Passage Based Questions: Understanding Social Institutions | Sociology Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1 

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A functionalist view understands social institutions as a complex set of social norms, beliefs, values and role relationship that arise in response to the needs of society. Social institutions exist to satisfy social needs. Accordingly we find informal and formal social institutions in societies. Institutions such as family and religion are examples of informal social institutions while law and (formal) education are formal social institutions.

Q1: What does a functionalist view emphasize regarding social institutions?
Ans:

• Functionalism sees social institutions as complex sets of norms, beliefs, values, and role relationships.
• They arise in response to the needs of society, serving to satisfy social needs and maintain social order.

Q2: Can you give examples of informal social institutions mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Family and religion are examples of informal social institutions.
• Informal institutions are based on unwritten norms and practices within a society.

Q3: What distinguishes formal social institutions from informal ones?
Ans:

• Formal social institutions, like law and education, are established systems with official rules and structures.
• They are organized to serve specific societal functions and are often codified in laws and regulations.

Passage - 2 

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Sociology and social anthropology have over many decades, conducted field research across cultures to show how the institutions of family, marriage and kinship are important in all societies and yet their character is different in different societies. They have also shown how the family (the private sphere) is linked to economic, political, cultural and educational (the public) spheres. 

Q1: What have sociology and social anthropology demonstrated through field research regarding the institutions of family, marriage, and kinship in different societies?
Ans:

• Sociology and social anthropology have conducted extensive field research across cultures.
• They have demonstrated that family, marriage, and kinship are crucial institutions in all societies, but their characteristics vary significantly from one society to another.

Q2: How is the family (the private sphere) interconnected with other societal spheres according to the research mentioned?
Ans:

• The family, representing the private sphere, is intricately linked to economic, political, cultural, and educational spheres, which constitute the public domain.
• This interconnection showcases the family's influence and importance in shaping broader societal structures and functions.

Q3: What is the significance of studying the diverse characteristics of family, marriage, and kinship across cultures?
Ans:

• Studying the diverse characteristics of family, marriage, and kinship across cultures provides valuable insights into the social fabric of different societies.
• It helps in understanding the variations in social norms, values, and structures, enriching our knowledge of human social interactions and cultural diversity.

Passage - 3 

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According to the functionalists the family performs important tasks, which contribute to society’s basic needs and helps perpetuate social order. The functionalist perspective argues that modern industrial societies function best if women look after the family and men earn the family livelihood. In India studies however suggest that families need not become nuclear in an industrial pattern of economy (Singh 1993: 83). This is but one example to show how trends based on experiences of one society cannot necessarily be generalised.

Q1: What tasks does the functionalist perspective believe the family performs, according to the passage?
Ans: Functionalists assert that the family fulfills crucial tasks that contribute to society's basic needs and play a role in maintaining social order.

Q2: What does the functionalist perspective suggest about the roles of men and women in modern industrial societies?
Ans: According to the functionalist perspective, in modern industrial societies, it is believed that women should take care of the family, while men should be the primary earners, contributing to the family's livelihood.

Q3: How does the example from India challenge the generalization of societal trends based on one society's experiences?
Ans:

• Studies in India, such as Singh (1993: 83), challenge the generalization of societal trends.
• The example shows that the nuclear family pattern, assumed to be standard in industrial economies, doesn't universally apply.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering diverse cultural and social contexts before making generalizations about family structures and societal norms.

Passage - 4 

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Family and kinship are thus subject to change and transformation due to macro economic processes but the direction of change need not always be similar for all countries and regions. Moreover, change does not mean the complete erosion of previous norms and structure. Change and continuity co-exist.

Q1: How are family and kinship structures affected by macroeconomic processes, as per the passage?
Ans:

• Family and kinship structures undergo change and transformation due to macroeconomic processes.
• However, the direction of this change varies across countries and regions, indicating that different societies experience different transformations based on their unique contexts.

Q2: Does change in family and kinship structures imply the complete eradication of previous norms and structures, according to the passage?
Ans:

• No, change in family and kinship structures does not entail the complete erosion of previous norms and structures.
• The passage suggests that change and continuity coexist; while transformations occur, elements of the old norms and structures often persist alongside the new, reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity.

Q3: Is the direction of change in family and kinship structures the same for all countries and regions?
Ans:

• No, the direction of change in family and kinship structures is not uniform across all countries and regions.
• Different economic, social, and cultural factors influence the nature and extent of changes in family and kinship dynamics, leading to diverse outcomes in different parts of the world.

Passage - 5 

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Marriage has a large variety of forms. These forms can be identified on the basis of the number of partners and rules governing who can marry whom. In terms of the number of partners that can legitimately enter into matrimony, we have two forms of marriage, namely, monogamy and polygamy. Monogamy restricts the individual to one spouse at a time. Under this system, at any given time a man can have only one wife and a woman can have only one husband. Even where polygamy is permitted, in actual practice, monogamy is more widely prevalent.

