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The social changes in Maasai society are that
  • a)
    the traditional difference based on age, between the elders and warriors, has been disturbed, but it has not broken down
  • b)
    a new distinction between the wealthy and the poor pastoralists has developed
  • c)
    both (a) and (b)
  • d)
    none of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
The social changes in Maasai society are thata)the traditional differe...

The social changes in Maasai society can be summarized as follows:
1. Traditional Age-Based Hierarchy:
- The traditional difference based on age, between the elders and warriors, has been disturbed but not broken down.
- This means that while the traditional hierarchy still exists, there have been some changes in the roles and status of different age groups within the community.
2. Emerging Wealth Disparity:
- A new distinction between the wealthy and the poor pastoralists has developed.
- This indicates that there is now a division within the Maasai society based on wealth, with some individuals or families becoming wealthier than others.
3. Combination of Changes:
- The social changes in Maasai society include both the disturbance of the traditional age-based hierarchy and the emergence of wealth disparity.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option C: both (a) and (b).
It is important to note that while these changes have occurred, they do not mean that the traditional Maasai society has completely broken down. Instead, the society has adapted and undergone some transformation while still maintaining certain aspects of its traditional structure.
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Most Upvoted Answer
The social changes in Maasai society are thata)the traditional differe...
The correct answer is option (c) - both (a) and (b).

Explanation:
The Maasai society, a pastoral community residing in East Africa, has undergone significant social changes over the years.

a) Traditional difference based on age:
In the Maasai society, there was a distinct hierarchy based on age, with the elders holding the highest authority and the warriors, who were younger men, playing a significant role in defense and warfare. However, this traditional age-based distinction has been disturbed in recent times. While the elders still maintain their authority, the role and status of warriors have evolved and changed. They are no longer solely focused on warfare but have taken up other occupations and pursuits, leading to a disruption in the traditional age-based hierarchy. However, it is important to note that this disruption has not completely broken down the traditional dynamics of the society.

b) Distinction between wealthy and poor pastoralists:
Another significant social change in Maasai society is the emergence of a new distinction between wealthy and poor pastoralists. Previously, the Maasai society valued and relied on livestock as a measure of wealth and prosperity. However, with changing times, external factors such as drought, land fragmentation, and economic pressures have led to a divide among the pastoralists. Some individuals have managed to accumulate more wealth through successful livestock rearing or engagement in other economic activities, while others have faced economic challenges and become relatively poor. This new distinction based on wealth has created a social divide within the community.

c) Both (a) and (b):
As mentioned earlier, both the disturbance in the traditional age-based hierarchy and the emergence of a wealth-based distinction among pastoralists have occurred in Maasai society. Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) - both (a) and (b). These social changes reflect the impact of external factors and changing dynamics on the traditional structure of the Maasai society. It is important to understand and analyze these changes to gain insights into the evolving nature of Maasai social structure and the challenges faced by the community.
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The social changes in Maasai society are thata)the traditional difference based on age, between the elders and warriors, has been disturbed, but it has not broken downb)a new distinction between the wealthy and the poor pastoralists has developedc)both (a) and (b)d)none of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The social changes in Maasai society are thata)the traditional difference based on age, between the elders and warriors, has been disturbed, but it has not broken downb)a new distinction between the wealthy and the poor pastoralists has developedc)both (a) and (b)d)none of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The social changes in Maasai society are thata)the traditional difference based on age, between the elders and warriors, has been disturbed, but it has not broken downb)a new distinction between the wealthy and the poor pastoralists has developedc)both (a) and (b)d)none of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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