Identify the characteristic not associated with prismatic societies -

Correct option is C

Prismatic societies are a concept introduced by Fred W. Riggs in his "Prismatic-Sala Model" to describe transitional societies that exhibit a mix of traditional (fused) and modern (diffracted) characteristics.

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Characteristics of Prismatic Societies:

1. Selectivism (Option a)– Prismatic societies often practice selective application of rules, where laws and policies are applied based on personal connections, status, or favoritism rather than uniformly.

2. Attainment (Option b)– Social mobility is influenced by ascribed status(e.g., family background) rather than purely achieved status, but some degree of attainment-based recognition exists.

3. Poly-functionalism (Option d)– Institutions in prismatic societies serve multiple overlapping functions(e.g., a government office may handle both administrative and political roles), unlike modern societies where roles are specialized.

Why Universalism (Option c) is NOT associated with Prismatic Societies?

• Universalism refers to the uniform application of rules and laws to all individuals, regardless of personal connections or status.

• This is a feature of modern (diffracted) societies, not prismatic ones, where particularism (favoritism) and selectivism dominate.

Additional Information :

Fred W. Riggs (1917-2008): A Brief Overview

Fred W. Riggs was an American political scientist and a pioneer in the field of comparative public administration. He is best known for his work on administrative systems in developing countries, particularly his "Prismatic-Sala Model"—a theoretical framework for analyzing transitional societies.

Key Contributions:

1. Prismatic-Sala Model

   • Developed to explain bureaucratic behavior in societies transitioning from traditional (fused) to modern (diffracted) systems.

   • Introduced terms like:

     • "Fused" societies (traditional, undifferentiated structures, e.g., feudal systems).

     • "Prismatic" societies (transitional, mixed traits, e.g., post-colonial bureaucracies).

     • "Diffracted" societies (modern, specialized institutions, e.g., Western democracies).

Major Works:

• Administration in Developing Countries: The Theory of Prismatic Society (1964)

• The Ecology of Public Administration (1961)

Legacy:

• His theories remain influential in development administration and comparative politics, especially in studying bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption in transitional societies.