Basic Concepts in Sociology
Short Questions
1. Who stated that “man is a social animal”?
Answer: Aristotle stated that “man is a social animal.”
2. What is the Latin origin of the word “society”?
Answer: The word “society” is derived from the Latin word socius, meaning companionship.
3. Define society according to MacIver and Page.
Answer: MacIver and Page define society as a system of usages and procedures of authority and mutual aid.
4. What are the two conditions for a social relationship?
Answer: The two conditions are mutual awareness and reciprocity.
5. Name one characteristic of society mentioned by MacIver.
Answer: One characteristic is likeness among individuals.
6. What is the physical basis of a community according to MacIver?
Answer: The physical basis of a community is locality.
7. What is the smallest social group called?
Answer: The smallest social group is called a dyad.
8. Who coined the term “primary group”?
Answer: Charles Horton Cooley coined the term “primary group.”
9. What is an example of an involuntary group?
Answer: An example of an involuntary group is a family.
10. Define social status according to Ralph Linton.
Answer: Ralph Linton defines social status as the place an individual occupies in a particular system.
11. What is the dynamic aspect of a status called?
Answer: The dynamic aspect of a status is called a role.
12. Name one type of norm mentioned in the chapter.
Answer: One type of norm is folkways.
13. What is an example of a secondary group?
Answer: An example of a secondary group is a trade union.
14. What causes role conflict?
Answer: Role conflict is caused by incompatible expectations from multiple roles.
15. Who introduced the concept of reference groups?
Answer: Robert Merton introduced the concept of reference groups.
Long Questions
1. Explain the characteristics of society as outlined by MacIver.
Answer: Society, according to MacIver, is characterized by likeness, where individuals share similarities in needs and values, fostering social bonds. It also includes differences in traits like age and talent, which contribute to its health, and interdependence, where groups rely on each other for survival. Additionally, cooperation, a normative nature with social controls, and its dynamic nature with evolving customs are key features that sustain society.
2. Describe the elements of a community as per the document.
Answer: A community consists of a common area where people live together, sharing a definite geographical territory, and common interests that unite them toward shared goals. It involves a common interdependent life where members rely on each other, and a sense of ‘we-feeling’ that fosters emotional attachment and solidarity among them.
3. What are the types of social groups mentioned in the chapter?
Answer: The chapter classifies social groups into in-group and out-group, where in-groups are those individuals identify with (e.g., family) and out-groups are those they feel distant from. Other types include voluntary and involuntary groups, based on choice or compulsion, and small and large groups, depending on size, as well as primary and secondary groups, differing in interaction quality.
4. Differentiate between primary and secondary groups with examples.
Answer: Primary groups are small, intimate, and based on face-to-face interactions, such as a family or close friends, fostering personal bonds. Secondary groups are large, formal, and impersonal, like a nation or trade union, focusing on achieving specific goals rather than emotional connections. The nature of relationships in these groups varies significantly due to their structure and purpose.
5. Explain the concept of social status with its types.
Answer: Social status refers to an individual’s position in society, reflecting their prestige and power, as defined by Ralph Linton. It includes ascribed status, assigned at birth based on factors like sex or caste, and achieved status, earned through personal effort, such as becoming a teacher. These types highlight the dual nature of status in social hierarchies.
6. What is a social role, and how does it relate to role conflict?
Answer: A social role is the expected behavior associated with a status, representing its dynamic aspect, as per Ely Chinoy. Role conflict arises when an individual faces incompatible demands from multiple roles, such as a working mother balancing job and family duties, leading to stress. This relationship underscores the challenges of fulfilling diverse societal expectations.
7. Discuss the types of norms and their significance in society.
Answer: Norms are standards of behavior, including folkways (e.g., eating with hands), mores (e.g., prohibiting premarital sex), and laws (e.g., The Hindu Marriage Act), which guide social interactions. Folkways are flexible, mores carry moral weight, and laws are obligatory, ensuring order and stability in society by controlling behavior and promoting conformity.
8. What is a reference group, and how does it influence behavior?
Answer: A reference group, introduced by Robert Merton, is a group individuals compare themselves to for evaluating attitudes and behaviors, such as aspiring lawyers looking to successful professionals. It influences behavior by setting social norms and providing a standard for self-improvement, guiding individuals toward desired roles or identities.
9. How does the document describe the dynamic nature of society?
Answer: The document states that society is dynamic, meaning it continuously changes over time, with old customs, traditions, and norms being replaced by new ones. This evolution reflects societal adaptation to new needs and influences, ensuring its relevance and growth. Such dynamism is essential for addressing modern challenges and maintaining social progress.
10. Explain the concept of role strain with an example.
Answer: Role strain is the difficulty or stress experienced when fulfilling the demands of a single role, as it involves multiple obligations, according to the document. For instance, a university professor may face role strain balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties, leading to pressure. This highlights the complexity of managing extensive role expectations effectively.
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