forces have added immensely to the diversification of the Indian populations.

Levels of social diversity

     The diversity in India is unique. Being a large country with large population. India presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. It is the land of many languages it is only in India people professes all the major religions of the world. In short, India is “the epitome of the world”. The vast population is composed of people having diverse creeds, customs and colours. Some of the important forms of diversity in India are Individual, regional, linguistic, religious, castes and tribal diversities.

INDIVIDUAL DIVERSITY

Individual diversity is an important concept in organizational behavior. People can be described by a number of categories that are both inherent (e.g., age, race, gender, ethnicity, physical capability) and acquired (e.g., geographic location, income, marital status, education, seniority, work content/field).

The condition of having or being composed of differing elements: variety, especially: the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization.

Primary Dimensions of Diversity

1) Age
2) Ethnicity (Ethnic Heritage)
3) Gender
4) Mental/physical abilities and characteristics
5) Race
6) *Sexual orientation

Individuals in this level recognize cultural differences, but trivialize them. Individuals at this level believe that human similarities are more important than differences.

Secondary Dimensions of Diversity

1) Communication style
2) Education
3) Family status
4) Military experience
5) Religion
6) First language
7) Income
8) Work experience
9) Work style
10) Geographic Location
11) Organization role and level

In this level, individuals have achieved high levels of sensitivity. They may change their behaviors to communicate more effectively with people of another culture, use empathy by imagining another person's perspective, and go beyond empathy to internalize other cultural frames of reference.

Adverse consequences of individual diversity

Their differences could consist of

1. Socio-economic differences

2. Cultural differences

3. Gender differences

4. Sexual preference difference

5. Developmental differences: mental growth, physical growth, motor skills and abilities & moral development

6. Personality differences

– Temperament – the different ways a person has of thinking, behaving and reacting. This is shaped by other people. This combine into 3 types of temperament types:

• Easy or flexible

• Difficult, active or feisty

• Slow to warm up or cautious

7. Learning and thinking styles differences

Refer to the preferred way the individual processes information.

Sensory Preferences- individuals tend to gravitate toward one or two types of sensory inputs. Visual Learners: may think in pictures and learn best from visual aids like diagrams, illustrated textbooks, overhead transparencies, videos, flip charts and hand-outs.

Auditory Learners: learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say.

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners prefer “learning by doing”, benefit much from hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them.

8. Interest differences:

Learners perform differently according to their interests, motivations and cultural background.

9. Exceptionalities

These refer to people who are different in some way from the normal or average.

1. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

2. Learning Disabilities

3. Intellectual Differences (Gifted and Talented)

4. Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

5. Visual Impairment

6. Hearing Impairment

7. Oral Communication Problems

8. Orthopedic Impairments.

Individual diversity in class room

Impact of Diversity in classroom

• Positive: Heterogeneous grouping, Inclusive classrooms, Being more open-minded, Positive outlook towards embracing the differences.

• Negative: Homogenous grouping

Role of Education

Education helps

• In providing proper knowledge of the individual’s potentialities, interests, aptitude and other personality traits:

• By adjusting the curriculum

• By adjusting the methods of teaching

• By adopting special programs or methods for individualizing instruction

• Remaking the size of the classroom

• Special coaching and guidance programs

Role of the teacher in a diversed class room.

Teaching in a Culturally Diverse School Following are some recommendations for promoting social harmony and equal opportunity among students in racially and ethnically diverse classrooms and schools.

Ø  Use fairness and balance in dealing with students.

Ø  Choose texts and instructional materials that show all ethnic groups in equally positive and non stereotypical roles

Ø  Make sure underrepresented groups are not misrepresented.

Ø  Supplement textbooks with authentic material from different cultures taken from newspapers, magazines, and other media of the culture.

Ø  Reach out to children’s parents and families with information and activities appropriate to their language and culture.

Ø  Avoid communicating bias, but discuss racial or ethnic relations with empathy and openly, rather than trying to pretend there are no differences.

Ø  Avoid stereotyping and emphasize the diversity of individuals, not groups.

Ø  Let students know that racial or ethnic bias, including slurs, taunts, and jokes, will not be tolerated in the classroom or in the school.

Ø  Help all students to value their own and others’ cultural heritages and contributions to history and civilization.

Ø  Decorate classrooms, hallways, and the library/media center with murals, bulletin boards, posters, artifacts, and other materials that are representative of the students in the class or school or of the other cultures being studied.

Ø  Avoid resegregation. Tracking, or between-class ability grouping, tends to segregate high and low achievers.

Ø  Be sure that assignments are not offensive or frustrating to students of diverse cultural groups. For example, asking students to write about their Christmas experiences is inappropriate for non-Christian students.

Ø  Provide structure for intergroup interaction.

Ø  Use cooperative learning, Cooperative learning contributes to both achievement and social harmony and can increase the participation of children from under-represented groups.

