AIR 42 · CSE 2017 · Sociology I · 36 pages

Sudhir Kumar: Sociology I answer copy

15 answers by Sudhir Kumar, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Weber's comparative studies on Religion.12.5 marks
  2. Q1(b)Herbert Blumer's perspective on Social movement12.5 marks
  3. Q1(c)Pluralistic conception of power12.5 marks
  4. Q1(d)Secularization of societies in the modern world12.5 marks
  5. Q2(a)Explain the difference between social inequality and social stratification. How do the nature and forms of the social stratification system influence social mobility.20 marks
  6. Q2(b)Gender roles in domestic sphere in modern industrial societies are more or less a reflection of patriarchal values. Critically evaluate.15 marks
  7. Q2(c)Max Weber's understanding of social stratification is closer to empirical reality. Comment15 marks
  8. Q3(a)"Religion and Science have in the course of history helped man to cope with the uncertainties and hazards of life in their own way". Comment20 marks
  9. Q3(b)Work in industrial and post-industrial society can be alienating for the work force. Comment.15 marks
  10. Q3(c)Critically discuss the role of social inequality in ensuring that important positions are filled by the most qualified persons.15 marks
  11. Q4(a)"Religion prevents social change by disguising exploitation and inequality". Critically evaluate the statement with reference to Marx and Weber's theory of Religion.20 marks
  12. Q4(b)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 100 words. • Types of social mobility • Pressure groups and democracy10 marks
  13. Q5(a)Compare and contrast the role of religion in various aspects of social life in pluralistic societies like India and USA.20 marks
  14. Q5(b)Examine the impact of the social networking sites on the mode of mobilization and form of protest in the era of globalization.15 marks
  15. Q5(c)The civil society is playing an increasingly important role due to developmental policies and actions of the state in the present times. Evaluate.15 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 12.5 marks · 202 words written

Weber's comparative studies on Religion.

Opening

Weber's studies on religion are based on comparative historical methodology. He studies religion both across time, nations and inter-religion study.

Weber's aim to study religions was to establish religious values as one of the causative factors for growth of capitalism in modern society.

Body · points

Protestant ethics and spirit of capitalism Weber found that Protestant ethics - inner worldly asceticism, calling in life, austerity, time is money, hard work were conducive for growth of capitalism in these societies. These values matched with demands of capitalism - rationalism, professional value, pursuit of wealth, reinvestment. He establishes this fact by studying Protestantism across many nations.

Hinduism and Confucianism Hinduism's values were other worldly asceticism, Karma theory, rebirth theory. These inhibited pursuit of wealth and a systematic formulation of system of capitalism. In Confucianism, though stress was on this worldly asceticism, but traditional family values prohibited from going for capitalism.

Buddhism, Islam

Close · a summary

Buddhism too stressed on austerity, world as a dream, therefore capitalism could not develop in Buddhist countries of East. Islam had mysticism approach and focussed more on religious harmony and value maintenance.

Thus, Weber establishes that religious values, being most dominant institution affecting people's lives provide a causative factor of growth of modern rational capitalism.