Chapter 4, Social Change Process

8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process

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LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.

GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 24

4.1 Introduction

Nothing is constant in this world. In terms of time, everything is changing. To know the

culture, we must know the past of that society or country. From that, we will be able to

compare their presence & past life. When change in one factor takes place, it influences the

whole society. Social condition is the state of people and other objects related to people of a

society. Social change process is a technique that helps to evaluate community perceptions of

changes, in the local environment, economic, social or institutional patterns and to look at

what is improving or what is deteriorating. It is the method by which modification happens in

the structure and role of the society. Society can be considered as a route, as a chain of

communications between human beings; each person stimulating another person and

responding to the stimuli from the other person.The valuable saying is quite true if we think that time keeps everything including the society

beyond, as it goes on with its own speed and will. However, we human being change

ourselves in response to the elements of time that comes with it. Not only we change to

response with time but also change the entire elements around us. A society or culture cannot

change in a few days. It takes hundreds of years, for the people to get accustomed to a new

idea or concept. The mode of life and social institutions characteristics of what we have or

what we see nowadays are radically different from those of the past.

We the students of IUB had a great opportunity to know the condition real situation of our

villagers by visiting them practically through our unique LFE course. Our assigned para is

SOUTH PARA, Which is situated at Baraipur village in Comilla district.

4.1.1 The Samaj

According to Mr. Manzurul Mannan, every village has one or more than one Samaj. The

institutions of Samaj are old as the village. Samaj is historically evolved institution in the

villages to govern the daily discourse of villages.

Farmers are cultivators who are existentially involved in agriculture, taking autonomous

decisions regarding the process of cultivation, consumption and marketing of their products.

One does not need legal ownership of land to qualify as farmer. There are three categories

of farmers: Rich, Middle, and Poor. Rich farmers are like capitalist farmers who primarily

depend on employed laborers. The rich villagers have their own ponds; paddy fields, trees,

and vegetable gardens. Middle class farmers mainly employ family labor, sometimes hiring

workers during harvest period. Poor peasants mainly work as agricultural labors and/or riots


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and borgadars of rich farmers. Rich peasants help the poor peasants by giving them their

lands to cultivate and the poor peasants (borgadars or adhiars) give some amount (half or one

third) of their earning money or the crops to the land lords which is called Borga Chas.

4.1.2 Social Change

Usually social change refers to significant change in behavior, in modifying means of

livelihood from farming to urban labor, or a change in some larger social system rather than

to minor changes in small group or groups. Thus, social change refers to the changes that are

taking place in the established patterns of social relationships. Here we have tried to gather

information about social changes with time line analysis.

4.5 Methodology

To find out the social changes of our village Baraipur south para, we talk to various people

especially with the elder villagers to collect information about the social changes of the

village.

To collect information the following method are used in our survey-

PRA: By following the Participatory Rural Appraisal we gather information from the

villagers.

Time line analysis: To take information about the change we use time line analysis, we

divide the social change process into 4 time frames and collect information according to the

time frames.

4.2 Objective of the Study

The aim of this LFF is to familiarize the students with rural life and the social changes that

have occurred from time to time in the rural areas of Bangladesh. This will also help the

students to know the changes that affected the people in a various manners.

To learn about the existing state of the rural people;

To find out what changes occurred in their lifestyle from past till the present time;

To find out why and how these changes occurred in the rural community;

To find out positive and negative aspect of these changes;

To find out the inner problems and analyze them with their solutions;


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4.1: Time line Analysis

Time Period

Category

Before

Liberation

1971-1983 1984-1996 1997-On

wards

Major

Findings

Education NIL Increasing

Agriculture

Paddy,

Crops,

Sugarcane

Paddy,

Crops

Paddy,

Crops

Paddy,

Crops

Decreasing

Cultivation

Family Type Extended

Family

Extend

Family

Extended

Family

NuclearFamily

Extended

Family

NuclearFamily

Decreased

extended

family &

increasingNuclear

family

Agriculture

Paddy,

Crops,

Sugarcane

Paddy,

Crops

Paddy,

Crops

Paddy,

Crops

Decreasing

Cultivation

Women

Empowerment

Involvement

in job:

Almost noneInvolvement

in study:

Almost none

Involvement

in job: Very

littleInvolvement

in study.

