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Society’s Struggle: Competition, Conflict, and Cooperation

December 21, 2023 541 0

Societal Norm or Sociological Phenomenon?

As in the case of cooperation, discussions on the concept of competition often proceed with the idea that Contesting is universal and natural. But going back to our discussion on how sociological explanations are different from naturalistic ones.

In the contemporary period it is a predominant idea and often we find it difficult to think that there can be any society where competition is not a guiding force.

Competition as a Universal Phenomena: Societal Shifts and Capitalism’s Impact

  • Sociological Perspectives on Competition: While many perceive Contesting as a universal and natural phenomenon, it’s essential to understand it from a sociological perspective. 
    • In some parts of Africa, children are reluctant to participate in a competitive race with a prize, which underscores that competition is not always a default human inclination. 
    • For these children, the idea of winners and losers contradicted their understanding of fun, emphasizing cooperation over Contesting.
  • Rise of Competition in Modern Society: In today’s world, Contesting is a dominant norm. 
    • Capitalism’s Influence on Individualism and Contesting: Pioneering sociologists like Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx pinpointed the rise of individualism and competition in modern societies, largely due to capitalism’s influence. 
      • Capitalism emphasizes trade expansion, division of labour, specialization, and increased productivity, with the competitive individual in a free market striving for maximum profits.
      • This competitive ideology predicts that the market ensures optimal efficiency, the most efficient firms thrive, and the highest-scoring students enter top colleges, and subsequently secure the best jobs. 
      • In this system, “best” typically denotes the highest material rewards.

POINTS TO PONDER

Competition and cooperation are integral aspects of society, influencing social dynamics and relationships. Sociologists assert that these evolve over time and manifest in diverse forms. Can you identify the numerous domains where competition and cooperation are prevalent in contemporary Indian society?

Criticisms and Limitations: Critics and Unseen Inequalities

  • Contesting the Ideology of Contesting: The ideology of Contesting, while instrumental in 19th-century capitalist economic growth, has its critics. 
    • Example: the rapid progress of the American economy may be linked to its competitive nature, yet it’s challenging to draw precise correlations between Contesting intensity and economic growth across societies. 
  • Inequality Overlooked: Contesting presumes equal opportunities for all, it often overlooks societal inequalities. 
    • Example: In India, many children don’t attend school or drop out early, thus excluding them from the Contesting altogether.

Criticisms and Limitations: Critics and Unseen Inequalities

  • Contesting the Ideology of Contesting: The ideology of Contesting, while instrumental in 19th-century capitalist economic growth, has its critics. 
    • Example: the rapid progress of the American economy may be linked to its competitive nature, yet it’s challenging to draw precise correlations between Contesting intensity and economic growth across societies. 
  • Inequality Overlooked: Contesting presumes equal opportunities for all, it often overlooks societal inequalities. 
    • Example: In India, many children don’t attend school or drop out early, thus excluding them from the Contesting altogether.

Sociological Insights: Deconstructing Social Dynamics

  • Deconstructing Societal Dynamics: This article emphasises the need to approach the concepts of cooperation, Contesting, and conflict not as ‘natural’ occurrences but as sociological phenomena. 
  • Societal Interconnections: These processes are interconnected with other social developments, such as technological advancements and economic production systems.

Expressed and Unexpressed Conflict: Expressions and Silent Tensions

  • Expressed Conflicts: These are overtly visible when they are openly expressed, such as in the form of a peasant movement. 
    • However, unexpressed conflict is the absence of such movements. 
    • In fact, there’s a close relationship between conflict, involuntary cooperation, and resistance.

Conflict in Developing Societies: Old vs. New

  • Developing countries are experiencing conflicts between traditional values and emerging forces as the old order is resistant to change and still holds influence.
  • This tension leads to disputes, misunderstandings, and sometimes violence.
  • Although it might be tempting for sociologists to reminisce about the seemingly peaceful past, it’s essential to recognize that the old system wasn’t devoid of conflict and often subjected vast sections of society to severe injustices. 
  • A theoretical approach that views conflict as an anomaly or overly values equilibrium can limit our understanding of these evolving societies.

Family and Land Conflicts: Harmony, Covert Conflicts, and Gender Dynamics

  • Rethinking Family Harmony: Families were traditionally perceived as harmonious units. 
    • Recent feminist critiques question this assumption, highlighting possible enforced cooperation within families. 
  •  Amartya Sen’s Perspective on Family Cooperation and Conflict: Amartya Sen notes that while families show overt cooperation, covert conflicts often exist beneath the surface. 
    • Within families, especially in patriarchal structures, women might covertly resist male power by engaging in clandestine activities, like secret lending or relying on trusted allies. 
    • Such covert resistance stems from the lack of external options and the high risks associated with overt conflict.
  • Gender Dynamics in Overt Cooperation: Sociological studies have shown that women, particularly in certain cultures, might prioritise their sons to ensure their own future security, subscribing to gender-biased societal norms. 
    • This is an example of how overt cooperation can mask underlying conflict.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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