Socio. Model - 3 PDF

MODEL HINTS: SOCIOLOGY TEST-3
SOCIOLOGY
SociologyTEST-3
Test- 2
Syllabus Covered
Syllabus Covered ::
4. Sociological Thinkers :
7. Politics and Society
(c) Max Weber (d) Talcott Parsons
8. Religion
(e) Robertand Society
K. Merton (f) Mead
9. 5.Systems of Kinship
Stratification and Mobility
10.6.Social
WorksChange in Modern
and Economic Life Society
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SECTION - A
Q1. Write short answer of the following in about 150 words each : (10 x 5 = 50)
Q1(a) Are social movements always influenced by leadership and ideologies? Discuss.
Ans.:Hints- Point to Think
Social movement is a type of collective action which is sustained over a period of time intends to bring
change is one or other aspect of society. Its structural components are - organization ideology, leader-
ship, collective orientation, structural strain, mobalisation of Resources etc. e.g. SatyaSodhak Movement
in Maharashtra.
 Early studies of social movement and leadership identified the functional roles played leaders at
different stages in movement’s development. Gusfield points to the conflicting requirements for a
leader to function both within the movement as a “mobilizer”, inspiring participants, and outside
the movement as an “articulator,” linking the movement to the larger society.
- Leaders are important for movements because THEY HELP CLARIFY THE ISSUES and
THUS SHAPE THE MOVEMENT.
- PROVIDE GUIDANCE to a movement.
- PREVENT IT FROM BECOMING A DESPERATE, UNRULY collection of people.
- Leadership is expected to REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE.
- Leaders ARTICULATE THE VIEWS of the participants.
- They PRESENT PEOPLES VIEW IN AN ORGANIZED MANNER.
- Without leadership movement would be fizzled out and cannot sustain over a period of
time.·
 More recent work further analyzes the complexity of leadership roles at different levels within
movements, the conflicts between different leadership tasks, and changes over time in movement
leadership. Weber elaborated the movement associated with charismatic leadership, including
the emotional character of the community and the appointment of officials based on loyalty to the
charismatic leader.
 Ideologies (coherent set of ideas and beliefs) justify and legitimizes the means and strategies as
well as goals of the movement. Ideology plays a role in SUSTAINING THE MOVEMENT.
- It helps in UNDERSTANDING A SITUATION.
- It LEGITIMIZES ACTIONS perused by the people.
- Ideology makes people UNDERSTAND AND JUSTIFY THE IMPLICATIONS OF THEIR

ACTIONS.
- Ideology indicates THE GOALS, MEANS AND FORMS OF PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES of social
groups and of individuals.
- It supplies the JUSTIFICATION FOR VARIOUS SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND MORAL IDEALS.
- Ideology DISTINGUISHES A SOCIAL MOVEMENT FROM MERE INSTANCES.
Leaders operate within ideological framework.:

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- Naxalite movement inspired by communist ideology which justified armed struggle
against Zamindars with a goal to bring structural transformation in agrarian relation.
Leadership provided by communist Charu Majumdar etc.,
- Chipko movement inspired by ideology of eco-feminism and leadership provided by
women which challenged authority and also patriarchal relations.
- Jyotiba phule challenged Brahmanical orthodoxy and ideology of movement reflect in
writings of Phule such as Gulamgiri.He revised the myth of Raja Bali and propounded
Bahujan ideology.
- Nevertheless, social movement are not always influenced by ideology. The grievances
away from ideologies such as drought can also inspire social movement. The people unite
to solve the problem. E.g. Naaz foundation, Pani foundation in Maharashtra.
Thus ideology and leadership are structural determinants of social movement. They can
become the cause of social movement or they may develop in process.
Q1(b) Elaborate on the social necessity of religion.

THE SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION IS CONCERNED WITH HOW DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS
INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS ACTUALLY FUNCTION. In MODERN INDUSTRIAL
SOCIETY, however, religions have become established in separate, often bureaucratic,
organizations, and so sociologists focus on the organizations through which religions must operate
in order to survive.
 Religions are among the most important institutions in society. THEY ARE A PRIMARY SOURCE
OF THE MOST DEEP-SEATED NORMS AND VALUES. At the same time, RELIGIONS ARE
TYPICALLY PRACTICED THROUGH AN ENORMOUS VARIETY OF SOCIAL FORMS (SOURCE OF
DIVERSITY IN SOCIETY). Within Christianity and Judaism, FOR EXAMPLE, religious practice
often occurs in formal organizations, such Asian religions as Hinduism and Buddhism, where
religious practices are likely to occur in the home or some other natural setting.
 Sociologists OFTEN VIEW RELIGIONS AS A MAJOR SOURCE OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY. To the
extent that RELIGIONS PROVIDE BELIEVERS WITH A COMMON SET OF NORMS AND VALUES,
they are an important source of social solidarity. Religious beliefs, rituals and bonds help to create
a ‘moral community’ in which all members know how to behave towards one another.
 Durkheim defined religion as a united system of beliefs and practices about the sacred things
which are set apart and forbidden. Thus religion regulates the conduct of its members and ensures
social control and social solidarity. In this way Durkheim justified the social necessity.
 Sociologists tend to explain “THE APPEAL OF RELIGION” in terms of “SOCIAL FORCES rather
than in terms of purely personal, spiritual or psychological factors”. For many people, religious
beliefs are a deeply personal experience, involving a strong sense of connection with forces that
transcend everyday reality. Sociologists do not question the depth of such feelingsand
experiences, but they are unlikely to limit themselves to a purely spiritual explanation of religious
commitment.
 Malinowski also justified social necessity of religion through his study of Trobrind islanders.
Religion assures continuity in the phase of discontinuity. Malinowski’s thesis also justify the
social necessity of religion in modern societies characterized by uncertainty.
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 Some researchers argue that people often ‘GET RELIGION’ WHEN THEIR FUNDAMENTAL SENSE
OF A SOCIAL ORDER IS THREATENED BY ECONOMIC HARD SHIP, LONELINESS, LOSS OR
GRIEF, PHYSICAL SUFFERING, OR POOR HEALTH; explaining the appeal of religious movements,
sociologists are more likely to focus on the problems of the social order than on the psychological
response of the individual.
 If a society’s members adhere to numerous competing religions difference may lead
to destabilizing social conflicts. Recent EXAMPLES of religious conflict within a society include
struggles between Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims in India; clashes between Muslims and Christians
in Bosnia and other parts of the former Yugoslavia; and ‘hate crimes’ against Jews, Muslims and
other religious minorities in the United States. Religion as a protest ideology for mobilization of
people justify the social necessity (functional cum dysfunctional) of Religion.
The commoditization of religion like yoga, Patanjali products etc. has many functional
consequences. Thus growth of religious pluralism justify social necessity of religion. Further fast
development of material life is leading to creation of cultural lag. Here religion can help to
cope up but religion itself has to evolve and secularize itself.
Q1(c) What has been the impact of industrialization on family and kinship organization?

