UGC NET Paper 2 Sociology Mock Test - 7 - UGC NET MCQ

Marx was of the view that material conditions or economic factors affect the structure and development of society. His theory of historical materialism’ is historical because Marx has traced the evolution of human societies from one stage to another.

The population or universe represents the entire group of units which is the focus of the study.

• Thus, the population could consist of all the persons in the country, those in a particular geographical location, or a special ethnic or economic group, depending on the purpose and coverage of the study.
• A population could also consist of non-human units such as farms, houses, or business establishments.

Qualitative methods include interviews, focus groups, participant observation, ethnography, historical analysis, and textual or content analysis.

• The methods are applied to all substantive areas of sociological inquiry.
• Quantitative data refers to information that appears in numerical form, or in the form of statistics. Qualitative data refers to information that appears in written, visual or audio form, such as transcripts of interviews, newspapers and web sites.
• Six common types of qualitative research are phenomenological, ethnographic, grounded theory, historical, case study, and action research. Phenomenological studies examine human experiences through the descrip- tions that are provided by the people involved.
• Qualitative research has a long history in sociology and has been used within it for as long as the field has existed. This type of research has long appealed to social scientists because it allows the researchers to investigate the meanings people attribute to their behavior, actions, and interactions with others.

The correct option is 1, 2 and 3.Key Points

• Migration can reduce the pressure of the population on land in the areas of origin, as people move to other places for work or better living conditions. 
• Migration can lead to an increase in productivity on land in the areas of destination, as migrants bring new skills and technologies with them or are employed in sectors where they are more productive.
• Migration can increase per capita income, as migrants tend to move to areas with higher wages or where they can find better job opportunities.
• This can also lead to an increase in remittances sent back to the areas of origin, which can contribute to poverty reduction and economic development.
• Option 4 is incorrect because migration does not necessarily lead to a decrease in per-worker output.

• It may depend on various factors such as the skill level of the migrant workers, their access to education and training, the nature of the jobs available, and the overall economic conditions of the areas of origin and destination.

Hence we can conclude that the correct option is 1, 2 and 3.

The correct answer is Tribes. Key Points

• Shifting cultivation is a mode of farming long followed in the humid tropics of Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. In the practice of “slash and burn”, farmers would cut the native vegetation and burn it, then plant crops in the exposed, ash-fertilized soil for two or three seasons in succession.
• A common form of agriculture practiced by the Adivasis was shifting cultivation or Jhum cultivation.
• Podu is a traditional system of cultivation used by tribes in India, whereby different areas of jungle forest are cleared by burning each year to provide land for crops. The word comes from the Telugu language. Podu is a form of shifting agriculture using slash-and-burn methods.

Additional Information

• Backward class means those castes/communities that are notified as socially and educationally backward classes by the State Governments or those that may be notified as such by the Central Government from time to time.
• The lower class consists of those at the bottom of the socioeconomic hierarchy who have low education, low income, and low-status jobs.
• An agrarian society, or agricultural society, is any community whose economy is based on producing and maintaining crops and farmland. Another way to define an agrarian society is by seeing how much of a nation's total production is in agriculture

Thus, Tribes used to do shifting agriculture.

The Correct Answer is Farmers' Movement

Explanation: The Farmers' Movement focuses on addressing the concerns of farmers, including fair pricing for their produce, access to resources, and protection against policies that may adversely affect their livelihoods. It aims to ensure the well-being of those engaged in agriculture.

Key Points

Key Aspects of the Farmers' Movement:

Fair Pricing and Income:

• Price Determination: One of the primary concerns of the Farmers' Movement is ensuring that farmers receive fair and just prices for their agricultural produce. Activists within the movement advocate for transparent and equitable pricing mechanisms that consider the cost of production and provide farmers with a reasonable income.

Access to Resources:

• Land and Water Rights: The movement addresses issues related to land ownership and water rights, advocating for secure land tenure and access to water resources essential for agriculture.
• Technological Access: Farmers often face challenges in accessing modern agricultural technologies. The movement advocates for policies that facilitate the adoption of sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Debt and Financial Distress:

• Debt Relief: Farmers may accumulate debt due to various factors, including fluctuating commodity prices and the cost of inputs. The Farmers' Movement seeks debt relief measures to alleviate financial stress and prevent farmer suicides.
• Financial Support: Activists advocate for government support programs that provide financial assistance, subsidies, and insurance to farmers during challenging times.

Protection Against Exploitative Practices:

• Market Reforms: The movement engages with issues related to agricultural market reforms, advocating for fair and transparent market practices that protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen and corporations.
• Contract Farming: Activists work to ensure that contract farming agreements are fair and mutually beneficial, preventing situations where farmers are at a disadvantage.

Policy Advocacy:

• Government Policies: The Farmers' Movement engages with policymakers to influence agricultural policies that directly impact farmers. This includes advocating for policies that prioritize the needs and interests of farmers, such as agricultural subsidies and support systems.

