AIR 25 · CSE 2025 · Sociology II · 88 pages

Bhavika Chopra: Sociology II answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words : 10 x 5 = 50 (a) How does Jajmani system illustrate patterns of exchange in a traditional Indian village?10 marks
  2. Q1(b)What do you understand by the concept of "dominant caste"? Illustrate with examples.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Discuss the role of British colonial policies in shaping the traditional structure of Indian society.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)Discuss polyandrous customs in Himalayan tribes and their persistence and transformation in the context of modernization and legal frameworks.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Discuss the various manifestations of untouchability practices in modern India.10 marks
  6. Q2(a)Evaluate M.N. Srinivas's structural-functionalist perspective in analyzing contemporary Indian social institutions.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)"The informal sector is both a source of resilience and vulnerability." Discuss this paradox with respect to employment security and social inequality in India.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)Evaluate the limitations of an Indological approach in understanding marginalised communities in India.10 marks
  9. Q3(a)Illustrate the importance of 'Kanyadan' and 'Kulabadhu' in changing institutions of marriage and family.20 marks
  10. Q3(b)Critique the application of resource mobilization theory to social movements in India.20 marks
  11. Q3(c)“Women-led development models foster both participation and leadership.” Discuss.10 marks
  12. Q4(a)Discuss the intersection of patriarchy and entitlements in shaping women's roles and rights within Indian kinship systems.20 marks
  13. Q4(b)Why is defining ‘tribe’ a persistent problem in Indian sociology? How do these definitional dilemmas affect state policy?20 marks
  14. Q4(c)What does B.R. Ambedkar's concept of "Annihilation of Caste" signify for contemporary social reform movements?10 marks
  15. Q5Focus on Foundational Numeracy and Literacy - for basic needs.
  16. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words : 10 x 5 = 50 (a) Outline the main objectives of the New Education Policy, 2020, and its likely implications for equity and access in India's education system.10 marks
  17. Q5(b)How is the "silver economy" reshaping intergenerational family dynamics in India?10 marks
  18. Q5(c)How do religious communities shape social and political identities in plural societies like India?10 marks
  19. Q5(d)"Gated communities in Indian cities represent a new form of urban segregation." Discuss.10 marks
  20. Q5(e)Examine the methodological challenges encountered during ethnographic village studies in India.10 marks
  21. Q6(a)"The feminization of agriculture in India is a consequence of male out-migration rather than women's empowerment." Discuss.20 marks
  22. Q6(b)Critically analyze the concept of the creamy layer among SC/STs in the context of reservation policy. Does this move advance or undermine the goal of social justice?20 marks
  23. Q6(c)Discuss the sociological significance of recognizing violence against men. How do patriarchal norms contribute to under-reporting of male victimization?10 marks
  24. Q7(a)Critically discuss the sociological rationale for conducting a nationwide caste census. How could such data impact policies aimed at social justice?20 marks
  25. Q7(b)Examine the social, legal, and economic consequences of rising marital breakdown and changing family patterns in Indian society today.20 marks
  26. Q7(c)"Sustainable development is intimately linked to addressing poverty and malnutrition." Examine.10 marks
  27. Q8(a)"The emphasis on skill development and vocational education in recent policies reflects a shift in India's development paradigm." Discuss.20 marks
  28. Q8(b)Discuss how climate vulnerability is exacerbating agrarian distress and transforming rural occupational structures.20 marks
  29. Q8(c)Outline the sociological factors contributing to urban flooding. What strategies can be adopted for sustainable and inclusive urban development in response?10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 142 words written

Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words : 10 x 5 = 50 (a) How does Jajmani system illustrate patterns of exchange in a traditional Indian village?

Opening

The Jajmani system in India was extensively studied by William Wiser.

Patterns of exchange in Jajmani system in traditional Indian village:

Body · points and prose

Diagram
/-- Kamin (washerman) / Jajman <-- Kamin (blacksmith) \ \-- Kamin (cobbler) Kamin (farmer) Kamin (tailor) [Jajman patronises various Kamin]
  1. Two way relation between the jajman and kamin. The kamin provides services and the jajman provides goods to the kamin.
  2. Interdependence creating vertical solidarity among village people.
  3. Personal nature of relation - i.e. generations of jajman-kamin relations as serving the jajman.
  4. AR Desai points towards exploitation of kamin by jajman - extraction and appropriation of surplus value.

This relation also played out in modern India:

  1. First general election voting - done as a 'duty' by kamin for jajman standing for election.
  2. Reliance on goodwill of jajman for betterment of family / children. Eg: school / college education; jobs etc.

Close · a summary

Thus this interdependence existed in the form of traditional patterns of exchange in the Indian villages.