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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology - Social Change and Social Order in Rural and Urban Society

Q1: Would you agree with the statement that rapid social change is a comparatively new phenomenon in human history? Give reasons for your answer. 
Ans: Yes, rapid social change is a comparatively new phenomenon in human history.

  • Humans have existed for about 500,000 years, but civilisations began around 6,000 years ago.
  • The most significant changes started 400 years ago, with an acceleration in the last 100 years.
  • This rapid change is largely due to advancements in technology and the Industrial Revolution.
  • Overall, the speed of change is increasing, with each decade witnessing more rapid transformations.

Q2: How is social change to be distinguished from other kinds of change? 
Ans:  Social change refers to significant transformations in the fundamental structure and systems of a society. It is distinct from other types of change, which may only affect specific aspects of social life. Here are the key characteristics of social change:

  • It involves large-scale changes that fundamentally alter society.
  • Social change is not about minor adjustments; it focuses on major shifts that impact a wide section of society.
  • Such changes must be both intensive and extensive, meaning they have a significant impact across a broad area.

Therefore, social change is about profound shifts that reshape the very foundations of society, distinguishing it from other forms of change that may be less comprehensive.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology - Social Change and Social Order in Rural and Urban Society

Q3: What do you understand by `structural change'? Explain with examples other than those in the text. 
Ans: Structural change refers to significant transformations in the structure of a society. This includes alterations in social institutions and the rules governing them. Such changes are generally long-lasting and can reshape societal dynamics.

  • For example, the introduction of universal education transformed the way knowledge is disseminated, impacting social mobility.
  • The shift from agricultural economies to industrial economies significantly changed job structures and urbanisation patterns.
  • The rise of digital technology has altered communication methods and created new social interactions.

Q4: Describe some kinds of environment-related social change.
Ans:  The environment significantly influences society. Here are some ways it can lead to social change:

  • Natural Disasters: Events like earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis can drastically alter communities. For example, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused immense loss of life and livelihoods, forcing many to migrate in search of new opportunities.
  • Irreversible Changes: The impact of such disasters is often permanent, reshaping social structures and community dynamics.
  • Resource Discoveries: Positive changes can also occur, such as the discovery of oil in the Middle East, which transformed local economies and societies.

Overall, both destructive and constructive environmental factors can drive significant social change.

Destruction by TsunamiDestruction by Tsunami

Q5: What are some kinds of changes brought about by technology and the economy? 
Ans: Technology and economy have immensely changed the structure of the society. Technology, through its association with the economy, has caused major social changes. Various examples of these changes are as follows:

  1. The Industrial Revolution, which brought about many industries and the development of capitalist system of production in society.
  2. The invention of steam engine and development of various modes of transport .
  3. Changes in economic institutions caused a skewed demand for labour and adoption of new social practices. 
  4. The ongoing process of globalisation, while being beneficial for multinational corporations, has had a negative impact on indigenous industries.

Q6: What is meant by social order and how is it maintained? 
Ans: Social order refers to the way society maintains stability and structure. It is essential for a functioning society and is achieved through various means:

  • Resistance to Change: Social institutions often resist change to maintain stability.
  • Authority: Those in power enforce rules and norms to keep control over resources and societal behaviour.
  • Stratification: Society is stratified, meaning there are different levels of authority and influence.
  • Compliance: Social order is upheld when individuals either willingly follow norms or are compelled to do so.

Therefore , social order is maintained through a combination of voluntary adherence to rules and the enforcement of norms by those in power, ensuring that society remains stable and predictable.

Q7: What is authority and how is it related to domination and the law? 
Ans:  Authority, as defined by Max Weber, is the power that is considered legitimate and justified. It typically comes from a person's official position, with powers outlined in written documents. Members of society generally agree to follow this authority. Examples include:

  • Police officers
  • Judges
  • Teachers

A law is a formal rule or norm, usually documented. The relationship between authority, law, and domination can be summarised as follows:

  • Authority is often codified in law.
  • There is a distinction between formal authority (like laws) and informal authority (like a gang leader).
  • All citizens are bound by laws, regardless of personal agreement.

In essence, domination often relies on legitimate authority, which is supported by laws and societal consent.

Q8: How are a village, town and city distinguished from each other? 
Ans: In sociological terms, villages, towns, and cities are distinguished by several key factors:

  • Social Organisation: Villages are typically smaller and have a more traditional social structure, while towns and cities are larger and more complex.
  • Population Density: Villages have a lower density of population, whereas towns and cities have a much higher density of people per square kilometre.
  • Economic Activities: Villages primarily rely on agriculture and related activities for income, while towns and cities depend more on industries.
  • Size: The main difference between a town and a city is size; cities are larger than towns.

