AIR 7 · CSE 2024 · Sociology I · 51 pages

Aayushi Bansal: Sociology I answer copy

19 answers by Aayushi Bansal, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)It is argued that the scope of sociology has evolved through the epochs of time. Discuss the change in scope of sociology with specific reference to pandemic period.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Absolute Objectivity is an idea which is regarded as obsolete in sociological research. Discuss.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Though all valid data is reliable, but reliability alone does not ensure the validity of an experiment. Discuss.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)One of Mead's most significant contributions to social psychology is his distinction between the "I" and the "Me". Elaborate.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)"No society can be absolutely open or absolutely closed". Comment.10 marks
  6. Q3(a)'Though they take very different approaches to study society, both 'micro' and 'macro' sociology aid our ability to understand the social world. Comment.20 marks
  7. Q3(b)“To Marx capitalism is rooted in irrationality but for Weber it is a reflection of rationality.” Discuss.20 marks
  8. Q3(c)What can be the best research method for determining the impact of COVID-19 on our society? Discuss with examples.10 marks
  9. Q4(a)Participant Observation is a convenient approach to gather information particularly qualitative data about a population, but it can be grossly misleading as well. State out the advantages as well as disadvantages of Participant observation in sociological analysis.20 marks
  10. Q4(b)To what extent does the study of social mobility play a vital part in understanding the class structure of our society?20 marks
  11. Q4(c)"Merton's theory of anomie is a borrowing but essentially different from that of Durkheim". Critically examine.10 marks
  12. Q5(a)Do you think that Feminization of work has led to gender equality? Justify your answer with logical arguments.10 marks
  13. Q5(b)Protests and agitation are symptomatic of skewed development in society. Discuss in context of India along with relevant examples.10 marks
  14. Q5(c)Highlight the various 'Social Pathologies' within Marriage in contemporary times.10 marks
  15. Q5(d)It is observed that young adults around the world are less religious by several measures. Give some theoretical strands in support of this observation.10 marks
  16. Q5(e)Discuss Ogburn's theory of social change.10 marks
  17. Q8(a)In India's cultural landscape, cults and sects professing a common way of life and shared ideals arose as an alternative to the discrimination perpetuated by traditional religious hierarchies. Discuss.20 marks
  18. Q8(b)In the age of Industrialisation and Globalisation, distinction between family and household has become much more relevant. Discuss.20 marks
  19. Q8(c)Discuss Self-Help Group (SHG) as an informal organization from a sociological perspective.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 167 words written

It is argued that the scope of sociology has evolved through the epochs of time. Discuss the change in scope of sociology with specific reference to pandemic period.

Opening · a definition

Sociology is the study of social structures, social institutions, social continuity and social change.

Body · points

Scope of Sociology is not bound by subject matter as it can study micro individual based phenomena (Eg Durkheim: Suicide) to macro societal structures (Eg Marx: capitalism).

It is defined more by 'how' it studies than what it studies.

Evolution:-

Earlier discussion on scope was debated between 'formalist' and 'synthetic' school; the former focussing on form & essence of phenomena

(Eg Simmel, Weber) while latter wanted to study all subjects within sociology (Eg Hobhouse, Durkheim).

With spread to America, micro approach & interactions got added to scope (Eg Mead, Blumer).

Further 1960s saw addition of feminist & reflexive methods of critical theory.

In the 21st century we are focusing on power, war, globalisation, secularisation & so on. In the pandemic period, sociology studied bureaucracy, role of state, private sector, cultural response to vaccines in different communities giving a wide & in depth picture.

Close · a summary

Sociology keeps on evolving as per changing needs of time.