Model Answer:

Emergence of Modernity: Europe as Birthplace and Beyond

Modernity, broadly defined, encompasses a complex set of social, economic, political, and cultural transformations that have reshaped human societies over the past few centuries. These changes include industrialization, urbanization, secularization, rationalization of social life, and the rise of nation-states. While Europe undeniably played a pivotal role in many of these processes, a nuanced analysis reveals a more intricate global narrative.
To critically evaluate this claim, we must consider multiple perspectives, including Eurocentric views, postcolonial critiques, and theories of global interconnectedness.

1. European Contributions to Modernity:

• The Enlightenment in 18th century Europe fostered rationalism, scientific thinking, and secular worldviews.
• Industrial Revolution beginning in Britain led to rapid technological and economic changes.
• Political revolutions (e.g., French Revolution) promoted ideas of democracy and nation-states.
• Theorists like Weber, Marx, and Durkheim developed foundational sociological concepts to understand these changes.

2. Multiple Modernities:

• Sociologist S.N. Eisenstadt proposed the concept of “multiple modernities,” arguing that different societies develop their own versions of modernity.
• This challenges the idea of a single, Western-centric model of modernization.
• Example: Japan’s Meiji Restoration (1868) blended Western influences with Japanese traditions to create a distinct path to modernity.

3. Non-Western Contributions:

• Chinese inventions like paper, gunpowder, and the compass significantly influenced global development.
• Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries) made crucial advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
• Pre-colonial African and American civilizations had sophisticated urban centers and trade networks.

4. Colonial and Postcolonial Perspectives:

• Modernity in many parts of the world was shaped by colonial encounters and resistance.
• Theorists like Frantz Fanon and Edward Said critiqued the Eurocentric narrative of modernity.
• Example: India’s modernization involved both British colonial influences and indigenous reform movements.

5. Global Interconnections:

• Modernity emerged through complex global interactions, not in isolation.
• The Atlantic slave trade and colonialism linked Africa, the Americas, and Europe in ways that shaped all societies involved.
• Immanuel Wallerstein’s World-Systems Theory emphasizes the interconnected nature of global economic development.

6. Technological Diffusion:

• Many “modern” technologies were adopted and improved across cultures.
• Example: Gunpowder, originally Chinese, was refined and widely used in Europe and beyond.

In conclusion, while Europe was undeniably influential in shaping certain aspects of modernity, it is an oversimplification to claim it was the “first and only” place where modernity emerged. A more nuanced understanding recognizes the diverse origins, multiple paths, and global interactions that have contributed to the complex phenomenon we call modernity. This perspective aligns with contemporary sociological thought, which emphasizes the importance of considering diverse cultural contexts and avoiding ethnocentric assumptions when studying social change and development.

Model Answer:

Implications of Work From Home

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have accelerated the adoption of ‘Work From Home’ (WFH) practices, forcing us to redefine the formal and informal organization of work in several ways:

1. Blurring boundaries between work and home:

– WFH has blurred the traditional spatial and temporal boundaries between work and home life, challenging the separation of public and private spheres (Jürgen Habermas).
– This has led to a more fluid and flexible approach to work, with employees juggling professional and personal responsibilities simultaneously.

2. Redefining formal work structures:

– Formal organizations have had to adapt their policies, processes, and technologies to support remote work.
– This includes implementing digital collaboration tools, virtual communication channels, and remote performance management systems.
– The traditional hierarchical structures have become more decentralized, with a greater emphasis on results rather than physical presence.

3. Changing informal work dynamics:

– Informal interactions and social bonds among colleagues, which are crucial for building trust and collaboration, have been disrupted by WFH.
– Virtual coffee breaks, online team-building activities, and informal video chats have emerged as substitutes for water cooler conversations and office socializing.
– However, these virtual interactions may not fully replicate the richness and spontaneity of in-person interactions, potentially affecting team cohesion and organizational culture.

4. Impact on work-life balance:

– WFH has both positive and negative implications for work-life balance.
– On one hand, it offers greater flexibility and eliminates commute times, allowing employees to better manage their personal and professional lives.
– On the other hand, the lack of clear boundaries can lead to longer working hours, increased stress, and difficulty in disconnecting from work, potentially leading to burnout.

5. Implications for informal and gig workers:

– WFH has also impacted informal and gig workers, such as freelancers and consultants, who have long relied on remote work arrangements.
– The normalization of WFH has increased competition in the gig economy, as more skilled professionals enter the freelance market.
– However, it has also created new opportunities for informal workers to access a wider range of clients and projects, transcending geographical boundaries.

