NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Sociology (Understanding Society) Chapter 1 Social structure stratification and Social Processes in Society

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 1 Sociology

Class : 11th

Subject : Sociology

Chapter : 1

Chapter Name : Social structure: stratification and social processes in society

Q1 Discuss the different tasks that demand cooperation with reference to agricultural or
industrial operations.

Answer. The whole notion of cooperation, competition and conflict form the premises of the
societal paradigm in the contemporary world. The major task for the maximum and integrated
development of an individual and the society as a whole needs the solidarity between the
structured and conventional institutions. The concepts of 'organic solidarity' and 'mechanical
solidarity' are quite imperative for the empowerment of agricultural and industrial sectors
respectively.

In the agricultural domain, the cooperation on the lines of organic interdependence is
quintessential for the survival of different avenues in this globalised world often termed as
'global village'.The need of dependence is not only limited to the sustenance but also significant
in the political realm of social movements connected with the agricultural exploitation. For the
impact of such movements, the social capital and an inherent cooperation between the diverse
agricultural sectors is needed to enhance the visibility of the movement at the national and
political level .

In the industrial domain, the cooperation on the lines of mechanical solidarity is essential to
eradicate the oppressive power dynamic structures within the industrial institutions. The diversity
of identities is evidently present but for issues like equal pay for equal work, minimum wages,
working conditions etc requires the solidarity on the intersectional levels . The numeracy of the
people impacts the decision of the dollar drugged institutions and results in the formation of an
accountable,legitimised and transparent policies.

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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 1 Sociology

Q2 Is cooperation always voluntary or is it enforced? If enforced, is it sanctions or is the strength
of norms that ensure cooperation? Discuss with examples.

Answer. The cooperation and solidarity between different sections of a particular political or
social institution is subject to dynamic identities and singular affiliations of the people.The
corporation can be voluntary and enforced also depending upon the principles of the movement.
According to Emile Durkheim , the voluntary cooperation is visible among the industrial classes
upon the ideals of sameness as they are subject to the same type of oppression and have the
same type of needs. The reductionist identities can also result in the solidarity between a
particular majoritarian class but on the contrary , Karl Marx argues that the difference in
identities and needs demand an enforced cooperation.

The enforced cooperation is empowered by the sanctions and the regressive nature of the
norms further fuels the resistance.

For example , a female worker belonging to an upper caste enjoys full acceptance within the
occupational territory on the lines of her caste and that is why she is not associated with the
caste based occupational discrimination. The enforced cooperation creates a space for her
inclusion as her gendered identity is highlighted and she associates herself with the
intersectional feminism.

Q3 Can you find illustrative examples of conflict drawn from Indian society? Discuss the causes
that led to conflict in each instance.

Answer. The conflict has primarily been the part of the Indian society because of the clashing of
diverse identities along the lines of caste , creed , colour, gender, sex etc.

The conflicting interests can be seen in the context of India majorly because of the caste system
as the underprivileged sections of the society has faced oppression mandated by the historical
and religious scriptures.The idea of affirmative action or positive discrimination has also been
the point of contention between the upper caste and the lower castes.The occupational
discrimination is another basic princI please of conflict in the country of India.

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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 1 Sociology

The gendered discrimination has also resulted in the conflict between the the genders belonging
to the non - binary construct of the modern world.These conflicts gave rise to the household
feminism and nationally the context of Indian feminism came into existence.

The communal conflict in the society has shaped the popular opinion in India which has
impacted the political as well the societal paradigms of cooperation. The issues of Babri Masjid ,
Mob Lynching ,Ghar wapsi etc highlight the communal-politico plight of religion in the Indian
society.

Other then these major pointers the notion of class , colour and other identities have also been
conflict in their basic nature.

Q4 Write an essay based on examples to show how conflicts get resolved.

Answer. The resolution of these conflicts can be primarily done by formal and informal agencies
as the government can empower the justified legal procedures to ensure the nullification of the
conflicts.

The solidarity in terms of tolerance can also further boost the eradication of the discrimination
on the lines of gender , class, caste, Creed, religion, economic status, etc as it will further
spread the concept of intellectual and survival solidarity.

The informal agencies like family,religious institutions etc can inculcate the educative tolerant
mechanisms so that it will result in the recognition and acceptance of different communities
within the realm of society.

Q5 Imagine a society where there is no competition. Is it possible? If not, why not?

Answer. No, society without competition is not possible to exist because of the conflicting
identities of the people. The competition will not cease to exist because the affiliation of people

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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 1 Sociology

to a particular section or group and further the interests of this respective group will definitely
clash with the vested ideas of other belonging to some religion, caste , section etc. The
clashing and drive for power will result in competition in any society under any circumstances.

Q6 Talk to your parents and elders, grandparents and their contemporaries and discuss
whether modern society is really more competitive or conflict ridden than it used to be before.
And if you think it is, how would you explain this sociologically?

Answer. Society was competitive even during the time of our previous generations. Though the
needs of that time were different, striving to get the best has always been a part of the society.
For example, fifty years ago, the value of Rs. 100 would have been equal to the value of Rs
10,000 in the contemporary times. Hence, the competition at that time was to get Rs. 100, while
today it is to get Rs. 10000 at least. The urge to get the best available resources of the time has
always led to competition and consequently, conflicts. This has been visible in the exploration of
the world by European explorers in search of new resources and the resultant process of
colonization of newly discovered lands. The other types of conflicts were based upon locally
unique phenomena. For example, the caste system in India was one of the oldest forms of
division of labour. Therefore, it can be concluded that society has never been free from conflicts
and competition.

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