Class 11 Sociology Previous Year Paper - 1 | Sociology Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


 
             
              
 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Sociology 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
 
1 How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early sociological 
thought? 
2 
2 Differentiate between status and role.  2 
3 What is the functionalists view on social control? 2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 2 
7 Define nationalism.  2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  2 
11 Define ecology.  2 
12 Explain how society shapes nature. 2 
13 What was the view of ‘protectionists’ on assimilation of tribals in India? 2 
14 Briefly explain the principles of change in Indian tradition according to D.P.Mukherjee. 2 
15 Differentiate between primary and secondary social groups.  4 
16 Give the western textbook definition of sociology. What is the scope of sociological study? 
OR 
Explain briefly how Max Weber associates religion with capitalism. 
4(1+3) 
17 Explain the various forms of marriage on the basis of number of spouse one can have. 4 
18 What is meant by revolutionary cultural change? Explain the different ways by which it can happen.  4 
19 Differentiate between power and authority. Give two examples to show how authority is restricted to a 
domain.   
4 
Page 2


 
             
              
 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Sociology 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
 
1 How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early sociological 
thought? 
2 
2 Differentiate between status and role.  2 
3 What is the functionalists view on social control? 2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 2 
7 Define nationalism.  2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  2 
11 Define ecology.  2 
12 Explain how society shapes nature. 2 
13 What was the view of ‘protectionists’ on assimilation of tribals in India? 2 
14 Briefly explain the principles of change in Indian tradition according to D.P.Mukherjee. 2 
15 Differentiate between primary and secondary social groups.  4 
16 Give the western textbook definition of sociology. What is the scope of sociological study? 
OR 
Explain briefly how Max Weber associates religion with capitalism. 
4(1+3) 
17 Explain the various forms of marriage on the basis of number of spouse one can have. 4 
18 What is meant by revolutionary cultural change? Explain the different ways by which it can happen.  4 
19 Differentiate between power and authority. Give two examples to show how authority is restricted to a 
domain.   
4 
20 Explain any four major environmental problems and risks that are today recognized globally. 4 
21 How was the industrial revolution responsible for giving rise to sociology? 4 
22 Define socialization. Describe the various agencies of socialization. 
OR 
What do you understand by the term social structure? What are the two ways of understanding social 
processes in society?   
6 
23 What is social change? Discuss the types of change that are identified by their nature or impact. Give 
examples for each. 
6(2+4) 
24 Discuss the various components of the mode of production as given by Karl Marx 6 
25 Mention the test criteria suggested by A R Desai to measure the performance of welfare state. Based on 
these parameters critically analyse India as a welfare state.   
                                                 
 
6 
 
Page 3


 
             
              
 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Sociology 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
 
1 How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early sociological 
thought? 
2 
2 Differentiate between status and role.  2 
3 What is the functionalists view on social control? 2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 2 
7 Define nationalism.  2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  2 
11 Define ecology.  2 
12 Explain how society shapes nature. 2 
13 What was the view of ‘protectionists’ on assimilation of tribals in India? 2 
14 Briefly explain the principles of change in Indian tradition according to D.P.Mukherjee. 2 
15 Differentiate between primary and secondary social groups.  4 
16 Give the western textbook definition of sociology. What is the scope of sociological study? 
OR 
Explain briefly how Max Weber associates religion with capitalism. 
4(1+3) 
17 Explain the various forms of marriage on the basis of number of spouse one can have. 4 
18 What is meant by revolutionary cultural change? Explain the different ways by which it can happen.  4 
19 Differentiate between power and authority. Give two examples to show how authority is restricted to a 
domain.   
4 
20 Explain any four major environmental problems and risks that are today recognized globally. 4 
21 How was the industrial revolution responsible for giving rise to sociology? 4 
22 Define socialization. Describe the various agencies of socialization. 
OR 
What do you understand by the term social structure? What are the two ways of understanding social 
processes in society?   
6 
23 What is social change? Discuss the types of change that are identified by their nature or impact. Give 
examples for each. 
6(2+4) 
24 Discuss the various components of the mode of production as given by Karl Marx 6 
25 Mention the test criteria suggested by A R Desai to measure the performance of welfare state. Based on 
these parameters critically analyse India as a welfare state.   
                                                 
 
6 
 
 
 
 
Sociology (Answer Key) 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words 
each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words 
each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 
words each. 
 
