Historically the society in Gwadar was divided in three social strata, Hakims , Balochs , and Hizmatgars , locally known as Darzadas or Golams . Hakims constituted privileged class of the society as they were owners of the land, free to kill any Baloch or Darzada without any fear of blood compensation. Balochs being intermediary class were basically pastoralists, partially settled and semi-agriculturists. They were relatively in better position than Hizmatgars who were the lowest socio-economic stratum of the society. This becomes visible by the amount given for blood compensation which ranged from 2,000 to 3,000 rupees for a Baloch and from 500 to 1500 rupees for a Hizmatgar .

As a result of social changes Hakims lost their influence as tribal chiefs and the social class system gave way to economic compromises. Presently all the inhabitants of the area are known by a common name, Baloch and calling someone Darzada or Golam is considered as derogatory. But the fact is that social class boundaries lost their existence between Hakims and Balochs but not between these two dominant strata and Hizmatgars . Hakims still believe in endogamy however now they accept inter-marriages with Balochs . Some Balochs get married with Hizmatgar girls, mainly due to the lesser amount of labb (bride price) or haq mehr (dower) , but this is not a common practice.

As the society in Gwadar is transforming into a semi-urban society, socio-cultural change is on its way. Educational expansion has broken down old chains and economic status has become the major determinant of social status. This has affected the whole socio-cultural scenario. Now the Hizmatgars have become a political force under various political parties playing their effective role in electing representatives to the constituent assemblies and local bodies institutions.

In Gwadar district society is structured on kinship basis. Tribal identity has lost its importance and Baloch is a common identity. All decisions are made at household level and no tribal structure is present to make collective decisions. Communal leadership is a function of aged people in the community. Sometimes educated individuals are accepted as community leaders, specially in collective welfare and development. Wealth does play some role in political popularity but the people have elected educated individuals from middle income group as their representatives in the previous provincial and national assembly elections. Education and social relationships are also basis of local leadership.

Unlike many other parts of Balochistan, society here is liberal and there is no place at all for authoritarian ethos or leadership. The vestiges of the sardari system have been eliminated to a great extent. The tribal leaders, sardars , nawabs , and kahodas , are still there but their role has been minimised in politics or decision making. In case of conflict, parties go to court of law instead of any tribal jirga . Political consciousness is wide spread and all political decisions are made individually or, at the maximum, at family level. However people do co-operate in collective welfare activities, for example, people have organised many football clubs in the area.

The kinship based society of Gwadar district differs, in various aspects, from other parts of Balochistan. Marriage here is a source of emancipation for women by giving her economic independence. Collective decision making on development issues is there but does not interfere in interpersonal conflicts and political decisions. Conflict resolution is made by mediation at the community level or by court of law. Religious conflicts between Muslims and Zikris have been a major source of violence in the past, but now it has cooled down. Arms are easily available but this did not lead to a high crime rate. Child labour is minimal in the district and most of the working children work as apprentices.

The social change is inevitable and Gwadar is no exception. However pace of this change is slow here. Old family ties are intact and cultural values still play an important role in the life of an ordinary family.