Major Social Problems in India and the Difference Between Culture and Civilization

Introduction 

1. India is a developing country facing several major social problems that affect its growth and social stability.

2. Problems such as poverty, housing shortage, food insecurity, illiteracy, prostitution, and the dowry system create serious challenges for society.

3. These issues are linked to inequality, unemployment, traditional beliefs, and lack of awareness.

4. Understanding these social problems helps students analyze their causes, effects, and possible solutions.

5. Sociology also explains important concepts like culture and civilization, which influence social behavior and development.

6. Studying both social problems and these concepts gives a clear understanding of how society functions and progresses.

 

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Part I: Major Social Problems in India

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1. Poverty

Causes

• Unemployment and underemployment

• Rapid population growth

• Low wages

• Illiteracy

• Unequal distribution of wealth

• Lack of industrial development in rural areas

Effects

• Malnutrition

• Poor health

• Child labor

• Crime

• Low standard of living

Government Measures

• Public Distribution System (PDS)

• MGNREGA

• Skill development programs

• Poverty alleviation schemes

 

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2. Housing Problem

Causes

• Urban migration

• Rapid population growth

• High land prices

• Poverty

Effects

• Growth of slums

• Overcrowding

• Spread of diseases

• Poor sanitation

Solutions

• Affordable housing schemes

• Urban planning

• Slum rehabilitation programs

 

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3. Food Supply Problem

Food supply problem refers to inadequate availability and unequal distribution of food.

Causes

• Poverty

• Poor agricultural productivity

• Natural disasters

• Hoarding and black marketing

Effects

• Malnutrition

• Starvation

• Health problems

• Infant mortality

Measures

• Green Revolution

• Food security schemes

• Mid-day meal program

• Public Distribution System

 

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4. Illiteracy

Illiteracy is the inability to read and write.

Causes

• Poverty

• Gender discrimination

• Child labor

• Lack of schools in rural areas

Effects

• Unemployment

• Exploitation

• Poor health awareness

• Slow national development

Solutions

• Free and compulsory education

• Adult education programs

• Girl child education initiatives

 

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5. Prostitution

Prostitution is the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money.

Causes

• Poverty

• Human trafficking

• Lack of education

• Social inequality

• Gender discrimination

Effects

• Spread of sexually transmitted diseases

• Exploitation of women and children

• Social stigma

• Mental trauma

Preventive Measures

• Rehabilitation programs

• Strict laws against trafficking

• Skill development for vulnerable women

• Social awareness campaigns

 

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6. Dowry System

Dowry is the practice of giving money, property, or gifts by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage.

Causes

• Patriarchal society

• Social status competition

• Greed

• Traditional beliefs

Effects

• Dowry harassment

• Domestic violence

• Dowry deaths

• Financial burden on bride’s family

Legal Provision

The Dowry Prohibition Act makes giving and taking dowry a punishable offense.

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Part II: Difference Between Culture and Civilization

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Understanding culture and civilization is important in sociology.

Meaning of Culture

Culture refers to the beliefs, values, customs, traditions, language, art, and moral practices of a society.

Examples:

• Festivals

• Dress patterns

• Religious practices

• Food habits

Culture is:

• Internal

• Emotional

• Spiritual

• Traditional

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Meaning of Civilization

Civilization refers to the material and technological advancement of a society.

Examples:

• Buildings

• Transport systems

• Technology

• Communication systems

Civilization is:

• External

• Material

• Mechanical

• Progressive

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Differences Between Culture and Civilization

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