Topics
Introduction to Indian Society
- Study of Indian Society: Sociological Connections with History and Anthropology
- Study of Indian Society
- Religious Beliefs and Practices in Ancient India
- Religion in Ancient Indian Civilizations
- Jainism and Buddhism in Ancient India
- Religious Beliefs and Practices in Medieval India
- Status of Women in Indian Society
- Nature of Education in Ancient and Medieval India
- Social Life in Ancient and Medieval India
- Urbanisation in Ancient India
- Concept of Sociological Imagination
- Colonial Period in India
- Effects of Colonialisation in India
- Factors Affecting Post-Independence India
- Overview of Introduction to Indian Society
Segments of Indian Society
- Introduction to Segments of Indian Society
- The Tribal Community in India
- Exploitation and Problems of the Indian Tribal Community
- Tribal Development in India
- The Rural Community in India
- Rural Development in India (Sociological Perspective)
- The Urban Community in India
- Urban Development in India
- Overview of Segments of Indian Society
Diversity and Unity in Indian Society
- Introduction of Diversity and Unity in Indian Society
- Diversity in Indian Society
- Unity in Diversity
- Challenges to National Unity
- Factors that Are Responsible for Economic Inequality in Society
- Overview of Diversity and Unity in Indian Society
Processes of Social Change in India
- Industrialisation
- Urbanisation in India
- Modernisation
- Digitalisation
- Factors Responsible for Social Change
- Overview of Processes of Social Change in India
Social Movements in India
- Meaning and Nature of Social Movement
- Types of Social Movements
- Causes of Social Movements
- Social Movements and Social Change
- Womens’ Movement in India
- Workers’ Movements
- Farmer's Movements
- Environmental Movement in India
- Overview of Social Movements in India
Social Problems in India
- Social Problem
- Ageing
- The Problems of Ageing
- Measures to Tackle the Problems of Ageing
- Concept of Unemployment
- Causes of Unemployment
- General Measures to Reduce Unemployment
- Farmers’ Suicide
- Causes of Farmers’ Suicide
- Consequences of Farmers’ Suicides
- Measures to Tackle the Problem of Farmer Suicides
- Domestic Violence
- Causes of Domestic Violence
- Consequences of Domestic Violence
- Measures to Deal with Domestic Violence
- Addiction (Substance, Internet, Mobile)
- Types of Addiction
- Causes of Addiction
- Consequences of Addiction
- Measures to Tackle Addiction Problems
- Overview of Social Problems in India
Passages
- Passages
- Overview: Urban Community
- Definition: Urban Area (As per Census 2011)
- Urban Area vs. Urban Community
- Characteristics of Urban Communities
- Major Urban Problems in India
- Key Takeaways
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Overview : Urban Community
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The urban community includes cities, towns, and metros where people live close together and mostly work in non-agricultural activities.
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Urban communities developed mainly due to industrialization and economic opportunities.
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They have higher population density, diverse people, and advanced infrastructure.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Definition : Urban Area (As per Census 2011)
An area is called urban if:
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Population ≥ 5,000
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At least 75% of male workers are in non-agricultural work
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Population density ≥ 400 persons per sq. km.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Urban Area vs. Urban Community
| Basis of Comparison | Urban Area | Urban Community |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A geographical region with high population density and developed infrastructure. | A group of people living and interacting socially within an urban area, forming a society or lifestyle. |
| Focus | Emphasizes physical space– roads, buildings, transport, and markets. | Emphasizes people and social life– behavior, culture, and relationships. |
| Main Elements | Population, land use, economy, and structures. | Social institutions, lifestyles, and community interactions. |
| Nature | Tangible (can be seen or mapped). | Intangible(social and cultural patterns). |
| Study Aspect | Studied under Geography or Urban Planning. | Studied under sociology or social studies. |
| Concerned With | Urban growth, infrastructure, urban design, and land use. | Social relations, diversity, mobility, and urban culture. |
| Key Term | “Where people live.” | “How people live.” |
In summary:
An urban area is the place, while an urban community is the people and their social interactions within that place.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Characteristics of Urban Communities
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Diversity (Heterogeneity) | People from different religions, castes, and regions live together. |
| High Population Density | Many people live in a compact area, leading to congestion. |
| Non-agricultural Occupations | Work in offices, services, trade, or industries. |
| Social Mobility | People rise by education or work, not by birth. |
| Secondary Relations | Interactions are formal and impersonal. |
| Market-based Economy | Profit, trade, and services dominate activities. |
| Infrastructure Development | Roads, water, electricity, and internet. |
| Nuclear Families | Smaller families due to mobility and independence. |
| Class Consciousness | Awareness of social class and modern lifestyle. |
| Formal Social Control | Behavior governed by law, police, court, and education. |
| Complex Division of Labour | Specialized jobs requiring training. |
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Major Urban Problems in India
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Urban Sprawl | Unplanned expansion swallowing farmland and villages. |
| Overcrowding | Too many people living in too small an area. |
| Housing & Slums | Poor shelter for migrants. |
| Unemployment | Lack of jobs, especially for youth. |
| Beggary | Poverty and lack of skills leading to begging. |
| Traffic Congestion | Overflowing roads, slow commutes. |
| Water Shortage | Limited clean water supply. |
| Sewerage Problems | Poor waste treatment pollutes rivers and groundwater. |
| Garbage Disposal | Inadequate landfills leading to health hazards. |
| Urban Crime | Theft, violence, and cybercrime are rising with inequality. |
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Takeaways
- An urban community is a group of people living in cities/towns, working in non-farming jobs, and sharing a modern lifestyle.
- Census Criteria: Population ≥ 5,000; ≥ 75% male workers in non-agriculture; density ≥ 400 persons/km².
- Urban Area vs. Urban Community: Urban Area = physical space (buildings, transport); Urban Community = people and their social life.
- Main Features: Diversity, high density, specialized jobs, social mobility, formal relations, market economy, modern infrastructure, nuclear families, and class awareness.
- Major Problems: Overcrowding, unemployment, slums, traffic, pollution, water shortage, waste issues, rising crime.
- Rural-Urban Link: Villages provide raw materials; cities offer jobs, services, and markets.
- Urbanization brings both opportunities and challenges, requiring sustainable city planning for balanced growth
