UGC NET Paper 2 Sociology Mock Test - 6 - UGC NET MCQ

The concept of the primary group was first introduced by C.H. Cooley in his book ‘Social Organization’. The primary group is the nucleus of all social organization. It is a small group in which a small number of persons comes, into direct and close contact with one another. The members of the primary group meet “face-to-face” for mutual help, co-operation, companionship and discussion of common question. It is the nursery of human nature and from it originates the human virtues of love, sympathy, co-operation, honesty, justice and fair play. The relation among the members of the primary group is characterized by face-to-face, direct, intimate, informal and personal.

Demography is the statistical study of Human Populations. It can be a very general science that can be applied to any kind of dynamic living population, i.e. one that changes over time or space. It encompasses the study of the size, structure, and distribution of these populations, and spatial and/or temporal changes in them in response to birth, migration, ageing and death.

Industrialization increases urbanization. Urbanization has been a very important factor in lowering the birth rate. Death rate also fell rapidly due to medical improvement. Thus prolonged life. Then there is Demography in the statistical study of population composition distribution and trends.

Social survey is the most commonly used research technique in Sociology.

• It is a methodical gathering of social data from a sample of the target population through standardized interviews or questionnaires. The data thus collected is collated and systematically analyzed quantitatively.
• It provides descriptive information about the variables studied, correlations between two or more variables, and causal analysis.

Social morphology covers the study of population and social structure including social groups and institutions according to Ginsberg.

The correct answer is A - 4, B - 1, C - 2, D - 3.

Key Points

• Dunlop's Approach
  • In the 1950s, Prof. John T. Dunlop gave a theory of a System Model of Industrial Relations.
  • He stated that the industrial system is comprised of three distinct parts-
    • management organizations
    • workers
    • government agencies
  • These three distinct parts are intertwined and cannot act completely independent of one another.
  • However, the power part holds is relative to its position within the market and political environment.
  • It also states that the industrial relations system is a social subsystem, and its actions are dependent on three factors, i.e. technology, the economy and the distribution of political power.
  • It differed from the prevailing ideologies of the time that mostly considered employers, workers and the government as separate, autonomous agencies with separate and independent powers and processes.
• Gandhian Approach
  • It was based on principles of truth, non-violence and non-possession.
  • According to Gandhi one should be brave and not a coward. He should present his views, suggestions and thoughts without being violent.
  • Gandhiji had immense faith in the goodness of man and he believed that many of the evils of the modern world have been brought about by wrong systems and not by wrong individuals.
  • He also pleaded for perfect understanding between capital and labour, mutual respect, recognition of equality, and strong labour organisation as the essential factors for happy and constructive industrial relations.
• Unitary Approach
  • Under unitary approach, industrial relations are grounded in mutual co- operation, individual treatment, team-work, and shared goals.
  • Work place conflict is seen as a temporary aberration, resulting from poor management, from employees who do not mix well with the organizational culture.
  • The underlying assumption is that everyone benefits when the focus is on common interest and promotion of harmony.
• Marxist Approach
  • It is based on the proposition that the economic activities of production, manufacturing, and distribution are majorly governed by the objective of profit.
  • Marxists regard conflict between employers and employees as inevitable.
  • The Marxist approach argues that for social change to take place, class conflict is required.
  • Marxists regard state intervention via legislation and the creation of industrial tribunals as supporting management’s interest rather than ensuring a balance between the competing groups.

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

• Desertification:
  • Desertification is the degradation process by which a fertile land changes itself into a desert by losing its flora and fauna, this can be caused by drought, deforestation, climate change, human activities, or improper agriculture. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • India has also committed to achieving land degradation neutrality status by 2030. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • In addition, at the recently concluded 14th session of the Conference of Parties of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification held in India in September 2019, India has raised its ambition to restore degraded land from 21 mha to 26 mha by 2030. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Additional Information

• UNCCD COP-14:
  • The 14th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP-14) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ended on 13th September 2019.
  • Held in Greater Noida, this was the first time that India hosted an edition of the UNCCD COP.
  • The theme of the Conference was ‘Restore land, Sustain future’. India is the global host for COP 14 has taken over the COP Presidency from China for the next two years till 2021.
  • India is among the select few countries to have hosted the COP of all three Rio conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and land.

The correct answer is West Bengal.