Q1: How can different forms of marriage be identified, according to the passage?
Ans: Different forms of marriage can be identified based on the number of partners and the rules governing who can marry whom.

Q2: What are the two forms of marriage concerning the number of partners, and how do they differ?
Ans:

• The two forms of marriage are monogamy and polygamy.
• Monogamy restricts individuals to one spouse at a time, meaning a man can have only one wife, and a woman can have only one husband.

Q3: Is polygamy widely practiced even in societies where it is permitted, according to the passage?
Ans:

• Even where polygamy is permitted, the passage states that in actual practice, monogamy is more widely prevalent.
• This suggests that while polygamy might be allowed, it is not as common as monogamous marriages in these societies.

Passage - 6 

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Polygamy denotes marriage to more than one mate at one time and takes the form of either: Polygyny (one husband with two or more wives) or Polyandry (one wife with two or more husbands). Usually where economic conditions are harsh, polyandry may be one response of society, since in such situations a single male cannot adequately support a wife and children. Also, extreme poverty conditions pressurise a group to limit its population.

Q1: What does polygamy denote, and what are its two forms?
Ans: 

• Polygamy denotes marriage to more than one mate at one time.
• It takes the form of either polygyny (one husband with two or more wives) or polyandry (one wife with two or more husbands).

Q2: Why might polyandry be practiced in societies facing harsh economic conditions?
Ans: 

• In situations of harsh economic conditions, a single male cannot adequately support a wife and children.
• Polyandry may be a response to this economic challenge, allowing multiple husbands to collectively support the family.

Q3: What societal factor can lead to the practice of limiting population within a group?
Ans: 

• Extreme poverty conditions can pressurize a group to limit its population.
• These conditions may necessitate population control measures due to limited resources and the inability to sustain a larger population.

Passage - 7 

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Endogamy requires an individual to marry within a culturally defined group of which he or she is already a member, as for example, caste. Exogamy, the reverse of endogamy, requires the individual to marry outside of his/her own group. Endogamy and exogamy are in reference to certain kinship units, such as, clan, caste and racial, ethnic or religious groupings. In India, village exogamy is practised in certain parts of north India. Village exogamy ensured that daughters were married into families from villages far away from home. 

Q1: What does endogamy require individuals to do in terms of marriage?
Ans: Endogamy requires individuals to marry within a culturally defined group of which they are already a member, such as a caste or clan.

Q2: How does exogamy differ from endogamy in terms of marriage requirements?
Ans: Exogamy requires individuals to marry outside of their own culturally defined group, which could include marrying someone from a different caste, clan, or ethnic background.

Q3: How did village exogamy function in certain parts of north India?
Ans:

• Village exogamy in certain parts of north India ensured that daughters were married into families from villages far away from home.
• This practice helped maintain social and familial connections between distant villages and prevented marriage within the same local community.

Passage - 8 

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Marriage can be defined as a socially acknowledged and approved sexual union between two adult individuals. When two people marry, they become kin to one another. The marriage bond also, however, connects together a wider range of people. Parents, brothers, sisters and other blood relatives become relatives of the partner through marriage. The family of birth is called family of orientation and the family in which a person is married is called the family of procreation. The kin who are related through “blood” are called consanguineous kin while the kin who are related through marriage are called affines.

Q1: How is marriage defined in social terms?
Ans: Marriage is defined as a socially acknowledged and approved sexual union between two adult individuals.

Q2: Besides the spouses, which individuals are connected through the marriage bond?
Ans: Parents, brothers, sisters, and other blood relatives become relatives of the partner through marriage, creating a wider network of relationships.

Q3: What is the difference between the family of orientation and the family of procreation?
Ans:

• The family of birth is called the family of orientation, referring to the family in which a person is born and raised.
• The family in which a person is married is called the family of procreation, indicating the family unit formed by the individual after marriage.

Passage - 9 

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One of the most distinctive characteristics of the economic system of modern societies is the existence of a highly complex division of labour. Work has been divided into an enormous number of different occupations in which people specialise. In traditional societies, non-agricultural work entailed the mastery of a craft. Craft skills were learned through a lengthy period of apprenticeship, and the worker normally carried out all aspects of the production process from beginning to end.

Q1: What is one of the distinctive characteristics of the economic system in modern societies?
Ans: One of the distinctive characteristics is the highly complex division of labor, where work is divided into numerous specialized occupations.

