CURRENT ISSUES IN CO

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UNIT 4 CURRENT ISSUES INCOMMUNITY ORGANISATION

Contents4.0 Objectives4.1 Introduction4.2 Gende r Sensitive Com munity O rganisation Practice4.3 Impact of M acro Policies4.4 Unionization Strategies4.5 Dealing w ith Authorities4.6 Protests and Demonstrations4.7 Let Us Sum Up4.8 Key Words4.9 Suggested Readings4.10 Answers to Check Your Progress4.0 OBJECTIVESThe social life of the people is affected by the kind of comm unity in whichthey live. With the advancem ent of science our life has become com plex.Self-sufficiency of village communities has broken down. Social institutionslike family, joint family, caste system, village panchayat, private property,education etc. have un dergone changes. They are not able to meet the chan gingdemands of the individual and comm unity. This unit aims a t giving you a broadunderstanding of curren t issues in community organisation. After going throughthis unit you would be able to:

explain the gender and gender injustice;describe the concept of caste and class and their functions;pinpoint the types of inequalities perpetuating in the comm unity;analyse the implications of macro policies on people; andtrace o ut ways and m eans to deal with factionalism and a uthorities forprotecting the rights of m arginalized group.

4.1 INTRODUCTIONThe comm unities of today are facing lots of challenges. The ancient socialrelations, emotional bonds and sentimental ties are no m ore significant andvisible. The comm unity consciousness is rapidly lowering dow n. Dirty politicshas entered into the peaceful life of the community people and they aredivided into different political groups and sub-groups. The joint family systemis fast disintegrating and strains on human mind are increasing. Communaldisharmony, gender inequality, factionalism, protection of rights of marginalizedgroups, feelings of deprivations among d ifferent classes like cultivators, industrialworkers, daily wa ge earners, alteration of property relations in favour of theless privileged and impact of macro policies at micro levels are some currentissues which require immediate intervention while working with comm unities,institutions and organisations. This unit gives you a broad un derstanding ofissues, which are affecting the dynamics of the healthy life-styles and functioning


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Community Organisation of the communities and organisations. Let us now understand the meaningof gender, difference between gender and sex, gender system and its elementsand impact of gender system on women inequalities.

4.2 GENDER SENSITIVE COMMUNITYORGANISATION PRACTICE

According to the Oxford dictionary, gender has been defrnedas sexual classificationi.e. male and female. But gender is not a biological attribute. It is createdby the society. There is need of a equality between 'Men' and 'Women'.Unfortunately, our present system is involved in developing its own set ofrules, which is basically responsible for,discriminationand injustice of womenand girl child in our society.4.2.1 Difference Between Gender and SexI Gender I Sex II1 Socially defined 1 Biologically defined 1

Socio-cultural difference 1 Natural differenceMade by the society 1 Naturally made1 Variable 1 Constant.

Gender gives different values to Men and Women. The biological sex differencesare accepted as correct indicator for differential male-female access and theirparticipation in the society.4.2.2 Gender SystemOur society is organised around some given parameters and aims, the functionalityof which is ensured by a set of systems and institutions. For instance, marriageand family life are ingrained aspects of the Indian society. Girls and boysget married and start their own families living within the prescribed normsthat determine choice of marriage partner, their roles, code of conduct (fidelity,chastity, girl's subservience to her husband and in-laws), life-style and practices(such as purda, male inheritance, dowry etc.). One of the most pervasiveand widespread codes of organisation that affects all aspects of social functioningis the gender system. It is patriarchy that provides the life force to the unfavourableconditions that woman face. Let us try and list out some of the more commonfeatures of gender system.Male-Female -DifferentiationThe practices of male-female differentiation form the core of a gender-basedsystem. Biological sex differences, which are real, are extended to be thecriteria for social placement.Allocation of RolesIin any organisation or society roles are attributed for specific function. Ina patriarchy, roles are allocated not only in accordance with the biologicalfunctions (procreation), but are misappropriated according to values prescribedto male and females. Within patriarchy 'dominating and controlling socialfunctions are prescribed for males whereas 'supportive functions are thepurview of the femaIes. Thus, by birth, the males are 'inheritors of resources',


