Sociology 2023

 

Sociology - Solved Paper (2023)

Subject Code: BLS LLB SEM III | Set II

Q.1 Multiple Choice Questions

• 1. First stage of evolution of an institution: b) Ideology
• 2. Criterion of social development through social division of labour: b) Emile Durkheim
• 3. Result of Westernization and modernization: c) Social mobility
• 4. Social stratification and notions of purity/pollution: a) Caste System
• 5. Development of the 'Self': b) Charles Horton Cooley (Looking Glass Self)
• 6. Sociology of law studies: b) Criminology and penology
• 7. Jajmani system is a feature of: d) Caste system
• 8. Child marriage act amendment (1978) raised age to: 18 for girls and 21 for boys.
• 9. Father of Sociology: a) Auguste Comte
• 10. Process by which people act and react in relation to others: b) Social interaction
• 11. Small social group whose members share personal and lasting relationships: a) Primary Group
• 12. "Society is a web of social relationships": b) MacIver and Page
• 13. Socialization process begins from: b) Infancy/Family
• 14. Status assigned at birth: a) Ascribed status
• 15. 'The Holy Family' was written by: a) Karl Marx

Q.2 Detailed Answers

1. Auguste Comte's Contribution to Sociology

• Coined the term: In 1838, Comte combined the Latin 'Socius' and Greek 'Logos' to create 'Sociology'.
• Positivism: He advocated for the application of scientific methods (observation, experimentation, and comparison) to the study of society.
• Law of Three Stages: Human thought evolves from Theological (supernatural) to Metaphysical (abstract) to Positive (scientific).
• Social Statics and Dynamics: Statics focuses on social order and stability (structure), while Dynamics focuses on social progress and change.

2. Relationship between Politics and Society

• Mutual Influence: Society provides the cultural and social context for politics, while politics creates the legal and administrative framework for society.
• Political Socialization: Families, schools, and media shape the political beliefs and behaviors of individuals within a society.
• Social Movements: Collective social action often leads to political change (e.g., reservation policies, gender laws).
• Power Dynamics: Sociology examines how power is distributed among different social classes, castes, and interest groups.

3. Formal and Informal Means of Social Control

• Formal Means: Written, codified, and official rules enforced by specialized agencies like the state, police, courts, and military.
• Informal Means: Unwritten, unofficial standards of behavior enforced by primary groups like family, peers, and the neighborhood through gossip, praise, ridicule, or ostracism.
• Functions: Both aim to maintain social order and ensure individuals conform to the norms and values of society.

4. Role of Social Media and Influence on Social Issues

• Awareness: Platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook allow for rapid dissemination of information regarding social injustices (e.g., #MeToo).
• Mobilization: Enables the organization of protests and campaigns across geographical boundaries instantly.
• Public Opinion: Influences how the general public perceives specific social issues, though it also risks spreading misinformation and creating "echo chambers."
• Agent of Change: It has become a powerful tool for holding authorities accountable and promoting social reform.

5. Constitutional Provisions for SC and ST

• Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability and prohibition of its practice in any form.
• Article 15 & 16: Prohibition of discrimination and provision for reservation in educational institutions and public employment.
• Article 46: Directive principle to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs and STs and protect them from social injustice.
• Article 330 & 332: Reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

6. Changing Concept of Marriage

• From Sacrament to Contract: Marriage is increasingly viewed as a personal contract based on mutual consent rather than just a religious duty.
• Rise of Nuclear Families: The shift from joint family structures to smaller units has changed marital roles and expectations.
• Legal Recognition: Acceptance of diverse forms such as live-in relationships and decriminalization of adultery.
• Gender Equality: Increased education and economic independence for women have led to more egalitarian partnerships within marriage.

7. Marx's Conflict Theory and Social Stratification

• Economic Base: Stratification is rooted in the ownership of the means of production.
• Two Classes: The Bourgeoisie (owners) and the Proletariat (workers).
• Exploitation: The ruling class exploits the working class by extracting "surplus value," leading to inequality.
• Conflict: Stratification is not functional but a source of tension that leads to class struggle and eventual revolution.

8. Sociology as a Science: Critical Analysis

• Scientific Side: It uses systematic observation, data collection, and empirical evidence to formulate general laws about social behavior.
• Limitations: Unlike natural sciences, sociology deals with human consciousness, making laboratory-style experiments impossible.
• Objectivity: Complete objectivity is difficult because the researcher is a part of the society they are studying.
• Conclusion: It is a social science—scientific in its methodology but distinct from the physical sciences due to its complex subject matter.

9. Theory of the Origin of Society (Social Contract Theory)

• Concept: Proposed by thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, this theory suggests society originated from a voluntary agreement among individuals.
• State of Nature: Before society, humans lived in a "state of nature" which was either chaotic (Hobbes) or inconvenient (Locke).
• Agreement: Individuals surrendered some of their freedoms to a central authority (the state) in exchange for protection, order, and social cooperation.

10. Characteristics of Social Norms

• Universal: Norms exist in all human societies to regulate behavior.
• Relative: Norms vary from culture to culture and change over time within the same society.
• Internalized: Individuals learn and accept norms through the process of socialization.
• Sanction-based: Following norms leads to rewards (positive sanctions), while violating them leads to punishments (negative sanctions).