The document discusses the social system and stratification of Nepalese society, highlighting social processes, socialization, and various forms of stratification such as caste, ethnicity, gender, religion, and ecological factors. It examines the methods of interaction and relationships within society, along with the factors driving social and cultural change, including demographic, technological, and political influences. Furthermore, it outlines the characteristics and implications of social stratification in terms of class and ethnicity, emphasizing the ongoing dynamics of social change in Nepal.

1. Chapter-Three
Social System and Social Stratification of Nepalese
Society
 Social System and Social Stratification
 Social Processes and Socialization
 Social and Cultural Change in Nepal
 Factors of Social and Cultural Change in Nepal
 Caste/Ethnicity based Stratification
 Gender based Stratification
 Religion based Stratification
 Ecological based Stratification
 National Integration: Historical process of Nationhood, Cultural Integration…..

2. Social Processes
 Social processes are fundamental human relationships embedded in social
structures and systems consisting of enculturation, acculturation,
assimilation, co-operation, conflict, adaptation, integration, socialization
etc. It is the manner in which all types of human relationships are brought
together for collective good. Hence, different modes of interactions are
entitled to be called social processes.
 Social processes are the ways in which individuals and groups interact,
adjust and readjust and establish relationships and pattern of behavior
which are again modified through social interactions. Social interaction is
thus the general process whereby two or more persons are in meaningful
contact-as a result of which their behavior is modified.
 Social processes refer to forms of social interaction that occur repeatedly.
By social processes we mean those ways in which individuals and groups
interact and establish social relationships.

3. Hurton and Hunt define that “Social processes refer to the repetitive forms of
behavior which are commonly found in social life.”
Hence, social processes are the human relationships mediated through vivid
social interactions. We can get different types of relationships like cooperation
between and among the social members, conflict might occur due to class and
ideological difference, integration for the collective benefit. The scholars have
found some types or forms of social processes which are as follows;
1. Enculturation
2. Acculturation
3. Assimilation
4. Co-operation
5. Competition
6. Conflict
7. Globalization

4.  1. Enculturation:
Enculturation is the process by which people learn the
dynamics of their surrounding culture and acquire values and norms
appropriate or necessary in that culture. Or the enculturation is the
process by which an individual learns the traditional content of a
culture and assimilates its practices and values.
2. Acculturation:
Acculturation is a process through which a person or group
from one culture comes to adopt the practices and values of another
culture, while still retaining their own distinct culture. Or Acculturation
can be defined as the process of learning and incorporating the values,
beliefs, language, customs and mannerism of the new country.

5.  3. Assimilation:
It is a form of relationship in which small cultural identities are
melted or fused into the majority very unconsciously and gradually. It is
also a process of mutual cultural diffusion through which persons or
groups come to share a common culture having same sentiments and
goals.
 4. Co-operation:
Co-operation is the process of groups of organisms working or
acting together for common, mutual or some underlying benefits as
opposed to working in competition for selfish benefit. Or it is an act or
instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit,
joint action.

6.  5. Competition: It is a form of social process in which two or more persons
strive for the same objectives and rewards with or without contact. Competition is
a contest between two or more entities, organisms, animals, individuals, economic
groups etc. for territory, for scarce recourses, goods, for mates, for prestige,
recognition, for awards, for group or social status, or for leadership and profit.
 6. Conflict: Conflict is a serious disagreement and argument between people with
opposing opinions or principles. It is a deliberate attempt to oppose the will of
others with or without violence. It is the fundamental and easy social process in
which an individual seeks to possess a reward by weakening his rivals. Economic
disparity between rich and poor, provision of superiority and inferiority is creating
conflict.
 7. Globalization: Simply, the globalization is the process of becoming single
world community. Globalization describes the growing interdependence of the
world’s economy, culture and population brought about by cross-boarder trade in
goods and services, technologies and flows of investment, people, and
information.

7. Socialization
Socialization is the process of internalizing the norms and ideologies of society.
Socialization is a life long learning process in which knowledge, human values, human
virtues, human experiences, beliefs, sentiments and morals are transmitted from
generation to generation through family, peer groups, schools, colleges, universities,
public spheres, research centers, mass media etc.. It is the process by which an
individual is transformed from biological being into social beings.
Socialization is a processes with the help of which a living organism is changed
into a social being. It is a process through which the younger generation learns the
adult role which it has to play subsequently. It is a continuous process in the life of an
individual and it continues from generation to generation.
Every society is faced with the necessity of making a responsible member out of
each child born into it. The child must learn the expectations of the society so that his
behavior can be relied upon. He must acquire the group norms. The society must
socialize each member so that his behavior will be meaningful in terms of the group
norms.