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performing the functions of 'child nurturing and running the households'. Current Issues inCommunity OrganisationGender-based Hierarchical PlacementAlongwith role allocation certain norms and values, as well as practices andbeliefs, further promote the 'male-female superior-inferior or hierarchy', wherebymales have access 0 land holdings inheritance, skills, productive employmentand the associated high status. Women, on the other hand, are denied evenlife (female infanticide 1 foeticide), receive poor nutrition and medical care,inferior education and suffer atrocities such as eve-teasing, rape, wife beatingetc.4.2.3 Elements of the Gender SystemRole StereotypingThe female biological functions of reproduction are extended to rearing ofchildren and catering to household work. On the other hand the role of themale is to earn for the family. Accordingly, both sexes are socialized to thesepredetermined but separate roles. Even in society where both men and womenare called upon to earn, the primary roles associated with social values haveremained unchanged. Thus even if women earn an income, their responsibilitytowards household chores remains undiminished.Child Preference on the Basis of SexThe corresponding social status availed by the male due to his being theinheritor, the protector of the family and its interest, the "doer", a male childis valued. Moreover, it is the sons who are an old age insurance for theparents, since the daughters get married and leave the family. Besides, daughterimplies expenses such as dowry. Thus a male child is preferred by society.In fact, male child preference is so strong that in certain areas a wife whodoes not produce a male child is called 'Kulachhani', destroyer of the familysince name will not be carried forward.4.2.4 Impact of the Gender System on WomenThe practice of male-female differentiation results in structural deprivation ofthe female (of life-female foeticidelinfanticide- of access to health and medicalservices, inheritaqce, education etc.). Female discrimination at the behaviourallevel (un-employment, low productivity skills, health care, public life etc.) andinfliction of atrocities (dowry harassment, eve-teasing, wife beating, rape etc.).The structural conditions affect society as a whole where as behaviouralmanifestations affect the individual in specific situation.4.2.5 Caste and Class as Axis of InequalityCaste and class both are status groups. A status group is an association ofindividuals who enjoy a distinctive style of life and a certain consciousnessof kind. However, castes are perceived as hereditary groups with a fixedritual status while classes are defined in terms of the relations of production.The members of a class have a similar socio-economic status in relation toother classes in the society, while the members of a caste have either a highor a low ritual status in relation to other castes.Caste as a Unit and as a SystemCaste is considered both as a unit and as a system. It is also understoodas a structural phenomenon as well as a cultural phenomenon. As a unit, caste


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Community Organisation can be defined as a 'closed rank status group', that is a group in which thestatus of the members, their occupation, the field of mate selection and interaction.with others are all fixed. As a system, it refers to interrelated status andpatterned interaction among castes are all terms of collectivity of restrictions,namely, restriction on change of membership, occupation, marriage and communalrelations. In viewing caste as a system, there is pre-supposition that no castecan exist in isolation and that each caste is closely linked with other castesin the network of economic, political, and ritual relationships. The 'closed-rank group' feature of caste also explains its structure. As a cultural phenomenon,caste may be viewed as a "set of values, beliefs and practices."4.2.6 ClassA social class is "one of two or more broad groups of individuals who areranked by the members of the community in socially superior and inferiorpositions." (Ginsberg, Morris: 1961) Thus, in a social class there is -

a feeling of equality in relation to members of one's own class.a consciousness that one's mode of behaviour will be in harmony withthe behaviour of similar standards of life.individuals belonging to the same social class are expected to maintainsimilar standards of life.to choose their occupations within a limited range.there is realization of similarity of attitude and behaviour with themembers of one class.there is a feeling of inferiority in relation to those who stand abovein the social scale.there is a feeling of superiority in relation to those below in social hierarchy.

' 4.2.7 Axis of Inequality of Caste and ClassIf we look at our society, we find that people are divided in categories (incastes and classes) on the basis on birth, religion, race, language and speech,education, occupation and wealth etc. and society is heterogeneous in nature.Individuals are placed higher or lower in a status scale based on thesecharacteristics. Thus social barriers are erected in the way of lower category(caste and class) people's overall development. This has given birth to severalinequalities:Caste

restricts mobility of working class especially of marginalized.Leads to untouchability, slavery and is responsible for many other socialevils and vices like child marriage, dowry system, purdah system andcasteism.-responsible for low status of women.is bed-rock of religious discrimination and fundamentalism.

ClassThe dream to alter property-relations in favour of less privileged has yetto come.

Further the persisting inter and intra-caste, class and community inequalities


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as well as wide spread unrest are also result of prevailing contradictions in Current Issues inCommunity Organisationour social system. Such as:We continue to follow the traditional values whereas our roles have becomemodern.We profess that India is committed to bring equality but in reality, it isin an age-old system of caste and class.We claim ourselves as rationalist but we bear with injustice and unfairnesswith fatalistic resignation.We speak in favour of individualism but we reinforce collectivism.Inspite of formulation of so many laws and modification of old laws, thecommon people have not been benefitted from these because they areeither not being implemented or are full of loopholes which have benefittedonly the legal profession.

