Tradition and Rationality in Economic Behaviour

Utilizing a behavioristic framework the author examines the system of technology, production, consumption and exchange amongst a low caste group of washermen in the old city of Delhi. She has studied the traditional occupation in great detail and the impact of the technoeconomic changes going on around, that are not only local but global in their sweep.
The analysis and the later synthesis of the data into the “biradari” or community is used as a systems explanation of the changes occuring at the individual level. The “biradari” Is seen as an interphase between the individual and the wider system and here-in is brought out the note of the traditions and operation of social rationality.