SC Dube | Indian Sociological Thinkers

Introduction

Shyama Charan Dube, a distinguished Indian anthropologist and sociologist, made substantial contributions to the study of Indian society, particularly focusing on rural and tribal communities. His work is characterized by a blend of academic research and field studies, which offered in-depth insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of Indian villages. Born in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, Dube pursued his Master's degree in Political Science from Nagpur University, which included a special paper in Social Anthropology. This academic background led him to conduct a pivotal study on the Kamars of Raipur, shaping his doctoral dissertation in Sociology.

Method and Theory

Dube was a proponent of the structural-functionalist approach, through which he studied Indian villages and tribal societies. This approach allowed him to observe and analyze the interconnectedness of various social institutions and their roles in maintaining societal stability. His field studies in different regions, including Chhattisgarh, Telangana (Andhra Pradesh), and West Orissa, provided a comprehensive understanding of the social fabric of these communities.

Important Works

S.C. Dube's works provide valuable insights into various facets of Indian society, emphasizing the structural-functional approach to understand the complexities of village life, community development, and the broader societal framework.

• "Indian Village" (1955): In "Indian Village," Dube presents a comprehensive study of Shamirpet, a village in Telangana. This work is an exemplar of applying the structural-functional approach to understand the intricacies of village life. Dube meticulously examines the social structure, which includes caste dynamics, inter-caste relationships, and the broader social organization within the village. He delves into the economic structure, discussing the occupational roles of different castes and the predominant agricultural activities. The ritual structure is also a significant focus, where Dube explores folklore, religious teachings, and the complex supernatural beliefs prevalent in the village. He also sheds light on family ties, detailing the structure of families and interpersonal relations. The level of living of the villagers is analyzed in terms of status differentiation, standard of living, and factors influencing these aspects.
• "India’s Changing Villages: Human Factors in Community Development" (1958): This book marks a significant shift in Dube's focus to the impact of Community Development Programmes (CDPs) in Indian villages. It highlights the importance of human elements in the process of community development, assessing the transformations and challenges brought about by these programs. Dube critically evaluates the changes in traditions and their functional role in public life and explains the characteristics of modernization. This work cements Dube's reputation as an authority on planned change and development, offering a nuanced understanding of how government initiatives interact with the traditional social fabric of Indian villages.
• "Indian Society" (1990): "Indian Society" is a broad overview of the evolution of Indian society, tracing its diversity and unity through its complex history. Dube investigates the functioning of the varna and jati systems, as well as family and kinship dynamics, across urban and rural contexts. He also delves into gender relations, offering insights into their historical and contemporary aspects. This book provides a holistic understanding of Indian society's growth, examining the interplay of various social institutions and the changes they undergo over time.