Who defined the terms "great and little traditions" in the 20th-century to describe the cultural practices of peasant societies?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Robert Redfield
The terms great and little traditions were coined by the sociologist Robert Redfield in the twentieth century to describe the cultural practices of peasant societies.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 11-05 S1* 21-05 S1* | 19-05 S1* 23-05 S1 | – | 30-05 S1* | – |
* A similar question.
NCERT (2026-27): “‘Great’ and ‘little’ traditions … The terms great and little traditions were coined by a sociologist named Robert Redfield in the twentieth century to describe the cultural practices of peasant societies. He found that peasants observed rituals and customs that emanated from dominant social categories, including priests and rulers. These he classified as part of a great tradition.…” |