Involvement

in job: Very

littleInvolvement

in study.

Involvement

in job: Very

littleInvolvement

in study.

Increasing

women

empower-ment

Law & Order

Judiciary

Types of

crime:

Robbery,

Theft,

Murder

Judiciary

Types of

crime:

Robbery,

Theft,

Murder

Judiciary

Types of

crime:

Robbery,

Theft,

Murder

Judiciary

Types of

crime:

Robbery,

Theft,

Murder

Decreasing

crime by

effective

law

Health Sanitation:hanging

Vaccination

: Not Aware

FamilyPlanning:Not aware

DrinkingWater:

Pond

Sanitation:Pit, hanging

Vaccination

: Not Aware

FamilyPlanning:Not aware

DrinkingWater:

Pond

Sanitation:Pit , Ring

Slab

Vaccination

: Aware

FamilyPlanning:

aware

DrinkingWater:

Tubewell

Sanitation:Pit , Ring

Slab

Vaccination

: Very

Aware

FamilyPlanning:

Very Aware

DrinkingWater:

Tubewell

Awarenessincreasing

through

govt. and

NGOs

activities
http://images.google.com.bd/imgres?imgurl=http://family.astrology.com/FamilyFrontPage3.gif&imgrefurl=http://family.astrology.com/&h=391&w=522&sz=64&hl=bn&start=2&tbnid=qHozMoE01RjOZM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=131&prev=/images?q=Family&gbv=2&hl=bn


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Employment

Rate

Increasing

Communication Pop

Post,

Telegraph

Post,

Telegraph

Post,

Telegraph

Post,

Mobile

I

Improving

Profession Farmer Farmer,

Wood cutter,

Farmer,

Wood

Cutter,

Labour

Farmer,

Wood cutter,

Labour,

Driver

Different

professions

have been

adopted

Infra-structure House type:Hut

Road Type:Hilly Road

House type:Hut, Tin Shed

Road Type:Narrow

Walking

Road

House type:Hut, Tin Shed

Road Type:Mud Road

House type:Hut, Tin

Shed, Brick

Building

Road Type:Mud Road

Improving

Trees

Huge

amount of

Trees.

Decreasing

Animals

Huge

amount of

animals

Decreasing

Dowry

High range

of dowry

Decreasing

because of

female

education

Borrowings

Relatives,

Mohajon

Relatives,

Mohajon Relatives

Relatives,

NGOs

Increasing

because of

NGOs loan

activities

Electricity Nil Nil Nil Initial Stage Just arrived

in a few

places

Source: Field Survey, summer 2010
http://images.google.com.bd/imgres?imgurl=http://blairbryant.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/electricity.gif&imgrefurl=http://blairbryant.wordpress.com/2007/04/20/are-there-utilities-in-solution-architecture/&h=500&w=550&sz=31&hl=bn&start=1&tbnid=rESrye1eU8O4EM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=133&prev=/images?q=Electricity&gbv=2&hl=bnhttp://images.google.com.bd/imgres?imgurl=http://www.borrowcashtoday.com/images/money%20in%20hand.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.borrowcashtoday.com/&h=281&w=350&sz=20&hl=bn&start=7&tbnid=51TIlMw98acTWM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=120&prev=/images?q=money+in+hand&gbv=2&hl=bnhttp://images.google.com.bd/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/az-zuwawi/az-zuwawi_the_dowry.jpg&imgrefurl=http://lambiek.net/artists/a/az-zuwawi.htm&h=366&w=370&sz=23&hl=bn&start=1&tbnid=THFpnPeWYXeyDM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=122&prev=/images?q=dowry&gbv=2&hl=bnhttp://images.google.com.bd/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ecuador365.com/jungle/puyo/jungle.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ecuador365.com/puyo1.html&h=375&w=500&sz=70&hl=bn&start=8&tbnid=RsUItDNrJzxbJM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images?q=jungle&gbv=2&hl=bnhttp://images.google.com.bd/imgres?imgurl=http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/5/51869-native-ethiopian-hut-debre-zeit-ethiopia.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/51869.html&h=375&w=500&sz=73&hl=bn&start=5&tbnid=CtC8eiy_zahWvM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images?q=Hut&gbv=2&hl=bn


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4.4.1 Education

Pre Liberation Period: In British and Pakistan period, the condition of education system

was moderate and female students did not use to go to the educational institution.

