Social Dynamics of Sindhi Society: An analysis of Proverbs and their impact on Mindset

Abstract

A remarkable number of studies have been conducted on the topic that why the eastern societies are less inclined towards progress, social change and development as compared to the western ones and the various social, political, economic, religious, academic and psychological factors have been found which halt the progress and develop a mindset inclined towards a status quo and no change. Demographically, the Sindhi society is divided into two mainstreams: the urban and the country life. However, the great numbers of Sindhi people live in the country under the feudalistic influence and engaged with agriculture that deprives them from frequent interaction with urban society, as the result, they have limited exposure to change and progress. In addition to feudalistic, agrarian and many other social, political and economic constraints, the prevailing Sindhi proverbs and sayings also cast adverse impact on the mind of the people; they take them for granted as an ultimate and infallible truth. These proverbs and sayings are transferred from generation to generation hence they become inalienable part of the collective consciousness of that society. All the world languages contain many proverbs which are an offshoot of the centuries-vast experience and the product of collective folk wisdom, yet there are many proverbs and assumptions ( مفروضات ) which are carefully contrived, tactfully promulgated and seamlessly injected into the collective consciousness of a society by some powerful individuals, groups, nations and institutes to maintain the status quo, stagnancy and standstillness in the society for the fulfilment of their personal ulterior motives. When these proverbs, sayings or assumptions are routinely practiced in the society, they work as a narrative to develop a particular mindset among the masses. This study analyzes the social fabrics of the Sindhi society and impact of Sindh proverbs or sayings which inculcate a negative mindset leading towards passivism and inaction, hence all the doors to activism, progress and development stay shut upon the natives.