Identification of Social Problems

We human beings have formed a society which gives us protection and strength for development. The same society has also nourished evils and perversions, known as social problems. Our ignorance, selfishness, inhumanity and ineffective might have caused them. Some of our traditions themselves have some superstitious and evil elements and have turned into social problems overtimes.

All social problems are socially generated. They are not a product of nature. Even environmental problems are not so. These problems need to be tackled at our earliest.

The following paragraphs briefly discuss the major types of our social problems.

Regional problems

Regional disparity is acute in our country. As for ecological zones, many Terai communities have a low level of social awareness and evil practices such as dowry system. The eastern Terai has Bhutanese refugee problem. Due to widespread superstition and ignorance, Chhaupadi, Badi, Deuki, Kamaiya, systems are common. Chhaupadi is a tradition of keeping women, during labour and period, away from home in poorly built huts or sheds. Some Badi women are still compelled to earn their living by giving sex for money. Kamaia are bounded labourers who are not given good wage and freedom of work. Deukis are young girls offered to temples in order to have wishes fulfilled. Child labour is high in all major city areas.

Problems related to Language

Nepal is a multilingual state. We have varied languages as the ethnicities, languages are our heritages. But traditionally the state has patronized certain languages- mostly Sanskrit in the past and Nepali in the modern time. As a result, many languages are declining and this is the loss of our heritages. English language, the first international language largely growing in use, has further overshadowed our local languages. English users consider themselves superior to others. No doubt we need English in modern time. But it uses should not overshadow local languages.

Problems related to gender

Predominantly Nepalese society is male-dominated. Women have always been suppressed and remained backward. They are victims of many discriminatory laws, traditions, norms and values. They strongly discouraged from taking equal parts in social economic and political affairs of the state. This practice has kept half of the population, who could equally contribute, discouraged. Balanced development of men and women represents true and sustainable development. Over recent times, some important legal arrangements and political commitments been made for gender equality and women empowerment but the implementation side have always remained poor.

Problems related to class

Nepalese society has always been a capitalist society where clear class discrimination prevails. The means and resources have not been equally distributed. More than 20% of the population live in absolute poverty. Real farmers, for instance, have got their own lands to cultivate whereas landowners don't even tread on their land and leave it uncultivated because they have other lucrative income sources. The gap between rich and poor is widening. Many are starving and a few are suffering from indigestion. Unemployment is deep-rooted. Such economic inequality has given ways to social evil practices like loot, robbery, theft, burgling, etc. Time and again dissatisfaction and stress triggered by class discrimination result in social revolts, too.

In addition, to these categorized above, we have many more problems. Some are traditional and unique to us. Some have been caused due to the application of new technology and influence of the western culture. Rapid population growth, environmental degradation, refugee problem, untouchability, girl trafficking and drug abuse are some of the other problems,

Solution to Social Problems

Social problems have drawn the attention of many aware people. Finding a solution to social problems is a concern of many people including those involved in social welfare.

• It is essential to find out the root cause of problems. We should know that we have created these problems and nature has nothing to do with it. If we detect the actual factors behind the problems, we can find measures for their permanent solution.
• Our social problems have been caused by various factors. Gender inequality and dowry system are the results of the male-dominated social structure while problems related to class, caste, language, and religion were caused due to our feudal political system that favored and fostered only certain factions of the society. A particular caste, a particular language, and a particular religion were always patronized while the mass of the rest was neglected and discouraged.
• With the amendments in the constitutional provisions and other legal documents, substantial changes have taken place on the state looks upon the Nepalese society. But don't forget that legal management alone doesn't suffice. It is very important to put those managements into full practice, which is not so easy. Their full implementation is possible only when you, me and everyone have a strong commitment and motivation towards our common goal.
• The government should legislate rules and launch program to raise public awareness. People should be informed about the hazards of social problems as well as their role towards the solution. Radio, TV, newspapers and magazines, clubs, etc can be very vital. Professionals, political cadres, non-governmental organizations and civil society, on the whole, can contribute a lot.
• Social transformation cannot be achieved overnight. History shows that the many societies could get it only at the cost of many precious lives. If we work towards uprooting the causes, the solution will be permanent and sustainable. Those who are committed to their abolition must make others ready for the same. The action is important. You and me, who are dedicated that these things should not be let to continue should strive honestly, and set examples & encourage others.