Check Your Progress INote: a) Use the space provided for your answer.

b) Check your answers with those provided at the end of this unit.1) Indicate if the following statements are true or false. Put a ( J ) inthe relevant box.Check your answer with the one given at the end of the unit.

True Falsea) Gender is a biological classification.b) The codes of the organisation that affect allaspects of social functioning is the gender

system.C) Even if women earn an income, theirresponsibility towards household chores

remains unchanged.d) Classes are considered hereditary groups. L1e) Caste is responsible for low status of women.f) Society is heterogeneous is nature.g) Caste promotes optimum productivity.

2) Give the main difference between:a) Gender and Sexb) Caste and ClassHint. See section 4 .2


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Community Organisation 3) Enlist any five practices of castes and class system, which promoteinequalities in society........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

4.2.8 FactionalismFactionalism is a situation~conditionn which 'sub-castes' (within the caste)function as 'factions' (conflict groups) than as 'caste groups' to achieve theirpurpose. Prof. K. N. Sharma has termed them 'resource groups' with a viewto lay stress on their collaborative function. Occasionally, the 'alliance' betweenthe groups is restricted only for the duration of achievement of the purpose.Mostly families are engaged in such alliances. Nevertheless, in some caseseven brothers of same families have joined various factions and have disassociatedthemselves from each other at the cost of their kinship relationships.The faction (within the sub-caste) is an association of a few core familiesto face challenges from other families, or to secure help in court cases, andso on. Such factions/alliances can be seen in the evening when people comeback from their fields or offices and cluster in small groups to spend togethertheir leisure time. In this way the closeness with the group is strengtheneddaily by intimate and informal relations and its strength is activated time totime for status defense or exaygeration. A faction may continue for decadesor for few years or few months or it may change unexpectedly as no hardand fast rules ties the members together. However, within the faction, caste1sub-caste are of notable significance in towns and cities.The strength of the factions depends on wealth, manpower and ability tomobilize resources and influence from outside the village. Now a days, factionalismhas become a serious problem and is posing a serious threat to the traditionalunity and solidarity of our village-and tribal communities.The legal sanction accorded to various types of leadership positions in thePanchayati Raj system, under 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, is not somuch beneficial. Rather, it has widely, very strongly and seriously hamperedall efforts to promote development of villages in the country. As they (factions)oppose one another, not because of a ry genuine reason or rhyme but simplyfor the sake of showing the opposition and demonstrating their strength. Asa consequence, any effort made by any change agent- external or internal,to promote co-operative and collaborative attitudes and practices in the community,gets badly thwarted.4.2.9 Protecting the Rights of Marginalised GroupsMarginalized People

' The people of marginalized groups do not form any compact territorial community.They are forced to live wretchedly, enduring exploitation, oppression, violence


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language, religion, migrant status or other disadvantages have not been much Current Issues inCommun i ty Organisationbenefitted from health, education, employment and other developmentalopportunities. Most of them are landless labourers, rural poor with smallpieces of land, artisans, workers in unorganised sectors, women, SCs andSTs etc.Existing Provisions for Protection of Rights of MarginalizedAlthough government has made various constitutional, legal and non-legalsocio-economic provisions to safeguard the interests of marginalized peopleand to ensure their overall development, even then, their condition has notsigdicantly changed. The concept of social justice is also stirring the governmentand people into new and more vital fields of state action to make availablethe benefits of 'Welfare State' to various sections of the society, speciallyto marginalized people. Various laws relating to payment of wages, socialsecurity, regulatory legislations and social justice etc. have been enacted fixingthe working hours, minimum wages of labourer and to improve their workingconditions. Further numerous laws meant for land reforms- ceiling, consolidation,land alienation, credit facility and debt relief have been passed. Besides thesedifferent social security, income generating and village infra-structure developmentschemes and programmes have been implemented. Mention may be madeof -1) Constitutional Provisions

Fundamental Rights and DutiesDirective Principles of State Policy

2) Legal and Non-legal Socio-economic ProvisionsPayment of Wages Act 1936 & 1971Minimum Wages Act - 1948Equal Remuneration Act - 1978Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act 1971 & 1986Bonded Labour Act 1976Inter-state Migration Act 1979Civil Rights Protection Act 1955SCs and STs (Atrocities Protection) Act 1989

3) Commissions Programmes and SchemesNational Commission for SCs and STs20 points economic programmesNational Schemes for liberation and rehabilitation of scavengers andtheir dependents 1992Special Area Development Programmes (like DPAP, DDP, IWDP,HADP, CADP and ITADP)Minimum Needs ProgrammesNational Social Assistance Programmes (such as NOPS, NFBS,NMBS and Annapurna etc.)

