The document discusses the characteristics and differences between Indian rural and urban societies, highlighting that rural societies are primarily agricultural, small in size, and have close-knit relationships, while urban societies are larger, more diverse, and have complex social structures. Despite their differences, both societies are interconnected and influence one another, suggesting that understanding them requires examining their relationship rather than viewing them in isolation. Ultimately, the distinction between rural and urban societies is more theoretical than practical.

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INDIAN RURAL SOCIETY – Characteristics
Differences and Relationship between Rural and Urban Societies

2. INDIAN RURAL SOCIETY
Rural society means society
that lives in village, and is
dependent on natural
environment.
These societies have a low density of
population, intimate group relationship
and are rich in culture and tradition. They
are socio-economically less developed.

3. Characteristics:
 Agriculture is the predominant occupation.
 Traditionally, their economy is based on agriculture having
primitive technology and mono-cropping pattern
 Small in size i.e., small geographical areas with lower density
of population
 Primary group behaviour, i.e. face to face relationship is
found among villagers
 Mostly they live in joint family
 More traditional
 Homogeneous in nature
 Largely based on caste system, which has a hierarchial base
 Group feeling and mutual cooperation is more evident among
them

4. • Agriculture
• Closely associated with
nature
• Small. Land to man ratio is
higher
• Low
• More homogeneous
• Less among groups & low
degree of differentiation
• Informal control
• Relatively static & stable
• Non-agricultural
• Remote from nature
• Large. Land to man ratio is
lower
• High
• More heterogeneous
• Different types of groups &
high degree of
differentiation
• Formal control
• Constant social change
Differences between Rural
and Urban societies
Rural Society Urban SocietyParameters
1. Occupation
2. General
environment
3. Size
7. Population density
8. Homogeneity &
heterogeneity
9. Social
stratification &
Differentiation
13. Social control
14. Social change

5. Parameters Rural Society Urban Society
9. Social mobility
10. Standard of living
11. Social institutions
12. Culture
• Less intensive
• Low
• Natural outgrowth of
rural social life
• Sacred
• More intensive
• High
• Numerous enacted
institutions
• Secular
Relationship between Rural and Urban
societies
Both the societies are part of one human society. As a result
of development one particular society assumes the name of
rural society while the other becomes urban society. The
two societies are basically the same.The difference that exists

6. Between the two is of theoretical and academic
than the real.
The village life is affected by the economic and
social factors of urban society and vice-versa. It is
not possible to understand either of these
exclusively and in isolation.

7. PRESENTED BY
ANUP KUMAR