AIR 232 · CSE 2025 · Sociology I · 82 pages

Priya kumari: Sociology I answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Religion is a source of consensus and conflict. Discuss.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Distinguish between 'mechanical solidarity' and 'organic solidarity' in Durkheim's analysis of the division of labor.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Origins of Symbolic Interactionism can be traced to Max Weber. Discuss.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)"Bureaucracy is a rational form of organization." Discuss.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Distinguish between the 'sacred' and the 'profane' in Durkheim's study of religion.10 marks
  6. Q2(a)"Authority is based on legitimate domination." Explain Weber's typology of authority with suitable examples.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves socially in societies.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)Compare Merton's concept of deviance with Durkheim's idea of anomie. How do they differ in explaining deviant behavior?10 marks
  9. Q3(a)How do Mead's concepts of the 'I' and the 'Me' inform our understanding of self-identity and social interactions?20 marks
  10. Q3(b)Compare Durkheim's approach to religion with that of Max Weber. How do their views on the role of religion in social change differ?20 marks
  11. Q3(c)To what an extent can power be viewed as a constant sum game? Elucidate with suitable examples.10 marks
  12. Q4(a)Durkheim argued that the conscience collective would become less and less significant in a functionally differentiated society. Support with your arguments.20 marks
  13. Q4(b)Discuss T.H. Marshall's theory of citizenship with reference to civil, political, and social rights.20 marks
  14. Q4(c)"What the bourgeoisie therefore produces are its own grave-diggers." Comment.10 marks
  15. Q5(a)Discuss how Durkheim's study of suicide demonstrates the impact of social structure on individual behavior.10 marks
  16. Q5(b)What does Karl Marx mean by 'alienation'? How does alienation impact workers in a capitalist mode of production?10 marks
  17. Q5(c)"The informal sector serves as both a safety net and a trap in developing economies." Critically examine.10 marks
  18. Q5(d)Examine the role of ideology in driving social transformation in democracy.10 marks
  19. Q5(e)How does reference group lead to relative deprivation and eventually criminal behaviour?10 marks
  20. Q6(a)How does the feminization of labor impact the economic independence and social status of women in developing societies?20 marks
  21. Q6(b)How do educational disparities contribute to the perpetuation of poverty and social exclusion? Discuss with reference to contemporary society.20 marks
  22. Q6(c)Examine how religious beliefs and institutions shape political ideologies and policies, and vice versa.10 marks
  23. Q7(a)“A study of power inevitably involves an investigation of social class”. Critically examine.20 marks
  24. Q7(b)Discuss how religious fundamentalism and extremism influence political ideologies and conflict in society?20 marks
  25. Q7(c)"Social inequality is both a cause and a consequence of social stratification." Discuss.10 marks
  26. Q8(a)As per Max Weber, differences in prestige and power are as important as differences in economic reward. Discuss how women are systematically disadvantaged in economic terms.20 marks
  27. Q8(b)Analyze the concept of secularization and discuss how does secularization impact religious institutions and the public sphere?20 marks
  28. Q8(c)What is Social Action? And how is Parsons Social Action different from Weber's Social Action?10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 192 words written

Religion is a source of consensus and conflict. Discuss.

Opening · a definition

'Religion' is a unified system of beliefs and practices, related to notion of 'Sacred' things as per Durkheim.

Religion as a source of "consensus" -

Body · points

  1. Durkheim posits 'religion' has a 'function' in society. It helps in maintaining social order, and regulates individual's behaviour in society.

  2. Religion helps maintain 'social solidarity' by bringing value-consensus.

  3. When the 'collectivity' follows & adheres to same religious values & norms it brings "Collective-consciousness".

  4. Bronislaw Malinowski in his study found 'religion' a "force of collectivity" which individuals feel when they come together for celebrating religious festivals, provides solace.

  5. Religion helps in personality adjustment when something unexpected / crisis happens, gives hope.

  6. Religion provides stability in 'Anomic' conditions as per Durkheim.

Religion however, sometimes can also [cause conflict] :-

  1. Religious fundamentalism where people have a tendency to behave in extremity brings conflict.

  2. Religious revivalism where old traditions, orthodox, superstitious elements are brought back again, also creates conflict with modern values.

  3. Communal riots causes violence & conflict in society.

Close · a summary

However, despite such dysfunctions, Religion plays an important role in society through maintaining social order, and social control as per R.K. Merton.