1 
How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early 
sociological thought? 
Society often compared with living organisms and efforts made to trace its growth through 
stages comparable to those of organic life. This way of looking at society as a system of 
parts, each part playing a given function influenced the study of social institutions like the 
family or the school and structures such as stratification.  
2 
2 
Differentiate between status and role. 
Status refers to the social position with defined rights and duties assigned to these 
positions. 
Role is the dynamic or behavioral aspect of status. Status is occupied, but roles are played.  
2 
3 
What is the functionalists view on social control? 
Social control refers to 1. The use of force to regulate the behavior of the individual and 
groups and 2. Enforcing of values and patterns for maintaining order in society. Social 
control here Is directed to restrain deviant behavior of individuals or groups on the one 
hand and on the other to mitigate tensions and conflicts among individuals and groups to 
maintain social order and social cohesion. In this way social control is seen as necessary to 
stability in society. 
2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 
Refers to modes of action which do not conform to the norms or values held by most of the 
members of a group or society. Ideas of deviance are challenged and changed from one period to 
another.  
2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 
Kin who are related through marriage. Ex- Husband-wife.  
2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 
Edu maintains and renews the social structure, transmits and develops culture. It is an important 
mechanism for the selection and allocation of individuals in their future roles in society.  
2 
7 Define nationalism.  
Can be defined as a set of symbols and beliefs providing the sense of being part of a single political 
community. Thus, individuals feel a sense of pride and belonging in being Indian, British…part of 
a nation.  
2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 
1) Life chances 
2) Social status 
3) Political influence                                                                                       (any two) 
2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  
Explanation with the help of women’s right to property in their natal family.  
2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  
Cooperation is shown in front of others but hidden conflict.  
2 
11 Define ecology.  
It denotes the web of physical and biological systems and processes of which humans are one 
element. Mountains and rivers, plains and oceans, and the flora and the fauna that they support, are 
a part of the ecology. The ecology of a place is also affected by the interaction between its 
geography and hydrology. 
2 
Page 4


 
             
              
 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Sociology 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
 
1 How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early sociological 
thought? 
2 
2 Differentiate between status and role.  2 
3 What is the functionalists view on social control? 2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 2 
7 Define nationalism.  2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  2 
11 Define ecology.  2 
12 Explain how society shapes nature. 2 
13 What was the view of ‘protectionists’ on assimilation of tribals in India? 2 
14 Briefly explain the principles of change in Indian tradition according to D.P.Mukherjee. 2 
15 Differentiate between primary and secondary social groups.  4 
16 Give the western textbook definition of sociology. What is the scope of sociological study? 
OR 
Explain briefly how Max Weber associates religion with capitalism. 
4(1+3) 
17 Explain the various forms of marriage on the basis of number of spouse one can have. 4 
18 What is meant by revolutionary cultural change? Explain the different ways by which it can happen.  4 
19 Differentiate between power and authority. Give two examples to show how authority is restricted to a 
domain.   
4 
20 Explain any four major environmental problems and risks that are today recognized globally. 4 
21 How was the industrial revolution responsible for giving rise to sociology? 4 
22 Define socialization. Describe the various agencies of socialization. 
OR 
What do you understand by the term social structure? What are the two ways of understanding social 
processes in society?   
6 
23 What is social change? Discuss the types of change that are identified by their nature or impact. Give 
examples for each. 
6(2+4) 
24 Discuss the various components of the mode of production as given by Karl Marx 6 
25 Mention the test criteria suggested by A R Desai to measure the performance of welfare state. Based on 
these parameters critically analyse India as a welfare state.   
                                                 
 
6 
 
 
 
 
Sociology (Answer Key) 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words 
each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words 
each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 
words each. 
 