Industrialization is a process of structural transformation characterized by factory mode of
production by application of advanced technology, bureaucratic organization, merit and
achievement orientation, mass production etc.,
Impact on family and Kinship organization:
 Industrialization changed household dimensions of family. Joint household
transformed into nuclear household. T. PARSONS & WILLIAM J. GOODE have been important
figures to describe the role of industrialization in the emergence of nuclear families. Parsons
argues that the isolated nuclear family is the typical family found in modern industrial society.
It is structurally isolated, because it does not form an integral part of wider system of kinship
relationship. T. Parsons says that a modern industrial system with a specialized division of labour
demands considerable geographical mobility, from its labour force. Individuals with specialized
skills are required to move to the places where those skills are in demand.
 Like Parsons, Goode argues that industrialization tends to undermine the extended family and
larger kinship grouping. He explains the high rate of geographical mobility in industrial society,
decreases the frequency and intimacy of contact among members of kin network. The relativity of
high level of social mobility also tends to weaken kinship ties.
 The industrialization process accompanied by migration to urban centers led to weakening of
community kinship bonds and values.
 Industrialization promoted values of individualism and merit. It led to democratization of auth-
ority within the institution of family and provided freedom to women and youth and Change in
family system.
 Women joining the labour force impacted traditional gender role segregation and also enhanced
the status of women.
 Industrialisation broke down the lineage specific functioning, e.g. Khap Panchayats authority
corded.
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 Post-industrialization characterized by IT (Information Technology), Internet and social media
has brought change in family and kinship Organization. e.g. virtual families and fictive kinship
organisationon social Media.
Thus, the process of industrialisation has led to changes in structure such as authority, size and
relational compositon while in functions such as interactions, role relations. further globalization
and urbanization along with modernization are changing the institution of family.
Q1(d) “Education helps in democratization of society.” Illustrate with examples.
Education is a mechanism of inter-generational transmission of knowledge, skills, values through