Environmental Sustainability:

• Ecologically Sound Practices: The movement recognizes the importance of sustainable agriculture. Activists advocate for practices that prioritize environmental conservation, soil health, and biodiversity while ensuring the long-term viability of farming.

Community Solidarity:

• Unity Among Farmers: The Farmers' Movement fosters solidarity among farmers, encouraging collective action to address common challenges. This may involve organizing protests, strikes, or other forms of advocacy to amplify their voices.

Challenges Faced by the Farmers' Movement:

• Government Response: The effectiveness of the movement is often contingent on the response of the government. Some movements face challenges when governments are unresponsive to the needs of farmers.
• Corporate Influence: Farmers may face challenges from powerful corporate interests that influence agricultural policies to favor their own economic interests.
• Globalization: Global market forces can impact local agriculture, and the movement must contend with the challenges posed by international trade agreements and market dynamics.

Additional Information

• The Farmers' Movement is a vital force in advocating for the rights and well-being of those engaged in agriculture.
• By addressing issues such as fair pricing, access to resources, protection against exploitative practices, and policy advocacy, the movement aims to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of farming communities.

The correct answer is Abolitionist movement

Explanation: The Appiko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), and Chipko Movement are significant environmental movements in India, each with a unique focus and history.

Key Points

1. Appiko Movement

• The Appiko Movement, initiated in 1983 in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, was largely inspired by the Chipko Movement.
• It was a response to the large-scale deforestation that was affecting the Western Ghats, an area known for its biodiversity and ecological importance.
• The movement was primarily concerned with protecting forests, conserving soil and water, and promoting sustainable development practices.

Major Activities and Achievements:

• The Appiko Movement used peaceful methods such as hugging the trees (similar to Chipko Movement), conducting awareness marches, and educating the local population about the importance of forest conservation.
• It successfully mobilized the local communities, particularly the farmers and indigenous tribes, who were directly affected by deforestation.
• The movement led to a significant reduction in tree felling in the regions where it was active and raised broader awareness about environmental conservation in India.

2. Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA)

• Started in 1985, the Narmada Bachao Andolan is one of the most prominent social movements in post-independence India.
• The movement initially focused on the environmental and social impacts of the large dam projects on the Narmada river, specifically the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
• It later evolved to question the model of development that prioritizes large-scale industrial projects over environmental and human rights.

Major Activities and Achievements:

• The NBA was led by notable activists like Medha Patkar and involved mass mobilizations, hunger strikes, and court cases.
• It raised critical questions about displacement, ecological damage, and the rights of indigenous communities.
• While the movement couldn't stop the dam construction, it brought significant changes in environmental and rehabilitation policies in India and influenced global discourse on large dam projects.

3. Chipko Movement

• Originating in the early 1970s in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), the Chipko Movement is one of the most celebrated environmental movements in the world.
• The movement aimed at protecting the forests of the Himalayas from the axes of loggers, which were leading to deforestation and subsequent ecological imbalance.

Major Activities and Achievements:

• The name 'Chipko' which means 'to hug' in Hindi, comes from the strategy used by the villagers - they hugged the trees to prevent them from being cut down.
• Led by environmentalists like Sunderlal Bahuguna and Chandi Prasad Bhatt, the movement saw widespread participation, especially from women.
• It led to a ban on felling of trees in the Himalayan regions and played a crucial role in the formulation of environmental policy in India, particularly the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
• Each of these movements has been instrumental in shaping environmental policy and consciousness in India, demonstrating the power of grassroots activism in effecting change. They are celebrated for their non-violent approach and their success in bringing environmental concerns to the forefront of national discourse.

Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, and ecofeminist known for her advocacy of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and social justice.

Important Points

• Ecofeminism is a social and political movement that explores the intersections between feminism and environmentalism.
• It emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the recognition that both women and nature are often marginalized, exploited, and oppressed within patriarchal societies.
• Ecofeminism seeks to understand and address the connections between the domination of women and the exploitation of the natural world, advocating for social and ecological justice.
• Vandana Shiva's work is deeply rooted in an ecofeminist perspective, which highlights the interconnectedness between environmental degradation and the subjugation of women.
• She argues that patriarchal systems of domination exploit both nature and women, leading to ecological destruction and social injustice.
• Shiva's scholarship explores the intersection of gender and environment, examining how women are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and climate change.

Additional Information

• Sharmila Rege was an Indian sociologist known for her work on gender, caste, and feminism.
• While her research addressed various social issues, she is not particularly associated with ecofeminism.
• Bina Agarwal is an Indian economist known for her research on gender, property rights, and development.
• Her work intersects with ecofeminism through its exploration of gendered dimensions of environmental resource management, but she may not be exclusively associated with the term.
• Leela Dube was an Indian anthropologist known for her research on gender, kinship, and social change.
• While her work may have touched on issues related to gender and the environment, she may not be specifically associated with ecofeminism.

