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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2022/Paper II/Village India, Urbanisation & Social Change
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2022 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Westernisation and Modernisation — 2022 Paper II

Question · 2022 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Westernisation and Modernisation

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Differentiate the two processes of social change and explain their complex relationship in the Indian context using major sociological formulations.
  • Structuring the Response: Define Westernisation (via M.N. Srinivas); define Modernisation as a broader structural process (via Yogendra Singh); compare their scope; highlight the Indian paradox (divergence) with examples; conclude.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: M.N. Srinivas; Yogendra Singh; rationality vs. imitation; "Modernity of Tradition" (Rudolph & Rudolph); examples of structural vs. cultural change.

Model Answer

Introduction: In Indian sociology, "Westernisation" and "Modernisation" are distinct but interrelated processes of social change. While often conflated in everyday discourse, sociologists distinguish them based on their historical sources, structural impact, and cultural implications.

Westernisation (M.N. Srinivas):

  • Definition: Srinivas defined it as the changes brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British rule.
  • Scope: It includes changes in technology, institutions (legal and educational), ideology, and values (e.g., humanitarianism and egalitarianism).
  • Characteristics: It is historically specific to Western influence. Importantly, Srinivas maintained it is an ethically neutral concept—adopting Western dress or food is not inherently "better" or universally progressive.

Modernisation (Yogendra Singh):

  • Definition: Yogendra Singh (Modernization of Indian Tradition) treats modernisation as a much broader evolutionary process involving structural and cultural change.
  • Scope: It implies a shift toward scientific temper, rationality, secular orientations, institutional differentiation, and universalism.
  • Characteristics: It is a universal process and need not imply cultural imitation of the West (e.g., Japan modernising its economy and military while retaining deep indigenous cultural forms).

Relationship and the Indian Context:

  • Not Coterminous: In India, Westernisation was initially a channel for Modernisation, but today they often diverge. A person can be highly westernised in consumption (clothes, fast food) without possessing a modern, rational worldview.
  • Modernity of Tradition: Conversely, traditional structures often use modern tools. Lloyd and Susanne Rudolph coined the "Modernity of Tradition" to explain how traditional Indian institutions adapt to modern systems (e.g., Caste Associations acting as modern political pressure groups).
  • Contemporary Examples: The Indian paradigm often showcases structural modernisation without cultural westernisation. For instance, matrimonial apps use cutting-edge modern algorithms to enforce traditional endogamous caste boundaries; or space scientists conducting traditional rituals before a launch.

Conclusion: Westernisation identifies a specific historical source of cultural change, whereas Modernisation denotes a fundamental transformation of social structure and intellect. Recognizing this distinction prevents the flawed assumption that becoming modern simply means imitating the West.

2026 Critically examine the salience of F. G. Bailey's study on Bisipara village of Odisha. 2025 "The village was not merely a place where people lived; it had a design in which were reflected the basic values of Indian civilization." Who said this? Elaborate. 2024 Compare and contrast the approaches of M.N. Srinivas and L.P. Vidyarthi to social change in village India. 2024 Digitisation of rural economy

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