AIR 73 · CSE 2021 · Sociology I · 52 pages

Namrata Choubey: Sociology I answer copy

19 answers by Namrata Choubey, 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.' Comment.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. 10 x 5 = 50 (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

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 198 words written

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

Opening

The concepts of 'class' and 'status' are two pillars of Weber's theory of stratification, which also includes 'Party' as the third factor. These factors determine structures of stratification.

Body · points

CLASS AND STATUS IN WEBERIAN THEORY

Class - Weber sees 'class' in economic terms, similar to Marxian theory. According to Weber, 'class' is not a community, but merely a group of people in the same economic or market situation.

According to Weber, class or the economic situation determines the 'life chances' of an individual, that is chances of an individual to obtain those material things that are understood to be desirable in the society. Class, for Weber is not the only form of stratification.

STATUS According to Weber, status forms the other criteria for stratification. Unlike class, status groups are communities, where people are aware of other people belonging to same community.

Close

Status situation is determined by social estimation of honour in the society. This honor can come from many source like caste identity, possession of wealth, government job etc.

The social stratification of rich vs poor can be said to be class based stratification, however caste system in India and slave's condition is more clarified through status groups.