NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology (Introducing Sociology) Chapter 4 Culture and Socialisation

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Class : 11th

Subject : Sociology

Chapter : 4

Chapter Name : Culture and Socialisation

Q1 How does the understanding of culture in social science differ from the everyday use of the
world 'culture' ?

Answer. The term 'culture' has often been used quite loosely and vaguely in literature and ,
broadly media. The common understanding of culture is associated with the arts, crafts and
primarily beliefs but the sociologically understanding of culture is quite broad as it includes the
study of the society, to which a particular culture belongs to and assesses it on the lines of
ethnographic and analytical evidence.

Page : 80 , Block Name : Exercises

Q2 How can we demonstrate that the different dimensions of culture comprise a whole ?

Answer. There are three main dimensions of the culture :

-Cognitive dimension.

The cognitive dimension of culture includes the intellectual fields of faith , beliefs , myths etc
which have an imperative impact upon the thinking of an individual.

-Normative dimension.

The normative dimension mainly deals with the norms or social orders of the culture which are
sanctioned and often imposed upon the cultural members.

-Material dimension.

The material dimension involves the objective things like buildings,heritage ,weapons etc being
associated to a particular culture.

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These dimensions revolve around separate ideas and conducts but are interdependent on each
other regarding the proper understanding and implementation . For example for the
understanding of the material dimension , we need the understanding of intellectual
characteristics of normative dimensions to understand the people of that particular society.

Q3 Compare two cultures with which you are familiar. Is it difficult not to be ethnocentric ?

Answer. The two cultures that are closely connected with my identity are - Kashmiri culture and
Iranian culture.

The Kashmiri culture has bestowed the cultural and spiritual backing to my existence. The
political turbulence and the occupation of Indian government over the disputed land has given
the touch of 'political culture' to my identities while as on the contrary , my religious beliefs of
Islam (Shia) comes from the inclination towards the Iran and its preferences.

It is quite difficult to not to be ethnocentric because an individual derives its beliefs and history
from its ethnic affiliation to a group or section and this connection decides the political and
economical participation of the people within a political setting , which inturn determines the
allocation of resources and power.

Q4 Discuss two different approaches to studying cultural change .

Answer. The change that comes within the culture due to the change within the society is known
as cultural change. The studies reflect that the evolution of the society and its emergence can
result in the cultural change due to the chance in the age , traditions, priorities etc . The
'evolutionary approach' is often enforced by the 'revolutionary change' that changes the society
and results in 'cultural change'. These evolutionary and revolutionary changes are two
approaches by which we can study the cultural change.

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Book : Introducing Sociology Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Sociology

Q5 Is cosmopolitanism something you associate with modernity ? Observe and give examples
of ethnocentrism?

Answer. Yes , the idea of cosmopolitanism is associated with modernity as it underlines the
principles of tolerance and believes in 'unity in diversity'. The idea of cosmopolitanism is
opposite of ethnocentrism. The examples of ethnocentrism can be visibly seen in India where
the preference is given to the hindu-ethnic traditions while as all the countercultures are facing
the crackdown by the government , despite it being a democratic country. The social
backwardness of South Korea also results in ethnocentrism of gendered backwardness that
negates any feministic development and results in hatred towards 'Megalians' (feministic group).

Q6 What do your mind is the most effective agent of socialisation for your generation ? How do
you think it was different before ?

Answer. The most effective agent of socialisation for our generation is - media as it the
tremendous influence upon the formation of narratives. The impact of movies , albums, music
etc has developed a sense of awareness among individuals about the discrimination and
oppression. The whole notion of mass media has changed because now it's available to larger
youthful social capital and the diversity in media has helped in the capturing of every identity or
oddity.

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