Q2: How was non-agricultural work approached in traditional societies?
Ans:

• In traditional societies, non-agricultural work involved mastering a craft.
• Craft skills were acquired through lengthy apprenticeships, and craftsmen typically handled all aspects of the production process from start to finish.

Q3: What sets apart the division of labor in modern societies from traditional approaches to work?
Ans:

• Modern societies exhibit a highly complex division of labor where individuals specialize in specific occupations.
• This specialization contrasts with traditional societies where craftsmen were skilled in various aspects of production due to apprenticeships, handling the entire production process themselves.

Passage - 10 

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One of the main features of modern societies is an enormous expansion of economic interdependence. We are all dependent on an immense number of other workers-stretching right across the world- for the products and services that sustain our lives. With few exceptions, the vast majority of people in modern societies do not produce the food they eat, the houses they live in or the material goods they consume.

Q1: What is one of the main features of modern societies regarding economic interdependence?
Ans: An enormous expansion of economic interdependence is a key feature of modern societies, where people rely on a vast network of workers worldwide for the products and services essential to their lives.

Q2: How does economic interdependence manifest in modern societies regarding basic necessities?
Ans:

• In modern societies, the vast majority of people do not produce their own food, build their houses, or manufacture the goods they consume.
• Instead, they depend on others, both locally and globally, for these essential needs and services.

Q3: How far-reaching is the dependence on other workers in modern societies?
Ans:

• Modern societies are interdependent with workers stretching across the world.
• This interdependence encompasses various sectors, ensuring the availability of products and services that sustain people's lives.

Passage - 11 

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Political institutions are concerned with the distribution of power in society. Two concepts, which are critical to the understanding of political institutions, are power and authority. Power is the ability of individuals or groups to carry out their will even when opposed by others. It implies that those who hold power do so at the cost of others. There is a fixed amount of power in a society and if some wield power others do not. In other words, an individual or group does not hold power in isolation, they hold it in relation to others.

Q1: What are political institutions primarily concerned with in society?
Ans: Political institutions are concerned with the distribution of power in society, shaping how power is allocated and exercised among individuals and groups.

Q2: Define the concept of power in the context of political institutions.
Ans:

• Power is the ability of individuals or groups to carry out their will even when opposed by others.
• Those who possess power do so at the expense of others, and it is finite within a society; if some wield power, others do not.
• Power is relational, meaning it is held in relation to others and not in isolation.

Q3: What is the relationship between power and authority in the context of political institutions?
Ans:

• Power and authority are critical concepts in understanding political institutions.
• Power refers to the ability to enforce one's will, while authority is the legitimate use of power, sanctioned by society and accepted by the governed.
• Both power and authority play significant roles in shaping the dynamics of political institutions.

Passage - 12 

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Citizenship rights include civil, political and social rights. Civil rights involve the freedom of individuals to live where they choose; freedom of speech and religion; the right to own property; and the right to equal justice before the law. Political rights include the right to participate in elections and to stand for public office. In most countries governments were reluctant to admit the principle of universal franchise. In the early years not only women, but a large section of the male population was excluded as holding a certain amount of property was an eligibility criterion. Women had to wait longer for the vote.

Q1: What are civil rights in the context of citizenship?
Ans: Civil rights encompass the freedom of individuals to choose their residence, freedom of speech and religion, the right to own property, and the right to equal justice before the law.

Q2: What do political rights involve in terms of citizenship?
Ans: Political rights include the right to participate in elections and the right to stand for public office, allowing citizens to engage in the democratic process.

Q3: Why were governments initially reluctant to embrace the principle of universal franchise, and who was excluded from voting in the early years?
Ans:

• In the early years, governments were hesitant to adopt universal franchise. Initially, a large section of the male population was excluded from voting due to property ownership requirements.
• Additionally, women were also excluded from voting rights, and they had to wait longer to gain the right to vote, further highlighting the historical gender disparities in citizenship rights.

Passage - 13 

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The empirical method means that the sociologist does not have a judgemental approach to religious phenomena. The comparative method is important because in a sense it brings all societies on level with each other. It helps to study without bias and prejudice. The sociological perspective means that religious life can be made intelligible only by relating it to domestic life, economic life and political life.

Q1: What does the empirical method imply for sociologists studying religious phenomena?
Ans:

• The empirical method requires sociologists to approach religious phenomena without judgment.
• They observe and analyze religious aspects based on observable and measurable data rather than personal opinions or beliefs.

Q2: Why is the comparative method significant in sociology, particularly concerning the study of societies and religions?
Ans:

• The comparative method is crucial because it promotes an unbiased study of societies.
• By comparing different societies, researchers can analyze religious phenomena without bias and prejudice, allowing for a more objective understanding.