• The book is based on research conducted in West Bengal, suggesting a regional focus on this Indian state. The author explores the political dimensions surrounding issues of scarcity within the context of West Bengal. "Politics of Scarcity," the book may delve into how political actors, institutions, and policies respond to or shape conditions of scarcity.
• This could include an examination of resource distribution, governance strategies, and political decision-making in the face of limited resources.
• Depending on the scope of the research, the author discusses the local implications of scarcity policies and their broader impact within the global context. Issues of scarcity often intersect with larger debates on development, sustainability, and social justice.
• The book is grounded in empirical research, possibly including fieldwork, interviews, surveys, or case studies. Empirical evidence from West Bengal contributes to the book's credibility and relevance.

Additional Information

• Socialization: Socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and behaviors of their culture. It occurs through interaction with family, peers, institutions, and media.
• Social Stratification: Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on factors like class, wealth, race, gender, and social status.
• Deviance: Deviance is behavior that violates societal norms or expectations. Sociologists study deviance to understand how norms are created, enforced, and challenged.

Thus, The book "Politics of Scarcity" by M. Weiner is based on the research experience in West Bengal.

The correct answer is (a) - (ii), (b) - (iii), (c) - (iv), (d) - (i).
Key Points

• R. Usher & R. Edwards - Postmodernism and Education: This book explores the implications of postmodernism in the field of education. It likely discusses how postmodern ideas, such as the deconstruction of grand narratives and an emphasis on multiple perspectives, have influenced educational theories and practices.

• K. Macdonald - The Sociology of Profession: This work by K. Macdonald is likely a sociological exploration of the concept of a profession. It may delve into the social dynamics, structures, and roles within various professions, examining how they shape and are shaped by broader societal contexts.
• D. Byrne - Social Exclusion: Byrne's book on social exclusion likely delves into the concept of social exclusion, examining the processes and factors that lead to individuals or groups being marginalized or excluded from full participation in society.
• W.S. Stark & W.A. Bainbridge - The Future of Religion: In this book, W.S. Stark and W.A. Bainbridge discuss trends and potential future developments in the realm of religion. They might explore how societal changes, technological advancements, and cultural shifts impact the role and nature of religion in the modern world.

Additional Information

• Jean-François Lyotard: A French philosopher and key figure in postmodernism, Lyotard is known for his work on the incredulity toward metanarratives. His ideas on the fragmentation of knowledge and skepticism toward grand narratives have influenced educational philosophy.
• Michel Foucault: Another influential French philosopher, Foucault's work on power, knowledge, and discourse has had a profound impact on education. His ideas on the relationship between power and education challenge traditional views.
• Bell Hooks: An American cultural critic and feminist theorist, Bell Hooks explores the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in education. Her work emphasizes the importance of critical pedagogy and transformative education.

Thus,

The correct answer is General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money

Explanation: The theory credited with changing the apologetic view of capitalism into a more pragmatic one is the General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money, which was developed by the British economist John Maynard Keynes. John Maynard Keynes, in his work "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money," published in 1936, presented a new approach to economic theory.This theory marked a departure from classical economic thought, which generally believed in the self-regulating nature of markets. The General Theory was developed in the aftermath of the Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn, high unemployment, and widespread economic distress.
Key PointsKeynes aimed to provide an explanation for the persistence of high unemployment and economic slumps, challenging classical economic ideas that suggested markets would naturally return to equilibrium.
Key Contributions:

• Aggregate Demand: Keynes emphasized the role of aggregate demand in determining the level of economic activity. He argued that insufficient demand could lead to prolonged periods of unemployment.
• Role of Government: Unlike the classical view that advocated minimal government intervention, Keynes argued for active government involvement in managing the economy. This included fiscal policies like government spending to stimulate demand during economic downturns.
• Importance of Monetary Policy: Keynes acknowledged the role of monetary policy but also stressed its limitations, particularly during periods of deep economic recession.

Pragmatic View of Capitalism:

• Keynesian economics offered a pragmatic perspective on capitalism. It recognized that, under certain conditions, market economies could experience significant failures and prolonged periods of unemployment.
• Rather than viewing capitalism apologetically, Keynesian economics advocated for a more nuanced understanding, acknowledging the need for interventions to stabilize the economy.

Impact:

• Keynesian economics had a profound impact on economic policy, especially in the post-World War II era. It influenced the development of welfare states and the adoption of policies aimed at maintaining full employment.

