AIR 268 · CSE 2025 · Sociology I · 52 pages

Ishita Sharma: Sociology I answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Discuss the significance of symbols in symbolic interactionism approach of G.H. Mead.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Formal bureaucratic structure offers a dichotomy of benefits and challenges for a diverse country like India. Discuss.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)To what extent, in your opinion, are religion and science compatible?10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Discuss the significance of ideology for a nation.10 marks
  6. Q3(a)Compare and contrast the contributions of Karl Marx and Max Weber on social stratification in capitalist society.20 marks
  7. Q3(b)Occupying positions at the very apex of our society, elites use the language of national interests, valour and endeavour in order to keep themselves in power. Discuss in context of theory of Power Elites by C.W. Mills.20 marks
  8. Q3(c)Durkheim's society is merely a by-product of his concerns with moral issues. Discuss.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 10 x 5 = 50 (a) Do you agree with the statement that the bourgeoisie produces its own grave-diggers. Give supporting arguments to your answer.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)Discuss the factors acting as barriers to social mobility of women.10 marks
  11. Q5(c)Define New Age Movement and explain the growth of new age movement with few examples.10 marks
  12. Q5(d)Durkheim labelled the modern form of collective conscience as the cult of the individual. Discuss.10 marks
  13. Q5(e)Discuss why pluralists consider interest groups as necessary elements in a democratic system.10 marks
  14. Q7(a)The issue of fundamentalism illustrates that religion appears to be associated with conflict in many parts of the world. Critically discuss.20 marks
  15. Q7(b)Merton's critique to conventional structural functionalism provided new conceptual insights which helped to give structural functionalism a continuing usefulness. Discuss.20 marks
  16. Q7(c)'I' and 'Me' are central terms in Mead's work. Critically analyse.10 marks
  17. Q8(a)Durkheim observes that the process of division of labour helps to integrate societies where heterogeneity, differentiation and complexity are to be found. Critically analyse.20 marks
  18. Q8(b)The decline of conventional form of religion has led to growth of Sects & Cults which provides solution to the problems created by the modernity. Discuss.20 marks
  19. Q8(c)How can we use reference group theory to understand the New middle class in India?10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 185 words written

Discuss the significance of symbols in symbolic interactionism approach of G.H. Mead.

Opening

G. H. Mead was the pioneer of micro view in sociology. He focused on the view that mind is a 'process' that develops through symbolic interaction-ism via role-taking.

In his "Mind, self & society" (his notes), he mentions that social interaction takes place through symbols.

The use of "significant symbols" distinguishes human from animals. These are those symbols which illicit same response in the other person as understood by the social actor himself.

Specifically verbal symbols, i.e., language plays an important role among all other symbols (e.g., physical gesture) because a person himself can listen to his own words & reflect.

Significance of symbols:

Body · points and prose

→ Basis of interactionism - facilitate common understanding of meanings & motives.

→ Enable "looking glass self" for a person as she is able to listen/see her own symbols & other person's response & creates her "self" image. [CH Cooley]

→ Since these symbols are based on collective values & understanding of society, these are dynamic. Thus, suitable for ever evolving interaction in current content.

Close · a summary

Mead, thus, took a pragmatic view apart from psychological to explain the process of symbolic interactionism.