Cultural Change
Short Questions with answers
1. What does cultural change mean in sociology?
Answer : It refers to changes in norms, values, and behaviors in society.
2. What are the four processes of cultural change?
Answer : Sanskritisation, modernisation, secularisation, and westernisation.
3. What is Sanskritisation?
Answer : The adoption of higher caste customs by lower castes.
4. Who coined the term Sanskritisation?
Answer : M.N. Srinivas.
5. What is westernisation?
Answer : Cultural changes due to British rule, including new technology and lifestyles.
6. What is modernisation?
Answer : The adoption of scientific attitudes and modern values like democracy.
7. What is secularisation?
Answer : The decline in the influence of religion on social life.
8. What was the main aim of 19th-century social reformers?
Answer : To remove social evils like sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination.
9. Who fought against sati?
Answer : Raja Ram Mohun Roy.
10. What role did Jyotiba Phule play in reform?
Answer : He opened the first school for women in Pune.
11. What was Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s contribution?
Answer : He promoted modern education among Muslims.
12. What were the three aspects of modern change according to Satish Saberwal?
Answer : Communication, organisation, and new ideas.
13. What helped spread reform ideas quickly?
Answer : Printing press, telegraph, and railways.
14. What is de-Sanskritisation?
Answer : Influence of non-Sanskritic cultures in some regions.
15. What is the criticism of Sanskritisation?
Answer : It reinforces caste inequality by imitating upper-caste practices.
16. What are the features of westernisation?
Answer : Adoption of modern technology, new lifestyles, and education.
17. What role did education play in reform movements?
Answer : Education empowered people to challenge social evils.
18. How did caste movements influence social change?
Answer : They questioned caste discrimination and sought equality.
19. What was the significance of female education?
Answer : It was seen as essential for societal progress.
20. What is the secularisation of caste?
Answer : The use of caste identities for political purposes.
21. What is the role of rituals in secularisation?
Answer : Rituals now often serve economic and social purposes.
22. What conflicts arise from westernisation?
Answer : Generational conflicts over values and traditions.
23. How does modernisation impact individuals?
Answer : It shifts focus from birth-based roles to achievement-based roles.
24. What did Ravi Varma blend in his art?
Answer : Indian traditions with Western techniques.
25. What is the paradox of modernity in India?
Answer : It blends pride in tradition with aspirations for progress.
26. What did the Brahmo Samaj oppose?
Answer : Social evils like sati and caste discrimination.
27. What is a key criticism of modernisation?
Answer : It often ignores local contexts and diversity.
28. How does secularisation affect marriage?
Answer : It reduces traditional caste and religious controls in marriage choices.
29. What was the impact of colonialism on cultural change?
Answer : It introduced Western ideas and reinterpreted traditions.
30. Why is caste politics significant in India?
Answer : It mobilises people based on caste identities for political power.
Medium Questions with answers
1. What is the process of Sanskritisation?
Answer : Sanskritisation occurs when lower castes adopt the customs and practices of higher castes to improve their social status. It includes changes in rituals, language, and lifestyle. However, it often reinforces caste-based inequalities rather than reducing them.
2. How did social reform movements address women’s issues?
Answer : Reformers like Raja Ram Mohun Roy and Jyotiba Phule fought against practices like sati, child marriage, and restrictions on widow remarriage. They promoted women’s education to empower them and uplift society. These movements combined traditional ideas with modern liberal values.
3. What is westernisation, and how has it affected India?
Answer : Westernisation refers to adopting Western technology, lifestyles, and ideas introduced during British rule. It influenced art, education, and even daily life, such as dress and food habits. However, it also created cultural conflicts and highlighted inequalities.
4. What role did education play in cultural change?
Answer : Education introduced modern ideas like liberty and equality, empowering individuals to challenge traditional norms. Reformers used education to address issues like caste and gender discrimination. It became a tool for creating a progressive society while retaining cultural heritage.
5. How did modernisation change societal roles?
Answer : Modernisation shifted societal focus from birth-based roles to achievement-based opportunities. It emphasized scientific attitudes, individual choices, and equality. This change impacted caste, gender roles, and traditional family structures.
6. What are the criticisms of Sanskritisation?
Answer : Sanskritisation is criticized for reinforcing caste inequality and failing to bring structural change. It devalues lower-caste traditions while promoting upper-caste practices. Critics argue it perpetuates the idea of caste hierarchy as natural and desirable.
7. How does secularisation influence rituals?
Answer : Secularisation reduces the religious significance of rituals, making them social or economic events. For instance, weddings often focus on showcasing wealth and status. This shift reflects the broader influence of modernity on traditional practices.
8. What is the impact of caste in modern politics?
Answer : In modern politics, caste identities are used to mobilize support and influence policies. Political parties often represent caste-based interests, leading to the secularisation of caste. This has transformed caste from a religious framework to a political tool.