formal and informal means. Modern education based on rationalist, humanistic and scientific
principles facilitate the process of democratization.
 Amartya Sen pointed out in his book, Development as Freedom, education is crucial to give
people capabilities such as literacy, confidence and attitudes that they need to participate in
society. For example, providing education to poor and marginalized children and young people
often means they are more likely to participate in meetings of local political bodies managing
resources such as education, health and water.
 Further, Education for All is about empowerment, the effects of good quality education reach
far beyond the benefits it offers individuals. Education reduces poverty, boosts economic growth,
leads to better health and survival rates and promotes gender equality and causes overall
improvement in community life.
 Modern education promotes the values of equality, individualism which challenge the
undemocratic value system underlying the caste system i.e. values of hierarchy and holism.
 British opened the education for all irrespective of gender, caste i.e. first time Dalits, Women got
access to modern education which in turn became agent of democratization.
 During SNDD movement, educated Ezhava members achieved social mobility through modern
education and occupations.
 Educated middle class led the Indian freedom movement which is itself was a process movement
which is itself was a proces of democratisation.
 Education provides modern means to social groups to orgnise themselves. e.g. Dalit, Tribal,
youth, women, student etc. through pressure group and political parties articulate their interest.
 Education helps in building civic social capital formation through growth of civil society
orgnisations. e.g. human-rights organisations.
Nevertheless, There are many examples of societies with a well-educated citizenry that might not
be very democratic, as well as of democratic societies with low levels of education. But education
can help people participate in democracy in a variety of ways, including providing them with
literacy and other skills to enable them to take part in political discussions and access political
information through the media. Thus education facilitate the democratization process is society.
Q1 (e) Compare Weberian and Durkheimian views on state.
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State is an association, which acting through law as promulgated by government, endowed to this
end with coercive power, maintains within a community territorially demarcated universal
external conditions of social order.
 Both Weber and Durkheim recognizes the importance and necessity of state in modern industrial
societies in organisation of social life. Max Weber suggested in politics as a vocation that the
state is a human’s community or a special kind of institution that claims the monopoly of legitimate
use of physical force within a given territory. By this he meant not only that the state had the
ability to ensure the obedience of its citizens but also the acknowledged right to do so. A mono-
poly of legitimate violence is therefore the practical expression of the statesovereignty. He saw
the state as the most powerful institution in modern society it has gained the legitimate monopoly
of force over a given territory.
 According to Durkheim the opposition of governing and the governed is central in political life.
His views on state are very much associated to his explanation of division of labour and types of
solidarity. Durkheim traced the development of the state to the division of labour in the society.
As societies became more complex there occurred the distinction between governing and
governed, which in turn resulted in the formation of state. For Durkheim the function of state was
to mediate between different interests and in particular to protect the individual against the
power of smaller groups. That is how state protects individual and balance group interests.
 Both highlight state role in coordinating the activities of specialized institutions without which
was and disorder would prevail.
 For Durkheim, state represent the collective conscience of society and enforce restitutive laws
to maintain social order. Durkheim makes a clear distinction between society and the state.
Every society is dynamic. As societies become more complex, then there is a need for
individuals to move from one group to other group and need to prevent the secondary groups
exercising despotic control over its members. It is the function of the state to provide this need.
Durkheim’s argument was that the individual members of society felt their commitment to society,
the function of the state was to create and protect the space where the individuals could exercise
such responsibility.
 For Weber, state represent legal-rational authority and through various bureauratic organisations
and objectives values and laws maintain social order. For Weber bureaucracy is the organizatio-
nal apparatus of the modern state and the modern capitalist state is completely dependent upon
bureaucratic organization for its continued existence. Weber describes the state as gaining its
power in modernity by concentrating the means of administration in the hands of an absolute
monarchy. Bureaucratic set up developed, for example in ancient Egypt, when the monarch needed
a permanent army, to ensure supplies of arms and military equipment
 For Durkheim state essentially is a mediator between individual and secondary groups. The
secondary groups are developed in society, as the division becomes more sophisticated as in
modern society. The secondary groups mediate between society and the individual just as state
mediates between the individual and secondary group. While Weber views the relation between
individual and state through Structure - Agency approach.
Thus, views of Weber and Durkheim on state have similarity and differences.
Q2 (a) “The secularization of religion is essentially a modern phenomenon.” Discuss.
Bryan Wilson defines secularization as ‘the process whereby religious thinking, practice and
institutions lose social significance’. Peter Berger defines secularization as the “process by which
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sectors of society and culture are removed from the domination of religious institutions
and symbols”.
The secularization of religion is a process of modernization characterized by:-
 Decline of social significance of religious institutions, identities, beliefs and practices: David
martin argues that in Victorian times, church attendance was more strongly motivated by non-
religious factors such as middle-class respectability. With Modernity in Europe, church attendance
is no longer an indication of respectability for many members of the middle class. Thus, their
absence from church may have nothing to do with a change in their religious beliefs.
 Modernity and Privatisation and religious pluralism evident from growth of sects and cults:
Robert N Bellah argues that the decline in institutional religion cannot be taken as an indication
of a decline in religious belief and commitment. Religion today may simply be expressed in a
different way. Bellah argues that there has been a move from collective worship to privatized
worship and from clerical to individual interpretation of doctrine.
 Modernity and Change in religious attitude i.e. from other wordly to this worldly towards social
problems.
 Modernity and Differentiation and Disengagement of religion from other social institutions
like education, state law etc.: compared to its role in medieval Europe, the church in contemporary
western society has undergone a process of disengagement. In the middle ages, there was a union
of church and state. Today, apart from the right of bishops to sit in the British house of lords, the
church is hardly represented in government. Ecclesiastical control of education and social
welfare has been superseded by secular organizations under state control. Church patronage of
the arts & architecture was reflected by the fact that most art in the middle ages was based on
religious themes. Today secular themes predominate.
 Modernity and Secularization of rites and rituals.
 Modernity and Secularisation of religious ideology.
All these indications of secularization emerged is context of modern industrial societies. Which
emerged with industrial Revolution, Enlightenment, French revolution, Renaissance etc. in
European societies. Thus is historical context Secularization is a modern phenomenon.
 In Indian Society; the process of secularization of religion started is colonial period. British
introduced features of modernity-law, education, industrialisation, etc. which facilitate the
process of secularization.
 Socio-Religious Reform movements of 18th and 19th Centuary advanced the cause of modern
education, social legislations abolished religious disabilities, notion of purity and pollution,
which led to secularization of religion.
 Achievements in modern science and technology broke the plausible structure of religion;
provided scientific explanations and solutions to the problem and rationalized the social attitude
of people.
 The numerous growth of sects and cults in modern Indian society is also as indicator of
secularization of religion. The theme of these cults based on liberal-humanistic principles. e.g.
Art of living foundation, Transcendental Meditation. etc.,
Thus, it can be concluded that the secularization of religion is essentially a modern phenomenon.
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Q2(b)How the social structure and socio-cultural variables facilitate the development process
and modernization of a society? Elucidate with examples and write sociological perspective?
Modernization is the rational transformation of political, economics, social, intellectual aspects

of society. Development process is characterized by a set rational values, status of women,
actual autonomy, growth and equity etc.
 The social structure and socio-cultural variables - caste, religion, patriarchy, kinship structure
etc., facilitate as well as retard this development process.
Refer to Thinkers :Karl Marks, Emile Durkheim & T. Persons

 “Weber in his classical work the Protestant ethic and spirit of Capitalism” demonstrated through
comparative study how the Calvinist ethics facilitated the rise of modern capitalists and the
same process could not be take place in eastern societies of china and India.
 Kerala has high development indicators comparable to Scandinavian countries. Thus success can
be attributed to structural cultural variables-weak patriarchy (legacy of Anti-Brahmin movements),
popular mobilizations, socio - political culture etc.
 Amartya Sen has attributed TN health systems success to the minimum social distance between
doctors and patients overwhelmingly belonged to same background.
 Backwardness of Northern states can be attributed to structural variables-rigidity of caste system,