REGIONAL DIVERSITY

Ø  Nature: India Political territorial division consists of 29 states and 7 Union territories.

Ø  This division is accompanied by significant regional diversity which is distinct and visible as one moves from state to state .

Ø  Diversity exists in language, food, dress and customs . Every state has its own distinctive cultural identity within the common Indian culture.

Ø  The North Indian states are markedly different from the South Indian states in all these areas.

Regionalism:

Meaning:-

The word “Regional” means any element belongs to a particular region, and the feeling related to the people belonging to the particular region is known as “Regionalism”

The term regionalism has two connotations:

In the positive sense, it is a political attribute associated with people‘s love for their region, culture, language, etc. with a view to maintain their independent identity.

In the negative sense, it implies excessive attachment to one‘s region in preference to the country ,or the state.

While positive regionalism is a welcome thing in so far maintaining as it encourages the people to develop a sense of brotherhood and commonness on the basis of common language, religion or historical background. The negative sense regionalism is a great threat to the unity and integrity of the country.

Definition:-

Regionalism is the sense of affection and attachment for people belonging to one‘s own region rather than for those who belongs to some other region.

     “Devotion to the interest of one‘s own region”.

In the Indian context generally the term regionalism has been used in the negative sense.

As a result of this people of one region in India have started looking at the people from some other part of the country in the same light in which they are prone to regard foreigners. They want that only people of their own area should run the government in their region while they do not want to make any place for people who have migrated from some other regions, irrespective of the period for which they have been living there. In this way, some people have demanded the formation of separate state. For e.g. the formation of Uttaranchal & Jharkhand, state which the government has recently fulfilled. Even then, functions of government have been divided between the central government and the respective state government. All these state are free to act in all domestic matter.

Causes of regional diversity

1. Geographical Causes:-

There is a vast difference between food habits, language, culture, customs, dress, life style of people belonging to different states. This diversity is reflected in the state wise division and within the states. For e.g. If one has to travel from northern to states like Delhi and Punjab to southern states like Kerala and Tamilnadu they are bound to experience huge discrepancies in the language culture, dress and food

2. Historical Causes:-

The we-feeling was shattered due to some historical causes. Many states in India had serious conflicts in the past with each other. These conflicts had created bitterness among them, therefore they cannot meet with each other with open heart and open mind.

3. Political Causes:

In different regions some people have demanded for the formation of regional government and this trend of thinking has been inspired by regional interest and the aim of gaining power

4. Psychological causes:-

It is wish of the most of the people that the progress and the achievement of their region should be the maximum. The idea in itself is neither bad nor deniable, but when they disregard the nation‘s interest and those of the region for the attainment of this objective then these feelings can be classified under regionalism.

5. Social causes

In a country like India, marriages are preferred with the person of the same regional background. Due to this, people belonging to one region avoid marriages in other regions.

6 .Economic causes:-

Due to Economic problems such as lack of resources, unemployment etc of a particular region people from those regions often migrates to comparatively stable economic region. If this migration continues and increases then it may result in sudden rise in the burden of that area. The people start hating them and try to turn them out from that region.

Role of education:-

Education cannot solve the problem but it can create a background in the minds of the children to think beyond regional boundaries and to make approach wide and positive. Regionalism cannot be considered as a big problem unless it hampers the nation‘s unity. It is such a problem that cannot be solved all of sudden. The problem should be handled tactfully and education is the most effective solution to create social harmony.

1. Encouragement of travel and communication

2. Propagating National History

3. Prevention of influence of Regional political parties in education

4. Purposive teaching of History

In literature, not only English, Hindi and the regional language must be included but other languages must also be made familiar.

LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY

The Constitution of India now recognizes 23 languages, spoken in different parts the country. These consist of English plus 22 Indian languages. Language While Hindi is the official language of the central government in India, with English as a provisional official language, individual state legislatures can adopt any regional language as the official language of that state.

Diversity of language is protected and respected by most nations who value cultural diversity.  However, people are sometimes subjected to different treatment because their preferred language is associated with a particular group, class or category.  Discrimination exists if there is prejudicial treatment against a person or a group of people who speak a particular language or dialect.

Causes of linguistic diversity

There are many causes at the root of linguism in our country; the major ones are the following.

1. Psychological causes

People of a particular region are attached to the regional language which is their mother tongue. Hence they do not easily accept to learn another Indian language

2. Historical causes

India had been invaded by numerous foreign countries. e.g. French people invaded our country and established their supremacy in Pondicherry, Portuguese in Goa. Mughals came and brought Persian language. British spread English language all over India. As a result Indian languages became subordinated to these languages. This gave birth to linguism as people from different regions promoted their own regional language in their states.