Additional Information

• While Keynesian economics became widely accepted, it faced criticisms, particularly regarding inflation and the long-term effectiveness of certain policies.
• Over time, variations of Keynesian thought, such as New Keynesian economics, have emerged, incorporating insights from both Keynesian and neoclassical perspectives.
• In summary, the General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money by John Maynard Keynes played a crucial role in changing the perception of capitalism. It shifted the focus from a purely apologetic view to a more pragmatic one, recognizing the need for government intervention to address economic challenges, particularly during periods of economic downturns.

• Marxism is an Ideology inspired by the philosophy of the German philosopher Karl Marx.
• It stresses the importance of struggle between different social classes. It holds that action and human institution are economically determined and class struggle is the basic agency of historical change and workers of the world has to unite in order to overthrow the capitalistic society and establishes a society based on communism which is a classless society where each will contribute according to his capacity and each will get according to his needs.
• The Marxist view of industrial relations, also known as Radical Perspective, concentrates on the nature of the society surrounding the organization.
• The basis of this theory is of a clash between the employer (Bourgeois) and the worker (Proletariat).
• The employer tries to maximize profit by paying workers as little as he can while striving for a monopoly in his industry to control prices. Workers, on the other hand, believe that they are the most vital part of the production and strive to get their fair share of profits through the formation of trade unions.
• From a Marxist perspective, the inevitable result of this clash is a worker revolution, where workers take control of companies, eliminating the capitalist altogether.
• Although Marxism has fallen out of favor since the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was highly popular in the first half of the 20th century, when workers were paid subsistence-level wages.
• It was mostly due to the fast development of Soviet Industries during and after world war one while other countries were going through a recession.

According to Hyman, the production system is privately owned, profit is the key influence on company policy, and control over production is enforced downwards by the owner's managerial agents.

The Marxist general theory of society argues that:

1. Class (group) conflict is the source of societal change- without such conflict, the society would stagnate;

2. Class conflict arises primarily from the disparity in the distribution of, and access to, economic power within the society – the principal disparity being between those who own capital and those who supply their labour;

3. Social and political conflict in whatever form is merely an expression of the underlying economic conflict within the society.

Important Points

Assumptions about workplace relations

• It reflects a wider class conflict between capital and labour.
• It reflects the coercion of the working-class into dominant capitalist values.

Assumptions about workplace conflict

• Conflict is Inevitable as capital seeks to reduce costs, workers seek fairer prices for labour.
• This conflict will only cease by a revolutionary change in the distribution of property and wealth.

Assumptions about trade unions

• Trade unions should raise the revolutionary consciousness of workers.
• Trade unions should not limit an action to improving the material lot of workers.
• Union leaders who accommodate management betray the workers.

Assumptions about collective bargaining

• Collective bargaining merely offers temporary accommodations.
• It leaves important managerial powers intact.

The correct answer is Rostow. Key Points

• Walt W. Rostow's 1960 book, The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto, elaborated a linear-stages-of-growth model that defined development as a sequence of stages through which all societies must pass. This conception of the nature and process of development became the basic blueprint for modernization theory.
• The model postulates that economic modernization occurs in five basic stages, of varying length. Rostow asserts that countries go through each of these stages fairly linearly, and set out several conditions that were likely to occur in investment, consumption, and social trends at each state.
• Walt Rostow says that the process of modernization can be broken down into four stages: the traditional society, the conditions for takeoff, the actual takeoff, and the drive to maturity. Rostow says that every society goes through these four stages as it changes from a traditional society to a modern society.

Additional Information

• Marx and Engels co-authored "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848, outlining the principles of communism and critiquing capitalism. They developed the foundational ideas of Marxism, which became a powerful intellectual and political force.
• Lenin led the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution of 1917, establishing a socialist government in Russia and laying the groundwork for the Soviet Union. Lenin's work "Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism" analyzed the economic basis of imperialism, arguing that it is a stage of capitalism characterized by the domination of finance capital and the division of the world among imperialist powers.
• Amartya Sen is a renowned economist and philosopher who has made significant contributions to development economics. He has focused on issues of poverty, social justice, and welfare economics. Sen's capabilities approach emphasizes individuals' freedom to achieve valuable functions or capabilities. He argues that development should be assessed not just by economic indicators but by the actual capabilities and freedoms people have.

Thus, Rostow is the author of "A Non-Communist Manifesto".

Feminization of labor refers to the increasing proportion of women in the workforce, particularly in occupations and industries that were traditionally dominated by men. Therefore, the correct answer is - gradual replacement of male labour by female labour.

