AIR 90 · CSE 2020 · Sociology I · 51 pages

Prakhar Jain: Sociology I answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Discuss Merton's four institutional imperatives of science.
  2. Q1(b)Idiographic and Nomothetic approach
  3. Q1(c)Economics must be made the handmaid of sociology. Critically analyse.
  4. Q1(d)Critically assess R. K. Merton's views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.
  5. Q1(e)How Durkheim's idea of Sacred and profane be used to understand the contemporary society?
  6. Q2(a)Emile Durkheim had argued that the function of division of labour in society is promotion of social solidarity. Discuss the statement and critically analyse Durkheim's division of labour theory, with reference to contemporary trends.
  7. Q5(a)Write a short note on 'resource mobilisation theory' in the context of study of social movements.
  8. Q6Examine how Weber's characterization of capitalism is different from those of Marx. Human Relation school of Thought by Elton Mayo 6) Enumerate the characteristics of 'informally organised work' in certain types of societies.
  9. Q6(a)"In the sociology of deviance, no single theory has emerged as dominant." Discuss.
  10. Q6(c)What is the importance of Merton's Middle Range Theory in Sociology? Critically discuss. Critically examine the features of 'critical social research'. Discuss the importance of 'Pilot Studies' in sociological research. What do you mean by Ethnocentrism? Discuss its advantages and disadvantages in Sociology.
  11. Q6(d)Write a short note on "Industrial conflicts and strikes".
  12. Q7(a)In India's cultural landscape, cults and sects professing a common way of life and shared ideals arose as an alternative to the discrimination perpetuated by traditional religious hierarchies. Discuss.
  13. Q7(b)The institution of family, despite its 'functionality' has not been positively evaluated by many. Discuss.
  14. Q7(c)Briefly analyse the role of ideology as an essential component of social movement.

The answers

Question 1(a) · 135 words written

Discuss Merton's four institutional imperatives of science.

Opening

Robert Merton, in his Sociology of Science, discusses science as a methodology, its characteristics and emerging trends.

Body · points

Institutional Imperatives of Science

Merton gives the following four imperatives:

  1. Communism of Knowledge: Scientific body of knowledge is collectively owned and built upon by the scientists. However, he also noted the trend of fragmentation as nation-states grew stronger.

  2. Disinterestedness: Scientists work on their research dispassionately to rid it of biases. However, due to the reward mechanisms in capitalist society, they were becoming attached to the success of their research.

  3. Universalism: The scientists collaborated universally and the knowledge thus produced was universally valid.

  4. Organised Scepticism: Modern scientists question everything to understand it clearly. Merton believed this feature was still valid.

Close · a summary

Thus, Merton took a distinct view on science itself and analysed its nature sociologically.