Q. What is your assessment about the recent farmers’ movement in India? Elaborate.
UPSC Sociology 2024 Paper 2
Model Answer:
Recent farmers’ movement in India
The recent farmers’ movement in India, notably against the three agricultural laws introduced in 2020, symbolizes a significant collective action addressing deep-seated agrarian issues. It highlights the farmers’ concerns over livelihoods, market control, and the future of traditional farming practices.
1. New Social Movement: The protest focused not just on economic demands but also on identity and rights, reflecting broader societal concerns.
2. Relative Deprivation: Farmers’ fear of marginalization due to potential corporatization of agriculture sparked the protest, illustrating how perceived loss of benefits can trigger collective action.
3. Solidarity and Collective Consciousness: The movement saw unprecedented unity among farmers across different states, religions, and castes.
4. Resource Mobilization: Massive gatherings at Delhi’s borders demonstrated successful mobilization, a critical factor in social movement theory.
5. Information Society: Social media played a significant role in communication and organization, aligning with modern sociological concepts.
6. Structural Strain: The discrepancy between societal expectations and realities led to the movement, as government reforms were seen as a threat to the subsistence ethic of peasant societies.
Evidence of impact:
• Year-long peaceful protests at Delhi’s borders
• Establishment of community kitchens (langars) showcasing social cohesion
• International support from the diaspora and global figures, amplifying the movement’s reach
• Successful repeal of the contested farm laws, demonstrating the power of collective action
Conclusion: The farmers’ movement underscores the potency of unified social action in confronting perceived threats to economic security and cultural identity in contemporary India.
