On the Foibles of Indian Sociology: Some Suggestions Towards Their Rectification

Abstract

Evolving a clear conception of Indian society is the primary task of Indian sociologists. This can be achieved by avoiding the conflation of polity and society. Several components of Indian society remain excluded or inadequately analysed. These are Adivasis, Dalits, Dravidians, religious minorities, women, etc. The differentiation between sociology and social/cultural anthropology, an extension of the Euro-American practice, inadequate internalisation of professional values by a section of Indian sociologists, the excessive academic significance attributed to a handful of sociologists, the persistence of the traditional guru–shishya relationships, reluctance on the part of some ‘eminent’ sociologists to accept professional responsibilities, reluctance to undertake analysis of new areas of research and employ new techniques of data collection, resistance to accept criticisms of the ‘nation,’ etc., are some of the major foibles which prevent sociology from flourishing in India.