3. Geographical causes

Every language has its own literature. This literature is influenced everywhere by local geographical conditions such as plains, mountains, local vegetation and local culture. It reflects the life of the people who speak the language. Hence an individual does not willingly accept it if the language of another region is forced on him.

4. Economic causes

There are some economic causes that also inspire linguism. Some languages are financially assisted by the government for their progress but people speaking other languages object to this.

5. Political causes

Linguism is also inspired by the political interest and aspiration of different politicians and political groups. During elections in order to win votes many communal political parties raise the language issue to instigate their people and win their votes.

6. Social causes

Linguism is encouraged by some social factors. The language that is adopted by the society is respected. On the contrary the languages that caters to contradictory presumptions are objected, this leads to linguism. e.g. Insistence on continuance of English as Associate official language along with Hindi by South Indian states like Tamil Nadu

Adverse Consequences of Linguistic diversity

Ø  Linguistic divide within the country

Ø  Influence on medium of instruction in different parts of India

Ø  Negative political exploitation on the basis of language

Ø  Threat to National Integration

Ø  Inadequate representation of Linguistic Minorities

Role of education

Education plays an important role in the elimination of linguistic diversity.

1. Education for national integration

2. Inculcation of democratic principle for language options in education

3. Creating interest for language study

4. Co-curricular activities:

a)      Competitions, games, dramas promoting respect for Indian Languages

b)      (b)Appreciation of contributions of great poets and authors to the development of Indian languages.

5. The 3 language formula is given by Kothari Commission which is modified and revised form of earlier policy, equalizes the language burden and also develops the Indian identity in every in every citizens through the learning of a common language and it has been adopted by all the states

a)      Mother tongue/ Regional language

b)      Official Indian language or associate official Indian languages

c)      Modern Indian language or western language not included in (a) or (b).

RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

Religion in India is known all over the world for having unique diversity in terms of religious beliefs and practices. India’s major religions include Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. In India, religion holds utmost importance and therefore this is the reason that India got the title of “Land of spirituality and philosophy” all over the world. Even though India is not state religion country but there exists a diversity of religions ruling different regions. No matter which religion it is, the message of love and brotherhood comes from all the religions, regions and cultures of India.

The rising level of immigration from other Western countries is causing variation in the religious diversity of India. The historical preserved deep religious diversity of Western countries is also entering India’s religious diversity and also the ratio of people belonging to a particular religion keeps on fluctuating.

Different religions in India

In India, you’ll find Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and aficionados of other religions as well.

Hindus

Hindus make up almost 80% of the country’s population. Hinduism has no founder or central governing body but the Spectrum of Hindu is very vast which includes deeply religious people, vegetarians, atheists, devotees of Vishnu, devotees of Krishna and much more. Hinduism followers comprise of Dravidians, pre-Dravidians, and the Indo Aryans. The followers believe in the principle of Karma, Dharma, rebirth, salvation, and abandonment etc.

MUSLIMS

Indonesia, Pakistan, and India are the 3 countries with largest Muslims population. You will find Muslims in various States of India including Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, and Agra etc. 14% of the Muslims population is residing in Jammu and Kashmir.  Muslim does not believe in Idol worship. they follow their secret book called Quran.

Christians

It is believed that Christianity has been in India from the time of Apostle Thomas. In the present scenario, Christians make up around 3-4% of total population of India. They believe that a person is rewarded on the judgment day as per the type of life he led. 

Sikhs

Sikhs make up 1-2% of India’s population and you will find them in the majority in regions like Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana etc. Sikhs are in various dignified positions including military, pilots and other officer ranks and top-level positions in MNCs.

Other Religions

Other significant religious groups in India include Jains, Buddhist, and Parsis.

Impact of religious diversity.

Ø  Diversity in public behaviors

Therefore every religion has its own outward behaviors that help others to identify them.

Ø  Diversity in names

Religions can be assumed from one’s name also. One’s name plays a very imperative role in depicting one’s religion or community.

Ø  Diversity in worshipping

Every religion has its own style of worshipping their God.

Ø  Diversity in religious beliefs

Every religion has its own beliefs. Sikh people believe that God Lives in the “Sangat” and if you will serve the “Sangat” god will be pleased automatically. Christians believe that God can be pleased and preached through music and speech also through readings from scriptures.

Role of education in eradicating religious diversity – Religious education

Aims of Religious education

Religious Education should enable pupils to:

·         Acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of all religions

·         Develop an understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures;

·         Develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues, thereby develop confidence in their own beliefs and values;

·         Enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by:

o    developing awareness of the ultimate questions of life raised by human experiences, and of how religions can relate to them;

o    responding to such questions with reference to the teachings and practices of religions and other belief systems, relating them to their own understanding and experience;

o    reflecting positively on their own identity, beliefs, values and experiences in the light of their study;

·         Develop positive attitudes:

o    of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own, and;

o    towards living in and contributing to an inclusive and caring community and a society of diverse religions.

