Relevant for Sociology Optional for Civil Service Examination.
Relevance : Sociology Paper -1 , Unit 6- Work & Economic Life
Self-Help Group
A Self-Help Group (SHG) is defined as an informal association of individuals facing similar conditions, collaboratively seeking ways to improve their circumstances. These groups are characterized by their peer-controlled nature and a focus on sharing information and support among members.
SHGs exhibit distinct features encompassing economic, social, and political aspects
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- Within the economic domain, SHGs are typically formed in response to specific economic challenges. These groups establish clear goals that derive from the needs of their members.The informal structure of SHGs facilitates effective collaboration, with examples such as the mass production endeavours of Mumbai’s Lijjat Papad SHG illustrating their economic activities.
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- Furthermore, SHGs embrace an informal social structure that guides members on how to work together effectively, fostering social freedom, regular voluntary meetings, and a sense of interdependence among participants.
- The political influence of SHGs is evident in their promotion of democratic values, potential for groups to join together for enhanced political bargaining power, and the democratic decision-making processes employed within the groups.
- The integration of technology is another notable feature of SHGs, with examples like the use of simple technology for mass production showcased by Mumbai’s Lijjat Papad SHG. This technological integration aids in facilitating economic activities and coordination among group members.
- The importance of SHGs for society is underscored by their multifaceted benefits. Economically, SHGs contribute to the creation of employment opportunities and income diversification. They also play a role in elevating the standard of living by fostering micro-entrepreneurship and encouraging financial discipline through savings. Socially, SHGs contribute to women empowerment by providing financial independence, as exemplified by the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh.
However, SHGs face challenges on various fronts.
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- Economically, issues such as banking problems, high servicing costs, and security concerns impact their operations.
- Social challenges include the influence of patriarchy on participation and the dominance of specific groups within SHGs.
- Sustainability concerns, including debates over the long-term viability and quality of SHG operations, further contribute to the challenges faced by these groups.
To address these challenges and pave the way forward:
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- Economically, SHGs should be promoted across diverse sectors, and banking services need expansion to reduce credit costs.
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- Social initiatives should focus on empowering members through financial schemes and adult education, with incentives for affluent individuals to participate.
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- Additionally, technological advancements, such as the promotion of small-scale technology, upskilling, and education for SHG members, can further enhance the impact of these groups.
SHGs have emerged as powerful tools for economic, social, and political development, garnering international recognition. Despite their successes, addressing challenges and implementing strategic measures are crucial for ensuring the sustained impact of SHGs on societal well-being.
Reference: Static Portion
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Question: Define the term “ethnic movement” and provide an example from India.
Answer: An ethnic movement refers to a collective effort by a group sharing common cultural, linguistic, or religious traits, seeking to assert their identity and rights; an example from India is the Khalistan Movement in Punjab.
2. Question: Identify the main objectives behind the Gorkhaland ethnic movement.
Answer: The Gorkhaland ethnic movement primarily seeks to establish a separate state for India’s Nepali-speaking population in the Darjeeling region, advocating for linguistic and cultural recognition and political autonomy.
3. Question: What was the Operation Blue Star, and which ethnic movement was it related to?
Answer: Operation Blue Star was a military action in 1984, aiming to remove Sikh militants hiding in the Golden Temple in Amritsar; it is related to the Khalistan movement, which sought a separate Sikh country.
4. Question: Mention a critical factor that triggered the emergence of ethnic movements in India, as discussed by Dipankar Gupta.
Answer: Dipankar Gupta emphasized that ethnicity is fundamentally a political process, wherein caste and religion, the key components of identity formation, are politicized by leaders for vested interests.
5. Question: What were the primary reasons for the Assam Ethnicity conflicts involving Bodo tribals and Bengali Muslim settlers?
Answer: The Assam Ethnicity conflicts primarily stemmed from issues related to immigration, land rights, and resource allocation, leading to clashes, riots, and evolving relationships among indigenous communities to address challenges.
6. Question: Briefly describe the role of the Dravidian Movement in terms of caste and societal structure.
Answer: The Dravidian Movement, led notably by E.V. Ramasamy, aimed to establish an egalitarian society, focusing on anti-Brahmanism and advocating for equal rights for backward castes, while also introducing reforms like self-respect marriages.
7. Question: Name the prominent ethnic movements in North-East India and specify one common objective.
Answer: Prominent ethnic movements in North-East India include the Nagas’ and Mizos’ struggles; a common objective was to gain autonomy and recognition for their distinct tribal identities and cultural uniqueness.
8. Question: What is the key argument of Gail Omveldt regarding traditional Indian society and multiculturalism?
Answer: Gail Omveldt opposed romanticizing traditional Indian society, arguing that hierarchy has always dominated it and dismissing the notion that multiculturalism is an intrinsic feature of Indian society as a myth.
9. Question: Briefly explain the social hierarchy factor as a contributing element to ethnic movements as suggested by Olzak.
Answer: Olzak suggests that the construction of hierarchies among ethnic communities, which often leads to the suppression of one group by another, is a key factor that can instigate social and ethnic movements.
10. Question: Identify one consequence of the unequal economic development factor within the context of ethnic movements in India.
Answer: One consequence of unequal economic development is the marginalization and underdevelopment of certain groups, leading to feelings of alienation and sometimes initiating ethnic movements as these groups strive for equality and recognition.
GS Related Practices Questions…
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