Who among the following scholars has considered Jajmani system as 'a good economy' from the functional point of view?

The correct answer is - W. H. Wiser

Key Points

• W. H. Wiser
  • W. H. Wiser was a prominent sociologist and anthropologist who conducted extensive studies on rural India.
  • He is known for his work on the Jajmani system, which he analyzed from a functionalist perspective.
  • Wiser considered the Jajmani system as a "good economy" because it provided a stable and interdependent relationship among different castes and occupations in rural India.

Additional Information

• Jajmani System
  • The Jajmani system was a traditional socio-economic system prevalent in rural India, characterized by reciprocal relationships between different castes and occupational groups.
  • Each caste or occupational group provided specific services or goods to other groups, creating an interdependent network.
  • The system ensured economic stability and social cohesion within villages but also reinforced the hierarchical caste system.
• Functionalist Perspective
  • Functionalism is a theoretical perspective in sociology that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order.
  • Functionalist theorists analyze social institutions and structures based on their functions and contributions to the overall stability of society.
  • Wiser's analysis of the Jajmani system from a functionalist viewpoint highlights its role in maintaining economic and social stability in rural communities.