NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology - Sociology and Society

Q1: Why is the study of the origin and growth of sociology important?
Ans: 

Q2: Discuss the different aspects of the term 'society'. How is it different from your common sense understanding?

Ans:  The different aspects of the term ‘society’ have been made by early sociologists like Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, and Herbert Spencer.

• They classified the societies into two broad groups:
  1. Pre-modern societies such as hunters and gatherers, pastoral, and agrarian and non-industrial civilisations.
  2. Modern societies such as the industrial societies.
• Sociology studies society on the basis of some rules and principles that depend on concepts, data, and methods.
• Our common sense understanding of society depends on our naturalistic or individualistic understanding.
• Common sense knowledge does not question its own origins.
• Sociology has both a systematic and questioning approach derived from a broader tradition of scientific investigation.
• In our common sense understanding of society, the aspect of the term ‘society’ is very limited.
• This understanding is quite different from that of sociology.

Sociology and SocietyQ3: Discuss how there is greater give and take among disciplines today.

Ans: The give and take among disciplines today, is discussed below:

• Sociology, as a subject studies the society in the form of social behaviour, social institutions, social policies and programmes that get affected from the historical, political and economic policies.
• Political Science studies the polity of the country. The political atmosphere, political policies, etc. have an impact on society and its economy. Sociology has shared common interests of research with political science. Political sociology focuses mainly on the study of political behaviour of the various institutions and their interactions. Studies have been conducted to understand sociological reasons for support of political parties, the role of gender in politics, the process of decision making in organisations, etc.
• The economy is the subject matter of economics that studies economic activities, economic policies etc. that gets affected by political policies and the needs of the society. The economic behaviour and activities are looked upon through sociological approach in a broader context of social norms, practices, values and interests. Also, the subject of economic sociology has been introduced, because of the wide and critical perspective of both sociology and economics.
• History as a subject has been different from sociology. However, the historians nowadays have started using sociological methods and concepts to understand the social matters, gender relations, customs and other important institutions of the past.
• Psychology is the science of behaviour. Society gets affected from individual behaviour in collective form and even the individual behaviour is affected by the society that makes sociology and psychology interrelated. This has introduced the subject of social psychology, which studies the primary interest in the individual by observing his/her behaviour in social groups.
• Anthropologists study simple societies whereas sociology studies complex societies. Social anthropology and cultural anthropology are of concern for sociologists. Anthropology is often regarded as the sister discipline of sociology.

Economy and society are interrelated and get affected by each other. Therefore, these three subjects are necessary to be studied together. Hence, the different disciplines of social sciences such as anthropology, economics, political science, history and psychology are interrelated as they share common interests, concepts and methods.

Q4: Identify any personal problem that you or your friends or relatives are facing. Attempt a sociological understanding.
Ans: 

(Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose. One sample answer has been provided to you)

One personal problem that a friend of mine is facing is unemployment. He has been searching for a job for over six months without any success. His situation can be analyzed from a sociological perspective to understand the broader social forces and structures that may have contributed to his unemployment. 

• Firstly, the issue of unemployment can be linked to the economic structure of society. In recent years, the global economy has been facing challenges such as automation, outsourcing, and economic recessions, which have led to a decline in job opportunities in many sectors. These economic factors have resulted in a competitive job market, making it difficult for individuals like my friend to secure employment. 
• Secondly, the education system may also contribute to the problem of unemployment. My friend's educational qualifications may not be aligned with the current demands of the job market. The education system often focuses on traditional subjects and does not adequately prepare students for jobs in emerging industries. 
• Additionally, the gap between the skills acquired in educational institutions and the skills demanded by employers contributes to the problem of unemployment. 
• Another sociological factor that may contribute to my friend's unemployment is social stratification. Social class, race, and gender can all influence a person's access to resources, opportunities, and social networks, which can impact their ability to secure employment. For example, my friend belongs to a lower-middle-class family, which may limit his access to valuable social connections and resources that could help him find a job. 
• Furthermore, the influence of social networks and social capital can also impact a person's employment prospects. Individuals who have strong social networks and connections are more likely to find job opportunities through referrals and recommendations. My friend may not have an extensive social network or may lack the necessary social capital to secure a job through these channels. 
• Lastly, the role of individual agency and personal choices cannot be ignored. In some cases, individuals may be unemployed due to their own decisions, such as not actively seeking employment or being selective about job opportunities.

In conclusion, my friend's unemployment can be understood as a result of various sociological factors, including economic structures, the education system, social stratification, and social networks. It is crucial to recognize that individual experiences, such as unemployment, are often shaped by broader social forces and structures.