8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
1/22
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
2/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 25
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;
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
3/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 26
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=bn8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
4/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 27
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=bn8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
5/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 28
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
Source: Field Survey, summer 2010
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
6/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 29
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
7/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 30
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
8/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 31
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.
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
9/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 32
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
10/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 33
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
11/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 34
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
12/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 35
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
13/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 36
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
14/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 37
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
15/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 38
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
Source: Field Survey, summer 2010
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
16/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 39
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
17/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 40
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
18/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 41
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.
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
19/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 42
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
20/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 43
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.
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
21/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 44
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
Source: Field Survey, summer 2010
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
8/8/2019 Chapter 4, Social Change Process
22/22
LIVE-IN-FIELD EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2010 BARD, COMILLA.
GROUP 6 Social Change Process Page 45
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
Source: Field Survey, summer 2010
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.