4) Lapses in Existing Provisions and ProgrammesThe existing communication channels for creating awareness andsensitization are not adequate and effective and do not reach the


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Community Organisation Lack of integrated approach in macro-policies in tackling the issuesrelated to marginalized people.Lack of strong and effective organisational support to voice theirconcerns and lobbying for them.

Steps to be taken to Protect the Rights of MarginalizedInspite of all these initiatives taken by the government, we find that the needsand problems of marginalized people in India are not resolved satisfactorily.Their needs and problems are multifarious and multi-dimensional in nature.These can be tackled by changing the attitudes of the society as well asnation towards marginalized people. Therefore, for protecting the rights ofmarginalized people following suggestions/measures canbe effective and useful.1) They should be sensitized about their conditions/situations and other factors

responsible for their deplorable conditions.2) They should be made aware of their constitutional and legal rights both

in their work and in social sphere.3) Training for skills development and income generation is another crucial

aspect. Training must be provided on occupations which pre-supposetraining. The duration of training may vary from 1 to 6 months with thenature of the chosen occupations to equip them with new methods, techniquesand skills for increasing their earnings. Further since they are daily wageearners, they should be paid for their wages loss during training periodeither in cash or in kind to create interest in training programmes.

4) There should be provision of counselling services for all family, communityand other socio-economic groups.

5) There is need to build, strengthen and utilize the fullest capabilities ofVillage Community Organisations (VCOs) in rural development speciallyfor the upliftment of marginalized groups.

6) Pleading for setting up of (free or nominal fee paid) Legal Aid CounsellingCentres at districflaluka and block level by the government andlor NGOswith effective monitoring system.

7) To develop right from grass-root level to national level organisations ofthese people for protection and promotion of their rightful claims andto provide them guidance required for this organised struggle.

Check Your Progress I1Note: a) Use the space provided for your answer.

b) Check your answers with those provided at the end of this unit.1) What do you understand by Factionalism? Discuss its purpose andbasis of coming into existence.


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Community Organisation 3) The 'Green.Revolution' has further marginalized the small and marginalfarmers who becam e landless in the process. These farmers, unable toutilize the new technology, sold their land to large land owne rs. The latterin turn became richer by drawing the benefits of subsidies offered bythe Government.

4) Due to the Ind ian econom y's added emp hasis on industrialization, therehas been a strong urban bias. The rural agricultural econom y sufferedso much that migrants flocked to cities in search of em ploym ent. As citiesdid not have the capacity to accomm odate a large population, problemsrelating to health, sanitation, education, consum erism and unem ploym entincreased the inequality, already existing in the cities.

5) Rapid advancement in technology, which plays a vital role in profit maximkition,has further marginalized weaker and vulnerab le sections of Indian society.6) Moreover, the development of many high yielding and refined varietiesof food grains developed by rich coun tries which can be used only forconsumption purposes and not as seeds to be sown in the field, havefurther worsened the situation through m onopo lization of the seed marketin developing countries like India in which farmers are compelled to

purchase seeds at very high prices and are compelled by exigencies ofthe situation to sell their produce at throwaway prices.7) Even essential life saving drugs have been monopolized by developednations and they are being sold for beyond the affording capacity ofcommon man to purchase them.8) The pressure of the World Bank to withdraw all kinds of subsidies, thusfar enjoyed by people in India in diverse fields like fertilizers, electricity,

petrol, diesel, etc. has added to the econ om ic burden to be shoulderedby the common people in the country particularly marginal and smallfarmers and small scale entrepreneurs. This has adversely affected theproduction and distribution of various types of goods and services.

Check Your Progress I11Note: a) Use the space given below for your answer.

b) Check your answers with those provided at the end of this unit.1) Nam e those international organisations that have deeply affected ourmacro policies and programmes.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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...........................................................................................................2) Marke t forces, dom inating power structure, vulnerable sections, ruralagricultural, environmental crisis, technology, cities in search of jobs,ecological balance, margm luation , small and marginal farmers, utilizationof new technology. ......................) The ideology associated with globalization is that of

Economics.


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ii) The trickle down theory adopted by the ......................did notentail the desired development.iii) The special programmes initiated for the development of......................failed to make any impact.iv) The Green Revolution has further marginalized IV(a) .......................

as they were unable to IV(b) ......................v) V(a) The ...................... conomy suffered so much that migrants

......................locked to V(b)vi) Rapid advancement in VI(a) ......................plays a vital role inVI(b) ......................of weaker and vulnerable sections.

vii) Unplanned exploitation of natural resources has badly disturbedthe VII(a) ...................... and created as serious VII(b)......................