8.  Bogardus defines socialization as “ Socialization is the process of
working together of developing group responsibility or being guided
by welfare needs of others.”
 The above definition advocates that socialization is a process by
which learning enables the learner to mould his behavior, attitude,
beliefs, skills and standard of judgment.
Agents or Agencies of Socialization
a) Family b) Peer Groups c) Academic Institution
d) Mass Media e) Working Organization f) Religious Institution
e) Socio-cultural institution f) Informal Devices

9. Major Types of Socialization
1. Primary Socialization: The process of socialization which takes place at home is
called primary socialization. Linguistic power, love and care, internalization of norms
and values, family code of conduct, sense of right and wrong, morality and human
virtues are some of the examples of primary socialization.
2. Anticipatory Socialization: It is the learning process in which an individual learns
the culture of different groups according to social context and situation i.e. outside of
home.
3. Developmental Socialization: Developmental Socialization is the process where an
individual develops his personality by blending the existing knowledge with the new
knowledge.
4. Re-Socialization: In order to adjust with the new situation an individual should be
able to develop new skill, working procedures with new knowledge, new technology,
modern way of living, changing trends of social values and survival mechanisms are the
major factors for re-socialization.

10. Processes of Socialization
William Ogburn and Toffler (1981) are the scholars to theorize social
processes of change. Their work still forms the basis for much of the recent
theory and research on social change. Their research has projected that discovery,
inventions and cultural diffusion are the prime factors to shape social change.(See
page no. 100 about Discovery, Invention and Diffusion)
Factors of Socio-cultural Change:
Some external and internal factors are the major forces in order to make the
society change. Some of them are as follows;
1. Biological or Demographic factors:
Demography is concerned with the size and structure of human population. The social
structure of a society is closely related with the changes in the size, composition and
distribution of population. The size of the population is based mainly upon three
factors—birth rate, death rate and migration (immigration and emigration).

11. The decline of both the birth rate and the death rate bring social transformation. With
changes in size to changes in composition. While the birth rate is falling, the proportion
of younger people in the proportion of youth’s declines and that elders advances
significant social changes occurs.
2. Physical or Geographical Factors:
Some physical factors are responsible for social change. Society suffers a lot due to
natural calamities like flood, cyclone, famine, earthquake, volcanic eruption and war.
Such factors bring a vast change in the location, size and population of the society. Old
civilization came to an end and new civilization came to existence owing to this change.
3. Technological Factors:
Advancement of science and technologies has brought a revolutionary change
almost in all societies of the world. The development of these techniques depends on
inventions and discoveries. Discovery of steam power, petrol, electricity, invention of
wireless, broadcasting, cinema and television have produced tremendous effect on
industry, politics, religion, education, entertainment home and social structure, means of
transportation and communication have brought social change.

12. 4. Cultural Diffusion Factors:
No society remains isolated from outside contacts. One culture influences
other. Such cultural diffusion is responsible for the development of western
civilization. Owing to mixture of various culture like Hindu, Muslim, Christian
etc. have brought a great change in the style of life in every society. Today we
find the influences of western culture in almost all aspects of our life-food,
dress, manners, education, literature, so on and so forth.
5. Political Factors:
Politics play a vital role in bringing social change. The state and central
government change the rules, regulations for the people in order to change the
social pattern. Different political parties with their ideologies bring a social
change throughout the country. Women empowerment, violation on women,
prohibition on child marriage, reduction on child labour, educational system
etc. passed in the legislation bring a social change.

13. 6. Educational Factors:
Educationists through their educational ideologies bring a change in the
society. Education acts as the chief and most powerful instrument for the
social change. Educational institutions, books, magazines, newspapers etc.
greatly affect the social life of the people. Hence, the role of education is felt
seriously to change the society in all aspects.
7. Economic Factors:
The progress of the society is mainly determined by means of production
which may be agricultural, industrial, rural or urban depending on economic
status. Industrialization is responsible to form different classes of people in
society such as capitalists, industrialists, and hoarders, middle and poor class
people. Economic factors create new township, cities, industries, factories
which bring a social change in a newly social form.

