AIR 273 · CSE 2023 · Sociology I · 52 pages

Ishita Pandey: Sociology I answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q2(a)Critically analyze the functionalist tradition within the field of sociology, specially attending to its theoretical foundations and its contributions to understanding social phenomena.20 marks
  2. Q2(b)What are the various types of probability and non-probability sampling techniques used in sociological research? Provide relevant examples to support your answer.20 marks
  3. Q2(c)How does the sociological approach to human action diverge from the psychological approach in terms of theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and levels of analysis?10 marks
  4. Q3(a)Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 * 5 = 50 Marks) a) What is the relationship between sociology and common sense? Provide a comprehensive discussion with relevant examples to support your answer.10 marks
  5. Q3(b)According to non-positivists, what are the limitations of applying scientific methods in sociology?10 marks
  6. Q3(c)Can sociology be considered a value-neutral science? Illustrate with relevant examples to support your answer.10 marks
  7. Q3(d)Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of participant observation method in social research.10 marks
  8. Q3(e)Describe, with the aid of an illustrative example, the significance of variables in sociological research.10 marks
  9. Q4(a)How can the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods enhance the quality of sociological research? Provide a detailed discussion with appropriate examples to illustrate their respective strengths and weaknesses.20 marks
  10. Q4(b)To what extent do phenomenological perspectives in sociology challenge and reject the assumptions of positivism? Provide a comprehensive commentary with supporting arguments and examples.20 marks
  11. Q4(c)What is the rationale behind considering random sampling as a method that offers higher reliability and validity in research?10 marks
  12. Q5(a)The emergence of sociology can be attributed to the transformative forces of modernity and social change in Europe. Analyze this statement, exploring the historical context, key sociological thinkers, and the impact of modernity on the development of sociology as a distinct discipline.20 marks
  13. Q5(b)How does the scope of sociology compare to other social sciences, such as history or economics, and in what ways does sociology have a broader scope than these disciplines? Provide relevant examples to substantiate your arguments.20 marks
  14. Q5(c)What do you understand by reliability and validity in research? Provide relevant examples to illustrate their application in research methodology.10 marks
  15. Qa)How have the political developments in Europe influenced the emergence and development of sociology as a discipline?10 marks
  16. Qb)Describe the interpretive approach used in sociological research, and briefly explain how researchers strive to maintain objectivity within this methodology.10 marks
  17. Qc)How would you define the term "hypothesis", and what makes a well-formulated hypothesis crucial in social research?10 marks
  18. QdHighlight the significance of ethnography in the realm of social research.10 marks
  19. Qe)What measures can be employed to minimize the potential influence of the researcher in the process of collecting data through interviews?10 marks

The answers

Question 2(a) · 20 marks · 336 words written

Critically analyze the functionalist tradition within the field of sociology, specially attending to its theoretical foundations and its contributions to understanding social phenomena.

Opening

The functionalist tradition was started by Emile Durkheim who is credited for bringing positivist methodology to the realms of social science.

Functionalist school of thought believes that all social structures, institutions & processes serve a function. This was an empathetic reaction to the emergence of modernity & the chaos in society thereof. The chaos was explained by Durkheim to help perform a function - of social change.

The society is seen as a system that undergoes social change or conforms & shows continuity based on the impact of events on the 'conscience collective' of the society.

This school was further propagated by Parsons who gave his structural-functionalist theory. It propounds that all elements in a structure have some function & roles to perform. These roles are attributed by the system itself & it is this role fulfilment that helps the system continue without change. If the roles are not fulfilled & objected to, new roles are assigned & hence a new equilibrium is established.

These functional theories help us explain why the society -

Body · points and prose

  1. Continues: Like the caste system in India still flourishes as it serves a function of political mobilisation.

  2. Change: The empowerment of women after subsequent feminist movements as the women refused to conform to their patriarchal roles.

Although functionalist school explains a lot of phenomenons successfully, it is flawed in some sense:-

  1. It stresses that all power lies with the system - that is all change is brought by the system - ignoring the role of individuals like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, etc.

  2. It is status-quoist & justifies social evils for being functional to society. Eg) Dowry is seen as economically functional but bad for society.

  3. It formulates grand theories that are irrelevant temporally & spatially.

Close · a summary

Therefore, it is flawed in some sense & post-modern scholars reject it & only believe in meta narratives but functional school is credited for bringing order to a chaotic European society. & therefore still holds relevance in times of distress.