4.4 UNIONIZATION STRATEGIESUnionization is the process of organising the unorganised people for theirspecific goal and interest. In unionization the oppressed, exploited, weaker,vulnerable and marginalized people (this includes individual(s), group(s) and/or community(ies) voluntarily organise themselves in union(s) on the basis ofequality to identify and rank their needslproblems/issues; to secure their essentialdemands; to protect and promotetheir interests by collective action; acceptingthe principle of majority rule and maximum participation of community peoplein each and every step of community organisation and development process.Whereas an overall approach to bring about change in the general situationmay be termed as 'strategy', it includes roles for worker and client, tasks tobe performed by each and every one and methods and techniques to be used.In order to unionize target group i.e. community people, the following strategiesof unionization, can be practiced. Let us now discuss some of these strategies:

Current Issues inCommunity Organisation

Information collection and community meetings.ConscientisationFormulation of plans and programmes (through P.R.A).Capacity building

e Collaboration and co-ordinationNetworking

Information Collection and Community MeetingsThis deals with organising formal and informal meetings of community people.Needs visiting and observing the community for gathering the different information.Besides these it includes:a) Identification and prioritizationfranking of needslproblemslissues and

stakeholders.b) Creation of awareness about these felt needslpriorities of problems and

consciousness among community people.c) Identification of nucleus/resource personslopinion leaders and formal and

informal leaders of various socio-culturallvocationalgroups and sub-groups.


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Community Organisation ConscientisationThe strategy is based on Paulo Friere's approach of generating awarenessand sensitization among masses through education. In his opinion, if peoplewere motivated to analyse their own reality, they could be active participantsin transforming it. The consciousness gained through the critical process ofreasoning and reflection leads to action that in turn can reduce the exploitativetendencies in the present economic structure.Planning and Formulation of Plans and Programmes (through PRA)Planning involves the entire process right from the starting of consciousnessregarding a problem to the steps taken to resolve that problem. This at leastcan be achieved by having rapport with the people and involving them indesigning the development of project. To meet this specific need of the peopleapplication of Participatory Rural Appraisal Technique (PRA) is.required.Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)PRA is seen as a family of methods and approaches to enable local peopleto analyze, plan and act based on their own life situation and knowledge.This includes:

i) Village census mappingii) Resource mapping and institutional mappingiii) Village transect walkiv) Time linev) Trend diagram

vi) Matrix and wealth mappingCapacity BuildingAs the capacity of poor people is strengthened (by utilizing and improvingtheir skills, changing their perceptions and attitudes and ensuring their activeparticipation as responsible participator) and their voice begin to be heard,they become "claimants" who are capable of demanding and paying for goodsand services from government and private sector agencies. Under these changedcircumstances, the mechanisms to satisfy their needs will change as well.Collaboration and CoordinationWhen two or more persons (i.e. helpers) working jointly on the basis of acommon plan of action, then it is called collaboration. In collaboration eachone of the helpers are accountable for certain aspects of worWservice toa client. They may belong to one agency or many agencies; they may besocial workers and/or may be from several other professional disciplines.Thus we can say that it is a medium of integration of various services beingprovided, description of role and services to be delivered by each of theparticipant, and making sure that conflicting and confusing messages are notgiven to clients.Whereas in co-ordination, two or more service providers work together. Thisdoes not involve a common action plan; in fact, there may be two or moreaction plans. For effective coordination, spirit of working together towardsa desirable end is must. Further, the mutual satisfaction of all concernedpersons and agencies involved in it is an important aspect.


