Question

Which of the following are major features of rural settlements?

• A. Few facilities of transportation and communication
• B. Availability of open spaces around houses
• C. Traditional house plans
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

The ten essential characteristics of the rural community are as follows: a. Size of the Community b. Density of Population c. Agriculture is the Main Occupation d. Close Contact with Nature e. Homogeneity of Population f. Social Stratification g. Social Interaction h. Social Mobility i. Social Solidarity j. Joint Family.

a. Size of the Community:

The village communities are smaller in area than the urban communities. As the village communities are small, the population is also low.

b. Density of Population:

As the density of population is low, the people have intimate relationships and face-to-face contacts with each other. In a village, everyone knows everyone.

c. Agriculture is the Main Occupation:

Agriculture is the fundamental occupa­tion of the rural people and forms the basis of rural economy. A farmer has to perform various agricultural activities for which he needs the cooperation of other members. Usually, these members are from his family. Thus, the mem­bers of the entire family share agricultural activities. That is the reason why Lowry Nelson has mentioned that farming is a family enterprise.

d. Close Contact with Nature:

The rural people are in close contact with nature as most of their daily activities revolve around the natural environment. This is the reason why a ruralite is more influenced by nature than an urbanite. The villagers consider land as their real mother as they depend on it for their food, clothing and shelter.

e. Homogeneity of Population:

The village communities are homogenous in nature. Most of their inhabitants are connected with agriculture and its allied occupations, though there are people belonging to different castes, religions and classes.

f. Social Stratification:

In rural society, social stratification is a traditional characteristic, based on caste. The rural society is divided into various strata on the basis of caste.

g. Social Interaction:

The frequency of social interaction in rural areas is com­paratively lower than in urban areas. However, the interaction level possesses more stability and continuity. The relationships and interactions in the prima­ry groups are intimate. The family fulfills the needs of the members and exer­cises control over them.

It is the family, which introduces the members to the customs, traditions and culture of the society. Due to limited contacts, they do not develop individuality and their viewpoint towards the outside world is very narrow, which makes them oppose any kind of violent change.

h. Social Mobility:

In rural areas, mobility is rigid as all the occupations are based on caste. Shifting from one occupation to another is difficult as caste is determined by birth. Thus, caste hierarchy determines the social status of the rural people.

i. Social Solidarity:

The degree of social solidarity is greater in villages as com­pared to urban areas. Common experience, purposes, customs and traditions form the basis of unity in the villages.

j. Joint Family:

Another characteristic feature of the rural society is the joint family system. The family controls the behaviour of the individuals. Generally, the father is the head of the family and is also responsible for maintaining the discipline among members. He manages the affairs of the family.