SOCIAL DUOPOLISM TO OLIGOPOLISM

Henrik Ibsen known as the father of realism observed, “The strongest man in the world is the man who stands most alone” This quote has million dollars’ worth and has unquantifiable ideological significance.

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright and one of the most influential figures in the development of modern drama. He is often referred to as the “father of realism” and is known for his groundbreaking works that tackled controversial social, political, and moral issues of his time.

Born on March 20, 1828, in Skien, Norway, Ibsen initially pursued a career in medicine but later turned to writing. His early works were influenced by the Romantic movement, but he eventually moved towards a more realistic and socially critical style of writing.

Ibsen’s most famous and enduring plays include:

“A Doll’s House” (1879): This play is considered one of his masterpieces and is one of the most performed plays in the world. It tells the story of Nora Helmer, a woman who challenges societal norms and her role as a wife and mother.
“Ghosts” (1881): This play shocked audiences with its candid portrayal of family secrets and the consequences of societal expectations.
“Hedda Gabler” (1890): The play follows the complex and manipulative character of Hedda Gabler, exploring themes of boredom, desire, and power.
“An Enemy of the People” (1882): Ibsen addresses issues of public responsibility and the conflict between individual conscience and the interests of society in this play.
“The Wild Duck” (1884): This play explores the idea of truth and deception within a family’s dynamics.

Ibsen’s plays were often met with controversy and criticism during his time due to their challenging themes and unorthodox portrayals of characters. However, his works gradually gained recognition, and he is now regarded as one of the most significant playwrights in the history of theater.

Henrik Ibsen’s contributions to the theater and his impact on modern drama continue to be acknowledged and celebrated worldwide. His influence can be seen in the works of subsequent playwrights and remains relevant in contemporary theater and literature.

It gives a lot of strength to the individuals staying alone on the basis of certain attributes and experiences attained over time. But in the present changed global environment and fast social transformation, there arise certain doubts about the practical side of above cited statement. The impracticality aspect may be considered as exception .Needless to mention that ‘exceptions prove the rule’ It implies that exceptions are there because of the rule. Had there been no rule , there would not have been exception. Coming to the side of present state of social Duopolism and Oligopolism and their respective implications ,it is observed that both these can be considered as forms of social grouping.

SOCIAL DUOPOLISM TO OLIGOPOLISM

Duopoly is basically an economic term which means two sellers of the same product. If they collude it takes the shape of monopoly and if they compete, then obviously it turns in to competition. The same concept is applicable in our social fabric and political system .In political arena two parties come together to show their strength. In the event of disagreement, they compete and vehemently criticize each other.

Even in social field this is practiced in the sense that in smaller groups ( academic or welfare) one person attempts to seek the support of other , either for the realization of positive objectives or generating negative/obstructive environment. In the later case the ulterior motive is to display his nuisance value and gain pseudo popularity . There is discernible ambition for size extension to expand the area of his influence.

The necessary steps accompanied by publicity and theatrical tactics are adopted to transform the group in to Oligopoly(an economic term standing for a group of sellers). There is nothing wrong as working as a group, certainly yields better output and strengthen the feeling of unity and togetherness. More so this ensures success and guarantees protection and promotion of welfare. Joint working in a positive direction is always appreciated as it clears the path of progress and human development.

But it is normally seen that socially active oligopolists aim at deriving maximum personal benefit in one way or the other. The leadership of oligopolies lies in the hands of those who are self-motivated and incessantly venturing to exhibit their existence .

They are curiously looking for followers who are already victims of intellectual starvation , logical absurdities, and psychological disequilibria ,so that they might accept their leadership blindly and act as a powerful instrument to be used by their accomplished leaders. These social oligopolists have nothing to contribute to the cause of welfare. Same is the case of political oligopolists . An ordinary citizen is so badly entrapped that he cannot come out of it. This seems to be complex issue. The only feasible solution Is that the class of followers should assert themselves and attempt to isolate this type of unethical element .

This article is contributed by Professor (Dr.) Kewal Raj Dawar. He is former Professor in Economics of Asia Pacific Institute of Management Delhi. He holds M.Phil and Ph.D in Economics with 43 years of teaching experience. He may be reached at kewalraj7@gmail.com.