Urban India has witnessed a significant transformation in its social and spatial landscape over the past few decades, with the rise of gated communities becoming a defining feature of this change. These enclosed residential complexes, often equipped with modern amenities and security features, have become synonymous with the aspirations and lifestyles of the burgeoning middle … Read more
The informal sector in urban India plays a crucial role in the economy, employing millions of workers across diverse occupations such as street vending, construction, domestic work, waste recycling, and gig-based jobs. Despite its economic significance, the informal sector is often characterized by precarious working conditions, lack of social security, and marginalization. Sociologically, the informal … Read more
Social change is an inevitable and continuous process that shapes societies over time. It refers to the transformation of cultural, economic, political, and social institutions and relationships. While social change can occur organically through natural processes, it can also be deliberately initiated and directed. This intentional effort to alter societal structures and norms is known … Read more
Social change is a dynamic and continuous process that restructures societies by influencing institutions, cultural norms, and power relations. In the Indian context, marked by deep-rooted traditions and hierarchical social structures, an effective analysis of social change requires an approach that acknowledges contradictions, conflicts, and their resolutions. Dialectical approaches, grounded in the principles of conflict … Read more
Agrarian societies have played a crucial role in the historical development of human civilization. Defined by their dependence on agriculture as the primary means of sustenance and economic activity, these societies exhibit unique social structures, class divisions, and cultural dynamics. In the words of Karl Marx, “The hand-mill gives you society with the feudal lord; … Read more
Urban sociology is a rich field that explores the evolution, structure, and dynamics of urban environments. One significant contribution to this field is the Multiple Nuclei Theory, a model introduced by Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman in 1945. The theory redefined urban development and spatial organization by moving away from traditional monocentric models, such as … Read more
Sector theory, while commonly associated with urban planning and economic geography, also holds significant value in the field of sociology. This theory provides insights into the structural organization of human activities, societal development, and the evolving relationship between spatial and social systems. By analyzing sector theory from a sociological perspective, we can better understand how … Read more
Introduction The Concentric Zone Theory, introduced by sociologist Ernest Burgess in the early 20th century, offers a groundbreaking perspective on urban sociology. Through the study of Chicago, Burgess observed the spatial patterns of city life and the relationship between socio-economic activities and the geographical distribution of populations. The theory provides a framework to understand the … Read more