Question

Which of the following is/are CORRECT with reference to the concept of ‘Little and Great traditions’?

• A. Little and Great traditions was used by Robert Redfield in his studies on the Mexican communities
• B. Little tradition refers to oral folk traditions
• C. There is no interaction between Little and Great traditions
• D. Great tradition refers to elite, literate and reflective few

Hint:

In understanding Redfield's concept, it is important to recognize that the Little and Great traditions are not mutually exclusive but interact and influence each other.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, D

Step 1: Understand the concept of Little and Great traditions.

Robert Redfield introduced the concepts of 'Little' and 'Great' traditions in his study of Mexican communities. The 'Little Tradition' refers to the practices, beliefs, and customs of rural, often illiterate communities, whereas the 'Great Tradition' refers to the formal, scholarly, and often literate traditions of the elite class.

Step 2: Evaluate the options.

(A) Correct: Redfield applied the concepts of Little and Great traditions in his studies of Mexican communities, illustrating the relationship between folk and elite traditions.

(B) Correct: Little tradition is associated with folk practices, including oral traditions, as well as customs and rituals that are locally practiced and often transmitted orally.

(C) Incorrect: There is significant interaction between the Little and Great traditions, as local, folk traditions often absorb and adapt elements of the Great tradition, while elite traditions may also influence local practices.

(D) Correct: Great tradition refers to the higher-level, often literate, scholarly, and reflective traditions practiced by the elite class.