patriarchy, political culture, domination of hierarchy etc. These regions characterized by high
incidence of poverty, low status of women, lower female labour participation high fertility etc.
 Himachal Pradesh has achieved tremendous success in literacy of school children; increased
participation of women is public life. Sociologists have attributed this success to relatively
egalitarian social structure of hill society of Himalayas. Similarly hill societies of North East have
favorable sex ratio as tribal societies are characterized by egalitarian social structure.
 Marwaris, Baniyas, Parsis because of their entrepreneurship skills have facilitated the industrial
modernisation of Indian society.
Thus socio-cultural variables and social structure facilitate development process and
modernization of society.
{Note: You shoulg give more such illustrations}
Q2(c) How is religious revivalism different from communalism? Elaborate with suitable examples
from the Indian context.
 Religious revivalism is term applied to mass movements which are based upon intense religious
upheaval. Periodic religious revivals which seek to restore commitment and attachment to the
group is regular observable feature of religious traditions rise in number of sects,culture etc. and
Fundamentalism is a kind of religious revivalism.
 The word communalism comes from the word “community”, which in simple term means “individuals
attachment or identification with the community to which she/he belongs”. In this sense, the term
“communal” is a positive term. In its modern usage, term ‘communalism’ refers to the tendency of
socio-religious groups of a sectarian exploitation of social traditions as a medium of political mobilization
to promote the political, social and economic interests of one group even at the expense of or in antagonistic
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conditions of other group. In doing so, the religious group may consider other religious communities as
opponents and enemies. Communalism in this context has been explained mainly in two ways:
- As an ideology or belief system; and
- As a social phenomena.
 As an ideology, it means, a belief that people who follow a particular religion have common social,
political and economic interests. Therefore, one should have primary social and political
allegiance to one’s religious groups.
 This belief in due course takes the shape of social phenomena. It means aggressive assertion of
communal identity in organized way in opposition and antagonism to other religions. This assertion is
used to demand for voting on religious basis and also confronting the opposing group violently.
 Swami Vivekanda, Mahatma Gandhi revived universalistic values of Hindu religion to promote
humnity while Md. Ali Jinnah promoted communalism through demand of separate electorates
for muslims.
 Arya Samaj promoted religious revivalism (e.g. go back to Vedas) and its Shuddhi movement led
to communalism is society.
 Revivalists have faith is their religious ideology. Revivalist derives political principles from a
sacred ancient text. It tries to evoke a utopian past mentioned in the sacred religious text at the
cost of modern structures, institutions and rights. One of the defining characteristics of Revivalists
has been that adherents often see themselves as the guardians of the truth, usually to the exclusion
of others. e.g. Tara singh Bhindranwale. While a communal person not necessarily believe is
religion. e.g. Jinnah was an atheist.
 Religious Revivalism is accompanied by religious code of morality while communalism is amoral
in nature.
 Religious revivalism appeal to the followers of religion while; it is not necessary in case of
communalism. e.g. British were communal is Indian Context.
 Religious Revivalism can be functional as well as dysfunctional to society while communalism is
dysfunctional to wider society.
 Revivalist refers to religious scriptures while communalists have nothing to do with it.
Today, both use modern means of communication e.g. social media to propagate their ideologies.
Thus religious revivalism is qualitatively different from communalism and both exist side by
side in our society.
Q3(a) “Power is not a zero-sum game”. Critically discuss with reference to Weber’s and Parsons’
views.
Weber defined power as chances of an individual or a group to exercise his will through collective
action despite the resistance by others. Hence in Weber’s terms, those who acquire power does so
at the expenses of others. Thus total power is constant. These power relations reflect in all social
relations. So power is a zero sum game.
 The gender-power relations also justify the zero-sum game of power. Men holds power at the
expense of women and his will reflects in relations of dominance and sub-ordination.
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 For Weber, those groups who occupy power tend to promote their factional interests vis-a-vis
wider societal interest. Weber’s concept of class, status and party along with his analysis of state
and bureaucracy are the centre of his concept of power. Each grouping is focused around or
oriented towards power as an independent point of conflict. Each represents an aspect of and a
basis for power. But unlike Marx, he claimed that power did not emerge only from economic
sources, and he certainly does not restrict power relationships to ownership or non-ownership of
the means of the production. Power can also emerge from STATUS OR PARTY (associations
concerned with acquiring power) or can a also be pursued for its own sake.
 This power imbalance also reflects in corporate and farmers relations. Corporate companies
(e.g. Agriculture insurance companies) hold power at the expense of farmers as reflected in policy
designs.Dominant caste through its numerical majority have access to power and tries to maximize
its factional interest at the cost of other castes / communities.
 However, Parsons does not agree with this view point. For parsons, power is a generalized
facility possessed by society as a whole. Parsons regards power as something possessed by
society as a whole. as such power is a generalized facility of resources in the society. It is the
capacity to mobilize the resources of the society for the attainment of goals for which a general
public commitment has been made. In this sense the amount of power in society is measured by
the degree to which collective goals are realized. Thus the greater efficiency of a social system for
achieving the goals defined by its members, the more power exists in society. It is a variable-sum
of power. If collective goals are realized, value consensus strengthen, power of society as a whole
increases. If there is conflict in the social system, power decreases.
 Parsons justify the power differentials such that who occupy power positions tend to promote
collective goals of the society as a whole rather than factional interests for examples. Materialism
is a cherished value in American society and power elite promote policies of economic growth
and expansion to further the collective goals.
 Power elite is Indian society like Gandhi, Nehru promoted the collective goals of the society as a
whole; while regional political elites promoted their factional / vested interests.
Thus parsons and Weber perspective on power is contradictory and whether power is a zero-
sum game or variable-sum depends upon the nature and character of power in society.
Q3(b) “No society gives absolute freedom to its members to select their partner.” Evaluate the statement
in context of rules of marriage and analyse the problems associated to marriage in Indian society.
Marriage is the approved social pattern whereby two or more persons establish a family. It
involves not only the right to conceive and rear children (who are sometimes conceived as an
institutionalized preliminary to marriage) but also a host of other obligations and privileges
affecting a good many people.
 Indian society is a pluralistic society in terms of religion, region, caste, ethnicity etc., and the rules
of marriage among different communities by influenced by a complex interplay of these factors in
addition to modern factors like law, class, status etc.,
 Endogamy is a social rule that requires a person to select the spouse from within the caste and
sub-caste,
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 Exogamy forbids selection from same gotra and sapinda (i.e., cousins like chachera, mamera,
phuphera and mausera); and
 According to hypergamy, a boy from the upper caste can marry a girl from the lower caste and
vice-versa.
 In early society, caste endogamy was functional because it preserved the occupational secrets of
the caste, maintained the solidarity of the caste and checked decrease in the membership or
strength of the caste.
 In the present society, though it makes marital adjustment easier, yet it has proved to be
dysfunctional in some ways since it creates inter-caste tensions which adversely affect the political
unity of the country, makes field of mate-selection limited and circumscribed, and creates problems
of dowry, child marriage, etc.
 Ghurye has considered caste endogamy as central feature of Indian society. Recently conducted
surveys showed that more than 95% couple practiced caste endogamy. The factors like instability,
individualism, anomie created by globalization also influence attitude towards caste endogamy as
it provides stability.
 Social legislations have impacted rules of marriage which gives an individual freedom to choose
their life partner and also fixed the minimum age of marriage 21st for boys and 18 for girls.
However, more than 40% global child marriage are practiced in India. This shows how the law is
challenged by custom and tradition.
 Veena Das has attributed high incidence of child marriage to social and religious attitude of
members of society which frames rule to exercise control over sexuality of women i.e. safe
transfer of virginity from parental home.
 In middle-class families, however individual members exercise their choice regarding mate
selection, age of marriage. To a much extent, they exercise freedom to select their marital partners.
Problems associated with marriage:
 Inter-caste marriage not accepted by families and resistance increases in case of Hypogamy
( Pratiloma) marriages often accompanied by honour killings. Sometimes, it becomes a matter
of pride and manifests in the form of caste-conflict.
 Marriage is accompanied by dowry system in Indian society. In era of globalization. Dowry has
become a way to satisfy consumerist needs. Fat weddings considered as status symbols. It has
become a rural-as well as-urban phenomenon.
 The skewed sex ratio in Green Revolution area has led to purchase-brides from backward areas
and communities. Thus problem of human trafficking as associated with institution of marriage.
Thus individual freedom is constrained by structural factors of rules of marriage and

