Introduction to Sociology
1. (A) Choose the correct alternative and complete the statements.
(1) The term ‘socius’ means ___.(science, companion, social)
Answer: companion.
(2) The term ‘logos’ means ___. (associate, science, methodology)
Answer: science.
(3) ____ is often regarded as the Father of Sociology. (Durkheim, Weber, Comte)
Answer: Comte
(4) When sociologists make an effort to understand practical problems of daily life it is a/an ____ science. (pure, application, theoretical)
Answer: application
1. (B) Correct the incorrect pair.
(1) (i) Study of role of biology in human life – Bio-Sociology.
(ii) Study of social words of art and aeshtetics – Sociology of Art.
(iii) Theoretical of knowledge in Sociology in marketing segmental division of customers, needs analysis etc. – Sociology of Market Research.
(iv) Study of visual dimensions of social life – Diaspora Studies.
Answer:
The incorrect pair is:
(iv) Study of visual dimensions of social life – Diaspora Studies.
Corrected pair:
(iv) Study of visual dimensions of social life – Visual Sociology.
Corrected full list:
(i) Study of role of biology in human life – Bio-Sociology.
(ii) Study of social worlds of art and aesthetics – Sociology of Art.
(iii) Theoretical knowledge in Sociology in marketing, segmental division of customers, needs analysis, etc. – Sociology of Market Research.
(iv) Study of visual dimensions of social life – Visual Sociology.
1. (C) Identify the appropriate term from the given options.
Diaspora Studies, The Positive Philosophy, Theoretical science
(i) Comte coined the term Sociology in this book: The Positive Philosophy.
(ii) Sociology is concerned with developing sociological theory: Theoretical science.
1. (D) Correct underlined words and complete the sentence.
(1) When sociological research is done for its own sake it makes Sociology a/an applied science.
Answer: When sociological research is done for its own sake it makes Sociology a/an theoretical science.
(2) Rape, hate crimes and terrorism are examples of social institutions.
Answer: Rape, hate crimes, and terrorism are examples of social problems.
2. Write short notes.
(1) Nature of Sociology
Answer: Sociology is a social science that studies human society, social relationships, and social behavior scientifically. It is empirical, relying on observation and experience rather than speculation. Sociology is both theoretical, developing and verifying theories, and applied, using knowledge to address real-world issues. It is factual, focusing on understanding society as it is, not prescribing what it should be. Additionally, Sociology is holistic, examining all aspects of social life, including structure, norms, and changes, making it distinct from other social sciences.
(2) New emerging areas in Sociology
Answer: Sociology’s scope is expanding with new fields like:
- Bio-Sociology: Examines biology’s role in social life, e.g., how genetics influences behavior.
- Sociology of Art: Studies the social context of art production and consumption, e.g., how art reflects cultural values.
- Sociology of Market Research: Applies sociological insights to marketing, e.g., analyzing consumer behavior.
- Visual Sociology: Uses visual data for research, e.g., studying social life through photographs.
- Diaspora Studies: Explores migration’s social and cultural impacts, e.g., Indian diaspora communities abroad.
- These areas reflect Sociology’s adaptability to modern societal complexities.
(3) Enlightenment period
Answer: The Enlightenment period (18th century) was a transformative era in Europe marked by reason, scientific inquiry, and challenges to traditional authority. It fostered rational and scientific thinking, emphasizing cause-and-effect relationships. Intellectuals like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau questioned established norms, promoting secular and democratic ideals. This period, influenced by the commercial and scientific revolutions, laid the groundwork for Sociology’s emergence by encouraging critical analysis of society, which later crystallized during the Industrial and French Revolutions.
3. Write differences.
(1) Natural Science vs. Social Science
Answer:
- Natural Science: Focuses on studying physical and natural phenomena, such as laws of physics, chemistry, or biology, using controlled experiments to derive universal principles.