After LiberationFrom 1971-2000: During 1971-1980, after liberation, the condition of education was poor.

After 1981, the education system was improved.

From 2001 to still now (2010): At this time, the literacy rate had increased day by day and

female student was involved with the education.

Major Findings

Literacy rate has increased.

Parents are more aware about the need of education for their children.

Analysis

Education is the backbone of a nation. In our society, the most powerful institutional agent

of socialization, after the family, is education. According to the villagers view, there was no

school in our village Baraipur at the time of British and Pakistan. In this time period, the

available educational institutions were Pathshala and Moktob where the male and female

children of the village were learned holy Quran. After the liberation war the situation was

changed. Young generations are more educated. In our south para there is a school for

villagers.

Table 4.2: Level of education for Children

Level of

Education

Male Female

No % No %

Primary 2 8 3 12

Secondary(non

SSC)

4 16 6 24

SSC 9 36 10 40

HSC 7 28 4 16

Graduation 3 12 2 8


Effect ofFood for Education

Now a days parents are more conscious to send their children to the school. But from our

survey we see that most of the people of our village are poor and most of them have four or

five children. So, they cannot bear their expenses. This is one kind of reason for not sending


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their children to the school. In this regrettable situation, the government has taken a project

called Food for Education. Under this project, the children will get certain amount of wheat

or monitory incentives if they go to the school. As a result, now most of the children both

male and female start going to school at the age of 6 to 7 years.

Change in Female Education

According to our respondents of South Para not only the male but also females of the para

are serious for being educated. However, older people do not want to send their children to

the school. By doing PRA we talk with an old people name Mr. Abdul Jabbar whose age is

near 70. According to his opinion, after marriage they go to the husbands house, so female

children do not need educated.

4.4.2 Agriculture

Pre Liberation Period: In British and Pakistan Period farmers used to cultivate mainly

Aush paddy, potatoes, vegetables etc. and for agricultural production they had been using

plough as equipment. Cow-dung was only fertilizer at that time.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: At this time, farmers produced new types of paddy such as BR-11, wheat

etc. and for this production purpose they were used Tractor.

From 2001 to still now (2010): Now, farmers are producing corn, potol, arum etc. They use

different types of electrical pump such as power tiller, shallow pump etc. for irrigation

purposes and using fertilizer for fertile land.

Major Findings

Peasants are migrating towards different types of occupations from agriculture. Modern technologies introduced in agricultural sector. Decrease in domestic animals. Changes in crop patterns.

Analysis

Farmers are migrating towards different occupations from agriculture


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Most of the farmers in the village are migrating to

different types of occupation such as traders,

distributors, shopkeepers, van drivers, rickshaw-

pullers, teachers, painters, employees, peons and

many more. These jobs are easier than farming. This

is a risky business because most of the farmers have

taken loan from the Krishi bank or any other

organization but they cannot pay within due time

mainly because of damaged crops during natural disaster.

Modern technologies are introduced in agricultural sector

According to our PRA survey, we knew that before liberation farmers used oxen, plough,

harrow and spade to cultivate their land. Rainwater was the main source of water supply in

the field and used cow-dung as fertilizer. Nevertheless, situation was changed since 1985s

they used various types of pump such as shallow pump, power tiller etc. for irrigation

purposes during dry season. Nowadays to increase production they have to use various high

yielding seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides. For this reason, people who made plough,

harrow and spade, are being poorer day by day.

Decrease in domestic animals

Introducing modern technology means decreasing use

domestic animals. In previous time farmers used cow

for cultivation. From these cows, they got milk and

sell these cows to the market. Not only milk but also

they got cow-dung. But now they have used modern

equipment instead of cow. As a result, they do not get

milk. They purchase cow-dung from the market.