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Networking Current Issues inCommunity OrganisationNetworking is also the social work strategy practiced to bring d iverse socialstructures together to acco mplish a com mon purpose or shared goal. Networkinginvolves establishing c oordinated and collaborative relationships in orde r tohave access to the resources of other persons and social systems. Socialworkers network with human service organisations, other social structureslike business and industry and influential community leadem. Networking promotescollaboration in identifying service gaps and barriers and encourag es inter-agency planning to address unmet service delivery needs.The problem of unionizinglorganising the poor is complicated. But there areexamples where the poor have organised themselves o n the basis of com moneconomic interests and thereby developing a counter weight that offsets theirlingering importance in local government or by formation of restrictive organisationsbased on interest groups, small farmers, co-operatives, landless workers,unions, association of wom ens organ isation, rural youth brigrades or throughorganisation of the politically disadvantaged for direct political ac tion as inc as e of ~ a n j o i en Tamil Nadu. Similar kinds of experiment may be foundin Anand Dairy, Gujarat, Sri Lanka , Commilla project of Bangladesh, andothers in Mauritius and B urma in addition to China.4.5 DEALING W ITH AUTHORITIESAuthorities are those persons, who have power to give order and makeothers to obey. They are various segments of the governm ent and non-governmentofficials, responsible for policy and plan formulation, implementation, maintenanceof law and order (with peace and harmony) and provide social justice toits people.In other words, authorities have to ensure conducive environment for holisticand sustainable development of peo ple, right from the small village level tothe nation as a whole. But it could not happen, due to 'ego-centric' styleof functioning of the authorities, instead of 'people-centric' style. As a resultof it, the majority of peop le are in a pitiable situation. For improving theirconditions and providing wh at is dues to them, the following strategies canbe practiced to deal with authorities as and when required;i) Sub mission of petitionii) Persuationiii) Bargainingiv) Negotiationv) Lobbying and advocacyii) onflictuaVconfrontational strategiesSubmission of Petition: Submission of pe tition is a formal w ritten application(which contains in very brief the issues and p roblems, their nature and extentof people's suffering) signed by affected and/or interested persons and appealingto the concerne d authority to solve the problem on sustainable ground. Thispetition is subm itted to related officials.Persuation: After subm ission of petition to concerned au thority when noresponse is received from hirn~herhen persuation strategy is used. In persuation


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Community Organisat ion efforts are made to influence the individuals to change their outlook by providingthem needed information. This also involves the adoption of series of actions1procedures to bring about change by arguing, giving reasoning, urging andinducing others to accept a particular viewpoint and resolve the issueslproblems.Bargaining: Bargaining is a process of discussion and negotiation betweentwo parties, one or both of which is a group of persons acting in concert.The resulting bargain is an undertaking as to terms and conditions under acontinuing service is to be performed (Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences).Negotiation: In negotiation communication linkage is established betweentwo or more than two groups having disagreement on a, particular issue/problem. The communication linkages are established so that the concernedgroups are able to iron-out their difficulties, understand each other's pointof view, and come out with mutually acceptable decision. The communityorganiser may act as negotiator if it is acceptable to all the concerned parties.Besides, he facilitates such an approach due to which the rival groups cancome on the same platform under to workout their differences.Lobbying and Advocacy:Lobbying is a technique of influencing the legislationand creating legislative opinion favourable to the group or interest on behalfof which the lobby operates. Instead of attempting to influence legislationdirectly, the lobbyist may use the technique of pressure group lobbing, whereinthe pressure group seek to create an appearance of broad public supportfor its aims. This appearance may be genuine or artificial. Anyhow the aimis to influence the legislative policy.Advocacy involves 'pleading and fighting for the service of the clients, whomthe service system otherwise rejects. It requires seeking different interpretationsor exceptions to rules and regulations, to clients' rights to services and undertakingto create awareness about the blockages to clients in receiving or using anagency's services. In advocacy, the worker speaks on behalf of client. Beforeengaging in advocacy a worker must first be sure that the client(s) desire(s)the worker to intervene in this manner. The client should clearly understandthe risks involved and be motivated to use the service(s) if it is obtained.Secondly, the worker must carefully, assess the risks involved for the clientif advocacy is used.ConflictuaYConfrontational Strategies: The basic hypothesis, on whichthe conflictual and confrontational strategy is practised, is that those who arein favour of status quo and those who are in favour of change, fight witheach other. Hence, the dynamics of conflict is inevitable in the process ofcommunity organisation and action initiative. This may invite agitational techniqueslike protest, demonstration and civil disobedience or direct action etc.However, it must be remembered that it is easier to mobilize people throughprotests and demonstration than civil disobedience or direct action etc.

4.6 PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONSWhen people are dissatisfied with social institutions that frustrate them andtheir needs, they have desire to change that social institutions because theseare not able to solve their social problem. This situation creates social tension,

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unrest and instability among them and leads to social movement. Thus socialmovements could be looked upon as collective efforts to change the society.Generally these are started by those, who are shocked by social injustices.Social movement can take the shape of protests, demonstrations, marches,rioting and rebellion etc.ProtestProtest is verbal, written andlor legal expression of dissent, disagreement ordisapproval of any imposition of official policylcurtailment of facilitylincreasementof tax or any other unwarranted condition imposed by the govemment/organisationlassociation or group of people or by the existing system.It is an effort to block a proposed change or to uproot a change alreadyinitiated. It is observed that in protest, victimization is the general cause andvictims usually are the potential protesters.The following are some common features of protest:1) Protest is primarily an expression of feelings.2) This expression may be verbal in writing or through legal procedures.3) The main purpose of protest is to oppose or to disapprove of the actioninitiated by the governinent, institution or existing social system.4) The reason for protest is victimization of people in general or some

