Rural Power Structure Agri-based Social Class Declining
Dr Matiur Rahman :
In a rural agrarian economy, the land is the foundation of the power structure. However, in the 21st century, in addition to land, money, education, occupation, involvement in ruling politics are considered influential elements of the rural power structure. It is undeniable that economic power is the main controller of the power structure. The elements of rural power structure have also changed through social change.
Generally, in rural socio-economic systems, the forces or materials that empower the individual are called elements of rural power. Power is a form that can influence the decisions, desires, opinions, and even behaviours of others. The ability to impose one’s own decisions, desires or opinions on others is called power. And the power structure is the process or system of exercising power. That is, the process or structure through which power can be applied is called power structure.
In the sixties, land ownership, religion, public representation, clan status, kinship and caste system, the standard of living, social status and power were especially important in the rural power structure. Besides, values, customs, society, culture etc. played an important role. Rural religious leaders and village doctors also had authority over society.
In the seventies, clan status and kinship relations in the rural power structure, dealership of modern materials such as ownership of irrigation equipment, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, etc. played a very important role in agricultural development. In addition, land ownership, communication with the city, involvement in land surveying, char possession, etc. are considered as elements of the rural power structure.
In the eighties, clan status, the influence of clans, land ownership, involvement with local government, relations with cooperative societies, police and administration, dealership, employment and involvement with political parties were particularly significant as elements of the rural power structure. In addition, highly educated people and their families, businessmen, law enforcement persons, bank officials, employees, brokers, etc. have a special influence on the rural power structure.
Affiliation with the ruling political party and participation in elections are also essential elements of the rural power structure. However, the influence and control of moneylenders, usurers, touts and matabbars prevalent in the East are still very important. NGO workers, people belonging to the fatwa class also influence the rural power structure. Elderly individuals are still considered worthy of respect.
Since the 1980s, the rural power structure has been increasingly influenced by non-agricultural income, cash, education, and involvement with various organizations. The tendency of educated people in rural areas to engage in non-agricultural occupations is increasing. School-college, teaching in the madrasa, job in the bank, a job in different departments of Upazila and business-trade opportunities are also much more unobstructed than before.
Educated professionals are an influential group in the modern rural power structure. The social status, influence and power of religious leaders are well known. The families of the heroic martyrs of the great liberation war and the heroic freedom fighters also have special respect and influence in the rural society. Recently, those who own or know the use of information and communication technology in rural areas have also taken a place in the rural power structure. Even if one can give enough information, humanity is important. Internet users and owners of satellite channels are considered influential. The youth also influence the rural power structure in various ways.
However, researchers have mentioned differentelements of the rural power structure such asland ownership; economic power; leadership in society; dynasty status and leadership; leadership of large clan groups; personal qualities; relations with the state; relations with political parties; representation of union councils; communication with the city; membership of cooperative societies or NGOs; capacity of employingthe rural people; leadership of a special section of the people; control over modern technology; power to create terror and political identity, etc.
These elements are the basis of the power of rural society. However, these elements have enriched and transformed the rural power structure through constant change. Of these, land ownership has almost always been considered a fundamental element. However, in addition to land, money, political identity, powerfuljobs, receiving high remittance from abroad, etc. are being considered more important recently.
As society changes, so do the elements that determine society’s power. There are differences in the elements of today’s power structure with the sixties, seventies and eighties. However, some elements are eternal, such as land ownership, finances, etc. Again, new elements like information and communication technology have been added to the modern power structure which is also affecting the social structure in particular.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).