Changes in crop patterns

Households were full of hays, chaffs, straws, husks, and

soot in pre-independence period. There was plenty of

food to eat for the cattle. At that time farmers grew

mainly paddy on their land as their main crop. So

villagers could extract a lot of cattle food from the by-

product of paddy. Now besides paddy, farmers also

Picture 4.1: Cultivate Land

Picture 4.2; Domestic Animal

Picture 4.3: Vegetable in Baraipur


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grow maize, potatoes, and mustard as seasonal crops throughout the year. These crops do not

offer many by-products for extracting cattle food. So domestic animals do not get sufficient

food to eat other than leaves of trees and grasses.

4.4.3 DowryPre Liberation Period: Before liberation, bridegroom used to give dowry to the female as a

pon. However, the amount of dowry was very small such as the worth of clothes, utensils or

some ornaments.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: In 1980s, the situation was drastically changed. At this time, bride used to

give dowry or Joutuk to the bridegroom and they took money as well.

From 2001 to still now (2010): In recent years, the amount of dowry has increased

gradually. Bridegrooms family take not only money but also cash, furniture, or motorcycle.

Major findings

Dowry becomes business.

Dowry system has increased.

Analysis

At present time dowry has become mandatory for the parents of the bride. From the PRA we

knew that, In British and Pakistan period bridegroom gave dowry as a pon to the brides

family.

In pre independence period, the number of women was less than men. As a result, there was

male candidate for a female. They want to give more money from each other. Brides beauty

is one of the major problems. The more beautiful the bride was the higher the demand was.

After liberation bride gave dowry to the bridegroom as a gift or Upohar. Now they do not

take money but they take furniture, TV, freeze, motorcycle. Some of them want job from the

brides family.

Dowry system has increased

In Bangladesh, government has taken many steps to stop the dowry system but it has not

stopped. Now people are more aware about dowry. Awareness can remove it from the

society. Education is one of the major points that can help to reduce the dowry system.

Parents always want their qualified daughter to get married with high-qualified male.

Moreover, to give the best for their daughter they are not hesitate to give huge amount of

dowry to the bridegroom as a gift.


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4.4.4 Economy

Pre Liberation Period: The economic condition was very good and there was no scarcity of

food in any house. Occupation was mainly on agriculture.

After LiberationFrom 1971-2000: The village occupation is still reliant on farming of crops and vegetables

but leasing of land started from Jamidars or members of the village.

From 2001 to still now (2010): Job diversification has increased over the recent years and

villagers have taken trading and small petty business and other professions besides farming.

Major Findings

Job diversity has increased

Analysis

The economic state of South Para is quite impressive and satisfying now. It is similar to many

other villages in Baraipur. Women are now getting themselves involved in many jobs, now,

which is also supporting the family income. At past the economy was generally reliant only

on cultivation. After liberation, most of the villagers were involved in farming or crops

cultivation for their living. Those who did not have their own land had started cultivation in

others land.

4.4.5 Transportation

Pre Liberation Period: According to the villagers, during British period they traveled on

foot, boat and palki to go from one place to another and in Pakistan period cart was

introduced.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: At this time, rickshaw, van and

bicycles were introduced for their transportation

purposes.

From 2001 to still now (2010): In the recent years,

the road has developed and new vehicles like

motorbike, Taxi, Bus, Laguna are introduced.

Major Findings

Transportation- a new source of earning

Modern transportation system- blessing for people

Picture 4.4: Transportation in Barai pur


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Analysis

Before liberation, people of the BARAI PUR village used to travel on foot and sometimes by

boat. Women used to travel by palki, buffalo or cow driven cart. In rainy season they used

boats.

However, from the 1972s, the scenario in transportation system started changing as rickshaw

and van used to come in the village. In recent years, the scenario is very different. Main roads

are made of brick and the villagers use transportation with shallow engines to go from one

place to other. They use rickshaw or van inside the village. In the Highways, all kinds of

vehicles are always available and Jamuna Bridge has becomes blessing for the villagers.

Now villagers earn money being rickshaw pullers, van drivers and contractors. To improve

modern transportation system medical patient can get proper treatment.

4.4.6 Infrastructure

Pre Liberation Period: Before liberation most of the houses at South Para (South Para) was

Kacha Bari and there were no roads. People use Aile besides the houses or bushes to

walk.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: In the middle of this period, few Tin shade houses were built and a Kacha

road as well.

From 2001 to still now (2010): In this period, a brick road was established, and now this

road has developed to a Pacca Road. Now the villagers have electricity and there are some

Semi Pacca houses in our Para.