1 
How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early 
sociological thought? 
Society often compared with living organisms and efforts made to trace its growth through 
stages comparable to those of organic life. This way of looking at society as a system of 
parts, each part playing a given function influenced the study of social institutions like the 
family or the school and structures such as stratification.  
2 
2 
Differentiate between status and role. 
Status refers to the social position with defined rights and duties assigned to these 
positions. 
Role is the dynamic or behavioral aspect of status. Status is occupied, but roles are played.  
2 
3 
What is the functionalists view on social control? 
Social control refers to 1. The use of force to regulate the behavior of the individual and 
groups and 2. Enforcing of values and patterns for maintaining order in society. Social 
control here Is directed to restrain deviant behavior of individuals or groups on the one 
hand and on the other to mitigate tensions and conflicts among individuals and groups to 
maintain social order and social cohesion. In this way social control is seen as necessary to 
stability in society. 
2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 
Refers to modes of action which do not conform to the norms or values held by most of the 
members of a group or society. Ideas of deviance are challenged and changed from one period to 
another.  
2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 
Kin who are related through marriage. Ex- Husband-wife.  
2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 
Edu maintains and renews the social structure, transmits and develops culture. It is an important 
mechanism for the selection and allocation of individuals in their future roles in society.  
2 
7 Define nationalism.  
Can be defined as a set of symbols and beliefs providing the sense of being part of a single political 
community. Thus, individuals feel a sense of pride and belonging in being Indian, British…part of 
a nation.  
2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 
1) Life chances 
2) Social status 
3) Political influence                                                                                       (any two) 
2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  
Explanation with the help of women’s right to property in their natal family.  
2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  
Cooperation is shown in front of others but hidden conflict.  
2 
11 Define ecology.  
It denotes the web of physical and biological systems and processes of which humans are one 
element. Mountains and rivers, plains and oceans, and the flora and the fauna that they support, are 
a part of the ecology. The ecology of a place is also affected by the interaction between its 
geography and hydrology. 
2 
 
 
12 Explain how society shapes nature. 
Example of capitalism and automobiles.                                                     (to be explained) 
2 
13 What was the view of ‘protectionists’ on assimilation of tribals in India? 
It would result in the severe exploitation and cultural extinction of the tribals. 
2 
14 Briefly explain the principles of change in Indian tradition according to D.P.Mukherjee. 
Shruti, smriti, anubhava/ collective anubhava.          (last 2 to be explained) 
2 
15 Differentiate between primary and secondary social groups.  
Primary Group                                          Secondary Group 
1. Small group of people. -  Relatively large in size 
2. Connected by intimate and face-to-face association and co-operation. - Maintain formal 
and impersonal relationships 
3. Members have sense of belonging. - There is no strong sense of belonging together 
4. These are person oriented.-  They are goal oriented 
5. Family, villages and groups of friends are examples. - Schools, govt. offices, hospitals, 
students’ associations are examples. 
4 
16 Give the western textbook definition of sociology. What is the scope of sociological study? 
Defn- the study of human groups and societies, giving particular emphasis to the analysis of the 
industrialised world. 
Scope- interactions bw individuals, national issues, global issues.                  (to be explained) 
 