Example: Investigating the properties of gravity or chemical reactions. - Social Science: Examines human behavior, social relationships, and societal structures through observation, interpretation, and analysis, dealing with complex and context-specific interactions.
- Example: Analyzing patterns of social inequality or cultural norms in a community.
- Key Difference: Natural sciences produce precise, objective laws applicable universally, while social sciences, like Sociology, address subjective human experiences and societal variations, requiring interpretive methods.
(2) Theoretical Science vs. Applied Science
Answer:
- Theoretical Science: Concentrates on developing and verifying abstract theories to understand phenomena, emphasizing knowledge for its own sake.
- Example: Formulating a sociological theory to explain social change or group dynamics.
- Applied Science: Utilizes scientific knowledge to address practical problems and improve real-world conditions.
- Example: Applying sociological insights to design urban planning policies or improve workplace dynamics.
- Key Difference: Theoretical science seeks to expand understanding through conceptual frameworks, whereas applied science focuses on practical applications to solve specific societal issues.
4. Explain the following concepts with examples.
(1) Diaspora
Answer: Diaspora refers to a scattered population living outside their original homeland while maintaining connections to it. It involves migration and its social, cultural, and economic impacts.
- Example: The Indian diaspora in the United States, where people of Indian origin maintain cultural practices like celebrating Diwali while integrating into American society, influencing both cultures.
(2) Bio-Sociology
Answer: Bio-Sociology studies the interplay between biology and social life, using sociological methods to understand how biological factors shape human behavior and society.
- Example: Researching how genetic predispositions to aggression interact with social environments, like poverty, to influence crime rates.
5. (A) Complete the concept map.
Answer:
- “Sociology studies society in a scientific manner”
- “Sociology gives knowledge about social diversities”
- “Sociology develops a scientific approach”
- “Sociology is career-oriented”
6. Give your personal response.
(1) Is India in the ‘scientific’ stage of growth? Explain why you hold the view that you do.
Answer: India exhibits traits of a scientific stage, as per Comte’s framework, with growing reliance on empirical knowledge and technological advancements. Progress in IT, space exploration (e.g., Chandrayaan missions), and medicine reflects scientific thinking. However, traditional beliefs and superstitions still influence many, suggesting a partial transition. Education and digital access are expanding rational inquiry, but disparities in literacy and infrastructure slow full scientific dominance. I believe India is progressing toward this stage, balancing tradition with modernity.
(2) Explain in brief the link between Cinema and Society.
Answer: Cinema mirrors and shapes society, reflecting cultural values, norms, and issues. Films like Dangal highlight gender roles, sparking discussions on equality. They influence lifestyles, fashion, and attitudes while portraying social realities—poverty, caste, or urban life. Cinema also serves as sociological data, revealing class, race, or ethnicity dynamics, helping society understand itself and inspiring change through storytelling.
7. Answer the following question in detail (about 150-200 words).
Discuss with suitable examples, the scope of Sociology in today’s world.
Answer: Sociology’s scope in today’s world is vast, addressing complex social dynamics in a globalized, digital era. It studies human behavior, relationships, and societal structures, offering insights into diverse issues. For instance, Bio-Sociology explores how biology interacts with social factors, like studying genetic influences on addiction within different communities. Sociology of Market Research applies sociological theories to understand consumer behavior, aiding businesses in segmenting markets, as seen in targeted advertising on social media. Visual Sociology uses imagery, such as protest photographs, to analyze social movements. Diaspora Studies examines migration’s impact, like the Indian diaspora’s role in global economies, influencing remittances and cultural exchange. Film Studies within Sociology analyzes movies like Parasite to understand class disparities. Sociology also tackles pressing problems—poverty, inequality, and climate change—by studying their social roots. For example, urban sociologists study slum growth to inform policy. Its interdisciplinary nature, blending with technology and data science, ensures Sociology remains relevant, guiding societies toward informed solutions in a rapidly changing world.
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