Worksheet Solutions: Introducing Indian Society | Sociology Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Sociology builds on knowledge acquired ________ during socialisation.
Ans: naturally

Q2: The process of critically reflecting on one’s own social position is called ________.
Ans: self-reflexivity

Q3: C. Wright Mills links personal ________ with broader social ________.
Ans: troubles; issues

Q4: Young people aged eighteen or younger make up about ________ per cent of India’s population.
Ans: 40

Q5: The institution of ________ has faced significant pressure due to rapid social change in India.
Ans: family

Assertion and Reason-Based Questions

Q1:
Assertion: Sociology helps individuals see society beyond their common-sense knowledge.
Reason: Common-sense knowledge is shaped by one’s social group and is often biased.
 A: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
 B: Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
 C: Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
 D: Assertion is false.
Ans: A
Solution: Sociology moves beyond common-sense knowledge, which is partial and biased due to socialisation within a social group, making the Reason a correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q2:
Assertion: Self-reflexivity requires critical self-examination.
Reason: It involves adopting the biases of one’s social environment.
 A: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
 B: Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
 C: Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
 D: Assertion is false.
Ans: C
Solution: Self-reflexivity is defined as critically reflecting on oneself from an outside perspective. The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false, as self-reflexivity aims to challenge, not adopt, social biases.

Q3:
Assertion: India’s large population could support economic development.
Reason: A significant proportion of the population is young and of working age.
 A: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
 B: Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
 C: Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
 D: Assertion is false.
Ans: A
Solution: India’s population, with about 40% being young, could aid development, as a youthful workforce can drive economic growth, making the Reason a correct explanation.

Q4:
Assertion: The caste system perpetuates social inequality in India.
Reason: Caste is a hierarchical institution rooted in historical practices.
 A: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
 B: Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
 C: Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
 D: Assertion is false.
Ans: A
Solution: Caste is described as a divisive institution causing inequality, rooted in historical social hierarchies, making the Reason a correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q5:
Assertion: Managing India’s diversity is essential for social harmony.
Reason: Diversity can lead to conflicts like communalism and casteism.
 A: Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
 B: Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
 C: Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
 D: Assertion is false.
Ans: A
Solution: India’s diversity, if unmanaged, can cause conflicts like communalism and casteism, necessitating efforts to ensure harmony, making the Reason a correct explanation.

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is the disadvantage of prior knowledge in studying sociology?
Ans: Prior knowledge is often partial and biased, requiring unlearning to adopt an objective sociological perspective.

Q2: How does self-reflexivity benefit sociological analysis?
Ans: Self-reflexivity helps individuals critically examine their biases, fostering objectivity and deeper understanding of social phenomena.

Q3: What are personal troubles, as per C. Wright Mills?
Ans: Personal troubles are individual worries, such as family issues or job concerns, experienced from a personal perspective.

Q4: Why is caste a significant institution in Indian society?
Ans: Caste is a unique, hierarchical institution that shapes social relationships and inequalities, attracting scholarly attention.

Q5: What role do markets play in Indian society?
Ans: Markets drive social and economic change, influenced by historical forces like colonialism.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Discuss why prior knowledge of society can hinder the study of sociology and how overcoming this challenge enhances learning.
Ans: Prior knowledge of society, often termed "common sense," can hinder the study of sociology because it is partial—both incomplete and biased—due to being shaped by the specific social group and environment in which an individual is socialised. This knowledge reflects the perspectives and interests of one’s social group, limiting the ability to see the broader social reality objectively. For example, assumptions about family roles may be rooted in cultural norms specific to one’s community, which may not apply universally. Overcoming this challenge involves unlearning these biases to adopt a sociological perspective that critically examines social structures. This enhances learning by enabling students to analyse diverse social phenomena, question ingrained assumptions, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of society, fostering critical thinking and objectivity.

Q2: Explain the role of self-reflexivity in understanding one’s social identity and its impact on sociological analysis.
Ans: Self-reflexivity in sociology is the process of critically examining one’s own social identity, biases, and assumptions by adopting an external perspective, being quick to criticise and slow to praise oneself. It helps individuals understand their social identity—such as their caste, gender, or economic class—by revealing how these factors shape their worldview. For instance, a student from a privileged caste may recognise how their upbringing influences their views on social inequality. This awareness impacts sociological analysis by reducing personal bias, enabling more objective interpretations of social phenomena. It allows sociologists to test their assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and produce more rigorous analyses, enhancing the depth and accuracy of their work.

Q3: Describe how sociology distinguishes between personal troubles and social issues, illustrating with an example from Indian society.
Ans: Sociology, as per C. Wright Mills, distinguishes personal troubles—individual concerns like family disputes or job insecurity—from social issues, which are societal problems affecting large groups, such as unemployment or caste discrimination. Personal troubles are rooted in personal circumstances, while social issues stem from broader social structures. In Indian society, for example, an individual’s struggle with family expectations about marriage (a personal trouble) can be linked to the social issue of rigid cultural norms around family roles, which impact many individuals. Sociology shows how these troubles are influenced by societal factors, encouraging individuals to see their personal challenges as part of larger social patterns, thus fostering a deeper understanding of social dynamics.

Q4: Analyse the role of markets as a social institution in shaping Indian society, focusing on their historical influences.
Ans: Markets, as a social institution, have significantly shaped Indian society by driving social and economic change through their socio-cultural dimensions. Historically, markets evolved under the influence of colonialism, which introduced new economic systems and trade practices, disrupting traditional economic structures. For example, colonial policies integrated India into global markets, altering local economies and social relations. Post-colonial developmental policies further transformed markets, promoting industrialisation and consumerism, which impacted social hierarchies and cultural practices. These changes influenced caste dynamics, family structures, and gender roles, as new economic opportunities reshaped social interactions. However, markets also exacerbated inequalities, as access to economic benefits varied across social groups, highlighting their dual role in fostering progress and division.

Q5: Evaluate the challenges posed by India’s diverse social structure and their implications for social cohesion.
Ans: India’s diverse social structure, encompassing linguistic, regional, religious, and caste identities, presents significant challenges to social cohesion. Diversity enriches India’s cultural fabric but can lead to conflicts, such as communal tensions between religious groups or caste-based discrimination, which undermine unity. For example, casteism perpetuates exclusion, limiting social mobility for lower castes. Regional chauvinism can also create divisions, as seen in linguistic disputes. These challenges threaten social cohesion by fostering insecurity among minorities and marginalised groups. To address them, India must promote inclusivity, ensuring all groups feel secure and valued. Effective management of diversity is crucial for maintaining national unity and fostering a harmonious society, requiring dialogue and equitable policies.