In conclusion, ‘Work From Home’ has redefined the formal and informal organization of work by blurring boundaries, forcing adaptations in work structures, altering informal dynamics, and impacting work-life balance. As remote work becomes more prevalent, organizations and individuals must navigate these changes and find new ways to structure and organize work effectively.

Model Answer:

Education and Social Mobility

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups between different social positions within a society’s stratification system. This concept, central to sociology, encompasses both vertical mobility (movement up or down the social hierarchy) and horizontal mobility (movement within the same social level).

Key aspects of social mobility include:

1. Intergenerational mobility: Changes in social status between generations (e.g., children achieving higher status than their parents)
2. Intragenerational mobility: Changes in an individual’s social status during their lifetime
3. Structural mobility: Large-scale societal changes affecting mobility patterns for entire groups

Role of education in social mobility

Education plays a crucial role in facilitating social mobility, often serving as a primary mechanism for individuals to improve their social and economic status. The relationship between education and social mobility can be understood through several perspectives:

1. Functionalist Perspective:
– Associated with Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons
– Views education as a means of sorting individuals into appropriate social roles
– Sees schools as institutions that promote meritocracy and facilitate social mobility
– Emphasizes education’s role in teaching skills necessary for various occupations, enabling individuals to move up the social ladder

2. Cultural Capital Theory:
– Proposed by Pierre Bourdieu
– Education provides not just knowledge, but cultural capital – familiarity with dominant cultural codes and practices
– Explains how educational institutions can perpetuate social inequalities
– Illustrates how cultural capital gained through education facilitates access to higher-status networks and occupations, influencing social mobility

3. Conflict Theory Perspective:
– Rooted in Karl Marx’s ideas, developed further by sociologists like Pierre Bourdieu
– Views education as a system that often reproduces social inequalities
– Argues that schools can reinforce existing class hierarchies rather than promote mobility
– Highlights how access to quality education and cultural capital can limit social mobility for disadvantaged groups

4. Human Capital Theory:
– Associated with economists like Gary Becker
– Posits that education increases an individual’s skills, knowledge, and productivity
– Links higher education levels to better job prospects and increased earning potential
– Sees education as an investment that can lead to upward social mobility

Examples illustrating the education-mobility relationship:

1. In India, the expansion of higher education has enabled many individuals from lower castes and rural backgrounds to access white-collar jobs and improve their social status.
2. The GI Bill in the United States after World War II provided educational opportunities to millions of veterans, contributing to significant upward mobility and expansion of the middle class.

However, it’s important to note that the relationship between education and social mobility is complex and not always straightforward:

1. Educational inequality: Access to quality education often correlates with existing socioeconomic status, potentially reinforcing social stratification.
2. Credential inflation: As more people attain higher education, the value of degrees may decrease, affecting their impact on mobility.
3. Structural barriers: Discrimination, social networks, and inherited wealth can still limit mobility despite educational achievements.

In conclusion, while education serves as a powerful tool for social mobility by providing knowledge, skills, and credentials, its effectiveness is moderated by broader societal factors and inequalities. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing policies that promote equal opportunities and social justice.

Click on Question to see Model Answer
Section A

Q.1 Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
a) Delimit the scope of sociology in relation to other social sciences.
b) How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research?
c) The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment.
d) Durkhiem argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts. Discuss.
e) How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality?

Q.2 a) What aspects of Enlightenment do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology ? Elaborate.
b) Explain the different types of non- probability sampling techniques .Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples.
c) Discuss social mobility in open and closed system.

Q.3 a) What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-positivist methods of studying social reality ?
b) Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie.
c) Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researchers in process of collecting data through focus group discussion.

Q.4 a) What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx ?
b) Social stratification is claimed to contribute to maintenance of social order and stability in society. Critically assess.
c) What is reliability ? Explain the different tests available to social science researcher to establish reliability.

Section B

Q.5 Write short answers of following questions in about 150 words each:
a) Critically examine the relevance of Durkheim’s views on religion in contemporary society.
b) Discuss various theoretical perspectives on family.
c) Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies.
d) Write a note on global trends of secularization.
e) Trace the trajectory of development perspectives on social change.

Q.6 a) According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self-conscious.Explain.
b) Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identity politics in India.
c) How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society ?

Q.7 a) Critically analyse Parsons views on society as a social system.
b) Discuss how “environmentalism” can be explained with new social movements approach.
c) Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation of social policies.

