AIR 34 · CSE 2017 · Sociology I · 63 pages

Gaurav Kumar: Sociology I answer copy

29 answers by Gaurav Kumar, 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. 1. (a) Idea of functional indispensability10 marks
  2. Q1(b)1. (b) Verstehen10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Pathological forms of Division of labor10 marks
  4. Q1(d)Discuss the utility of Max Weber's ideal type as a methodological tool10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Latent and manifest functions10 marks
  6. Q2(a)"Social fact plays a central role in the sociology of Emile Durkheim". Comment.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)"The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles." Critically comment on this Marxian thesis.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)Critically discuss the concept of "Cult of the Individual".10 marks
  9. Q3(a)The "development of the individual's self, and of his self- consciousness within the field of his experience" is preeminently social. Discuss in context of G.H Mead.20 marks
  10. Q3(b)Critically examine Max Weber's theory of social action and its limitations.20 marks
  11. Q3(c)Critically assess R. K. Merton's views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.10 marks
  12. Q4(a)"Weber's theory of 'The protestant ethic and spirit of capitalism' despite its share of criticism remains bold and illuminating". Critically examine.25 marks
  13. Q4(b)Explain how Talcott parson's conception of pattern variables is a link between his theory of 'Social Action' and 'social system'.25 marks
  14. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Gender as a dimension of stratification10 marks
  15. Q5(b)Interest groups and democracy10 marks
  16. Q5(c)5. (c) Circulation of Elites10 marks
  17. Q5(d)Reasons for growth of sects and cults10 marks
  18. Q5(e)Types of social movements10 marks
  19. Q6(a)“Weber’s approach to stratification was built on the analysis developed by Marx, but he modified and elaborated on it”. Discuss.20 marks
  20. Q6(b)"Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control". Critically examine.20 marks
  21. Q6(c)Briefly discuss the implication of social mobility on individual and societal level in different structures.10 marks
  22. Q7(3)(3)
  23. Q7(4)(4)
  24. Q7(a)"Parson's views of the nature and application of power in society are naïve". Comment Critically.20 marks
  25. Q7(b)The functional theories of religion has their own limitations in explaining the role of religion in society. Evaluate.20 marks
  26. Q7(c)According to the recent findings, middle classes in India are excluding themselves from society. Critically examine the factors responsible for their self-exclusion.10 marks
  27. Q8(a)Secularization theory was once the dominant sociological pattern of interpretation to describe and explain religious change in the modern period, however has lately been discredited. Comment20 marks
  28. Q8(b)Critically discuss 'Value-added theory' with respect to the social movements.20 marks
  29. Q8(c)Critically analyze to what extent the sovereignty of the state has been challenged in the wake of Globalization.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 172 words written

Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 1. (a) Idea of functional indispensability

Opening · a definition

The idea of functional indispensability is given by Talcott Parsons in his theory of social system.

According to this idea each social system must have 4 institutions to undertake 4 distinct functions of AGIL (Adaptive function, goal attainment, integration and latency).

These functions are non-transferable and fixed for a particular system.

Body · points and prose

(i) Adaptive function - organismic system - economy (ii) Goal attainment - personality system - government (iii) Integration - social system - law & education (iv) Latency - cultural system - family.

This is called functional indispensability and it provides stability and regularity to social system.

This concept is criticised by R.K. Merton who advocates that : (i) one role or function may be played by different structures eg: socialisation can be done by School, family, laws, education etc.

(ii) One structure may have different roles to play some manifest, some latent.

Close

eg: school not only gives education but also socialisation, entertainment, place to make friends etc. ∴ R.K. Merton says that Parson's theory of functional indispensability is a potential myth.