Social structure & Spatial Structure

Social structure is a phenomenon that is closely  associated with space. The structure of a society is physically exhibited in spatial forms and patterns. In other words, social structure is reflected in space.  From ancient times, it can be observed that social structure has had definite spatial patterns. The group belonging to the upper caste or the group that was predominant, occupied the area that surrounded the nucleus. In this case, the nucleus can be a temple, mosque or a church. The other groups were distributed around this central area based on the caste and the status they enjoyed in the society.

This can be seen in both urban and rural communities, However it is much stronger in rural Communities. Spatial distribution of population in rural communities is influenced by castes and one tends to see clusters of population belonging to the same caste and social structure in a particular location.

Important characteristic that is to be found in urban communities is that spatial locations are also influenced by economic factors rather then by castes . The setting of a group of people belonging to a particular type of social structure at a particular location at a point of time ensures that the subsequent generations belonging to the same social structure would settle at the same location.

Thus social structure and spatial forms and patterns are irrevocably intertwined with one another with the physical representation of the former giving rise to the latter

Area of residence is an important parameter of social structure demarcates the lines of differentiation among people created in their social interaction. If the various groups in a city are located in different neighbourhoods, most encounters will involve members of the same group, and there will be little opportunity for intergroup contact.

Suttles (1972) says that Residential segregation whereby the city is partitioned into several village-like areas where the groupings of people are of manageable proportions is a means of social control to cope with the heterogeneity and potential for conflict and exploitation that exist in a city. The residents of these distinctive areas are “distinctive earmarks which the residents, outsiders and external organizations seize upon to sort one another out for selective treatment”