Question

Who has analyzed social change on the basis of little and great tradition ?

• A. M. N. Srinivas
• B. Robert Redfield
• C. S. C. Dube
• D. Hetukar Jha

Hint:

Associate key conceptual pairs for studying Indian society with their proponents: Little and Great Traditions (Redfield), Sanskritization and Westernization (Srinivas), and Universalization and Parochialization (McKim Marriott, who built upon Redfield's work).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the sociologist or anthropologist who used the conceptual framework of 'little and great traditions' to analyze social change, particularly in peasant societies and civilizations.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The concept was developed by the American anthropologist Robert Redfield.
- Great Tradition: Refers to the formal, literate, and reflective tradition of the urban elite, scholars, and priests. It is found in sacred texts and classical works.
- Little Tradition: Refers to the informal, oral, and unreflective tradition of the common, illiterate folk in rural villages.
Redfield proposed that social change occurs through the continuous interaction between these two traditions. For example, elements from the great tradition (like classical deities) are adopted and reinterpreted in the little tradition, and elements from the little tradition (like local deities or rituals) may be absorbed into the great tradition.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Robert Redfield is the scholar who analyzed social change using the concepts of little and great traditions.