AIR 13 · CSE 2021 · Sociology I · 52 pages

Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar: Sociology I answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)The key to Marx's critique of capitalism is his theory of surplus-value. Analyse.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Merton's dichotomy of manifest and latent function, helps us to go beyond the common-sense perception of the world. Discuss.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Explain relevance of AGIL framework in understanding Tribal society in India.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)Give an account of Weber's conception of wert rational action and its importance in world today.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Discuss "social strain theory" of Merton10 marks
  6. Q2(a)"For Marx, the history of mankind is not only a history of class struggle but also of the increasing alienation of man". Discuss.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)Religion concerns itself with the beyond, whereas economy deals with the practical business of working, producing and consuming. Weber theory created a novel link between the two, critically discuss.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)In order to help sociology move away from philosophy and to give it a clear and separate identity, Durkheim gave distinctive subject matter of sociology in form of social facts. Comment.10 marks
  9. Q4(a)Pattern variables, provides the overall direction in which most members of a social system choose their roles but this can be really different from real life settings. In light of this critically discuss Parson's concept of Pattern variables.20 marks
  10. Q4(b)Draw a comparison between Durkheim's functional model and Marx conflict model in their treatment of the concept of 'division of labour'.20 marks
  11. Q4(c)These days internet addiction has become an usual phenomenon. Applying Mead's 'Theory of Self' explore the phenomenon.10 marks
  12. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) "The need of an ideology for a nation to survive." Comment.10 marks
  13. Q5(b)“Social exclusion is generally not voluntary rather forced.” Discuss.10 marks
  14. Q5(c)Critically analyse "state centered approach" to theory of power.10 marks
  15. Q5(d)Fundamentalism is an ideology whereas religious revivalism is a practice. Comment.10 marks
  16. Q5(e)"Poverty, like any other social phenomena, survives because it is 'useful to society or some of its parts". Discuss.10 marks
  17. Q8(a)History is, and always will be "a graveyard of aristocracies". Critically examine the statement in context of elite theory of power.20 marks
  18. Q8(b)Make a distinction between intragenerational and intergenerational social mobility. Why social mobility studies not adequately accounted for the position of women. Comment.20 marks
  19. Q8(c)Nation-state entered into a crisis in the late twentieth century with the advent of globalisation. Critically analyse.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 167 words written

The key to Marx's critique of capitalism is his theory of surplus-value. Analyse.

Opening

Karl Marx through his book 'Das Capital' (The Capital) put forth a profound thesis on various aspects of capitalism as it proliferated through the 19th and early 20th century.

Body · points and prose

Marx divides society into two class - bourgeoisie (capitalists) and proletariat (worker class). Capitalists have ownership of means of production and embark on a profit maximization spree.

Marx's main critique of capitalism is the increasing concentration of wealth with the bourgeoisie and the resultant pauperization of the proletariats.

This can be explained through his theory of surplus value. He uses the terms use-value and exchange value to explain dynamics of the capitalist system.

use value → minimum wage (for sustaining the labourer needs - food, procreation)

exchange value → market price that the capitalist realises using the labour

Difference between exchange value and use value is surplus value which is pocketed by the capitalist.

Close

As capitalism proliferates use value goes on decreasing and surplus to the capitalist increases which can be observed in contemporary society as increasing inequality.