OR 
 
Explain briefly how Max Weber associates religion with capitalism. 
Calvinism (a branch of Christianity) exerted an important influence on the emergence and growth 
of capitalism as a mode of economic organization.  
•Calvinists believed that the world was created for the glory of the God.  
•They also believed in the concept of predestination.  
•If a person was successful in his work, it was a sign of God’s happiness.  
•Calvinists believed in frugal lifestyle and investment to increase profit was something like a holy 
creed.  
•More investment means more profit which would lead to creation of more capital. 
4(1+3) 
17 Explain the various forms of marriage on the basis of number of spouse one can have. 
Monogamy, Serial monogamy. Polygamy- Polyandry and polygyny.   (To be explained) 
4 
18 What is meant by revolutionary cultural change? Explain the different ways by which it can 
happen.  
When a culture is transformed rapidly and its values and meaning systems undergo a radical 
change… 
Political intervention- French revolution 
External intervention- Colonisation or conquest. 
Changes in natural environment- changes in green cover 
4 
19 Differentiate between power and authority. Give two examples to show how authority is 
restricted to a domain. 
Power is usually defined as the ability to make others do what you want regardless of what they 
themselves want. Dominant groups extract cooperation in unequal relationships because of their 
power. Legitimacy refers to the degree of acceptance that is involved in power relations. Power can 
be either legitimate or non-legitimate.  Max Weber refers to legitimate power as authority, that is, 
power considered to be justified or proper. 
Authority is defined as legitimate power- that is, power considered to be justified or proper. For 
example, a police officer, a judge, or a school teacher all exercise different kinds of authority as 
part of their jobs. The fact that they have authority automatically implies that other members of 
society must obey this authority within its proper domain.  
Example- The domain of a judge is the courtroom, and when citizens are in the court, they are 
supposed to obey the judge and accept his authority. Outside the courtroom, the judge is supposed 
to be like any other citizen who must obey the laws of the state.  
Example- When on duty, the policeman has authority over the public actions of all citizens except 
his superior officers. But police officers do not have jurisdiction over the private activities of 
citizens as long as they are not suspected of being unlawful.   
4 
20 Explain any four major environmental problems and risks that are today recognized 
globally. 
1. Resource depletion 
4 
Page 5


 
             
              
 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Sociology 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 words each. 
 
1 How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early sociological 
thought? 
2 
2 Differentiate between status and role.  2 
3 What is the functionalists view on social control? 2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 2 
7 Define nationalism.  2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  2 
11 Define ecology.  2 
12 Explain how society shapes nature. 2 
13 What was the view of ‘protectionists’ on assimilation of tribals in India? 2 
14 Briefly explain the principles of change in Indian tradition according to D.P.Mukherjee. 2 
15 Differentiate between primary and secondary social groups.  4 
16 Give the western textbook definition of sociology. What is the scope of sociological study? 
OR 
Explain briefly how Max Weber associates religion with capitalism. 
4(1+3) 
17 Explain the various forms of marriage on the basis of number of spouse one can have. 4 
18 What is meant by revolutionary cultural change? Explain the different ways by which it can happen.  4 
19 Differentiate between power and authority. Give two examples to show how authority is restricted to a 
domain.   
4 
20 Explain any four major environmental problems and risks that are today recognized globally. 4 
21 How was the industrial revolution responsible for giving rise to sociology? 4 
22 Define socialization. Describe the various agencies of socialization. 
OR 
What do you understand by the term social structure? What are the two ways of understanding social 
processes in society?   
6 
23 What is social change? Discuss the types of change that are identified by their nature or impact. Give 
examples for each. 
6(2+4) 
24 Discuss the various components of the mode of production as given by Karl Marx 6 
25 Mention the test criteria suggested by A R Desai to measure the performance of welfare state. Based on 
these parameters critically analyse India as a welfare state.   
                                                 
 
6 
 
 
 
 
Sociology (Answer Key) 
Date:                 Class: XI 
Time:  3 hrs.                                        M. M: 80 
General Instructions 
1. Questions No. 1-14 are of 2 marks each and are to be answered in about 30 words 
each.  
2. Questions No.15-21 are of 4 marks each and are to be answered in about 80 words 
each.  
3. Questions No. 22-25 are of 6 marks each and are to be answered in about 200 
words each. 
 
