A.R. Desai, a prominent Indian sociologist, is well-known for his ‘Dialectical Perspective’ to study Indian society. This perspective is deeply rooted in the Marxist tradition and emphasizes the role of economic factors, class conflict, and social change in shaping society.

Features of A.R. Desai’s ‘Dialectical Perspective’

1. Marxist Approach: Desai’s dialectical perspective is primarily based on the Marxist approach to sociology. He views Indian society through the lens of class struggle and economic determinism. According to him, the economic base of society determines its superstructure, including its politics, culture, and social institutions.

2. Historical Materialism: Desai uses the concept of historical materialism to analyze Indian society. He believes that the material conditions of a society, particularly its modes of production and class relations, shape its history and social structure. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context to comprehend the present social structure.

3. Class Conflict and Social Change: Desai’s perspective emphasizes the role of class conflict in driving social change. He argues that the contradictions and conflicts between different social classes lead to changes in the social structure. This view is in line with the Marxist theory of social change, which posits that class struggle is the motor of history.

4. Critique of Structural Functionalism: Desai is critical of the structural functionalist approach to studying Indian society, which he believes overlooks the role of conflict and change. He argues that this approach tends to present a static and harmonious picture of society, ignoring the underlying tensions and conflicts.

5. Emphasis on Empirical Research: Desai’s dialectical perspective also emphasizes the importance of empirical research. He believes that sociological analysis should be based on concrete empirical data rather than abstract theoretical constructs. This approach is evident in his studies on rural and urban India, where he extensively used empirical data to analyze social structures and processes.

6. Focus on the Marginalized: Desai’s perspective also focuses on the marginalized sections of society, including the peasantry, the working class, and the lower castes. He believes that these groups play a crucial role in the social transformation of Indian society.

A.R. Desai’s ‘Dialectical Perspective’ provides a comprehensive and critical framework for studying Indian society. It emphasizes the role of economic factors, class conflict, and social change, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Indian society. 

Limitations of ‘Dialectical Perspective’ to study Indian society

• Desai’s approach for understanding Indian Society from the economic dimension is not always the best way to understand the society.
• Desai’s approach of understanding Indian Society is not empirical based. According to YOGENDRA SINGH the important limitation of dialectical perspective applied by Desai for studies of social change in India is lack of substantial empirical data in support of his major assertions, which are often historiographical and can easily be challenged.
• In a bid to give importance to material aspects, it ignored the importance of religion and culture in the lives of people of India. Religion occupies an important place in Indian society and world view of people is influenced by it. This perspective is not capable of portraying a total view of social reality in India and takes only a materialistic view.
• Another deficiency is ignoring caste as the basis of traditional Hindu social organization. Caste was often equated with class which generated an over-simplistic view of the pattern of social inequalities.
• Over emphasis upon conflict led them to overlook aspects of integration and solidarity of Indian society. For example, institutions like Jajmani system and panchayats were also seen as exploitative.

Despite its limitations some studies conducted on this model offer useful hypothesis, which can be further tested in course of the studies on social change.