Q.8 a) Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. Comment.
b) Are traditional social institutions getting weakend as agents of social change in the contemporary society ? Substantiate.
c) How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development ?

Click on Question to see Model Answer
Section A

Q.1 Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each:
a) Elaborate on M.N. Srinivas’s structural functionalist approach to the study of Indian society.
b) Do you agree that the agrarian class structure in India is changing ?Justify your answer with illustrations.
c) Elucidate the challenges of integration for tribal communities in india.
d) In the context of changing Indian society, how do you view Andre Beteille’s conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social structures ?
e) Explain Leela Dube’s concept of “Seed and Earth”.

Q.2 a) Critically examine GS Ghurye’s Indological approach to the understanding of Indian society.
b) Elaborate on changing nature of caste system with suitable illustrations.
c) Discuss the problem of religious minorities in India and suggest measures to solve them.

Q.3 a) Critically examine Yogendra Singh’s thesis on ‘Modernization of Indian Tradition’.
b) Discuss the material basis of patriarchy as an ideological system.
c) Explain the different forms of untouchability in India.

Q.4 a) Examine the social background of growth of indian nationalism.
b) Explain how land reforms brought about desired agrarian transformation.
c) Discuss the challenges during village studies in India.

Section B

Q.5 Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each:
a) Discuss Law as an important instrument for women’s empowerment.
b) Examine different understandings of secularization in india?
c) How do you view the growth of informal sector in india ?
d) Discuss the role of pressure groups in strengthening democracy.
e) What role do co-operatives plays in poverty alleviation in rural India ?

Q.6 a) Examine whether rural bondage still continues to be a social reality. Give your argument .
b) Define ethnicity . Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of ethnic movements in India.
c) Discuss the changing nature of structure of political elites.

Q.7 a) “Instead of promoting equality in society , the present system of education itself has contributed to increased socio economic disparities” Comment .
b) Discuss recent trends in the structure of migration .
c) Discuss different forms of deprivation associated with slums.

Q.8 a) Bring out the various issues involved in Dalit movements in India.
b) Critically examine the dialectics between ‘development and environment’.
c) Discuss the changing nature of industrial working class.

Click on Question to see Model Answer

Section-A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 
(a) Europe was the first and the only place where modernity emerged. Comment.
(b) Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data ? Justify your answer.
(c) Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census method.
(d) Explain whether Durkheim’s theory of Division of Labour is relevant in the present day context.
(e) Critically examine Max Weber’s theory of Social Stratification.

Q2. (a) From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinarity, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences ?
(b) How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to understand social reality ? Explain with suitable illustrations.
(c) How is sociology related to common sense ?

Q3. (a) How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in sociological enquiry?
(b) Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx.
(c) Do you agree with Max Weber’s idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage ? Justify your answer.

Q4. (a) Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each other.
(b) How has the idea of Work From Home’ forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work ?
(c) With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton.

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 

(a) Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector.
(b) Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto’s theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario.
(c) Critically compare the views of E.B. Tylor and Max Muller on Religion.
(d) What is cult ? Explain the growth of cults in the contemporary world.
(e) Do you think Talcott Parsons gave an adequate theory of social change? Justify your answer.

Q6. (a) Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the recent ‘Lockdown period’.
(b) Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically related to each other in terms of achieving their goals.
(c) Give your comments on the growth of religious revivalism in the present day context.

Q7. (a) Explain how the pattern of patriarchy is being altered in a family and at the workplace in the present context.
(b) Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in understanding the present global scenario.
(c) Explain the growing salience of ethnicity in the contemporary world with illustrations.

Q8. (a) Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary world.
(b) Describe the role of Science and Technology in enabling us to face the challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(c) Highlight the roles and functions of civil society in a democratic system.

Click on Question to see Model Answer

Section-A

Q1. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the “book-view” initially, How did the entry of “field-view” bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss.
(b) What does Dr. B. R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of “Annihilation of caste” ?
(c) Discuss different forms of kinship system in India. 
(d) Critically examine briefly the phrase “Little ‘Republics” as used to denote India’s villages.
(e) Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious communities as well. Discuss with examples.

Q2. (a) What is identity politics? Discuss the main trends in Dalit movements in India.
(b) Is Indian society moving from “Hierarchy” towards “differentiation” ? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
(c) Discuss the salient features of ‘new middle class’ in India.

Q3. (a) Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in theorizing India’s modernization.
(b) Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India.
(c) Discuss the changing dimensions of family structure in urban India.

