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)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 10 x 5 = 50 (a) Religious worship is really the worship of society itself. Comment.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Explain the significance of 'hypotheses' in formulation of sociological theories.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Explain the relevance of theory of Reference Group in understanding the life of an UPSC aspirant?10 marks
  4. Q1(d)To what extent, concept of 'society' is accorded priority in Mead's analysis. Discuss.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Longitudinal study aims to study group of people for relatively shorter period of time. Explain with inherent benefits in such studies.10 marks
  6. Q2(a)"The material conditions of life" are fundamental in the structuring of a society. In this context, discuss the approach of Marx's of historical materialism for the explanation of human society.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)Robert K. Merton's significant contribution to functionalism lies in his clarification and codification of functional analysis. Discuss.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)What are ideal types? Bring out the purpose and it's use in the study of contemporary society.10 marks
  9. Q3(a)“Weber’s approach to stratification was built on the analysis developed by Marx, but he modified and elaborated on it”. Discuss.20 marks
  10. Q3(b)Supporters of participant observation have argued that, compared to other research techniques, it is least likely to lead to sociologists imposing the reality of the social world they seek to understand. Discuss.20 marks
  11. Q3(c)"Talcott Parsons' theory of social system has been criticized as a veiled status quoist ideology". Critically examine.10 marks
  12. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 10 x 5 = 50 (a) Briefly discuss the impact of Industrialization on kinship relations.10 marks
  13. Q5(b)Write a brief note on Implications of social mobility on an Individual in different structures.10 marks
  14. Q5(c)The dependency theories in their analysis of global inequalities have taken a uni-dimensional view of development. Critically analyze.10 marks
  15. Q5(d)Elaborate on different "Types of social movements".10 marks
  16. Q5(e)Critically analyze "Interactionist perspective on deviance".10 marks
  17. Q6(a)Religion is said to have emancipated human beings on the one hand but it also alienates them on the other. Bring out the paradoxical functions religion plays in a modern secular society.20 marks
  18. Q6(b)"Patriarchy is indispensable for an analysis of gender inequality". In the context of this statement, critically examine various structures of patriarchy.20 marks
  19. Q6(c)According to the recent findings, middle classes in India are excluding themselves from society. Critically examine the factors responsible for their self-exclusion.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 156 words written

Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 10 x 5 = 50 (a) Religious worship is really the worship of society itself. Comment.

Opening

Religion plays an indispensable role in society and many sociologists have focused their studies on religion and its role in society - among them being Emile Durkheim.

Body · points

Durkheim's explanation of religion

  1. Durkheim explained religion and its origin by analysing data about simple society - Arunta tribe.

  2. All previous explanations about religion were based on individual fear, etc.

  3. Durkheim observed that in the Arunta tribes various clans worshipped a totem - a symbol → e.g.: a tree, animal.

  4. The totem is considered sacred and clan members also get it embossed on their bodies.

  5. Thus anything that bears the totem is also considered sacred and hence in a way the clan members by worshipping totem were infact worshipping the clan → the solidarity and security it provides.

Close · a summary

Thus, through the concepts of totem and the dichotomy of sacred and profane, Emile Durkheim explained that religion worship is really the worship of society itself.