9. How did women’s education gain importance during reforms?
Answer : Reformers argued that educating women was essential for social progress and national development. Schools for girls were established, challenging traditional restrictions. Debates over tradition and modernity shaped the push for women’s education.
10. What was the significance of Ravi Varma’s art?
Answer : Ravi Varma blended Indian traditions with Western techniques in his paintings. His work reflected cultural transitions during colonialism, combining regional themes with modern styles. This made his art a symbol of cultural change in India.
11. How did westernisation create generational conflicts?
Answer : Westernisation introduced new values and lifestyles that often clashed with traditional norms. Younger generations embraced modernity, leading to disagreements with older generations. These conflicts reflect the broader tensions of cultural change.
12. How did Brahmo Samaj contribute to cultural reform?
Answer : The Brahmo Samaj opposed practices like sati and caste discrimination, promoting equality and rationality. It used education and public discourse to spread reform ideas. This organization played a key role in modernizing Indian society.
13. What is secularisation of caste, and how has it evolved?
Answer : Secularisation of caste involves using caste identities for political and social purposes rather than religious ones. Caste associations and parties advocate for group interests. This change has reshaped the role of caste in contemporary India.
14. How did colonialism create cultural paradoxes?
Answer : Colonialism introduced modern ideas like equality while maintaining exploitative systems. Indians adopted Western education and technology but often struggled to reconcile these with traditional values. This paradox influenced reform movements and nationalist thought.
15. How does modernisation differ from westernisation?
Answer : Modernisation focuses on adopting universal values like democracy and science, while westernisation involves imitating Western lifestyles. Both processes overlap but have distinct cultural and societal impacts in India.
Long Questions with answers
1. What is Sanskritisation, and what are its criticisms?
Answer : Sanskritisation is the process where lower castes adopt upper-caste customs to improve their social status. It impacts rituals, language, and lifestyle but does not alter caste-based inequalities. Critics argue it reinforces the caste hierarchy and undermines lower-caste traditions. Additionally, it often excludes women from its benefits.
2. How did 19th-century reformers address social evils?
Answer : Reformers like Raja Ram Mohun Roy fought sati, while Jyotiba Phule focused on women’s education. They blended modern liberal ideas with traditional values to challenge child marriage and caste discrimination. Their efforts led to new schools, laws, and awareness campaigns. These movements laid the foundation for modern Indian society.
3. What are the main features of westernisation in India?
Answer : Westernisation brought technological advancements, modern education, and lifestyle changes. It influenced art, literature, and daily habits but often ignored traditional Indian values. Elite sections adopted Western lifestyles, creating cultural gaps. This process continues to shape generational and societal changes.
4. How has modernisation transformed societal roles?
Answer : Modernisation emphasizes individual achievement over caste or family-based roles. It promotes equality, scientific thinking, and modern work ethics. These changes challenge traditional practices, impacting gender roles and family dynamics. However, its implementation varies across regions and communities.
5. What role did education play in cultural reforms?
Answer : Education became a tool for challenging caste and gender inequalities during reforms. Schools opened opportunities for marginalized groups while spreading modern ideas. Reformers used education to reinterpret traditions and empower individuals. This helped shape a progressive and inclusive society.
6. What are the effects of secularisation on Indian society?
Answer : Secularisation reduces the dominance of religion in public and social life. Rituals now often serve economic or political purposes rather than religious ones. This change has transformed caste and gender roles, promoting modern values. However, religious identities still influence many aspects of Indian life.
7. How did caste-based politics evolve in modern India?
Answer : Caste associations and political parties emerged to represent group interests. This secularisation of caste turned it into a tool for mobilizing support and influencing policies. While it empowers marginalized groups, it also perpetuates caste divisions. This dynamic reflects the complex role of caste in modern politics.
8. What are the criticisms of modernisation in India?
Answer : Critics argue that modernisation often imposes Western models, ignoring local contexts. It disrupts traditional values and fails to address social inequalities. While promoting progress, it sometimes creates cultural conflicts and resistance. These challenges highlight the need for inclusive and contextual approaches.
9. How did Ravi Varma’s art symbolize cultural change?
Answer : Ravi Varma’s paintings blended Indian themes with Western techniques, reflecting cultural transitions. His work redefined Indian art by incorporating modern styles while preserving traditional elements. This fusion made his art accessible and iconic. It represents the broader cultural shifts during colonialism.
10. How did generational conflicts emerge from cultural change?
Answer : Westernisation introduced new values that clashed with traditional beliefs, causing generational conflicts. Younger generations embraced modernity, challenging older norms in dress, music, and lifestyles. These tensions reflect broader struggles between tradition and change. They highlight the complexities of adapting to cultural transitions.
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