In cities, the family continues to play a predominant role in the shaping of an individual’s personality. However, industrialization, paucity of income and space have contributed to the prevalence of nuclear family. This is very different from what is encountered in villages. Hence, families tend to focus upon themselves. This results in an increased accent on individualism as opposed to collectivism common in villages. The function of socialization that a family carries out is complemented by other secondary institutions such as the classroom, playground, peer group and the media. Unlike in rural surrounding, the individual derives her / his social status partly from her / his family but more importantly from her / his personal achievements. Parents and elders still largely arrange marriages in cities. However, the consent of the girl and the boy is sought. Marriages outside caste and religion are also on rise. Thus, we see that individual choice is becoming increasingly important. However, owing to the absence of the strong family support on both sides, individual disagreements are more likely to lead to separation and divorce as opposed to the rural setting where the family network provides a readily available conflict resolution mechanism.

2. Neighbourhood: Neighbourhood in villages comprises people normally belonging to the same kin group or caste. Hence, relationships that exist are intimate and informal. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, the bonds are strong.

In contrast, relationships between neighbours in the urban environment are characterized formally. They are marked by intermittent interactions and hence are far weaker than what is seen in the rural environment. In big cities, the ties of neighbourhood are almost relegated to the backseat. There is hardly any interaction between neighbours.

Thus, the village neighbourhood is an enthusiastic participant in many daily activities of a family. It thereby fulfils its role as a medium of social control. It ensures uniformity and conformity and corrects deviant behaviour. In cities, while not controlling individual behaviour as closely, individual actions that affect community at times are monitored by the neighbours.

3. Public opinion: Public opinion is commonly used to describe the aggregate views that individuals hold regarding matters that affect the interests of a particular community.

Newspapers, radio, television, motion pictures, legislations, pamphlets, etc. mould public opinion.

Remote village communities, which do not have access to television and newspapers, rely on “gossip” for information about the happenings around them and to express their opinion on various subjects. However, radio and televisions have increasingly become an important source to obtain news about events in distant places. There are group readings of newspapers too. In India, the introduction of adult franchise, Panchayati Raj institutions and planned development processes, albeit their lacunae, have contributed towards bringing villages in the mainstream of Indian economy and polity.

In cities, the print and visual media play a dominant role in the shaping of public opinion.

Reference

Giddens, Anthony. 2010. Sociology. New York: Polity.