Unit 1: English Summary – Social Problems and Issues of Development in India

Introduction

Indian society is a complex social structure, influenced by history, culture, and socio-economic disparities. Various social problems hinder the process of development, ranging from corruption and structural issues to deviant behavior such as crime and juvenile delinquency. This study aims to familiarize students with these issues by exploring the concept of deviance, crime, and white-collar crime while analyzing their impact on the development of Indian society.

Deviance: Concept & Meaning

Definition of Deviance

Deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms, whether formally established laws or informal expectations. It is a relative concept, meaning that what is considered deviant varies across cultures, societies, and time periods. In simpler terms, deviance is any action, belief, or characteristic that goes against societal norms and expectations.

Types of Deviance

Sociologists classify deviance into two broad categories:

1.        Primary Deviance: This involves minor infractions that do not have long-term effects on a person’s self-identity or status in society. Example: A student cheating on an exam.

2.      Secondary Deviance: This occurs when a person repeatedly engages in deviant behavior, leading to the development of a deviant identity. Example: A habitual criminal who identifies as a thief.

Theories of Deviance

Several sociological theories explain why deviance occurs:

1. Strain Theory (Robert Merton)

·       Suggests that people engage in deviance when societal goals are not achievable through legitimate means.

·       Example: A poor youth may resort to theft due to the inability to afford basic needs.

2. Labeling Theory (Howard Becker)

·       Argues that deviance is not inherent in an act but is a result of societal labels.

·       Example: A juvenile offender labeled as a “criminal” may adopt this identity permanently.

3. Differential Association Theory (Edwin Sutherland)

·       States that people learn deviant behavior from those they associate with.

·       Example: A teenager from a criminal background may be more likely to engage in criminal activities.

4. Social Control Theory (Travis Hirschi)

·       Suggests that strong social bonds (family, school, community) prevent people from engaging in deviant behavior.

·       Example: A student with strong family values is less likely to engage in substance abuse.

Implications of Deviance in Indian Society

·       Weakens Social Institutions: Deviant behaviors such as corruption and tax evasion weaken institutions like law enforcement and governance.

·       Promotes Social Inequality: Discriminatory practices like caste-based exclusion are deviant but remain institutionalized.

·       Affects Economic Development: Crimes like fraud and bribery disrupt economic progress and discourage foreign investment.

Crime: Meaning & Definition

Crime is a specific form of deviance that violates formally enacted laws and is punishable by legal sanctions. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines crimes and their punishments. Unlike deviance, which may not always be legally punishable, crimes are universally condemned.

Types of Crime

1.        Personal Crimes – Crimes that cause harm to individuals (e.g., murder, assault, rape).

2.      Property Crimes – Crimes that involve the destruction or theft of property (e.g., burglary, arson).

3.      Cybercrime – Offenses committed using technology (e.g., hacking, identity theft).

4.      Organized Crime – Crimes carried out by structured groups (e.g., drug trafficking, human trafficking).

5.      State Crimes – Crimes committed by government officials (e.g., custodial torture, election fraud).

Causes of Crime in India

·       Poverty and Unemployment: Economic distress often pushes individuals into illegal activities.

·       Social Inequality: The gap between the rich and poor creates resentment and leads to criminal activities.

·       Corruption: A weak justice system allows criminals to escape punishment, encouraging more crimes.

·       Urbanization: Migration to cities without proper employment opportunities leads to an increase in crimes such as theft and robbery.

·       Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Substance abuse often results in violent crimes and anti-social behavior.

Impact of Crime on Society

·       Threat to Public Safety: High crime rates create a sense of fear and insecurity.

·       Economic Loss: Crimes like fraud and cyber theft cause financial damage.

·       Erosion of Social Trust: Rising crime reduces trust in law enforcement and government institutions.

Juvenile Delinquency

Meaning & Definition

Juvenile delinquency refers to criminal acts committed by individuals under the legal age of adulthood. In India, juveniles are individuals below the age of 18, as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Types of Juvenile Delinquency

1.        Minor Delinquency: Petty offenses like pickpocketing and vandalism.

2.      Serious Delinquency: Crimes such as robbery, drug-related offenses.

3.      Violent Delinquency: Assault, sexual offenses, and murder.

Causes of Juvenile Delinquency

·       Broken Families: Family instability leads to emotional distress in children.

·       Peer Pressure: Negative influences from friends often push juveniles into crime.

·       Lack of Education: Dropouts or students with low literacy levels are more prone to delinquent behavior.

·       Media Influence: Exposure to violent or criminal content in media impacts young minds.

Prevention and Rehabilitation

·       Educational Programs: Providing quality education and vocational training to juveniles.

·       Parental Guidance: Strengthening family bonds to ensure emotional security.

·       Rehabilitation Centers: Counseling and therapy to reintegrate juveniles into society.

Juvenile Crime Trends in India

·       The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports a rise in juvenile crimes, especially in metro cities.

·       Cybercrimes among juveniles are also increasing due to easy access to digital platforms.

·       The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, allows for severe crimes (like rape and murder) to be tried in adult courts.

White-Collar Crime

Definition & Characteristics

White-collar crime refers to financially motivated, non-violent crimes committed by individuals in professional or business settings. These crimes are different from street crimes as they are committed by people in positions of trust.

Types of White-Collar Crime

1.        Corporate Fraud: Manipulating financial statements, insider trading.

2.      Tax Evasion: Avoiding paying due taxes through illegal means.

3.      Bribery and Corruption: Government and corporate officials accepting bribes.

4.      Embezzlement: Misappropriating company funds.

5.      Cyber Fraud: Online financial scams.

Impact of White-Collar Crime

·       Economic Loss: Loss of public funds and investment due to fraud.

·       Political Instability: Corruption weakens governance.

·       Public Distrust: Loss of faith in corporations and government.

Major White-Collar Crimes in India

·       Satyam Scandal (2009): Corporate fraud involving ₹7,000 crores.

·       PNB Scam (2018): Nirav Modi’s bank fraud exceeding ₹11,000 crores.

·       Coal Allocation Scam (2012): Misallocation of coal blocks leading to huge financial loss.

Preventing White-Collar Crime

·       Stronger Laws: Implementation of stricter financial regulations.

·       Transparency Measures: Encouraging whistleblowing and audits.

·       Judicial Reforms: Faster trials and severe punishments.

Conclusion

The presence of deviance, crime, and white-collar offenses significantly hampers India’s development. Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern, and corruption weakens governance. Addressing these social problems requires legal reforms, economic upliftment, and social awareness. Education and rehabilitation can help reduce deviant behavior and strengthen the foundation of an equitable and just society.

By understanding the complex relationship between social problems and development, students of sociology can contribute to better policies and solutions for India’s future.