Social Analysis is the scientific observation of the economic, social, political, cultural, and religious situation or aspects of a society at any given period and context. This method is the logical and empirical observation whether international, national, or local, through the exploration of historical and structural relationships with a focus on the systems which are the roots of any social implications which are influencing positively or negatively the status of the quality of life of the people. The social analysis forms the base for understanding the process and procedure for any development planning for the human society at any given time or period. A good social analysis provides accurately the level of understanding and clarity of the status and quality of the human life in a society. This in turn provides the realistic and workable planning that contributes immensely to the development and particularly to the goal of inclusive, equitable and a balanced development goal of a village, Gram Panchayat or a nation. Besides, social analysis is important to any social planner or implementer, as the social situation is continuously changing and it brings emerging challenges over a period of time. The social analysis is a very important tool for the community leaders, social scientists and planners to understand and bring in appropriate solutions to the ever changing and complex social and political realistic situations with multi-sectoral and multi-ethnic, religious and other such socio-cultural factors operating within the society.

Social change is inevitable and also calls for necessary interventions to bring in consistently the paradigms of development into the Indian society. Social change and development inputs go hand in hand and they necessitate innovations and practice of participatory processes as approaches for involving the people as owners in decision-making in diverse planning contexts. Hence, the main focus of this course is to enable the learners to think critically and question the existing approaches to societal analysis and the current models of development. It is important for the rural management students to understand the basics of a rural and urban society, its inherent structure, the system, and the operational modalities. Besides, it is important for the students to have the necessary knowledge and the skills to analyse the societal situations to identify the weak and vulnerable areas for improvement through social and economic actions and interventions. The students are required to obtain the basic knowledge to apply the tools and techniques of analysis within the social framework conditions for improved performance of the governance. The course is imaginative in nature and is sensitive in character. It strives to look forward to develop among the students a unique quality which is objectively guided by a strong and logical principle of working for and with the most vulnerable, weak and neglected and unconditionally take side with the people in need when it comes to application of knowledge and talent as part of acquisition of wisdom in the discipline of social planning and development.

At the end of the course, students will be able to