Overall, the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agriculture led to the emergence of villages, which are characterised by their close-knit communities and reliance on agriculture.

Q9: What are some features of social order in rural areas? 

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology - Social Change and Social Order in Rural and Urban SocietyAns: The features of social order in rural areas can vary significantly from one village to another. Key characteristics include:

  • Personalised relationships: The small size of villages fosters close-knit communities where most members know each other.
  • Traditional social structure: Rural areas often adhere to longstanding customs, with institutions like caste and religion playing a significant role.
  • Resistance to change: Social institutions in villages are generally less open to change compared to urban areas.
  • Power dynamics: A strong power structure exists, with dominant groups controlling resources and limiting challenges from subordinate groups.
  • Dependence on dominant groups: The less privileged often rely on those in power for employment and support.
  • Limited connectivity: Villages are often poorly connected to urban areas, which can hinder social change.
  • Influence of technology: Advances in communication and land reforms are gradually bridging the gap and promoting change.

Q10: What are some of the challenges to social order in urban areas? 

Ans: Most of the challenges to social order in the urban areas are related to the 'space'. This is because of the high population density which leads to the problem of logistics. The following are some of these challenges:

  1. The management of space is related to development of housing, transportation, land use and public facilities like sanitation, policing and urban governance.
  2. Inadequate facilities for housing results in homelessness and development of slums that are congested and overcrowded neighbourhoods, with improper facilities.
  3. Law and order issues due to criminal activities in slums. The major cause is the undefined rights over property of slum owners.
  4. The residential colonies in urban areas are mixed with people of all class, caste, religion and ethnicity, which also give rise to communal problems, such as riots, and the phenomenon of ghettoisation.
  5. The gated or affluent communities are separated from their surroundings by walls, gates and run their own parallel facilities for water and electricity supply, policing and security.
  6. Large distances between residential, industrial and commercial areas place a burden on transport. People rely on private transport, which results in congestion and pollution.
The document NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology - Social Change and Social Order in Rural and Urban Society is a part of the Humanities/Arts Course Sociology Class 11.
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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology - Social Change and Social Order in Rural and Urban Society

1. What are the main factors contributing to social change in rural and urban societies?
Ans. The main factors contributing to social change in rural and urban societies include economic development, technological advancements, cultural shifts, migration, and government policies. Economic development often leads to changes in employment patterns and social structures, while technological advancements can alter communication and transportation methods. Cultural shifts may arise from globalization, influencing lifestyles and values. Migration, both rural to urban and international, impacts population dynamics and community structures. Lastly, government policies can implement reforms that facilitate or hinder social change.
2. How does urbanization affect social order in urban societies?
Ans. Urbanization affects social order in urban societies by reshaping community structures, altering social interactions, and influencing economic opportunities. As populations move to urban areas, cities experience an increase in diversity, which can lead to both cultural enrichment and social tensions. The demand for housing and services in urban areas often leads to the development of informal settlements, affecting social stability. Additionally, urbanization can disrupt traditional social norms and create new forms of social organization, which may challenge existing power dynamics.
3. What role does education play in promoting social change in rural areas?
Ans. Education plays a crucial role in promoting social change in rural areas by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills necessary for economic advancement and social awareness. Access to education helps reduce poverty, improves health outcomes, and encourages civic participation. It can also challenge traditional gender roles and promote gender equality, leading to more inclusive social structures. Furthermore, education fosters critical thinking and innovation, enabling rural communities to adapt to changes and improve their quality of life.
4. How do social movements influence social order in both rural and urban settings?
Ans. Social movements influence social order in both rural and urban settings by advocating for change and challenging existing power structures. They raise awareness about social issues, mobilize community members, and can lead to significant policy changes. In rural areas, movements may focus on land rights, environmental issues, or agricultural reforms, while urban movements might address housing, labor rights, or racial equality. The impact of social movements can lead to greater social cohesion or, conversely, increased conflict, depending on the response from authorities and the broader community.
5. What challenges do rural societies face in the context of social change?
Ans. Rural societies face several challenges in the context of social change, including limited access to education and healthcare, economic dependency on agriculture, and outmigration of youth seeking better opportunities in urban areas. These challenges can lead to a decline in population, loss of traditional knowledge, and weakened community ties. Additionally, rural areas may struggle with infrastructure development, making it difficult to adapt to technological changes. Resistance to change from traditional norms can also hinder progress and the acceptance of new ideas and practices.
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