accompanied by various problems with institution of marriage.
Q3(c) “The social evaluation of biological differences give rise to the problem of gender and
transgender.” Examine the statement.
The gender and transgender is a socio-cultural construct i.e. sex is gendered giving rise to problem
of gender and transgender. Margret Mead is his work “Sex and temperament and three primitive
societies” showed that how cultural condition-upbringing, socialization construct gender.
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 The social anthropologist George Murdock saw it as both practical and convenient that women
should concentrate on domestic and family responsibilities while men work outside the home. On
the basis of a cross- cultural study of more than two hundred societies. Murdock concluded that
the sexual division of labour is present in all cultures. While this is not the result of biological
‘programming’, it is the most logical basis for the organization of society.
 When Biological differences between male; female, third sex are socially evaluated as high or
low, superior or inferior giving rise to problem of gender and social exclusion of transgender
from mainstream society. S. Firestone , an early radical feminist writer, argued that men control
women’s roles in reproduction and child- rearing. Because women are biologically able to give
birth, they become dependent materially on men for protection and livelihood of child. This
‘biological inequality is socially organized in the patriarchal family. Firestone speaks of a ‘sex
class’ to describe women’s social position and argues that women can be emancipated only through
the abolition of the family and the power relations which characterize it.
 The patriarchal social structures like marriage, family, Religion, caste, state etc., reinforce this
social evaluation of biological differences and further exclude the women and transgender. Ann
Oakley strongly criticizes cultural division of labour. She argues that functionalist’s viewpoints
are based on narrow insights of their own culture due to which they find universality of gender
based division of labour. She concludes that gender roles are culturally constructed rather than
biologically determined. This reflects in sexual division of labour in private and public life.
 With rise of modernity and feminism, this social evaluation is being challenged. Kerala has come
up with Transgender policy which not only recognize transgender identity rather ensures their
participation in the workforce. Kochi Metro has provided jobs to Transgenders.
 Temple, Mosque entry protest movement are also challenging religion-notion of purity and
pollution and serenity of status. e.g. Sbrimala temple entry, Hazi Ali Mosque entry etc.
Thus, the problem of gender and transgender is a social not biological. It manifests in every social,
political and economical sphere. The problems of gender (along with transgender) violence, rape,
discrimination and inequality can be solved by addressing the root cause i.e. Social evaluation of
biological differences.
{Note: Can throw light on Judicial decisions and Law Commissions Recommendations on
Transgender}
Section B
Q4. Write short answer of the following in about 150 words each:
Q4(a) “Religion and science are forms of human understanding and provides ways to humans to relate
themselves to reality”. Discuss.
Religion is an institutionalized integration between man and mundane. Science is systematic

body of tentative knowledge. Thus both are cognitive systems which try to comprehend the
social reality.
12
 Both explains the social phenomenon but their methods are different. Science employs empirical
means while religion focus on non-empirical means to logical ends.
 Science answers “what and how” of social reality while religion explains “why” of a social
phenomenon. Science deals with what is known, it is potential knowledge based on sensory
evidences.
 Religious beliefs refer to the world beyond the senses. Knowledge which cannot be proved by the
methods of science, cannot be disproved also. Thus Religion offers the continuity in the phase of
discontinuity created by science.
 Religion furthers the growth of science and technologies. The Calvinist ethics cites that unraveling
the mysteries of nature is glorification of god.
 The social necessity of both cognitive systems is evident from super growth of science and
technology as well as super growth of religious sects and cults.
 Science has taken cognitive role of religion while religion provides source of morality to exercise
control over technology. e.g. surrogacy.
 H.E. Barnes says that EVEN IF there exists conflict between fundamentals of religion and modern
science none exists between the later and humanism because the humanists frankly base their
religion upon the findings of the science.
 Both are two facets of life. One touches soul while other indicates material advancement. Religion
gives peace to scientifically advanced and worried society. Both try to pierce into the realm of
unknown. Thus conflicts and compatibility of religion and science can not be studied is an isolated
manner as development of science can provide base for the interpretation of ideas of religion.
Science is a search for knowledge as well as method of solving problems.
 Both religion and science are forms of human understanding. Both science and religion are
human ways to relating themselves to reality.
 Both science and religion try to make explicit the world of unknown. Religion is more collectively
oriented than science, but science too emphasizes team spirit and cooperation of scientific
community. Both science and religion claim access to truth.
Thus, both science as well as religion are functional to human society and provide ways to
humans to relate themselves to reality. Religion may not need science and science may not need
religion but man needs both.
Q4(b) Discuss the alternatives to traditional forms of Marriage and Family.
Family is a kinship social group in which members are connected to each other through bonds of
affinity and consanguinity and performs the function of production, reproduction, household etc.
Marriage is the approved social pattern whereby two or more persons establish a family. It
involves not only the right to conceive and rear children (who are some-times conceived as an
institutionalized preliminary to marriage) but also a host of other obligations and privileges
affecting a good many people.
Alternatives to the traditional forms of family and marriages:
 Non-marital Cohabitation Has Increased: There have always been some unmarried couples who
lived together openly as ‘lovers” rather than as husband and wife. They were generally condemned
as scandalous and immoral. Today, however, non marital cohabitation multiplied by many times.
13
Live-in-relationships are increasing in the society and their acceptance by society and law as well
as parents.
 Gay and lesbian household and families and their recognition by law by eastern societies-
challenging traditional form of family and marriage.
 Single-parent families due to adoption laws, surrogate technology, acceptance of motherhood