Q3: According to the sociological perspective, how can religious life be understood comprehensively?
Ans:

• The sociological perspective asserts that religious life can be understood comprehensively by relating it to other aspects of society, such as domestic life, economic activities, and political structures.
• By examining these connections, sociologists gain insights into the multifaceted nature of religious phenomena within the broader social context.

Passage - 14 

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Religion is about the sacred realm. Think of what members of different religions do before entering a sacred realm. For example covering one’s head, or not covering one’s head, taking off shoes, or wearing particular kind of clothes, etc. What is common to them all is the feeling of awe, recognition and respect for sacred places or situations.

Q1: What does religion primarily concern itself with, according to the passage?
Ans: Religion is primarily concerned with the sacred realm, which involves rituals, practices, and behaviors that signify awe, recognition, and respect for sacred places or situations.

Q2: How do members of different religions demonstrate their reverence for sacred places or situations, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans: Members of different religions demonstrate their reverence for sacred places or situations through various practices such as covering or uncovering their heads, removing shoes, wearing specific types of clothes, and engaging in other ritualistic behaviors.

Q3: What is the common thread among these diverse religious practices?
Ans:

• The common element among these diverse practices is the feeling of awe, recognition, and respect for sacred places or situations.
• Regardless of the specific rituals, individuals from different religions share a sense of reverence when entering the sacred realm.

Passage - 15 

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A pioneering work by Max Weber (1864-1920) demonstrates how sociology looks at religion in its relationship to other aspects of social and economic behaviour. Weber argues that Calvinism (a branch of Protestant Christianity) exerted an important influence on the emergence and growth of capitalism as a mode of economic organisation. The Calvinists believed that the world was created for the glory of God, meaning that any work in this world had to be done for His glory, making even mundane works acts of worship. More importantly, however, the Calvinists also believed in the concept of predestination, which meant that whether one will go to heaven or hell was pre-ordained.

Q1: Who is the sociologist known for his pioneering work on the relationship between religion and social behavior, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans: The sociologist referred to is Max Weber (1864-1920).

Q2: According to Weber, which branch of Christianity exerted influence on the emergence and growth of capitalism?
Ans: Weber argued that Calvinism, a branch of Protestant Christianity, exerted a significant influence on the emergence and growth of capitalism as a mode of economic organization.

Q3: What were the key beliefs of Calvinism that Weber highlighted in his argument about its influence on capitalism?
Ans:

• Calvinists believed that the world was created for the glory of God, making all work, even mundane tasks, acts of worship.
• Additionally, Calvinists adhered to the concept of predestination, which meant that whether one would go to heaven or hell was pre-ordained, influencing their worldview and approach to life.

Passage - 16 

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Furthermore modern complex societies, in contrast to simple societies, rest on abstract universalistic values. This is what distinguishes it from a simple society that depends on particularistic values, based on family, kin, tribe, caste or religion. Schools in modern societies are designed to promote uniformity, standardised aspirations and universalistic values. There are many ways of doing this. For example one can speak of ‘uniform dress for school children’.

Q1: What distinguishes modern complex societies from simple societies in terms of values, as per the passage?
Ans: Modern complex societies are characterized by abstract universalistic values, while simple societies depend on particularistic values based on family, kin, tribe, caste, or religion.

Q2: How are schools in modern societies designed to promote uniformity and universalistic values?
Ans:

• Schools in modern societies are structured to promote uniformity, standardized aspirations, and universalistic values. 
• One way this is achieved is through policies like 'uniform dress for school children,' which fosters a sense of equality and uniformity among students.

Q3: What kind of values do simple societies primarily rely on, in contrast to modern complex societies?
Ans: Simple societies rely on particularistic values based on family, kinship, tribe, caste, or religion, which are specific to the individual's social or cultural group.

Passage - 17 

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The functionalist sociologist thus speaks in terms of general social needs and social norms. For the functionalists, education maintains and renews the social structure, transmits and develops culture. The educational system is an important mechanism for the selection and allocation of individuals in their future roles in the society. It is also regarded as the ground for proving one’s ability and hence selective agency for different status according to their abilities. 

Q1: According to functionalist sociologists, what does education serve in society?
Ans: According to functionalist sociologists, education serves to maintain and renew the social structure, transmit and develop culture, and fulfill general social needs and social norms.

Q2: How is the educational system viewed in terms of social roles and status allocation by functionalist sociologists?
Ans:

• The educational system is considered an essential mechanism for the selection and allocation of individuals into their future roles in society.
• It acts as a means of proving one's ability and serves as a selective agency for different social statuses based on individuals' abilities.

Q3: What role does education play in the context of abilities and social status according to the functionalist perspective?
Ans: 

• In the functionalist perspective, education is seen as the ground for individuals to prove their abilities.
• Based on their abilities, individuals are selectively placed into different social statuses within society.