section of the people in particular.5) Victims actively participate in the protest as 'potential protesters'.6) Protest remains sectional rather than general.7) Community as a whole is not mobilized around social cause(s).DemonstrationsDemonstration is a method of expression of people's sentimentslemotions andfeelings readily in favour/support of or against the governrnent/public organisatiodinstitutions or associations. In demonstration the individuals gather togetherto give expression or to manifest their demands or sentiments. The membersof demonstration group are interested more in voicing their grievance, thanin destruction, by organising meetings, rally or public marches.The demonstrative crowd may turn into an aggressivelprotestive crowd if anyeffort is made to disperse it by violent means. It enables the group to understandbetter the cause of a problem and also results of any action taken so far. .A good demonstration:

should be based on problem(s)/situation(s) which is important and true' to the real life of the audience.is one in which it should be decided first, what is to be exactly conveyedto the audience.makes the message easy to understand and accept.facilitates clarifications and discussion among people.generates sympathetic and favourable environment.includes the preparation of exhibits (like Posters, Charts, Placards andBanners etc.) that are required for the same.

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Community Organisation is one in which locally available ch eap and best materials are effectivelyand impressively used to reduce the unnecessary exp enses and generatedpeoples appreciation.

Check Your Progress IVNote: a) Use the space given below for your answer.

b) Check you r answe r with those provided at the end of this unit.1) Bring ou t the distinguishing features of Unionization strategies.

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.....................................................................................................2) Point out the strategies, which are used to deal with authorities...........................................................................................................................................................................................................

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..........................................................................................................................................................................................................3) List out any five attributes of Demonstration and protest......................................................................................................

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4.7 LET US SCTM CTPIn this unit, you have learned the meaning of gender, castes and classes,difference between gender and sex, concept of gender system and its elementsand prevailing inequalities in the com mun ities due to gend er, castes and classes.You saw how different factions promote factionalism. Now a days, it hasthreatened the traditional unity and solidarity of our ruraland urban comm unities.We have also discussed the meaning of marginalized people, existing constitutional,legal and non-legal so cio-econom ic provisions to safeguard the interests of' marginalized people, lacunas in these and steps to be taken to protect theirrights. We have attemp ted to acquaint you w ith the impact of macro-policieson general masses espe cially on marginalized people.


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For your understanding, we have explained different strategies like unionization, Current Issues inCommunity Organisationdealing with authorities, protests and demonstration etc. Unionization includesmainly conscientisation. Formulation of plans and programmes is preferablythrough PRA, capacity building, collaboration, co-ordination and networking.Dealing with authorities incorporates submission of petition, persuasion, bargaining,negotiation, lobbying and advocacy and conflictuaVconfrontationa1strategies.The basic features of protests and demonstration and their effective use havebeen described. Usually protests and demonstration generate sympatheticand favourable environment.

4.8 KEY WORDSGlobalization : This term is used to indicate the move towards

a global economy where borders cease tomatter.

Green Revolution : Green Revolution is the term, which has beenused for describing the manifold increase inIndia's farm production and productivity,particularly in the case of the major cerealcrops, consequent to the adoption of the'New Agricultural Policy' since late sixties.

Macro Policies : The policies which affect large sections ofpopulation and which relate to productionand income, improvement in quality of lifeand overall development etc.

Patriarchy : This may be defined asRule of FatherSystem of male domination where menare considered superior.Greater access to men in resources anddecision making process.The patriarchal structure or system isbased on the ideology of man's superiority.

Social System : A system is composed of interrelated andinterdependent parts (persons and subsystems).

Trickle Down Theory : Trickle Down Theory emphasize on the growthin Gross National Product and it was assumedtill the third Five Year Plan that the benefitof Gross National Product would percolatedown to the masses and enhance their incomelevels. But it could not happen as assumed.

4.9 SUGGESTED READINGSCox, F.M. et a1 (Ed). (1987), Strategies of Community Organisation: A

book of Readings, 4thed. Itasca, 12, FE Peacock.Dubey, Muchkund (ed). (1995), Indian Society Today: Challenges of Equality,

Integration and Empowerment, Har Anand Publication, New Delhi.


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Community Organisation Gangrade, K.D. (197 I), Community Orga nisation in India, Popular Prakashan,Bombay. '

Ghurya, G.S. (1961), Class, Caste and Occupation, Oxford UniversityPress, Bombay.

Pascual, Gisbert S.J. (1999), Fundamentals of Sociology, Hyderabad, OrientLogman Ltd., IIIrd Edition.