• Sociological scholarship points out that human decision-making occurs at every step of the coding process, contrary to claims that algorithms or platform users alone create biased outcomes in AI systems.
• Human biases, intentional or unintentional, can be embedded within algorithms and data sets during the coding process.
• Lack of transparency in the coding process makes it difficult to identify and address biases effectively.
• Contrary to popular belief, algorithms alone do not create biased outcomes; human decisions play a crucial role.
• Understanding and addressing human factors in AI development are essential to mitigate biased outcomes.

The correct answer according to the passage is - Confronting white racialized spaces.

Key Points

• Williams, Bryant, and Carvell (2019) highlight the emotional challenge faced by people of color in digital spaces.
• Particularly the necessity to navigate spaces that are simultaneously white racialized.
• Digital spaces often reflect and perpetuate racial biases and inequalities, making them unwelcoming or hostile environments for people of color.

The passage mentions that India aims to achieve a targeted vaccination coverage of 95% for measles and rubella by 2023.

Key Points

• This high vaccination coverage is essential for effectively preventing outbreaks and achieving the goal of measles and rubella elimination.
• The objective underscores the importance of reaching a significant portion of the population to ensure herd immunity against these infectious diseases.

The passage specifically mentions measles and rubella as the main diseases targeted for elimination through vaccination in India.

Key Points

• Measles is highlighted as a highly contagious viral disease that can cause respiratory complications and is a leading cause of death, especially among young children.
• Rubella is also mentioned, with emphasis on its ability to cause birth defects.
• The passage underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing both measles and rubella, indicating that they can be prevented through vaccination efforts.

Achieving a high vaccination coverage is highlighted as the primary goal of India's efforts towards measles and rubella elimination through vaccination campaigns.

• The objective is to prevent outbreaks of measles and rubella by ensuring a significant portion of the population is immune through vaccination.
• This approach aligns with broader public health strategies aimed at disease prevention rather than solely focusing on treatment after individuals become affected.
• By achieving high vaccination coverage, India aims to significantly reduce the incidence of measles and rubella, ultimately contributing to their elimination as public health threats.

The correct answer is 'Gender performativity'.

Key Points

• Gender performativity is a concept that Judith Butler introduced which argues that gender is not an inherent identity or stable, but rather something that is performed based on cultural norms and expectations.
• Performativity versus Performance: Butler makes a distinction between performative acts that constitute gender versus performance, which is a deliberate and conscious act. Gender performativity suggests that our actions, behaviors, and language produce gender over time.
• Social Construct: By emphasizing gender performativity, Butler suggests that gender identities are constructed through repeated social and cultural practices rather than being a fixed trait from birth.
• Disruption and Fluidity: Butler's theory opens up possibilities for gender fluidity and disrupts the binary understanding of gender, showing how the performance of gender can challenge rigid norms.
• Influence on Gender Studies: Butler's work has been influential in the field of gender studies, queer theory, and feminism, providing a framework for understanding the complexities of gender identities and relations beyond biological determinism.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Additional Information

• Option 1: Power and knowledge is a concept extensively explored by Michel Foucault, not Judith Butler.
• Option 3: Archaeology of knowledge is a methodology and theoretical framework developed by Michel Foucault.
• Option 4: Panopticism is an idea within Foucault's discussion on surveillance and disciplinary societies in his work "Discipline and Punish."

The correct answer is Gender is a given phenomenon.

Key Points

• Gender is predetermined, fixed, or not subject to change or individual self-identification, which is contrary to widely accepted modern understandings of gender.
• In contemporary discussions, gender is often seen as a complex interplay of biology, identity, culture, and personal experience, rather than a predefined or "given" set of rules or roles.

The correct answer is Double Descent.
Key Points

• Double descent is essentially a combination of matrilineal and patrilineal descent, the two modes of affiliation being followed concurrently. It is thus not unilinear but bilinear. However, it is not "bilateral" because it does not treat all possible lines of affiliation equally but emphasizes two lines and disregard others.
• Descent refers to the socially recognized links between ancestors and descendants or one's traceable ancestry and can be bilateral, or traced through either parents, or unilateral, or traced through parents and ancestors of only one sex.
• We find that for linear regression, a double descent-shaped risk is caused by a superposition of bias-variance tradeoffs corresponding to different parts of the model and can be mitigated by scaling the regularization strength of each part appropriately.

Additional Information​​

• A Cognatic descent is a mode of descent calculated from an ancestor or a system of bilateral kinship where relationships are traced through both a mother and father. Cognatic tribes are found commonly among the Samoans of Central Polynesia.
• A collateral descendant also referred to as a collateral heir or collateral kin, descends from the same common ancestor as the decedent, but does not descend directly from the decedent.
• Unilineal descent recognizes only a single line of ancestors through males or females. It occurs in two forms--patrilineal, which follows the male line, and matrilineal, which follows the female line. The patrilineal form is more common.