without marriage, are emerging alternatives. Unmarried Parenthood Has Increased Since 1950,
the illegitimacy rate has multiplied more than four times. A generation ago nine out of ten
illegitimate babies were placed for adoption. Today more than nine in ten of them are kept by
their mothers. This often condemns the mother to a life of economic deprivation and the baby to
a life of emotional deprivation (Furstenberg & Forsberg).
 It was historically difficult for a person to live comfortably alone. Only by joining a family or by
setting up a household complete with servant staff could one live in comfort. Today the physical
accommodations are more favorable-furnished apartments and maid service, wash-and wear
clothes, Laundryman, and catering services of many kinds make it easier for the singles. Changing
gender roles within family assisted by domestic maid is emerging as alternative.
 Outsourcing of productive and reproductive role of women through Assisted Reproductive

Technologies (ARTs) and other technology challenging the existing institutions.
 Neo-local families by young couples challenging traditional household dimension of family.
Thus, with social change and modernity, new forms of family and marriage are emerging as
alternatives. The institutionalization and patternization can be witnessed in today’s society. They
are getting legal recognition also while social recognition is still in infancy.
Q4(c) “Education helps in democratization of society and brings social change.” Illustrate the statement.
Social Change refers to the modifications in the organization and behavior of the group expressed
in its laws, institutions, customs, modes and beliefs. When change supposedly for the better it
becomes progress which is essentially an evolutionary concept”. Education is mechanism or
process of Inter-generational transmission of knowledge skills, values, and attitudes through
informal and formal means-family, society, educational institutions.
Democratization of society:
 Education based on modern scientific and humanistic principles challenge the undemocratic,
unjust socio-religious institutions and practices e.g. (caste system, religion etc.,) they facilitate
democratization of society.
 Preservation and transmission of our social, moral and cultural values. In Education, through
curriculum, students will be acquainted with social, moral and cultural values and teachers make
them familiar with values and ideal through different activities, games, story-telling etc. Education
makes them familiar with constitution, rules and regulations of citizens and so on. As we find in
NPE 1986 major objectives to produce a productive citizen has been fulfilled by education so
education preserves our value and it make others to imbibe those values.
 Through education individuals become aware about the importance of unity, love, fraternity
and other values. Education makes all people get awakened of being a part of society and how
they can contribute the world as society. People know different values and life skills and thus they
develop concern for society including social mindedness, values life skills, learning to be, learning
14
to do, learning to know, learning to live together via different activities story telling dramatization
etc.
 Education help in political modernization. Education makes all aware about rights and duties of
all, which are their responsibilities and duties so that they can develop their civic sense. Through
different lesson of political leaders and stories education develop ideal leadership quality so that in
future citizens can lead the state and society. Educated people build modern organizations, lay
political parties or Associations to articulate their interest. E.g. Dalit Panthers.
 Education challenge patriarchal norms-which are unjust and undemocratic. Savitribai Phule
Challenged Brahmanical-knowledge system and their pedagogy.
 “Educate, agitate and organize” – Philosophy of Ambedkar highlights how education helps in
democratization.
 Education helps in economic modernization. The skilled workforce work in industries and absorbs
new technology.
 Education assist process of secularization i.e. social significance of religious institutions decline
 Educated women are more aware about their rights and exercise control over body and sexuality.
It helps in achieving fertility control. For example, Kerala’s TFR (Total Fertility Rate) is below
national average of 1.2
Nevertheless, it also resists social change and democratization if it promotes conservative values
and partisan attitude.
Thus, education helps and facilitates the value modernization and democratization and society
and hence brings social change.
Q4(d) “The religion cannot be the sufficient basis of nation-building in India.” Examine the statement.
Nation is an imagined entity to which people have sense of belongingness, similar kind of
consciousness. A NATION is a nationality which has organized itself into a political entity. A
NATION is a group of people who feel their uniqueness and oneness which they are keen to
maintain and promote. The formation of nation-states is essentially a modern phenomenon.
Today’s societies are pluralistic societies characterized by unique and diverse cultural identity-
religion; region, ethnicity, caste etc.,
Different basis of Nation-building in India:
- Accountable, responsive and legitimate government:
- Economic growth and development :
- Reduction of inequality and poverty:
- Accommodation of social diversity:
- Dignity and freedom of the citizens:
- Improvement in the quality of decision-making;
- Democratic method to resolve conflicts; and
- All room to correct mistakes.
15
 Content analysis of historical literature justify this statement. Pakistan emerged as an Islamic
nation and ignored, suppressed Bengali ethnic identity, which led to another nation-state-
Bangladesh.
 Cultural nationalism based on Hindutva ideology is anti-national inherently. As it does not

recognise the cultural diversity of Indian Tradition and culture.
 America as a nation emerged in the basis of universalistic principles and recognised the multiple
identities. The idea of France as a nation rooted in philosophy of French Revolution i.e. complete
absence of religion in public life. It derecognizes religious identities also creating conflict in society.
e.g. protest movement against Burqa and Turban by respective religious communities.
Thus religion cannot be the sufficient basis of nation-building in India neither in another country.
Any nation-building project has to recognize and accommodate huge diversity.
Q4(e) Comment on institutionalization of ‘live-in-relationship’ and give reasons.
Live-in-relationship: A living arrangement in which an unmarried couple lives together in a