14. Social Stratification
 Social stratification is a layer of society into higher and lower social
ladder in terms of caste, class, ethnicity, division of labor, religion,
age and sex composition etc. Social stratification is taken as a
particular form of social inequality. It is the division and hierarchical
ranking of the people into layers associated with different degrees
of command over material resources, power and prestige.
 Social stratification refers to a society's categorization of its people
into groups based on socioeconomic factors like wealth, income,
race, education, ethnicity, gender, occupation, social status, or
derived power.

15. Caste/Ethnicity based Stratification
Caste:
Caste is predetermined social status based on hereditary qualities. It
is a blood purity and inborn social hierarchy supported by genetical
character. It is deep rooted and long lasting social institution among
Hindus which has created the social stratification vertically and
horizontally.
It is a collection of families, bearing common name, claiming a
common descent, following the same common hereditary practices
rooted in clan, mythical ancestor, hierarchical division of society.

16. Features/Characteristics of Caste
 It is a hierarchical division of society.
 It is a social purity or blood purity.
 It is a social hierarchy.
 There is a provision of purity and pollution in caste system.
 Restriction on food items and social relationship.
 There is a provision of restrictions in mate selection and
occupational choices.
 There is a provision of civil and religious privileges of certain
caste etc.

17. Caste based Social Stratification of Nepalese Society
Caste system is such type of social stratification where division of
labor, food and relationship are determined on the basis of birth.
Historically speaking, Junga Bahadur Rana in 1854 A.D. made some
caste based social stratification in order to control and maintain the
social order.
According to Junga Bahadur Rana;
1. Tagadhari
The people wearing thread, i.e. Brahmins, Chhetri, Thakuri,
Sanyasi etc. are known as Tagadhari.
2. Matwali
The people who allow alcohol to drink culturally are known as
Matwali.

18. 3. Pani nachalne, chhoi chhito halnu naparne
The people who are supposed to be impure but touchable caste
are known as ……………
4. Pani nachalne, chhoi chhito halnu parne
The people who are supposed to be impure and untouchable
caste are known as ………
Hence, Caste based social hierarchy has become weak and
class based social hierarchy has become prominent in comparing with
past. Academic awareness, economic empowerment and merciful laws
are the major factors to make caste weak which is good for the
democratic society.

19. Class-Based Stratification
Class is mainly the group of people formed on the basis of economy
which contributes to social stratification. People in a society are
economically divided into rich, middle and poor class. The rulers, upper
class, rich people who have access to means and resources, discriminate and
exploit the poor ad people having little access to means and resources. Long
term exploitation and inequalities become the form of stratification.
Aristocracy, nobility, higher class have been classified based on property,
power and prestige. It is culturally defined group that accords particular
position of status in society.
In conclusion, class is the group of people represented or participated or
unified similarly in their social life. So, group of people having similar
status, prestige, wealth, occupation, education etc. can be termed as social
class.

20. Class Based Stratification in Nepalese Context
 Aristocracy
 Modern Bureaucrats
 The Bourgeoisie
 Middle Class
 Petty Bourgeoisie
 Peasants
 Rural Proletariats
In gist, we can say that class is one of the powerful criteria of social
stratification which is supported by property, material resources and
possession.

21. Ethnicity based Social Stratification
Ethnic groups are cultural minorities. It is the distinct cultural
identity that is physically, linguistically and mythically distinct from
others. Or ethnicity is a feeling of superiority towards their own
culture, identity and having strong “ we feeling “ among the members
of the same community.
According to David Popenoe, ‘ Ethnicity is a group that is socially
differentiated has developed its own sub-culture an has a shared
feeling of people-hood.’

22. Gender-Based Social Stratification
Sex means the biological differences between a male and a
female whereas gender means the psychological differences
between a male and a female. It is a socio-cultural production of
the patriarchal structure that transmits the ideology from
generation to generation which grossly controls the existence of
female.
In the process of the development of patriarchal social
structure and relationship, different gender roles and
relationships are formed. This process has made male as active,
rational and independent and women as passive, emotional and
dependent.

23. Characteristics of Ethnicity
 Ethnic groups have a strong sense of ‘people-hood’.
 Membership of ethnic group is shifted from one generation to
another generation from parent to child.
 Members of an ethnic group take part together in activities that are
centered in their shared traits and background activities.
 An ethnic group is set apart from others because of distinct
cultural patterns.