Important PointsFeminization of Labor :

Causes:

• Women have made significant gains in education, leading to higher levels of qualification and skills.
• Changing societal attitudes towards women in the workplace have become more positive, reducing barriers to female employment.
• Automation and technological changes have created new job opportunities that are more accessible to women.
• Global economic restructuring has led to the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs from developed countries to developing countries, where female labor is often cheaper.

• Feminization of labor has contributed to the overall increase in the size of the labor force.
• The shift towards female-dominated occupations has led to changes in the occupational structure of industries and economies.
• Despite the increasing number of women in the workforce, the gender wage gap persists, with women earning less than men for comparable work.
• The feminization of labor has highlighted the need for work-life balance policies and supports, as women often face disproportionate caregiving responsibilities.

• Governments and educational institutions need to invest in education and training programs that support women's entry into non-traditional occupations.
• Laws and policies that promote equal pay and prevent discrimination based on gender are crucial for addressing the gender wage gap.
• Governments and employers should implement policies that support work-life balance, such as paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and affordable childcare.
• Public awareness campaigns and cultural shifts are needed to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes that limit women's participation in the workforce.

Neoliberalism believes that this limited state intervention can help to create a more efficient and prosperous market economy.

Important PointsNeoliberalism:

• Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that advocates for free market capitalism, minimal government intervention, and the reduction of state regulation.
• It is based on the belief that the free market is the most efficient way to allocate resources and create wealth.

• Free market capitalism: Neoliberalism advocates for a free market economy, where prices are determined by supply and demand, and government intervention is minimal.
• Limited government: Neoliberalism believes that the role of the state should be limited to providing essential public services, such as infrastructure, national defense, and law enforcement.
• Deregulation: Neoliberalism promotes the deregulation of markets, arguing that government regulations hinder economic growth and innovation.
• Privatization: Neoliberalism supports the privatization of state-owned enterprises, believing that private ownership is more efficient and profitable.
• Globalization: Neoliberalism advocates for the free flow of goods, services, and capital across borders, arguing that it promotes economic growth and prosperity.

• Increased inequality: Critics argue that neoliberalism has led to increased economic inequality, as the wealthy benefit disproportionately from free market policies.
• Reduced social mobility: Neoliberalism's emphasis on individual responsibility and reduced government support for social programs has been criticized for making it more difficult for people to move up the economic ladder.
• Environmental degradation: Critics argue that neoliberalism's focus on economic growth without regulation has led to environmental degradation and climate change.
• Financial instability: Neoliberalism's deregulation of financial markets has been blamed for contributing to financial crises, such as the 2008 global financial crisis.

The correct answer is the State governs by promoting the welfare of the citizens. Key Points

• Welfarism" is a political ideology wherein the state governs by promoting the welfare of its citizens.
• Welfarism emphasizes the role of government in ensuring the well-being and social welfare of the population through various policies, programs, and interventions
• It aims at reducing poverty, inequality, and social hardship.
• The state plays a central role in redistributing resources, regulating markets, and providing public goods.
• Universalism: Welfarism often embraces principles of universalism, wherein social welfare benefits are provided to all citizens
• Social Justice: Welfarism is rooted in principles of social justice and equality, seeking to address poverty, discrimination, and marginalization.

Additional Information

• Social Democracy: Social democracy is a political ideology that advocates for a mixed economy, combining elements of capitalism and socialism, with a strong emphasis on social welfare
• Human Development: Human development refers to the process of expanding people's choices and capabilities to lead lives they value.
• It encompasses aspects such as education, health, income, political participation, and social inclusion.
• Social Justice: Social justice is the principle of fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights within society.

Thus, “Welfarism” means a political ideology where the State governs by promoting the welfare of the citizens.

The correct answer is Amartya Sen

Explanation:

• Amartya Sen authored the seminal book Development as Freedom in 1999.
• He advanced a human-centered view of development as expanding freedoms and capabilities.
• This contrasts with narrower economic growth focused models.
• Sen identified freedoms like economic facilities, transparency guarantees, protective security as instrumental in advancing human capabilities.
• His capability approach evaluates well-being based on what people are able to be and do.

correct answer is Arne Naess

Key Points

Deep ecology:

• Deep ecology is an environmental philosophy and social movement.
• In 1972, the Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess use this term along with American environmentalist George Sessions.
• It argues that the natural world is a subtle balance of complex interrelationships in which the existence of an organism is dependent on the existence of others within the ecosystem.
• Deep Ecology consists of two words Deep and Ecology.
• Deep as it looks deeply into the actual reality of human relationship with the whole natural world which is more conclusive than that of the prevailing view of ecology as a branch of "Biology'.
• The world does not exist as a resource to be freely exploited by humans except to meet basic human needs, humans have no authority to limit diversity.​
• It aims at conserving and saving nature for the inherent aim of maintaining and conserving the environment.

