Discuss Riggs’ Prismatic–Sala Model. How does it explain the administrative challenges of developing societies?

Riggs’ Model for Societal Transition
Fred W. Riggs divided cultures into three categories: fused (traditional and undifferentiated), prismatic (transitional and mixed), and differentiated (modern and industrialised). The prismatic society is “in-between,” combining modern and traditional values. Riggs utilised the prism metaphor to demonstrate refracted and overlapping institutions.

Characteristics of Prismatic Societies

These civilisations are marked by diversity, with contemporary ministries coexisting with caste and patronage systems. Formalism creates a divide between “rules on paper” and “rules in practice,” which frequently leads to corruption and nepotism. Overlapping functions are widespread, with agencies regulating and intervening in markets. The “sala” in Thailand represented the union of formal power and personal favour.

Administrative Implications
Informal networks can supplant official institutions, undermining accountability. Bureaucrats must choose between following the rules and remaining loyal to their superiors. Imported institutions clash with native traditions, leading in inefficient policy execution, red tape, and corruption.

Relevance for India

India has prismatic characteristics, with modern IT-driven governance coexisting with casteism, nepotism, and politicised bureaucracy.  Leaks in welfare initiatives such as MGNREGA and DBT are caused by overlapping institutions and a lack of accountability.  Riggs’ study helps to explain problems such as corruption and inefficiency in India’s administrative structure.

Criticism
The model is critiqued for being overly gloomy about emerging countries, for generalising Southeast Asian experiences, and for ignoring the impact of globalisation and technology on government.

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