Major Findings

Electricity-a major factor of changing life

House pattern has been changed.

Pattern of HousesHouse is a place for people to

live in, to have comfort and to live secure. Types of

houses have changed drastically in BARAI PUR

village as time variant. From the survey, we found

that people lived in mud houses in pre-liberation

period. This house is called Kacha Bari. At this time,

their income was very low. But now we see that their

Picture 4.6: Semi pacca house in

Baraipur


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living standard is changed along with the

improving economic condition. Tin Shade house

has increased and a few number of Semi Pacca

houses also found which is made by building wall

with bricks and cements and the roof is made by

tin. The percentage of the house types has been

shown by table 5.5 which information has been

collected through questionnaire survey by the help of the villagers.

Development of the road

Before liberation, there was no Pacca road in our village. Most of the roads in British Period

were made of clay. During that, time people used palki, gorur gari as a transport media.

They usually used these for traveling long distance which is a forgotten past now. Otherwise,

they usually used to walk to go to adjacent place. In recent years, the government developed a

Pacca road named inside the village Baraipur. At the development of the road new vehicles

had came to the village and the economic condition of the village had changed drastically. It

is helping the farmers to take their crops to hat or bazaars faster than ever. As a result, they

are receiving improved price for their products. Villagers can go to the residence of relatives

easily. In our village most of the people involved in service at Comilla town. Because of

develop Dhaka-Comilla highway road they can go their destination place at short time.

Villagers can also go to hospital for getting better treatment at any time of urgency.

Picture 4.7: Road type of Baraipur

Picture 4.5: House of Bamboo bush


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4.4.7 Health

Pre Liberation Period: People were less aware about their health. They drank polluted

ponds water. They were not aware about immunization and family planning. They depended

on Huzur, Kobiraz etc. for treatment. The villagers used bush as a place for toilet. This was inopen space with the lid, covered with tree fence.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: Increased health awareness. At this time, they used pit latrine and hanging

latrine. Villagers had gone to the village doctor.

From 2001 to still now (2010): NGOs and GOs are developed to help the villagers with

advising them with necessary information about health and sanitation. EPI program have

strongly help the villagers for eliminating diseases through vaccination.

Major Findings

Health care facility has increased. Sanitation system has improved. Increasing awareness of family planning. Decreasing the rate of child death. Decreasing food quality.

Analysis

Increasing awareness of family planning

Small Family is the principal foundation of the family planning. The reason for practicing

family planning was mainly to decrease the population. At the early period people in the

lower class and in the village were unaware about the benefits of family planning. Lack of

education was the greatest problem behind not following family planning. In our survey at

South Para, we have found most of the families have 2 or 3 children. The villagers

thought that The more the children the more the income. They are taking different

preventive measures like condoms, birth control pills during intercourse on a regular basis.

This has been possible because of different family planning programs carried out by several

NGOs and government organizations. NGO health workers come to the village once each

month. The government health complex at free cost provides pills, condoms, and their

workers give injections. Education, friends, radio, relatives,

TV, posters, billboards are also plays an important role in this regard. Now they believe that


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Two children are enough whether it is boy or girl.

A few numbers of families do not use family planning because they want more children. The

other causes are health reasons, husbands objection, lack of knowledge and religious

reasons.

Sanitation system has an improved

Sanitation system is an important matter for a village. Before liberation, the condition of

sanitation was miserable. People would go to the forest, cannel or open field for defecation.

After liberation, they used hanging latrine and pit latrine beside the cannel for defecation. At

that time, they did not have financial ability to build their toilet. Some NGOs helps the

villagers to build hygienic latrines with cheaper price, so most of the villagers started using

latrines as they found it convenient. It is also more hygienic then the other latrine. Now in

every house in the village there is one or more latrine.

Ring Slab Ring slab

Picture 4.8; Sanitation System in Baraipur

Health care facility and sources of water has

increased

In pre liberation period there was a trend of going to

Priest, Oza, Huzur, Fakir etc for treatment. Villagers

thought that they had a supernatural power by which

they can cure any disease. Awareness of education has

changed the condition of the society and beliefs. At present many diseases such as viral flu,

jaundice, diarrhea, food poisoning, chicken pox etc. attack villagers life. As a result, they go

to high-qualified doctor or dispensary. Pregnant women are going to the Comilla Sadar

Hospital or Private Clinic in Comilla town.

