F.W Riggs Theory of prismatic society in Indian context

F.W Riggs  Theory of prismatic society in Indian context

F.W Riggs is a pioneer in the field of comparative public administration, who develop analytical models and approaches to study public administration in comparative perspective. He occupies very prominent place in administration models building, he is famous for his Riggisan Model –‘Fused-prismatic-diffracted models’. He was Professor Emeritus at Political Science Department of University of Hawaii, USA and received several awards from several institution and countries.

F.W. Riggs categories countries on the basis of certain factors or parameters such as ;

1) Economics factors

2) Political framework

3) Social factors

4) Symbolic system

5) Communication.

FW Riggs studied on three countries viz., United State of America, Thailand (siam) and Philippines. Developed a model  –‘Fused-prismatic-diffracted models’. He takes this terminologies from optics where in the phenomenon of diffraction where the white light split into the seven colours. Contemporarily he apply the concept of diffraction of light in the comparative model of public administration. The typology of “fused,prismatic and diffracted “ societies is based on the structural functional approach. Riggs observes that in some societies a particular structure fulfils only one function,based on differentiation of functions of social structure,riggs classified societies into the hypothetical models of;

Fused – Traditional undeveloped societies

Prismatic—developing third world societies

Diffracted—modern developed western societies.

The process of transition of a ray through a prism is taken symbolically to explain the process of transformation of a society; the starting point of the ray is termed as fussed, the process of internal vibration of the ray within the prism is called prismatic and finally when the ray comes out of the prism it gets diffracted to a project a rainbow. On the same analogy, various social system in the early stages of the process of development would be fused, in transitional stage prismatic and at the end they would be in a complete diffracted stage as explained by Riggs.

Prismatic Model

A society or social system that stands midway between the fused and the diffracted models is known as the “prismatic society”. No society can be exclusively called either fused or diffracted; all societies are generally prismatic in nature. the character of every society and their relativity either to fused or to diffracted society depends upon the nature of its various structures and the functions carried out by them. It is so called because it is similar to the prism through which fused light passes to become refracted into the multi colored rainbow. It stands for an ideal type of model to third world country or a countries developing from traditional society to modernity i.e traditional Thailand (Siam), india , Pakistan , African countries etc. prismatic societies have neither the undifferentiated institutions of traditional societies nor the fully differentiated institutions of modern society in India certain institutions have very well defined functions and goals to accomplish but on other hand certain institution do not have defined functions i.e Teacher’s primary function is to teaches the students or to train the students which is the characteristic of modern society but in India teacher accomplish various tasks such as elections duty, he has to attend the block level meetings which is the task of other nature ,he has to prepare the voters list by visiting door to door, so all these activities accomplish by teacher other than teaching are the characteristics of prismatic societies. In the transitional prismatic societies ,the bureaucracies are neither diffused nor narrowly specific. They are mainly intermediate as to they degree of functional specialization. they also contribute into mal-integration by not meshing well with the other institutions within the political system. In the prismatic transitional society, socials change is incomplete because in such a society, new groups mobilized faster than the society can assimilate them. The institutions of prismatic societies are legal-rational in form (in manifest function) but traditional in fact( in latent function), modernity and tradition coexist in uneasy companionship, that you are thinking progressive on the basis of logic by taking  old tradition and customs in mind. In a Prismatic society integration is less than differentiation new structure occurs faster than the society can integrate due to which a lack of coordination occurs.

Prismatic – Sala Model

Sala is the name given by Riggs to administrative sub-system of prismatic society as the bureau and chamber was the name given to the administrative sub-system of diffracted and fused societies respectively. The model was designed to analyze the behavior of the prismatic  bureaucracy in the context of its ecology. Sala means  a government office, where administrative business is transacted ,and a personal room in a home where traditional family functions are performed, or a religious places or public hall. Both the prismatic society and its administrative sub-system ( the sala) are characterized with three basic features viz:

1.      Heterogeneity

2.      Formalism

3.      Overlapping

Heterogeneity

Heterogeneity refers to the simultaneous presence, side by side , quite different kinds of system, practices and viewpoints. A prismatic society is characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity modern structures and practices coexist alongside traditional ones in uneasy companionship. There is a urban areas with a high degree of structural differentiation and a sophisticated intellectual class who have a western rationalistic outlook on the contrary, in rural areas, traditional values and outlook prevail i.e Bullock carts coexist with automobiles, city like Chandigarh coexist with village like Baster, in a city like Dehli one side we can see a skyscraper alongside slums huts( jogi Jopdi). There is a huge gap and inequality between rich and poor, western side of education coexist with traditional Gurukuls and Madarsas. Hospital with all modern facilities giving allopathic treatment co-exist with AYUSH centres. Sala exist along with modern bureau and traditional courts. In the cities , officers use computers ,fax, others e-governance means and other traditional means of communications, on the other hand in rural areas , the village head plays all the roles- political ,religious, and social himself.  Chaprasis coexist with telephones as aids to administration. One can find Western style Mal-integration, Tensions and Instability in heterogeneous society: Although equal opportunities exist for all, only Some people are privileged enough and hope to get the jobs in higher echelons. Those who fail to get jobs waste no time in forming 'pressure groups. Despite the existence of a government duly elected through democratic process , it would not be in a position to control the people, naxalism and terrorism occurs in various places in india which is hindrance to democracy. People in the power would make all efforts to protect their interest and stick in power which result in to the formation of coalition government at centre and state levels. The presence of heterogeneous structures, practices outlooks and traits create complex behavior patterns in the prismatic society. These elements also introduce numerous complexities and difficulties in formulating and implementation policies. Therefore, heterogeneity contributes to both formalism and overlapping.

