AIR 40 · CSE 2021 · Sociology I · 82 pages

Kushal Jain: Sociology I answer copy

28 answers by Kushal Jain, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Distinguish between class and status in Weber's view of social stratification.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Explain Karl Marx's conception of transition from 'class-in- itself' to 'class-for-itself'.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Examine the role of pattern variables in understanding of social systems.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)"It is the ideal type which is explained through the verstehen approach." Comment.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Discuss the relevance of Emile Durkheim's understanding of religion in contemporary society.10 marks
  6. Q2(a)"Weber's theory of 'The protestant ethic and spirit of capitalism' despite its share of criticism remains bold and illuminating". Critically examine.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)"Social fact plays a central role in the sociology of Emile Durkheim". Comment.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)"It is only by taking the roles of others that we have been able to come back to ourselves." Explain this view point of G.H Mead10 marks
  9. Q3(a)In what ways are Marx's theory of 'Alienation' and Durkheim's theory of 'anomie' different from each other and to what extent can they be seen as having similarities?20 marks
  10. Q3(b)Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy. What was Weber's assessment of the increasing bureaucratization of modern societies?20 marks
  11. Q3(c)'No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.'10 marks
  12. Q4(a)Explain Karl Marx's theory of social stratification. Do you agree with Marx that social stratification can be abolished?20 marks
  13. Q4(b)Attempt a comparative analysis of the Parsonian and Weberian theories of social action.20 marks
  14. Q4(c)"Davis and Moore's theory of stratification has provoked a lengthy debate". In this context, produce a comprehensive criticism of their ideas.10 marks
  15. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Religious fundamentalism and Globalization10 marks
  16. Q5(b)Reasons for growth of sects and cults10 marks
  17. Q5(c)"The Pluralists view pressure groups as necessary elements in a democratic system". Discuss.10 marks
  18. Q5(d)Is religious belief compatible with a scientific outlook? Discuss.10 marks
  19. Q5(e)Gender as a dimension of social stratification10 marks
  20. Q6(a)Examine the functional as well as dysfunctional aspects of religion as a social institution in the contemporary society.20 marks
  21. Q6(b)Compare and contrast C.W Mills conception of elite in the power structure with that of Pareto and Mosca.20 marks
  22. Q6(c)Discuss the implications of 'social mobility' at the 'individual' and 'societal level,' in different structures.10 marks
  23. Q7(a)"Power is not a zero-sum game". Discuss the statement with respect to Weber and Parsons views on power.20 marks
  24. Q7(b)"Any form of collective action cannot be labelled as a social movement, even if it is directed towards changing the existing social values." Comment.20 marks
  25. Q7(c)Critically examine the role of civil society in the functioning of democracy.10 marks
  26. Q8(a)What are the major dimensions of Secularisation in the modern world? Discuss the factors inhibiting the growth of Secularisation in India.20 marks
  27. Q8(b)Poverty has manifested as well as latent forms. Explain with examples from contemporary Indian society.20 marks
  28. Q8(c)Critically discuss 'Value-added theory' with respect to the social movements.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 163 words written

Distinguish between class and status in Weber's view of social stratification.

Opening

Weber extended Marxian perspective of social stratification based on economic determinism by highlighting role of class (position in market), status (position in hierarchy) and party (political).

Body · points

→ Class as form of social stratification:

Weber refers to class as market position of an individual. Individuals, via their merit, innovation, skills etc. can experience class based social mobility.

features of class based stratification:

i) Temporary and subject to market conditions: Weber highlights that classes vary due to uncertainties of the market. (ex: Handicrafts which were ruined in colonial times were revived later improving class position)

ii) Provides exchange capital : Access to social or political capital (ex: education , healthcare)

→ Status as form of social stratification:

Close · a summary

Weber studies caste as status group and highlights features such as exclusion on voluntary basis, status group reproducing itself, socialisation within member group as well as identification of insiders and outsiders.

Weber, thus potrays various levels of distributed privileges and inequalities which play a role in social stratification.