Dynamics of Patron-Client Relationship in Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

Patron-client relationship is an inevitable issue in rural leadership and power structure in the third world. Bangladesh is no exception.  Patron-client relationship is an unequal relationship between the two groups. Through material property, one group uses the other  group for their own needs. The client relinquishes his self-esteem to patron for little benefit. It is only through the self-reliance of every individual that it is possible to eradicate this patron-client relationship. Willingly or unwillingly, one group(client) weakens itself  financially and thus becomes gradually dependent. Then the patron-client relationship of the dependent person with the person  owning the material property is created. In this way, inequality is created in the society. So such a bad relationship as patron-client has  an impact on the formation of unequal society. Abuse of economic and political power in rural Bangladesh and illiteracy and  prejudice are responsible for the patron-client relationship. Greed as human nature is one of the major factors in the creation of patron-client relationship. This paper aims to explore the dynamics of patron-client relationship in rural Bangladesh. Participant  observation (Ethnography) and unstructured interviews have been used in this study. In addition, many people think that the desire to  influence people is one of the factors in creating a patron-client relationship. Currently land, non-agricultural economy, political  power, public and private development projects and cash (Economic solvency) in rural areas are the main elements in building patron- client relationships. So research on patron-client relationships is important for learning about rural society and politics in the third  world.