Q4. (a) What are the sociological reasons and implication of “reverse migration” during the recent pandemic in India ?
(b) Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development.
(c) What are the various forms of untouchability in India ? Critically examine.

Section-B

Q5. Write short answers, with sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each :

(a) Analyze the idea of developmental planning in India.
(b) Comment on the role of co-operatives in rural development.
(c) Urban slums are sites of social exclusion – explain.
(d) Does regionalism essentially lead to decentralization of power? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples.
(e) Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India.

Q6. (a) Explain the sociological significance of the New Education Policy and its thrust on vocationalization and skill development.
(b) Is ‘ageing an emerging issue in Indian society ? Discuss the major problems of the old age people in India.
(c) Underline the socio-cultural factors responsible for India’s skewed sex-ratio.

Q7. (a) The problem of displacement is inherent in the idea of development. Analyze the statement critically.
(b) Rising ‘ethnocentricism’ is leading to conflict in our society. Assess this statement with appropriate reasons.
(c) Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy ? Comment.

Q8. (a) Discuss the role of social media in communal polarisation. Suggest ways to combat it.
(b) Urban settlements in India tend to replicate its rural caste-kinship imprints. Discuss the main reasons.
(c) Does “economic empowerment” automatically bring about “substantive empowerment” for women ? Briefly describe the main issues in women empowerment in India.

Click on Question to see Model Answer

खण्ड – A / SECTION – A

Q1: Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

(a) Highlight the significant features of A. R. Desai’s ‘Dialectical Perspective’ to study Indian Society. 10 Marks
(b) “The decade of 1950s was the golden period of village studies in Indian Sociology. Explain the statement. 10 Marks
(c) Analyse the differences between the attributional and interactional approach in studying the caste system. 10 Marks
(d) Are Tradition and Modernity antithetical to each other? Comment. 10 Marks
(e) Discuss the main features of Land Reforms in post-independence India. 10 Marks

Q2. (a) Do you agree with the view of Andre Beteille that India’s villages are representative of Indian society’s basic civilizational values? Present a sociological overview. 20 Marks
(b) Elaborate the salient features and the role of middle class in India’s democracy and development. 20 Marks
(c) Analyse the role of market and modern forces in understanding the changing trends in marriage systems in India. 10 Marks

Q3. (a) Contextualize Louis Dumont’s concept of binary opposition’ with reference to caste system in India. 20 Marks
(b) Define the concepts of ‘Descent’ and ‘Alliance’. Differentiate between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems with examples. 20 Marks
(c) Critically examine the concept of Sanskritization with suitable illustrations. 10 Marks

Q4. (a) Analyse the perspectives of Isolation, Assimilation and Integration in understanding the trajectories of Indian Tribal Development. 20 Marks
(b) Explain the implications and the impact of globalization in situating the changing agrarian class structure in India. 20 Marks
(c) Critique the victory narratives of Green Revolution in the context of Indian society. 10 Marks

खण्ड – B / SECTION – B

Q5. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

(a) Citing some case studies, expand the concept of ‘Development-induced Displacement’. 10 Marks
(b) Examine the concept of ‘Cultural Pluralism’ in the context of India’s Unity in Diversity. 10 Marks
(c) Highlight the salient features of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 10 Marks
(d) Analyse the sociological interconnections between Social Media and Mass Mobilization in India. 10 Marks
(e) Discuss the nature of regional variations in sex ratio in India, stating reasons thereof. 10 Marks

Q6. (a) How do you account for the increasing significance of religion in public and personal spheres in the context of secularization thesis in India? Explain. 20 Marks
(b) In the face of rising global climatic concerns, how do you contextualize the relevance of Chipko Movement and its Gandhian tone? Answer analytically. 20 Marks
(c) What actionable measures would you suggest to curb the recurrent child labour menace in India ? 10 Marks

Q7. (a) Do you think that the decades of Dalit political mobilizations and movements have helped in strengthening India’s democracy? Substantiate your arguments with facts. 20 Marks
(b) What is ‘reverse migration’ ? Discuss its features, causes and consequences in India. 20 Marks
(c) Discuss the phenomenon of rural-urban continuum with suitable examples. 10 Marks

Q8. (a) Explain the thematic linkages between ‘Patriarchy’ and ‘Honour killing’ in India, citing some recent cases. 20 Marks
(b) Discuss the challenges faced by the cooperative movements in India. Suggest measures to strengthen the movement at the grass-roots level. 20 Marks
(c) What is Ageing? Discuss the major problems of aged people in India. 10 Marks