24. Society prescribes certain role and code of conduct to them which is full
of bias and prejudices and treats them as something other, hence gender
is psychological aspect, cultural aspect and ideological aspect. Feminists
are of opinion that entire cultural production is dominated by a
patriarchal value. The women are made to be subjugated by male.
Characteristics of Gender
1) It is an issue against the patriarchal structure and its domination.
2) It is the voice against the exploitation, domination, subordination and
marginalization.
3) It advocates towards equal status, role and social hierarchy.
4) It is the voice against patriarchy in controlling sex, sexuality and
reproduction of female etc..

25. Classification of Gender in Nepalese Context
 Rituals and Values
Most of the rituals in Hindu culture are performed by sons like
puja, cremation of parents, post funeral mourning periods whereas
even the daughters’ clan is changed after marriage and attached with the
son’s one.
 Patriarchal households
Income and households and major decisions are primarily attached
to males and only the reproductive works are assigned to females.
 Patrilineal Society
Descent and property transforms from male head of the family to
offspring..

26. Gender and Social evils
Chaupadi, Dewaki, Witchcrafts, Dowry system are some of the
culture in Nepal which have targeted to abuse women. Domestic
violence and sexual abuse are some of the social evils related to Gender.
Employment
The minority of work-centered women who have adopted the male
profile of continuous full time employment and are financially self-
supported whereas the majority of the women has been treated as
‘something other.’
But due to the empowerment in education, bureaucracy, political
engagement i.e. 33% of reservation and other decision making made
us optimistic for the equal footing in future.

27. Religion Based Social Stratification
 Religion is a cultural system of designated behaviors and practices,
morals, world views, texts, prophecies, ethics or organizations that
relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental or spiritual
elements. Or religion is a permanent social institution comprising
holy books, sacred objects, ideology, creeds, unknown power, moral
order and spiritually mediated through unified system of beliefs and
practices.
 Religious stratification is a society into hierarchical layers on the
basis of religious beliefs, affiliation or faith practices.

28.  Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism,
Confucianism are some major religions in the world
developed over a period of time. Nepal is a country where
Hindu as sanatan dharma and Buddhism as practice in the
form of religion were originated in our country and
expanded in the world.
 Hence, Nepal is the country of Hindus and Buddhists.
Both the religions are complementary to each other.
Traditionally, Rai, Limbu, Sunwar, follow Kirat religion in
addition Hindu practices.

29. Ecological Based Stratification
 Nepal is broadly divided into three ecological zones i.e. Mountain, Hill
and Terai. Each zone is stratified as higher and lower in terms of
infrastructural development, educational status, political engagement,
development of trade and commerce, business and industry.
Comparatively, Terai is more developed than mountain and hilly region
as Terai is suitable for agriculture, industries and other socio-economic
infrastructures.
 Rigid topography, lack of infrastructural development, lack of
educational and health facilities and the lack of employment
opportunities are the major factors that made the situation unfavorable
for development. Therefore, more than 50 percent of people in Nepal
reside at terai zone though it occupies 23 percent of areal.

30. National Integration
 Integration is an act of bringing together smaller components into a single
system that functions as one. It also refers to the unification within a single
framework through cultural and political spheres. This concept also gives
emphasis on inter-relationship of different groups of people into a single
framework for their collective good and identity.
 Integration is a process of integrating of different groups into a single
framework in terms of politics, education, economy, culture, religion and
all regions.
 Hence, integration of different group of people into a single framework
or within a single umbrella is called National Integration. Or national
integration is the awareness of a common identity amongst the citizen of
the country though we belong to different castes, religions and regions or
speak different languages.

31. Major Dimensions/Elements of National Integration
 Socio-cultural Dimension
 Economic Dimension
 Psychological Dimension
 Political Dimension
 Administrative Dimension etc…. See Page No.
131 ( Asmita Publication)

32. Cultural Integration
 Cultural integration is a form of cultural exchange in which one group
assumes the beliefs, practices and rituals of another group without
sacrificing the characteristics of its own culture. Cultural integration is a
healthy intermingling of the beliefs and rituals of two unique cultures
which may result a new culture and civilization.
 Reciprocity, honor of one another’s culture, acculturation of different
groups, interdependence, internal needs and influence of one another,
tolerance, participating with each other’s cultural performance and cross
cultural exchange are the practice of cultural integration. Or cultural
integration is the one in which all the cultural groups are interwoven with
same sentiments and goals. Language, customs and rituals are the major
components in binding the people together.
 In gist, within culture customs, language, norms, values, religious beliefs,
rituals and other sub-cultural traits are interwoven.

33. THANK
YOU