Picture 4.9: Tube-Well


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Vaccination

Disease prevention is the key to public health. It is much better to prevent a disease before it

attack than to treat it. Vaccination helps to prevent

infectious diseases and save lives. Vaccines can control

many infectious diseases that were once common in this

country, including polio, measles, diphtheria, whooping

cough and tetanus.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends

guidelines for Expended Program on Immunization (EPI).

For primary prevention a BCG vaccination against tuberculosis; three doses of DPT vaccine

for the prevention of diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus; three doses of polio vaccine;

And a vaccination against measles are mandatory for every child in our country.

4.4.8 Women Status

Pre Liberation Period: Job involvement and literacy rate was very low.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: Literacy rate has increased progressively.

From 2001 to still now (2010): There was an unprecedented changed in the education sector

in 1990s. They are now very serious about their possession. Job involvement has increased

drastically day by day.

Major Findings

Job involvement has increased. Increasing literacy rate.

Analysis

Women rights is one of the great revolutions in present world. They want to establish

themselves to the society adjacent with men. From our PRA survey we found that not only

the town but also the in villages women are involving in various types of works. They have

achieved the right to cast vote, visiting relatives outside the village. However, most of the

people do not want to send their wives to the market for shopping. Female do not go to their

relatives house outside the village for watching TV, VCR or Movie. They think that it brings

bad impact for their family and the children. According to the villagers answer we have tried

to make a pictorial of the effectiveness of female rights at the following table:

Picture 4.10: Vaccination Card


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Table 4.3: Women Rights

Issues

Response

Yes No

No % No %

Casting Vote 25 100 0 0Shopping in the Market Place 2 8 23 92

Visiting Relatives Outside the Village 20 80 5 20

Watching TV at the neighbors House 17 68 8 32

Watching VCR/ Movie 12 48 13 52


They are now working in NGOs and also are working in some self dependent projects by

getting loans. There are some families were the women have the freedom to take job

decision. They are going to the city for working in the garment factories, or other physical

works like house hold works, breaking brick, construction works etc. So, they are earning

money for their family. They are taking loan from BRAC Bank, ASA, Krishi Bank etc. for

home business.

Increasing literacy rate

In the recent years, women are more educated. In pre liberation period, they were treated just

as female servant and they had no voice in family decision-making. Now increasing the rate

of education among female member lead them to contribute in taking family decision.

Involvement in education also increased the rate of job involvement for the women.

4.4.9 Environment

Pre Liberation Period: At that period, the village was mostly a jungle. So, there were more

trees at South Para in Baraipur village. There was Bamboo, Palm, Shimul, Shupari, Botgaach,

Boroy gaach, Mango, Coconut etc trees. Some wild animal like snake, wildcat etc were found

in the village.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: At this age, there were trees like Bamboo, Jackfruit, Mango, Neem and

Banana etc. Fox, Snakes, Dog, etc are the common animals.

From 2001 to still now (2010): In recent time, wild animals are diminishing. Only fox, dog,

snake etc remained available. Bamboo, Coconut, Mango, Jackfruit, Olive, Kodom, Banyan,

Shimul, Guava, Mahogany, Blackberry, Eucalyptus, Belgium trees are available now.

Major Findings

Consequence of planting Eucalyptus Tree Deforestation


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Decrease of wild animalsAnalysis

According to the villagers, there were more trees and wild animals in our Para in Baraipur

village. Number of trees and wild animal has no more available because of deforestation,

population growth, decreasing of land.

Consequence of Eucalyptus Tree

The number of Eucalyptus tree in the village is more.

Villagers planted these because it grows very fast and

they sale it. However, they do not know about the

long-term effect of this tree. It can draw the water from

the earth. So, the lands become futile. After ten to

fifteen years, there will be no water under the earth.

Therefore, maximum number of trees will be

destroyed. This is a toxic tree. The seeds of this tree are

very harmful for the animals and birds. As a result, number of birds in our village is also

decreasing.

