AIR 90 · CSE 2017 · Sociology I · 60 pages

Benson: Sociology I answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Idiographic and nomothetic approach12.5 marks
  2. Q1(b)Briefly discuss "Social Capital theory" of Robert D. Putnam12.5 marks
  3. Q1(c)Bureaucracy and Rational Action12.5 marks
  4. Q1(d)Analyze Durkheim's concept of "Moral Individualism"12.5 marks
  5. Q2(a)Critically analyze the contribution of Sociology as a "scientific study of society" to the rational understanding of the social world around us.25 marks
  6. Q2(b)Talcott Parson's understanding of the social system is high on technical virtuosity but low in grounded research. Analyze25 marks
  7. Q3(a)Emile Durkheim had argued that the function of division of labour in society is that of the promotion of social solidarity. Discuss the statement and critically analyze Durkheim's Division of Labour theory, with reference to contemporary trends.25 marks
  8. Q3(b)"Sociology and political science are so closely and deeply related to each other that one becomes meaningless without the other". Analyze25 marks
  9. Q4(a)"The theory of stratification by Davis and Moore was (and remains) highly influential, but has generated enormous controversy". In this context, give a brief overview of its criticism.20 marks
  10. Q4(b)Critically examine the "Nature and scope of feminist method" in social science research.15 marks
  11. Q4(c)Write a short note on "resource mobilization theory" in context of study of social movements.15 marks
  12. Q5(a)Gender and social mobility12.5 marks
  13. Q5(b)Impact of "modernization" on the "institution of marriage".12.5 marks
  14. Q5(c)Social composition and policies for informal sector12.5 marks
  15. Q5(d)Critically evaluate the concept of "elite exclusion".12.5 marks
  16. Q6(a)Secularization as a social process has its challenges in the form of religious fundamentalism in the contemporary society. Critically examine.25 marks
  17. Q6(b)"In the sociology of deviance, no single theory has emerged as dominant." Discuss.25 marks
  18. Q7(a)Compare and contrast Parson's and Pluralist perspective in context of "Power".20 marks
  19. Q7(b)Briefly analyze the role of "political parties" in strengthening of democracy.15 marks
  20. Q7(c)“Globalization leads to homogenization of culture”. Critically Comment15 marks
  21. Q8(a)Critically examine the "conflict theory" of social change.20 marks
  22. Q8(b)Write a short note on "Social consequences of science and technology".15 marks
  23. Q8(c)"Family diversity has emerged as a global trend". Substantiate15 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 12.5 marks · 142 words written

Idiographic and nomothetic approach

Opening

These methods were early of debate among sociologists.

Body · points and prose

Idiographic approach is based on analysis of particular aspects of social life. It uses deductive method and considers society as unique. The philosophy behind it is that social life is varied and diverse, hence no generalizations are possible. ex - Brahmanization concept of Srinivas.

In contrast, nomothetic (nomos = laws) looks to study general aspects (holistic) of social life. It is based on inductive approach so as to arrive at generalizations. Small scale conclusions are believed to be valid at societal level. ex: Brahmanization modified to Sanskritization (Srinivas).

Close · a summary

Weber used specific historical events (idiographic) to produce generalizations (nomothetic). exc: Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism - comparative study of societies. Yet we see society as diverse with no one method being final and absolute. Pluralistic approach is used to enrich social understanding of society.