1 
How has Darwin’s ideas about organic evolution been a dominant influence on early 
sociological thought? 
Society often compared with living organisms and efforts made to trace its growth through 
stages comparable to those of organic life. This way of looking at society as a system of 
parts, each part playing a given function influenced the study of social institutions like the 
family or the school and structures such as stratification.  
2 
2 
Differentiate between status and role. 
Status refers to the social position with defined rights and duties assigned to these 
positions. 
Role is the dynamic or behavioral aspect of status. Status is occupied, but roles are played.  
2 
3 
What is the functionalists view on social control? 
Social control refers to 1. The use of force to regulate the behavior of the individual and 
groups and 2. Enforcing of values and patterns for maintaining order in society. Social 
control here Is directed to restrain deviant behavior of individuals or groups on the one 
hand and on the other to mitigate tensions and conflicts among individuals and groups to 
maintain social order and social cohesion. In this way social control is seen as necessary to 
stability in society. 
2 
4 What is meant by deviance? 
Refers to modes of action which do not conform to the norms or values held by most of the 
members of a group or society. Ideas of deviance are challenged and changed from one period to 
another.  
2 
5 Who are affines? Explain with an example. 
Kin who are related through marriage. Ex- Husband-wife.  
2 
6 What is the functionalist perspective on role of education in society? 
Edu maintains and renews the social structure, transmits and develops culture. It is an important 
mechanism for the selection and allocation of individuals in their future roles in society.  
2 
7 Define nationalism.  
Can be defined as a set of symbols and beliefs providing the sense of being part of a single political 
community. Thus, individuals feel a sense of pride and belonging in being Indian, British…part of 
a nation.  
2 
8 Explain any two basic forms of advantage which privileged groups enjoy. 
1) Life chances 
2) Social status 
3) Political influence                                                                                       (any two) 
2 
9 Explain the process of ‘enforced cooperation’ with the help of an example.  
Explanation with the help of women’s right to property in their natal family.  
2 
10 Explain the process of ‘covert conflict, overt cooperation’.  
Cooperation is shown in front of others but hidden conflict.  
2 
11 Define ecology.  
It denotes the web of physical and biological systems and processes of which humans are one 
element. Mountains and rivers, plains and oceans, and the flora and the fauna that they support, are 
a part of the ecology. The ecology of a place is also affected by the interaction between its 
geography and hydrology. 
2 
 
 
12 Explain how society shapes nature. 
Example of capitalism and automobiles.                                                     (to be explained) 
2 
13 What was the view of ‘protectionists’ on assimilation of tribals in India? 
It would result in the severe exploitation and cultural extinction of the tribals. 
2 
14 Briefly explain the principles of change in Indian tradition according to D.P.Mukherjee. 
Shruti, smriti, anubhava/ collective anubhava.          (last 2 to be explained) 
2 
15 Differentiate between primary and secondary social groups.  
Primary Group                                          Secondary Group 
1. Small group of people. -  Relatively large in size 
2. Connected by intimate and face-to-face association and co-operation. - Maintain formal 
and impersonal relationships 
3. Members have sense of belonging. - There is no strong sense of belonging together 
4. These are person oriented.-  They are goal oriented 
5. Family, villages and groups of friends are examples. - Schools, govt. offices, hospitals, 
students’ associations are examples. 
4 
16 Give the western textbook definition of sociology. What is the scope of sociological study? 
Defn- the study of human groups and societies, giving particular emphasis to the analysis of the 
industrialised world. 
Scope- interactions bw individuals, national issues, global issues.                  (to be explained) 
 
OR 
 
Explain briefly how Max Weber associates religion with capitalism. 
Calvinism (a branch of Christianity) exerted an important influence on the emergence and growth 
of capitalism as a mode of economic organization.  
•Calvinists believed that the world was created for the glory of the God.  
•They also believed in the concept of predestination.  
•If a person was successful in his work, it was a sign of God’s happiness.  
•Calvinists believed in frugal lifestyle and investment to increase profit was something like a holy 
creed.  
•More investment means more profit which would lead to creation of more capital. 
4(1+3) 
17 Explain the various forms of marriage on the basis of number of spouse one can have. 
Monogamy, Serial monogamy. Polygamy- Polyandry and polygyny.   (To be explained) 
4 
18 What is meant by revolutionary cultural change? Explain the different ways by which it can 
happen.  
When a culture is transformed rapidly and its values and meaning systems undergo a radical 
change… 
Political intervention- French revolution 
External intervention- Colonisation or conquest. 
Changes in natural environment- changes in green cover 
4 
19 Differentiate between power and authority. Give two examples to show how authority is 
restricted to a domain. 
Power is usually defined as the ability to make others do what you want regardless of what they 
themselves want. Dominant groups extract cooperation in unequal relationships because of their 
power. Legitimacy refers to the degree of acceptance that is involved in power relations. Power can 
be either legitimate or non-legitimate.  Max Weber refers to legitimate power as authority, that is, 
power considered to be justified or proper. 
Authority is defined as legitimate power- that is, power considered to be justified or proper. For 
example, a police officer, a judge, or a school teacher all exercise different kinds of authority as 
part of their jobs. The fact that they have authority automatically implies that other members of 
society must obey this authority within its proper domain.  
Example- The domain of a judge is the courtroom, and when citizens are in the court, they are 
supposed to obey the judge and accept his authority. Outside the courtroom, the judge is supposed 
to be like any other citizen who must obey the laws of the state.  
Example- When on duty, the policeman has authority over the public actions of all citizens except 
his superior officers. But police officers do not have jurisdiction over the private activities of 
citizens as long as they are not suspected of being unlawful.   
4 
20 Explain any four major environmental problems and risks that are today recognized 
globally. 
1. Resource depletion 
4 
 
