AIR 163 · CSE 2024 · Sociology II · 88 pages

Harsita Agrawal: Sociology II answer copy

28 answers by Harsita Agrawal, 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 Sanskritization involves 'positional change' in caste system without any 'structural' change. Analyse.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Examine the key aspects of the debate between G.S. Ghurye and V. Elwin regarding tribal development.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Village occupies an important place in the social and cultural landscape of contemporary India. In this context, discuss the importance of village studies.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)Analyze the significance of the concept of dominant caste in understanding the social and political dynamics of rural India.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)What is the main theme of Ranajit Guha's work on Subaltern perspective?10 marks
  6. Q2(a)Discuss how M.N. Srinivas' integration of text and context offered a realistic and practical portrayal of Indian society.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)A. R. Desai's understanding of Indian Nationalism is paradoxical to the Nationalist understanding of Nationalism. Comment.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)Is caste census necessary for promoting equitable social development in India? Argue.10 marks
  9. Q3(a)Andre Beteille's understanding of caste offers reflections & a contradiction to Dumont's understanding of Caste. Comment.20 marks
  10. Q3(b)Idea of middle class is often highly romanticised as an outcome of liberal democracy, a vibrant capitalist economy and individual freedom. Critically examine.20 marks
  11. Q3(c)"The land reforms implemented in post-independence India aimed to address socio-economic disparities but achieved mixed results." Evaluate.10 marks
  12. Q4(a)Critically analyze the statement that India's social system is fundamentally organized around the caste structure, making it impossible to separate caste from politics.20 marks
  13. Q4(b)Discuss how Yogendra Singh's evaluation of social change in India marks a departure from earlier analyses of social change.20 marks
  14. Q4(c)Do you think the agrarian class structure is evolving in India? Support your answer with reasons.10 marks
  15. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words : 10 x 5 = 50 Construct a sociological narrative on increasing trend of gender-based violence in India.10 marks
  16. Q5(b)What are the current patterns and changes in migration structure of India?10 marks
  17. Q5(c)How far, do you agree, with the view that the recent social movements in India have elements of New Social Movements?10 marks
  18. Q5(d)"Understanding the process of radicalization is crucial for preventing terrorism," Analyze.10 marks
  19. Q5(e)Analyze the student suicides in Kota and discuss the role of social institutions in addressing this issue.10 marks
  20. Q6(a)Discuss the notion of Lateral entry into bureaucracy through the lens of different sociological perspectives.20 marks
  21. Q6(b)Discuss Henri Lefebvre's concept of 'Right to the City' and its relevance in addressing urban inequalities in India.20 marks
  22. Q6(c)"Social media fuels communal polarization by amplifying divisive narratives." Comment.10 marks
  23. Q7(a)Discuss, in what ways, do the different types of deprivation in slums exacerbate the socio-economic difficulties of their residents, and how it affects their ability to integrate into the broader urban environment?20 marks
  24. Q7(b)Examine the inherent connection between displacement and the pursuit of development, providing a critical analysis.20 marks
  25. Q7(c)"The legal recognition of live-in relationships and same-sex partnerships challenges traditional notions of Indian kinship." Discuss.10 marks
  26. Q8(a)Critically evaluate the extent to which pressure groups contribute to the vitality and effectiveness of the democratic process.20 marks
  27. Q8(b)Within the informal workforce, persistent gender-based occupational segregation exists. In this context, analyze the feminization of informal labor.20 marks
  28. Q8(c)"The debate surrounding the Uniform Civil Code in India is not merely a legal issue but also a reflection of the complex interplay of religion, politics, and social change." Analyze.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 164 words written

Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words : 10 x 5 = 50 Sanskritization involves 'positional change' in caste system without any 'structural' change. Analyse.

Opening · a definition

Srinivas defines Sanskritization as the process of adoption of rituals, food, way of life by lower castes, for mobility to higher positions, of twice born caste.

Body · points

Positional change, not structural change

  1. Movement in secular hierarchy - due to increased access to education, employment, political opportunities.

  2. Ritual hierarchy persists and is unaffected by secular mobility, according to Louis Dumont.

  3. Limited to intermediary castes - the most backward and untouchables do not get access to Sanskritization due to forced exclusion.

  4. Caste domination continues - Veena Das studies the highest position and respect awarded to Brahmins, sanyasis.

  5. Caste system is not abolished, and thus there is no structural change.

Close · a summary

However, Srinivas, Beteille etc. argue how Sanskritization lowers the importance of secular hierarchy. McKim Marriott explains how political and economic interests take precedence and the 'fixed ritual hierarchy' doesn't reflect 'lived reality'.

Therefore, we can conclude that Sanskritization as a source of orthogenetic change is slowly causing transformation in caste structure in India.