Thus, Yako of Nigeria utilizes matrilineal descent for some purposes and patrilineal for some purposes, achieving a system of Double descent.​

The correct answer is (a) - (ii), (b) - (i), (c) - (iv), (d) - (iii).
Key Points

• The Household Dimension of the Family in India written by AM Shah was widely regarded as a landmark study when it first appeared in 1973. It combines micro and macro perspectives and offers a rigorous critique of the stereotype of the 'decline' of the joint family under conditions of industrial modernization.
• Marriage and Family in India authored by KM Kapadia: Traces the history of polygyny and polyandry amongst Hindus and Muslims against a background of economic circumstance and religious belief.
• World revolution and family patterns. Author: William Josiah Goode.
• Some Aspects of Family in Mahuva: A Sociological Study of Jointness in a Small Town. By I. P. Desai.

Additional Information

• I.P. Desai, a renowned sociologist from India. He played a pioneering role in the shaping of teaching and research of sociology in India, including the study of education, family, untouchability, migration, social movements, and social change.
• K. M. KAPADIA (1908-1967) Kaniayalal Motilal Kapadia was a founder member of the Indian Sociological Society and was its Secretary between 1955 and 1966. He rendered invaluable service to the progress of Society and made sustained efforts to maintain the quality of its journal, Sociological Bulletin.
• Arvind M. Shah retired from his professorship in the Department of Sociology at the University of Delhi in 1996. He had been a student of M. N. Srinivas in 1952 and became a teacher in sociology at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, in 1958. He moved to the University of Delhi in 1961

Thus,

The sequential operations in scientific research are Co-variation, Elimination of Spurious Relations, Generalisation, Theorisation.

Scientific research is the systematic investigation of scientific theories and hypotheses. A hypothesis is a single assertion, a proposed explanation of something based on available knowledge, for something yet to be explained. One that is subject to further experimentation.

Tradition implies a value-judgement about the folkways.

A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. It therefore, implies a value-judgement about the folkways.

• Folkways refers to traditional customary ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Most people conform to folk ways out of habit. They are the lesser order of norms, as they are not as strictly enforced as mores or laws.
• Tradition, habit, and religious sanctions tend to strengthen folkways as time passes, making them more and more arbitrary, positive, and compelling.

The term embourgeoisement signifies a social mobility. It is a process in which the working class people adopt the habits, the values and the working habits of the middle class to lead a more affluent life. Thus, embourgeoisement represents the spread of bourgeoisie values within the society.

Sociology is considered as a General Science. Sociology is the study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture of everyday life. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, acceptance, and change or social evolution.

The social conflict theories under consideration are Lewis Coser's functionalist theory of conflict, Ralf Dahrendorf's theory, and Randall Collins' sociology of conflict.

The most fundamental distinction between functionalism and conflict theory is not that the notion of either structure or of change is absent from either of them but which of these holds centre stage. Although conflict theory became accepted into sociological theory.

Karl Marx regarded the state as ‘’a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie’’.

The executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie, historically, has played a most revolutionary part. The bourgeoisie, wherever it has got the upper hand, has put an end to all feudal, patriarchal, idyllic relations.

Karl Marx (5 May 1818 – 14 March 1883) was a German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary.

According to Lester Ward, applied sociology was intended to use scientific knowledge for a better society.

Science is valued by society because the application of scientific knowledge helps to satisfy many basic human needs and improve living standards. Similarly, science is often justified to the public as driving economic growth, which is seen as a return-on-investment for public funding. This is a concept given by Lester ward.

Values reflect our sense of right and wrong. They help us grow and develop. They help us create the future we want. The decisions we make every day are a reflection of our values. We learn most of our values from our parents and extended families. Our family values stem from our social and cultural values. Sometimes new life experiences may change values we previously held.
Individual values reflect how we live our lives and what we consider important for our own self-interests. Individual values include enthusiasm, creativity, humility, and personal fulfillment. Relationship values reflect how we relate to other people in our life, such as friends, family, teachers, managers, etc. Relationship values include openness, trust, generosity, and caring. Therefore the value is essential for society.

6 schools of Indian Philosophy and their founders are:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully conducted the qualification test of Cryogenic Engine for Gaganyaan programme for a duration of 720 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Tamil Nadu’s Mahendragiri. The performance of the engine met the test objectives and the engine parameters were closely matching with the predictions during the entire duration of the test. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.

Gaganyaan programme is a Human Spaceflight Mission of India. With this launch, India will become the fourth nation in the world to launch a Human Spaceflight Mission after the USA, Russia and China. Therefore, statement 1 is not correct.