AIR 49 · CSE 2017 · Sociology I · 40 pages

Vishal Mishra: Sociology I answer copy

21 answers by Vishal Mishra, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Idea of functional indispensability10 marks
  2. Q1(b)1. (b) Verstehen10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Pathological forms of Division of labor10 marks
  4. Q1(d)Discuss the utility of Max Weber's ideal type as a methodological tool10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Latent and manifest functions10 marks
  6. Q2(a)"Social fact plays a central role in the sociology of Emile Durkheim". Comment.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)"The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles." Critically comment on this Marxian thesis.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)Critically discuss the concept of "Cult of the Individual".10 marks
  9. Q3(a)The "development of the individual's self, and of his self- consciousness within the field of his experience" is preeminently social. Discuss in context of G.H Mead.20 marks
  10. Q3(b)Critically examine Max Weber's theory of social action and its limitations.20 marks
  11. Q3(c)Critically assess R. K. Merton's views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.10 marks
  12. Q4(a)"Weber's theory of 'The protestant ethic and spirit of capitalism' despite its share of criticism remains bold and illuminating". Critically examine.25 marks
  13. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Gender as a dimension of stratification10 marks
  14. Q5(b)Interest groups and democracy10 marks
  15. Q5(c)5. (c) Circulation of Elites10 marks
  16. Q5(d)Reasons for growth of sects and cults10 marks
  17. Q5(e)Types of social movements10 marks
  18. Q6(a)“Weber’s approach to stratification was built on the analysis developed by Marx, but he modified and elaborated on it”. Discuss.20 marks
  19. Q6(b)"Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control". Critically examine.20 marks
  20. Q6(c)Briefly discuss the implication of social mobility on individual and societal level in different structures.10 marks
  21. Q7(a)"Parson's views of the nature and application of power in society are naïve". Comment Critically.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 116 words written

Idea of functional indispensability

Opening · a definition

Functional indispensability means whatever functions are allocated to a social system it can not be changed. Talcott Parsons in his social system theory explained that roles - Adaptation allocated to Organismic system, Goal attainment to personality system, Integration to social system, Latency to Cultural system.

Body · continuous prose

R.K. Merton criticised Parsons through postulate of functional indispensability. He gave example role given to family may not always performed by family. Other institutions - religious, school, peergroup help in tension management.

Close · a summary

Thus, he explained that idea of functional indispensability is not useful in sociological research and analysis. It is hindrance in creating theories which cannot be applied to social realities. In contemporary society, functional indispensability is not much of use.