Understanding Social Atom Dynamics: A Comparative Study Of Riverine And Non-Riverine Societies In The Indian Sundarbans

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of social atoms and bonds within human societies, drawing parallels from atomic structures to elucidate the dynamics of social relationships. Through qualitative field inquiries conducted in various villages, the study examines how different communities, particularly riverine and non-riverine societies, manifest affection, consensus, symbiosis, and obligation within their social fabric.

In riverine communities, strong kinship ties rooted in consensual agreements shape various aspects of social life, especially property division and economic cooperation. Symbiotic relationships, crucial in cooperative fishing activities, thrive on reciprocity and trust. In contrast, non-riverine communities exhibit weaker social bonds, with less consensus and affection observed. Agricultural practices form the basis of symbiotic ties, albeit to a lesser extent compared to fishing communities. Obligatory relationships, often hierarchical, are more prevalent in non-riverine societies, particularly in economic transactions and labor relations.

The analysis culminates in the conceptualization of social bond structures for both riverine and non-riverine communities. Riverine communities display denser social structures with strong consensus bonding leading to the formation of additional primary bonds. Conversely, non-riverine communities exhibit simpler social bond structures with fewer primary bonds, indicating relatively weaker social cohesion.

Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the complexities of human social interactions and the formation of social bonds within different societal contexts.