Formalism 

According to Riggs , formalism is the extent of discrepancy/incongruence existing: between what is formally prescribed and what is actually practiced, between norms and their practices, between formal structure and actual modalities. Between  the impressions given by constitutional principles, laws & regulation ; and their actual observation in practice. In india , untouchability is abolished in principle, but one can come across it here and there. Merit system may be the legal system for recruiting  bureaucrats, but actual appointments may be made on the basis of non- merit consideration such as caste, obligations to family and friends etc. formalism is the essence of the theory of the prismatic society of Riggs; it is the basis for understanding the essentially paradoxical nature of prismatic societies. It accounts for existence of wide deviations in the actual behavior of the sala men from the declared intentions of rules and regulations. Formalism gives rise to administrative evils such as red tape, corruption and inefficiency, passing the buck, etc. in India prohibition laws are respected more in violation than in observance, the town planning regulations are more violated than observed.

Constitutional Formulism:

The gap between the constitutional principles and their actual implementation. For example in India the constitution legally vested the governance in the hands of the elected representatives of the people, but in practices the real governmental power and influence are wielded by some individuals or groups of people outsides the parliament. Constitution entrusts law making responsibility to legislature but in reality they spend only a little time in law making; and concentrate more in power politics, ignoring their legislative responsibility. This facilitates the b’cracy, in the prismatic societies , to playa more role in law making. The bureaucrat even form groups or align themselves with various political leaders.

Overlapping

It refers to the extent to which formally differentiated structures of a diffracted society coexist with undifferentiated structures of a fused society. Modern as well as old and traditional structures carry on functions, but in reality ,the functioning & behavior of the modern structures( such as parliament, govt , offices, schools,  market, etc.), are greatly influenced by old and traditional structures ( such as the family, caste and religion, etc. ). The administrative behavior determined by non administrative criteria, because of the overlapping administrative functions are performed in prismatic societies, by structures specifically oriented towards these functions as well as by others structures.

In prismatic society, overlapping has five different dimensions :

(1)  Nepotism

(2)  Poly- communalism or clect

(3)  “Bazaar – Canteen model”,

(4)  Poly – normativism and lack of consensus , and

(5)  Authority vs control.

Nepotism

In prismatic society , there is a much nepotism in recruitment and personnel matters, the sala man has social obligations towards family and friends who need security against employment. They give preference to family members and friends. Political executives when they are in power they do the welfare of their relatives and friends in employments and others matters. In Staff Selection Commission SSC we have seen lots of favoritism and nepotism and various States Public Service commissions are indulged in these practice.

Poly – Communalism or “clects” :

Its refers to the existence of ( in prismatic society) of several ethnic, racial, religious and linguistic groups side by side but in a hostile interaction with each other. Riggs calls the typically prismatic groups a “ clect” Club(diffracted society) + Sect ( fused society). Membership is restricted to persons who share a common traditional background and , thus can trust each other. Clect develops dual purpose (a) a communal orientation, drawn from tradition customs and (b) the particular aspirations of their members for special economic privileges. Poly communalism in Indian society affects the society as well as sala bureaucrats i.e each community fights for various special privileges ( housing, economic benefits, etc.) for their community. Usually, the dominant community gains more privileges and benefits , this crates dissatisfaction among the numbers pf people who belongs to others communities. In brief as India is pluralistic society different communities try to pull society in different directions to fulfill their own narrow communal interest. In such as situation , decision making becomes difficult.

Bazaar – Canteen model

The economic scene ( i.e. the economic sub- system) in a prismatic society is called bazaar canteen. In a diffracted society price are determined  by market factors of demand and supply but in fused society, arena factors – a law of exchange and barter system determine the economic transactions and produced a kind of price indeterminacy. But in a prismatic society both market system and arena factor interact each other and produce a kind of price indeterminacy. Thus person with high social and political status can get goods and services at cheaper rate than people from an oppressed community. Persons with high status and influence  have access to all sorts of privileges to which they have no legal rights. People of a favored community are given preferential treatment.

Poly – normativisim  and lack of consensus   

In India a new set of norms coexists with the traditional ways of behavior and of doing things. People subscribe to different values and norms, consequently , divergence and differences appears in society. This leads to the lack of consensus on issues and policies and creates difficulties in decision making.

Authority vs Control

Riggs observes that in a prismatic society, the power structure consists of a “ high centralized and concentrated authority structure overlapping a control system that is highly localized and dispersed.” The authority of sala overlaps with the society’s control structure which are based on poly communalism , clect and poly- normativism . one can find unequal distribution of power , privileges, resources and services. New communities and new leaders emerge , but the traditional elites are reluctant to grant them much power, the traditional elites , anxious to retain their dominant positions and usually preoccupied with acquiring and maintaining power , they attempt to grab power through coercion, violence, money and muscle power, or charismatic rule but rarely through conditional authority.

References

(1)   Riggs, Fred W.,  The Ecology of Public Aministration, Asia Publication House , 1961.

(2)  Prasad, R.D. & Prasad, V. Administrative Thinker. Sterling Publishers.

(3)  Arora, Ramesh K., Comparative Public Administration : An Ecological Perspective, New Delhi, Associated Publishing House .