Pathania, Sunita (1999), "G lobalization, Culture and G ender: Some Issues:Glob alizaion, Culture and W omen Develop men t, Rawat Publications,Jaipur.

Paulo, Freire (1992), Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Penguin Book.Siddique, H.Y. (1997), Working with the C omm unities: An Introduction

to Community Work, Hira Publications, New Delhi.

4.10 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESSCheck Your Progress I1) a) False b) True c) True d) False e) True f) False g) False2) a) Difference between Gender and Sex can be identified as-

Genderis socially defined

Sexis biologically defined

talks.about socio-cultural difference talks about natural differenceis made by society is naturally madeis variable constantb) Difference between Caste and Class are as follows:Caste Classis understood as hereditary is understood in terms of relationsgroup of productionhas fixed ritual status has no ritual statusthe members of a caste the members of a class maintain afollow either a high or low similar socio-economic status inritual status in relation to relation to other class in society.other castesdoes not require any subjective Consciousness is required forcon~ciousness mong the continuing in a classmembers

3) Caste and Class are basically responsible for perpetuating inequalities inthe society such as they:a) are responsible for low status of women.b) deny equal rights to all irrespective of their caste creed, colour and class.C) develop a feeling of deprivation among various lower castes andclasses especially among marginalized groups.d) are to be questioned for non-alteration of property relations in favour

of less privileged castes and classes.promote slavery and many other social evils and vices.


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Check Your Progress I1 Current Issues inCommunity Organisation1) Factionalism may be termed as a situation in which 'Sub-castes' (within

the caste) work as cliques or 'factions' (conflict-groups) than as 'castegroups' for their selfish motives. When that motive/purpose is achieved,the alliance may continue for another purpose or may break up. Theymay formtjoin other alliances for the same purpose. It is observed thatgenerally families have constituted different 'cliques'.Thus, we can say that faction is an association of a few 'core families'to face the growing challenges from other families or factions, on to getsupport in case of police, court proceedings etc. or in facing any otherdisturbing issues. The basis of forming these alliances may depend onwealth, manpower and capacity to bring influence from outside the village.

2) Marginalized are those groups of society, who for reasons of poverty,culture, language, religion, migrant status or any other disadvantage havenot benefited from health, education, employment and other developmentalopportunities. Most of them are landless labourers, rural poor with smallpiece of land, artisans, workers in unorganised sectors, women, SCs andSTs etc.Various steps for ensuring social justice, rural upliftment and protectionof the rights of marginalize people have been taken up by government.Laws concerning land reforms, land ceiling, consolidation, land alienationlaws as well as social security laws and schemes have been framed.Mention may be made of -

Payment of Wages Act - 1936 and 197 1Minimum Wages Act - 1948Equal Remuneration Act - 1978Civil Rights Protection - 1955SCs and STs (Atrocities Prohibition) Act 1989.Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojagar Yojna (SGSY)Sampoorna Gram Rojagar Yojna (SGRY)

Check Your Progress I111) a) International Monetary Fund

b) World Bank andc) World Trade Organisation

2) i) Market forces ii) dominating power structure iii) vulnerable sectionsiv) a) small and marginal farmers, b) Utilize the new technology.V) a) rural agricultural b) cities in search of jobs. vi) a) technologyb) marginalization vii) a) Ecological balance b) environmental crisis

Check Your Progress IV1) Unionization is the process of organising the unorganised people for their

specific goal and interest. For this 'purpose some strategies are used as'Unionization Strategies' to unionize them and those who are unionized,to keep them intact with their association.i) Information collection and community meetingii) Conscientisation


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Community Organisation iii)iv)v)ui)

2) i)ii)iii)iv)v)G)

3) i)

ii)

Formulation of plan(s) and programme(s)Capacity buildingCollaboration and co-ordinationNetworking

Submission of petition-verbavwrittenPersuationBargainingNegotiationLobbying and advocacyConflictuaYconfrontational trategiesProtestIt is basically an ex pression of feelings and sen timents in verbal orwriting and/or by legal means.The main purpose is to oppose or to dis-approve of the action'initiated by the government or by existing social system.The main reason for protest has been noticed as victimization ofpeople in g eneral or som e section of po pulation in particular.Victims actively participate in the protest as 'potential protesters.'Community as a whole is not mobilized around social cause(s).Demonstrationdemonstration makes the message easier to understand and accept.it facilitates clarifications and discussions among people.it generates sympathetic and favourable environment.it should be based on problems/situation(s) which islare importantand true to real life of the audience.is one in which locally available chea p and best materials are effectivelyand impressively used to reduce the unnecessary ex penses and thisgenerates people's appreciation.

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