long-term relationship that resembles a marriage. Couples cohabit, rather than marry, for a variety
of reasons. They may want to test their compatibility before they commit to a legal union.
When such social relationships become normal type i.e. widely diffused and internalized
throughout the society, recognized by parents, law, society at large as legitimate and just, then it
is referred as institutionalization of live-in-relationships.
Reasons :
 Increasing age of marriage, geographical mobility, to satisfy emotional and sexual needs gave
rise to live-in-relationships.
 Law recognizes some aspects and functions of live in relationship such as Children born out of
live-in relationships are eligible to be maintained by both the parents and can succeed in
inheritance of property of the parents;
 Domestic Violence Act also includes and recognises live-in relationships; Indian courts also tend
to look at long term live-in relationships more or less like marriages with application of maintenance
laws.
 To escape from institutional obligations of family and marriage also a determinant factor.
 The rise of individual consciousness and mutually negotiated gender roles also facilitate live-in-
relations.
 The rising status of women particularly middle-class and upper class women has provided them
an opportunity to challenge traditional, productive and reproductive role.
 Change in orientation, attitude towards marriage.
Nevertheless, In Indian society, these social relationships are in a process of institutionalization

and yet to get a full-fledged social institution status due to some conservative traditions and
ideologies of Indian Society.
Thus, the changing socio-economic orientation, emerging technologies, globalization, innovation

in work is leading to creation of liberal democratic ideas and institution hence institutionalization
of live-in-relationships can be seen in modern societies and India also.
16
Q5(a) Discuss the meaning and role of civil society in the efforts of transformation of society through
collective action.
Civil Society refers to Voluntary associations, independent of state and market. Marxist theorist
Antonio gramsci who revived the term to portray civil society as a special nucleus of independent
political activity, a crucial sphere of struggle against tyranny.
Collective action is an emergent type of coordinated Action by an organisation (e.g. civil society
through mobilisation of people to change one or other aspect of society and brings social
tranformation. e.g. India Against corruption, Majdoor Kisan Shakti Sngthan etc.,
 David held tried to give shape to the concept of civil society through a sociological definition. In his
words, “civil society retains a distinctive character to the extent that it is made up of areas of
social life- the domestic world, the economic sphere, cultural activities and political interaction
– which are organization by private or voluntary arrangements between individuals and groups
outside the direct control of the state”. In the 1990s, civil society became a mantra for everyone
from politicians to political scientists. The global trend toward democracy opened up space for
civil society in formerly dictatorial countries around the world. in the united states and western
Europe, public fatigue with tired party systems sparked interest in civil society as a means of
social renewal.
 Especially in the developing world in contemporary society, privatization and other market reforms
offered civil society the chance to step in as governments retracted their reach. And the
information revolution provided new tools for forging connections and empowering citizens.
Civil society became a key element of the post- cold-war society.
Civil society performs following important Role:

 To limit state power – By checking its political abuses and violations of the law and subjecting
them to public scrutiny.
 To empower citizens by “increasing the political efficacy and skill of the democratic citizen and
promoting an appreciation of the obligations as well as rights of democratic citizenship”.
 To inculcate and promote an arena for the development of democratic attributes amongst the
citizens such as tolerance, moderation, willingness to compromise and respect for opposing
viewpoints.
 To provide avenues for political parties and other organisations allowing them of articulate,
aggregate, and represent their interest. This enhances the quality of democracy as “it generates
opportunities for participation and influence at all levels of governance, not the least the local
government.
 To function as a recruiting, informational and leadership generating agency especially in
economically developed societies – where, Economic reform is sometimes necessary, but often
difficult to bring about if it threatens vested economic interests. A well founded civil society
could act as a shock observing institution, where wide ranges of interest that may cross- cut and
mitigate the principal polarities of political conflict.
 To generate public and political support for successful economic and political reforms which
require the support of coalitions in society and the legislature.
 A well rooted civil society also helps in identifying and train new political leaders as such; it can
“play a crucial role in revitalizing the narrow and stagnant party dominated leadership recruitment
patterns.
17
 Election monitoring – Many non- partisan organisations engage in election monitoring at home
and abroad.
 Strengthening citizen attitudes toward the state- civil society enhances “the accountability,
responsiveness, inclusiveness, effectiveness, and hence legitimacy of the political system”.
 Public education – Awareness is key to any democratic system. The civil society might enhance
democracy through educating the public.
 Voice to stakeholders – Civil society could promote democratic governance by giving voice to
stakeholders.
 Policy inputs – Government Policy formulation is considerably influenced from the inputs given
by the civil society.
 Transparency of governance – Vigilant civic mobilization can cause public transparency in
governance.
 Public accountability – Civil society can hold various concerned agencies accountable to public.
 Legitimacy – The sum total of the preceding actions by the civil society could lead to a legitimate
democratic rule.
 Collective action of civil society ensures accountability in public life, demands transparency in its
functioning. India against Corruption protest against corruption led by middle-class.
 Human-vigilante organisations like PUCL, PUDL- fighting for civil liberties of poeple through
peaceful means of agitation and other constitutional means like PIL (Public interest litigations).
 Feminist organizations demanding safety and security of women; adequate presentation in

political institutions brought structural transformation in patriarchal social structures. e.g.,
Sabrimala Temple entry protest movement.
 Trade unions of working classes articulate their interests, put forward their demands to executive,
demand share in decision making structure of Authority. In this way begins process of political
participation.
 A global civil society is emerging against elites of developed and developing countries (Corporate
and political elite) to resist the policies impacting the vulnerable social gropus Dalit, Tribal,
farmers etc., e.g. People’s Resistance forum against RCEP Trade Agreement.
 Farmer organisations, e.g. Bharat Kishan Union, Sharkari Sanghthan etc., demanding for a loan
waiver, better prices of their produce, protest against corporate MNC’s agendas.
 Civil Society based on primordial identities like caste, ethinicity, region etc through collective
action tends to promote their factional interests. e.g. Khap panchayats demanding Reservation,
Gorkhland organisations demanding a separate state.
Thus civil society through collective action bring structural transformation in society which is
functional as well as dysfunctional at the same time.
Q5(b) “A true democratic system must sustain and understand all the cultural identities.” In light of the
above statement examine the Constitution and State as agents of social change.
Constitution is the supreme document of land and laid down the principles so that state functions.
It is the underlying principles that provides ideology of social change.
18
 A true democratic system is based on principles of Rule of Law, equality of oportunity, justice,
equity, equal citizenship, secularism and universalistic and progressive value-orientation with
equality, liberty and fraternity.
 The additional principles underlying Indian constitution which are unequal-federalism,

