Social change in a north indian village

Administration has generally been defined as "getting things done". While the definition is simple, the process involved in getting anything done is quite complex. There are many factors that have to be understood and taken into consideration before something can be achieved. The administrative machinery operates in a social setting which consists of the social institu tions and cultural patterns. An understanding of these is neces sary for an administrator to be effective. Administration also involves relations with the public. A proper rapport can be established only when there is an understanding of the structure and the social processes taking place in society. Most societies are dynamic-in other words some change is occurring in them. In some of them the change may be sui generis. In others, particularly the developing countries there is a conscious and deliberate effort to bring about change. The administration is generally the agent of change. It has the role of a catalyst as well. But to be an effective agent of change the administrator must understand the phenomenon of change, i.e., factors that accelerate or retard change, type of persons more prone to change, etc. Achievement of development by the administration is facilitated when it has the knowledge of the social environ ment in which it operates.

Dr. Barnabas's thesis provides an insight into the various aspects of the processes of social change. It also describes the structure of the rural society. The publication, thus, provides to the administrator an understanding of the socio-cultural milieu in which he functions. This understanding should help him in a more efficient performance of his task.