This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Human models and developmental efforts

Dolichan K.M — Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune

An individualist human model with resulting psychological characteristics are often preferred and promoted in view of development. It is suggested by studies showing that with socio-economic development traditional societies at the collective end of the collective–individualist dimension tend to move towards the individualist end. The paper using an empirical study intends to unearth the individualist tendencies lurking in the process of economic development. The study inquires into the structure of self-concept and strength of achievement motivation of the Paniya tribal group, a rural group and an urban group, that differ markedly in socio-economic development.  The data was collected from a sample of 90, using Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Twenty Statement Test (TST), and Personal Data Sheet. Analysis of the data showed that the Paniya tribal group qualifies for the lowest independent self-concept and lowest achievement motivation. The rural group has more independent self-concept and higher achievement motivation. The urban group has the most independent self-concept and the highest achievement motivation. The study indicates that the more a group is socio-economically developed, the more its individualist tendencies reflected in independent self-concept and higher achievement motivation. While exploring the implication of the findings, the paper discusses the social and environmental problems akin to the individualist human model and the need for exploring alternatives. The paper is concluded by arguing in favour of the need for integrating the concerns of Indian philosophy; since such integration would result in models that pay attention to the individual, social and transcendental dimensions of  human existence.

Email the author, Mr. Dolichan Kollarath M., at dollychank@gmail.com