secularism, Tribal panchsheel etc., which not only recognizes pluralistic, cultural identities
rather provide political environment to flourish these identities. In this way, it laid down
foundation of a true democratic system.
 Ambedkar was critical about Indian democracy. According to Ambedker, democracy on Indian
soil is top-down dressing which is essentially undemocratic. Constitution estabilishes political
democracy not the socio-economic democracy which is perquisite to success of political democracy.
 However, constitution has been instrumental in structural changes in tradition in terms of value
system. Constitution recognises the values of equality, individuation, freedom, justice, while
traditional caste system recognizes graded hierarchy and holism.
 State through its various legislations has brought progressive social change. e.g. Land reforms
legislations significantly transformed agrarian social structure. 73rd Constitutional Amendment
transformed patriarchal, caste, power relations in Society. Recently Social boycott law of
Maharashtra government would bring positive change.
However, weak enforcement of legislations due to lack of political will, sometimes against the
popular opinion, challenged by custom and tradition restrict the constitution, state as agent of
tranformation.
When, these provisions supported by popular social mobilisations can bring structural
tranformation. e.g. the success of “operation Burger” in West Bengal.
The formation of linguistic, ethic, tribal states, freedom of religion in public life has succeeded in
accomodation of huge diversity-class, gender, castes, ethnic, religious, regional etc.,
Q5(c) How is T. H. Marshall’s views on citizenship is relevent in todays society?

Marshal envisages that capitalism has increased class-struggle in modern societies. T. H. Marshall
wrote a seminal essay on citizenship, titled “Citizenship and Social Class”. He analysed the
development of citizenship as a development of civil, then political, then social rights. These
were broadly assigned to the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries respectively.
 His distinctive contribution was to introduce the concept of social rights understood as the welfare
rights. Social Rights are awarded not on the basis of class or need, but rather on the status of
citizenship. He claimed that the extension of social rights does not entail the destruction of
social classes and inequality. In Britain, citizenship was obtained at three stages:
* Civil rights
* Political rights (Direction of evolution of rights)
* Socio-economic rights
Relevance (critics)
19
 With the neo-liberal shift of state, Rolling back of state from welfare measures, labour reforms,
reduction of subsidies are undermining the socio-economic citizenship rights of vulnerable poor
sections of society e.g. Dalit, Tribal is Indian Context.
 Global Citizenship - an emerging concept in era of globalization which Marshalls theory fail to
account.
 Dual citizenship- Great efforts are made to maintain one’s cultural identity in dual citizenship
which is an indication of narrow-mindedness. In most of the cases it is provided for material gains
and facilities. There is hardly the feeling of love and attachment to the soil in it. But it can be used
to strengthen relation between any two countries. While Marshalls fails account for it as it was
based on notions of 19 th century.
 Marshall’s theory failed to recognise the debate of Multi-culturalism v/s universal citizenship.
 New kind of rights emerging -sexual minorities-gay and lesbians, green citizenship - Rights to
healthy environment.
 In case of Privacy matters Marshalls concept provides lot of help, for e.g. Adhaar debate.
Despite limitations, Marshall view gives an insight into citizenship perspective. Thus, T. H.
Marshalls concept of citizenship directs us to holistically analyse the state-citizen relationship
and the democratic institutional relations. The development-displacement dilemma, emerging
technologies, emerging disputes between state and citizen requires this approach to underastand.
20

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MODEL HINTS: SOCIOLOGY TEST-3

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

- It LEGITIMIZES ACTIONS perused by the people.

- Ideology makes people UNDERSTAND AND JUSTIFY THE IMPLICATIONS OF THEIR

- Ideology DISTINGUISHES A SOCIAL MOVEMENT FROM MERE INSTANCES.

Leaders operate within ideological framework.:

Q1(b) Elaborate on the social necessity of religion.

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Q1(d) “Education helps in democratization of society.” Illustrate with examples.

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Education is a mechanism of inter-generational transmission of knowledge, skills, values through

Q1 (e) Compare Weberian and Durkheimian views on state.

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Q2 (a) “The secularization of religion is essentially a modern phenomenon.” Discuss.

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Modernization is the rational transformation of political, economics, social, intellectual aspects

Refer to Thinkers :Karl Marks, Emile Durkheim & T. Persons

 Backwardness of Northern states can be attributed to structural variables-rigidity of caste system,

{Note: You shoulg give more such illustrations}

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Problems associated with marriage:

Thus individual freedom is constrained by structural factors of rules of marriage and

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Religion is an institutionalized integration between man and mundane. Science is systematic

Q4(b) Discuss the alternatives to traditional forms of Marriage and Family.

Alternatives to the traditional forms of family and marriages:

 Single-parent families due to adoption laws, surrogate technology, acceptance of motherhood

 Outsourcing of productive and reproductive role of women through Assisted Reproductive

 Neo-local families by young couples challenging traditional household dimension of family.

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

 Cultural nationalism based on Hindutva ideology is anti-national inherently. As it does not

Q4(e) Comment on institutionalization of ‘live-in-relationship’ and give reasons.

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Live-in-relationship: A living arrangement in which an unmarried couple lives together in a

 Change in orientation, attitude towards marriage.

Nevertheless, In Indian society, these social relationships are in a process of institutionalization

Thus, the changing socio-economic orientation, emerging technologies, globalization, innovation

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

Civil society performs following important Role:

 Feminist organizations demanding safety and security of women; adequate presentation in

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

 The additional principles underlying Indian constitution which are unequal-federalism,

Q5(c) How is T. H. Marshall’s views on citizenship is relevent in todays society?

Ans.:Hints- Point to Think

* Political rights (Direction of evolution of rights)

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