Transformation of rural society of haryana from isolation to socialization: An impact of mass media Chauhan Kanwar1, Verma Yogesh2,* 1Retd. Professor, Department of Sociology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India 1Research Scholar (Ph.D.), Department of Sociology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India *Corresponding Author E-mail: yvermatricki@gmail.com
Online published on 18 April, 2025. Abstract This study examines the transformative influence of mass media on the rural communities of Haryana, India, tracing their journey from isolation to increased social interaction. Historically, these villages have been described by Sir Charles Metcalfe in 1832 as self-sufficient "little republics", largely autonomous and detached from the external world. This characterisation underscores the self-contained nature of rural life that prevailed for centuries. However, Marshall McLuhan's assertion in 1964 that the nature of the medium is as significant as its message sets a foundational premise for analysing the impact of modern mass media, particularly television and the Internet, on these traditional societies. The infusion of mass media into Haryana's rural landscape has ushered in unprecedented exposure to new ideas, cultures, and ways of living, initiating a shift in social norms, attitudes, and behaviour patterns. This has enhanced openness towards socialisation, enabling interactions with diverse cultures and practices previously beyond these communities' realms. The research aims to dissect the mechanisms through which mass media has catalysed this transition from isolation to socialisation. Furthermore, it endeavours to map the socio-economic transformations engendered by the pervasive influence of mass media in these areas. Employing a variety of secondary sources, including academic literature, government documents, and studies on media impacts, this investigation seeks to offer a comprehensive analysis of the role of mass media in reshaping the socio-cultural landscape of rural Haryana. Through this lens, the study contributes to a broader understanding of the dynamic interplay between traditional societal structures and the penetrating force of global communication networks. Top Keywords Mass Media Influence, Rural Transformation, Socialization Processes, Socio-economic Changes, Cultural Exposure. Top |