Significance of Social obligation
Social obligation encompasses the duties and responsibilities individuals have toward their community, as highlighted in various texts and historical contexts. According to Purana, these obligations can be fulfilled through proper rites. Dharmashastra emphasizes responsibilities dictated by tradition, including hospitality towards neighbors and the moral duty of debt repayment. Historical figures like Tagore and Gandhi redefined social obligations to focus on reform and voluntary service. Additionally, even organizations hold social obligations by addressing societal needs beyond their professional interests.
Synonyms: Social responsibility, Civic duty, Moral obligation, Social duty, Community responsibility, Communal responsibility, Public duty
In Dutch: Maatschappelijke verplichting; In German: Gesellschaftliche Verpflichtung; In Finnish: Sosiaalinen velvoite; In Spanish: Obligación social
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Social obligation'
Social obligation in Hinduism encompasses duties to family and friends, responsibilities towards creditors, community roles shaped by tradition, and expectations of hospitality, emphasizing a deep connection between individual actions and societal harmony.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The duties one has towards friends and family in the context of sharing food and hospitality.[1] (2) Responsibilities that individuals hold towards their neighbours and community, particularly in the context of hospitality and entertainment.[2] (3) Social obligations are duties imposed by tradition and religious texts that dictate the behavior and responsibilities of individuals within societal structures.[3] (4) The societal expectation placed upon debtors to repay loans, reflecting their responsibilities within their community.[4] (5) The duty of the debtor to repay the creditor, emphasized by the ties of family and community.[5]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Duties or responsibilities individuals have towards their community, which can be alleviated through proper rites.[6]
The concept of Social obligation in local and regional sources
Social obligation encompasses the duties individuals owe to their community, marriage expectations leading to tension, and the emphasis on voluntary service by Gandhi, while also addressing overlooked responsibilities highlighted by Buddha and influencing thinkers like Narayanacharya and Tagore.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The responsibilities individuals have towards their community and society at large.[7] (2) Responsibilities that private enterprises must undertake to support social welfare and community needs.[8] (3) The duties that a man binds himself to serve in exchange for the pleasures society offers.[9] (4) Responsibilities that Gandhi redefined to emphasize voluntary service and sacrifice within society.[10] (5) Responsibilities individuals have towards society that were overlooked by some philosophical doctrines, which Buddha aimed to address.[11]
From: Folk Tradition of Bengal (and Rabindranath Tagore)
(1) The responsibilities individuals have towards their community or society, which often led Tagore to seek reform.[12]
The concept of Social obligation in scientific sources
Social obligation relates to an organization's duty to address societal needs, prioritizing community welfare over merely pursuing professional or financial interests, thereby fostering a commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices.
From: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
(1) The duty of the organization to commit to the societal needs beyond their professional interests.[13]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) The moral responsibility of phone manufacturers to create accessible products for the blind community.[14]