Deforestation

Population is increasing in an alarming rate. They need more land to live. Therefore, they are

cutting down trees and forests. Many birds and wild animal are decreasing day by day. For

making luxurious furniture, villagers are cutting down trees. In recent years, NGOs are taking

several steps against deforestation. Tree plantation is done on large programs. Under this

program every year, RDA provides several trees to the villagers to plant beside their houses.

Decrease of wild animals

Because of increased population, the need for living place has increased. People are building

houses by cutting trees and destroying forests thus deforestation take place. For these reason

there are less place available for animals to live and they face lack of food, which became the

cause of decreasing animal diversity in our village.

Picture 4.11: Trees in Baraipur


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Figure 4.1: A correlation chart of wildlife with its influencing factors

4.4.11 Marriage

Pre Liberation Period: Childhood marriage was very high.

After Liberation

From 1971-2000: Childhood marriages was reduced and inter Gushti marriage took place.

From 2001 to still now (2010): Childhood marriage is decreasing gradually.

Major Findings

Child marriage is decreasing

Practice of polygamy

Analysis

In British and Pakistan period, the rate of child marriage was very high. From the villagers

point of view, they make their daughter to get married at the age of 12-15 years. There are

several reasons, as one of those was; to leave the responsibility both the financial and social

by brides parents and guardians as early as possible. Another reason was, if the bride did not

get married within teen age, she used to be considered as neglected women in the society and

then her marriage will cause a lot of hassle for the parents. Nevertheless, the situation is

changing gradually. They know about the effect of the early marriage. According to the

villagers, the marriage range for female and male should be 18-20 years and above 20 years

respectively. However, some families give their daughters marriage early because of

poverty.

Deforestation

Decrease of wild

animals

Number of wild

animals

Lack of Food Decrease of Land

Population Growth


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Table 4.4 Suggested minimum levels of age and education at the time of marriage

Sex

Minimum Age Minimum Education

Below18

18-20 20+ Class 5 Class10 SSC HSC

No % No % No % No % NO % No % No %

Male 15 0% 10 0% 15 60% 6 24%

Female 4 6% 19 6% 2 8% 2 8% 2 8% 16 64% 5 20%

Source: Field Survey, Summer 2010

Child marriage is decreasing

At present time, early marriage is decreasing. People are now becoming more conscious

about not to give their daughter child marriage. It affects the health of women especially

when they become pregnant as soon as they got married. Moreover, the children they will

give birth can born dead.

Practice of polygamy

Though the practice of polygamy has much more restrained now but numbers of male

member of the village are still practicing polygamy. The main reasons behind this system are

the amount of as dowry taken from the brides side, incapability of wife to give birth of child,

illness of one wife, the desire of having male child etc.

4.4.12 Organization

NGOs strives to assist communities, particularly poor groups to become self-sufficient.

NGOs aims to empower individuals and encourage them to participate in integrated

sustainable community development. They are helping the villagers through providing better

knowledge about health. Therefore, people were not very aware of health and fitness.People are now aware of family planning. They have realized keeping a small family creates

happy and comfortable ways of living. They are adopting modern techniques of family

planning like: females take oral-pills on a regular basis. This has been possible because of the

contribution of different family planning programs carried out by several NGOs and

government organizations. Education also plays an important role in this regard.


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Figure 4.2: Classification of Social organization

Picture 4.12: NGO Office

4.5 Positive & Negative Changes

Through questionnaire survey, we have collected villagers perception about the changes thattook place since 1971. We have come across number of positive and negative changes about

South Para.

Organization

Government

Organization

Non-Governmant

Organization

Organization:

RDA, Gov. Health Care Center, UP etc.

Activities1. Educational Program

2. Credits on agriculture

3. Tree plantation4. Law against dowry and childmarriage.

Organization:BRAC, ASA, TMSS, Grameen Bank

Activities

1. Educational Program2. Micro credit system

3. Health program


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Table 4.5 Positive and Negative social changes occur after liberation

Positive Change Response Negative Change Response

No. % No. %

Better

communicationSystem

17 68 Dowry system 23 92

Electricity 13 52 Extinction of wild

animals6 24

Increased awareness

for education

23 92 Deforestation 18 72

Tube well 11 44 Various types of

diseases9 36

Use of modern

equipments in

agricultural

production

15 60 Increased price of

goods18 72

Medical Facility 13 52 Crime 3 12

Decreasing child

marriage

7 28 Increasing divorce

rate13 52

Better Transportation

System

6 24

Role of NGOs 3 12Source: Field Survey, Summer 2010

4.6 Gender Division of Labor

Eve is made for Adam the saying reflects that men and women are made to support one

another to fulfill the mutual needs of one another. Development objectives for Bangladesh,

such as accelerated economic growth, poverty alleviation and employment creation cannot be

achieved without contribution and participation of women as well as men.