The correct answer is - The digital divide does not need to be bridged.

Important Points

• The digital divide does not need to be bridged: This statement is incorrect
• It ignores the numerous benefits of digital inclusivity and the potential negative impacts of the digital divide on social and economic development.
• Bridging the digital divide is crucial to ensure equitable access to information, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
• The collaborative involvement of governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector is essential in making the digital age beneficial for everyone.

The correct option is It has led to better technology availability across nations to further implement the agenda of sustainable development. Key Points

• Globalization has had a significant impact on the sustainable development agenda.
• While it has brought about some positive changes, it has also presented challenges.
• One of the ways globalization has impacted sustainable development is by increasing the availability of technology across nations.
• This has enabled countries to implement sustainable development practices, such as renewable energy technologies, that were previously unavailable or costly.
• However, globalization has also led to increased competition among companies, which can lead to a focus on short-term profits at the expense of long-term sustainability.
• This has led to unsustainable practices such as overconsumption, environmental degradation, and exploitation of natural resources.
• In addition, globalization has resulted in increased economic inequality, which can make it difficult for marginalized communities to participate in sustainable development initiatives.
• Overall, it is important to recognize that globalization has both positive and negative impacts on sustainable development.

• To ensure that globalization supports sustainable development, efforts must be made to address issues such as economic inequality, unsustainable consumption patterns, and environmental degradation.

Hence we can conclude that the correct option is It has led to better technology availability across nations to further implement the agenda of sustainable development.

A role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people. The term role model is credited to sociologist Robert King Merton, who coined the phrase during his career. Merton hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires. 

Pattern variables refer to a set of concepts, which reflects the ‘properties of all action systems’, in Talcott Parsons Theory of ‘Social Action .’ According to Parsons, in the performance of roles, individuals face ‘dilemmas’ which occur due to ‘improper internalisation of values’ related to ‘role expectation.’ 

Migration from rural to urban areas increases entrepreneurial activities for women in the informal sector. Many of the migrant women fall outside of the wage-sector; therefore, they find entrepreneurial activities that allow them to succeed in the city. Thus migration of the female workforce from rural to urban areas is not a reason for the declining female sex ratio in India.

Culture refers to non-material while civilization to material aspects is not true in the context of culture.

Culture is the characteristics of a people, the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings transmitted from one generation to another.

Culture is manifested in human artefacts and activities such as music, literature, food, painting and sculpture, theatre and film. A civilization is a society in an advanced state of social development. It can also be said that civilization is an advance the state of human society - the sum of culture, science, industry and government. One can have several cultures in one civilization.

Economic determinism was not wrong but should be concerned with other aspects of social life as well as a “critical” theory may be distinguished from a “traditional” theory according to a specific practical purpose a theory is critical to the extent that it seeks human “emancipation from slavery”, acts as a “liberating influence”, and works “to create a world which satisfies the needs.

In a recent development, scientists have found particles of a rare isotope of iron (Fe-60) in Antarctica snow. It is believed that they have been originated from nearby supernovae. It will help in understanding the structure and origin of interstellar dust clouds, according to scientists.

Levirate marriage is a type of marriage in which the brother of a deceased man is obliged to marry his brother's widow. Levirate marriage has been practised by societies with a strong clan structure in which exogamous marriage (i.e. marriage outside the clan) was forbidden. It has been known in many societies around the world.

The Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Doha, Qatar, on 8 December 2012. according to the amendment a revised list of greenhouse gases to be reported on by Parties in the second commitment period.

A total institution is a place of work and residence where a great number of similarly situated people, cut off from the wider community for a considerable time, together with lead an enclosed, formally administered round of life. The concept is mostly associated with the work of sociologist Erving Goffman.

In sociology, socialization is the process of internalizing the norms and ideologies of society. Socialization encompasses both learning and teaching and is thus "the means by which social and cultural continuity are attained".

Socialization is strongly connected to developmental psychology. Humans need social experiences to learn about their culture and to survive.

To create new behavioural patterns to show concern for the environment and understand how to manage it properly

To raise consciousness about the need to protect and improve the environment

It also creates an environmental ethnic society along with appropriate behaviour.