Importance of religious teachings in education

1.      One of the most common importances of religious teachings is that it helps students understand the place of various religions in our society.

2.      By listening and responding to stories from religious traditions, students are assimilating it as part of their personal, social and emotional development.

3.      It introduces students to different cultures and religions through various leanings about stories, people, places and times of special importance and artifacts and beliefs that are part of modern life and society.

4.      Students continue to learn about the faiths and cultures included in the syllabus through more systematic and thematic work.

5.      Students understanding of religions, cultres and beliefs in local, national and global context deepens their understanding of various religion.

6.      Students deepen their analyses on of religions and beliefs and of diversity.

7.      It promotes multicultural understanding and respect.

8.      Most importantly it promotes self-awareness, respect, open-mindedness, appreciation, communication, working with others and problem solving.

Caste and Class Diversity

India is known as the land of castes and tribes. Caste or Jati refers to a hereditary, endogamous status group practicing a specific traditional occupation. The term caste is used in two senses. Sometimes , it refers to the division of Indian society into four varna , and sometimes to the jati . The varna hierarchy consisting of Brahman, Kshatriya , Vaishya and Shudra is accepted all over India. The Jati on the other hand, has a regional point of reference and signifies a hereditary endogamous status group. There are more than 3,000 jatis in India.

Caste Laws

·         We are born into your class and you cant move up or down

·         We can only be a Brahmin, Kshatriya, or Vaishya if tour born twice, according to legend

·         The rules vary from caste to caste

·         Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya study the Vedas, while Shudras were not allowed to see or hear the Vedas

·         If a law was broken higher classes had lighter punishment, while lower classes had more harsher punishments

Why does the system persist?

Today, the caste system continues to be the main form of government in villages throughout India. In large part, its continuity depends on two central Hindu concepts: caste dharma and karma.

The members of a jati have much in common. They share a job specialty and abide by the same rules concerning diet and religion. Because of the rules of endogamy, each jati is also an extended family, for most members are related by blood. In 1950, the Indian constitution adopted a policy of reservation on the basis of caste

Impact of diversity in castes and tribes

Ø  Diversity in public behaviors

Every caste has its own outward behaviors that help others to identify them. Untouchability also practiced in many places

Ø  Diversity in names

Castes can be assumed from one’s name also. One’s name plays a very imperative role in depicting one’s community.

Ø  Diversity in worshipping

Every caste has its own style of worshipping their God.

Education for understanding the social diversity in India

Education is generally seen as the foundation of society which brings economic wealth,  social prosperity and political stability. It is a major aspect of development of any modern  society and most significant indicator of overall development of any region.

 The role of education system in the preservation of society and culture, particularly, it is  very important in complex societies where families and other primary groups are not fully  equipped to prepare the young for adulthood that is expected by larger society. Education is  concerned with all people and considered as basic social need of all societies.

 Through education one can acquire knowledge and participate in the process of  empowerment. Indian traditional education system was neither open to all nor it had any  uniformity. It was elitist in character and supported with religious purpose rather based on  rationality which has created socioeconomic inequality.

Any society education plays a central role in conserving, modifying and transforming  identities. Keeping in mind the heterogeneous character of Indian society, the national policy  on education envisages harmonious development of all groups i.e. promoting development  and maintaining group identities in an integrated manner. The balancing act of education is  well reflected in the constitutional provision.

The aims and ideals of the education are influenced by the values and patterns of the society.

Curriculum: The curriculum is prepared according to the culture of society. The system of

education tries to realize the cultural needs of society through curriculum which conditions all

educational activities and programmes.

Methods of teaching: Culture and methods of teaching are intimately connected. The changing

cultural patterns of a society exert its influence upon the methods of teaching. Previously teaching

was teacher centered where teacher used to give knowledge to the child. Now it has become

student centered. The teacher considers the needs, interests, aptitude, attitude, inclinations,

behaviour etc before teaching. In this way education is a method of preparing child for the future

for effective living. In short we can say that cultural and social conditions generate the methods

and techniques of teaching in a powerful manner.

Discipline: Cultural values influence the concept of discipline. The present cultural patterns of

thinking and living are directly linked to our concept of discipline where the democratic values

are accepted all over the world.

Text Books: Curriculum is contained in the textbooks. Textbooks are written according to the

formulated or determined curriculum. Only those textbooks are welcomed which foster and

promote cultural values and ideals.

Teacher: Each individual teacher is imbibed with the cultural values and ideals of the society of

which he/she happens to be an integral member. Only such teacher achieves his/her missions

successfully. They infuse higher ideals and moral values in children.

School: A schools is a miniature of a society. The total activities and programmes of a school are

organized according to the cultural ideals and values of the society which establishes and organize

the school. Hence, school is the centre of promoting, moulding, reforming, and developing the

cultural pattern of the society.