Gender division of labor indicates the separate contribution of male and female in the society,

how important is their appearance in different activities, how they play a vital role in

changing the society.


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Table 4.6 Gender division of labor in summer and winter season

Time

Duration

(In Hours)

Summer Time

Duration

(In Hours)

Winter

Male Female Male Female

.5-1.5 Wake Up,

Go

to the field,

Breakfast

Wake up,

Sweeping

Yard,

Feeding

cattles

breakfast

.5-1 Wake Up,

Go

to the field,

Breakfast

Wake up,

Sweeping

Yard,

Feeding

cattles

breakfast

4-5 Continue

work in the

field

Threshing

Husking

Paddy

4-5 Continue

work in the

field

Threshing

Husking

Paddy

2-3 Returnhome,

Fresh up,

Having

launch

Preparinglaunch,

Taking

bath, Having

launch

2-2.5 Returnhome,

Fresh up,

Having

Launch

Preparinglaunch,

Taking

bath, Having

launch

2-3 Go to the

field.

Gossiping,

Sewing

.5-1 Go to the

field.

Gossiping,

Sewing

3-4 Gossiping,

Having

dinner,

Preparing

dinner, watch

TV, Having

dinner

2-3 Gossiping,

Having

dinner,

Preparing

dinner, watch

TV, Having

dinner

6-7 Sleeping Sleeping 7-8 Sleeping Sleeping


Table 4.7 Gender division of labor in harvesting and non-harvesting period

Time

Duration

(In Hours)

Harvesting Time

Duration

(In Hours)

Non-

Harvesting

Male Female Male Female

.5-1.5 Wake Up, Go

to the field,

Breakfast

Wake up,

Sweeping

Yard,

FeedingCattle

Breakfast

.5-1 Wake Up, Go

to the field,

Breakfast

Wake up,

Sweeping

Yard,

4-5 Continue of

work in the

field.

Mowing,

Working in

the

field

4-5 Doing other

work of home

FeedingCattle

Breakfast

2-3 Taking lunch

in the field

Preparing

launch,

Taking Bath,

Having

launch

2-2.5 Go to the

Haat for the

other

business

Preparing

launch, to

look after the

children


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2-3 Continue of

work

Bringingcattles

.5-1 Return to

home,

Leisure,

Having

Launch

Having

launch

3-4 Chatting,Having

dinner,

Preparingdinner,

Having

dinner

2-3 ChattingSleeping

Sewing,Taking

domestic

animal

6-7 Sleeping Sleeping 7-8 Sleeping Sleeping


4.7 Conclusion

A country where the 80% population lives in the rural areas would not be able to develop

itself until and unless the rural areas are uplifted. Development planners acknowledged that

the recruitment and mobilization of the poor and backward masses is a pre- condition for the

overall growth of the country.

However, nothing is static in this world, Things change in course of time. Therefore, time is a

very important aspect. It has a great impact for changing our life style as well as our society.

The society of South Para of Baraipur villager is also changing according to time and

changes of other elements of the society. The villagers life style and work also changes

according to season and their status. Education is in the root of all developing activities. The

literacy in the village seemed to have developed for the past decade mainly during the past 10

years. However, the change in the society has not come very much robustly. The technology

is the aspect where the farmers need more guideline. They do not get enough government

support in case of agriculture. As their main occupation is still farming and specifically their

earning relies on producing the countrys staple food: rice, therefore, it would be a great

benefit for them if they were supported in their main profession

Social change is not a new phenomenon. At past, the changing process was very slow. Now

the process is quite appreciating in our Para and we think that it will bring some revolutionary

changes.

Documents

Chapter 4, Social Change Process