 
2. Pollution 
3. Global warming 
4. Genetically modified Organisms 
5. Natural and man-made environmental disasters 
21 How was the industrial revolution responsible for giving rise to sociology? 
i) The industrial revolution witnessed the systematic application of science and technology to 
industrial production and mass production of goods. The changes in the production system also 
resulted in major changes in social life. 
ii) Rapid industrialization led to migration of workers to urban centers in search of jobs. This 
led to unplanned expansion of urban centers (Example- London city). Workers got low wages and 
had long working hours.  
iii) Cities and towns housed large and unequal populations in small densely populated urban 
areas. The rich and the powerful lived in the cities but so did the working class who lived in slums 
amidst poverty and filth/dirt.  
iv) Modern forms of governance with the state assuming control of health, sanitation, crime 
control  and general ‘development’ created the demand for new kinds of knowledge. The social 
sciences and particularly sociology emerged partly as a response to this need. 
v) Empirically informed scientific discussion about trends in social behavior only became 
possible with the beginning of modern industrial society. That is why sociology is also called ‘the 
science of new industrial society.’ (Empirical investigation means study based on realistic and first 
hand data or facts). 
4 
22 Define socialization. Describe the various agencies of socialization. 
Process whereby the helpless infant gradually becomes a self-aware knowledgeable person skilled 
in the ways of the culture into which he is born. 
Agencies- Family, Peer groups, Schools, mass media, work  (to be explained) 
OR 
What do you understand by the term social structure? What are the two ways of 
understanding social processes in society? 
 Social structure refers to the fact that the society is structured (organized/arranged/patterned) in 
particular ways.  There are certain patterns in the way people behave and in the relationships they 
have with one another. It is to these patterns that the concept of social structure refers. (Can be 
compared to the structure of a building) 
1. Conflict perspective (viewpoint) - associated with Karl Marx- Human beings have to 
cooperate to meet the basic needs, and to produce and reproduce themselves and their work. Forms 
of cooperation changed from one historical society to another. In simple societies, no surplus 
therefore cooperation, but with surplus production, cooperation would involve conflict and 
competition. There is social stratification. Dominant groups sustain the unequal order by a series of 
cultural norms, and often coercion or even violence.  
2. Functionalist perspective- associated with Emile Durkheim- concerned with ‘system 
requirements of society’-certain functional imperatives (essential or vital), functional requisites 
(necessities) and prerequisites (something that must happen before something else can happen). 
These refer to the fulfillment of the broadest conditions which are necessary for a system’s 
existence.  These are: 
i) The socialization of new members 
ii) A shared system of communication 
iii) Methods of assigning  roles to individuals 
Functionalist perspective rests on the assumption that different parts/organs of the society (social 
institutions) have a function/role to play for the maintenance and functioning of the society. Seen 
from this perspective, cooperation, competition and conflict can be seen as universal features of all 
societies. Since the final goal is system sustenance, competition and conflict tend to get resolved 
without too much worry.   
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