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NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th
aglase .co
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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Sociology
Class : 11th
Subject : Sociology
Chapter : 4
Chapter Name : Introducing Western Sociologists
Q1 Why is the enlightenment important for the development of sociology ?
Answer. The enlightenment and the age of awakening is quite imperative for the sociology as it
affects its application within the political and economical spheres. The whole aspect of
enlightenment creates a space of understanding for the 'recognition' and 'acceptance' of the
basic tenets of sociology and creates a sense of sociological consciousness among individuals.
Page : 82 , Block Name : Exercises
Q2 How was the Industrial Revolution responsible for giving rise to sociology ?
Answer. The industrial revolution led to the technological advancement and the economic
development of the society. This development also led to the creation of different classes and
the discriminatory establishments which mainly had orientation towards exploitation and
suppression. The political awakening mixed with the industrial revolution led to the increase in
the social capital or numeracy by the use of newspapers,telecommunication and primarily
media.
Page : 82 , Block Name : Exercises
Q3 What are the various components of modes of production ?
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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Sociology
Answer. According to Karl Marx, the different modes of production are:
Primitive communism.
This mode of production mainly includes the concept of community interdependence and the
organic solidarity which resulted in the economic sustenance of the masses.
Slavery.
The slavery model was mainly present in industrialised Europe where the exploitation of one
class resulted in the increase in urbanisation and economy in the primary countries.
Feudalism.
Feudalism revolves around the concept of overlords and the distribution of power among the
feudatories which legitimises the concept of ruling class and working class.
Capitalism.
The prevailing model in the world is of Capitalism that runs on the idea of free market economy
but often results in concentration of power and decline in socialistic tendencies.
Q4 Why do classes come into conflict , according to Marx ?
Answer. According to Karl Marx classes come into conflict majorly because of 'class struggle'.
The concentration of power and resources and the monopoly over them is subjected to the
upper class of the society while as a complete economic alienation is witnessed by the lower
classes. The conflict is fought on the lines of economic power ,political power, ideological power
etc which further leads to the exploitation of the people belonging to a particular group or
ethnicity. Karl Marx states the class struggle between the ruling and the subject class as a
primary reason for a conflictual and a turbulent society.
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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Sociology
Q5 What are 'social facts' ? How do we recognise them ?
Answer. The facts which are external to an individual and restrains his /her activities are known
as 'social facts '. We can recognise the social facts as they are restraints legitimised by religion ,
family , law etc.
Q6 What is the difference between 'mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity' ?
Answer. The concept of mechanical solidarity is mainly concentrated within an industrial setting
and deals with the collective consciousness of people associated with industrial and
occupational identities.
The concept of organic solidarity is concerned with the collective consciousness of people on
the lines of agricultural scenario and revolves around the theme of ' interdependence'.
Q7 Show , with examples, how moral codes are indicators of social solidarity ?
Answer. The morality is considered as subjective but they indicate the level of collectivism
among the people in a social setting.
For example , the solidarity of people on the lines of religion can be seen if they have intrinsic
tolerant values and codes in them and the caste based tolerance can also be seen if the moral
codes of equality and basic sense of sustenance is present in the social structure.
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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Sociology
Q8 What are the basic features of bureaucracy ?
Answer. The basic features of bureaucracy are :
Functioning of officials.
Hierarchical ordering of positions.
Reliance on written documents.
Office management.
Conduct in office.
Q9 What is so special or different about the kind of objectivity needed in social science ?
Answer. The objectivity needed in the social science should be primarily based on the idea of
exclusivity which revolves around the idea of 'empiricism'. The lived experiences of the people
attaches an objective evidence to any social phenomenon or social orders.
The interlinking of the social problems with the spheres of politics,culture,tradition etc creates a
sense of accountability and legitimacy within the different theories of sociology and their
application in the society.
Q10 Can you identify any ideas or theories which have led to the formation of social movements
in India in recent times ?
Answer. The concept of Marxism has affected the formation of anti-state movements in the
country of India in terms of Naxalism etc. The protests against the urban classes by the lower
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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Sociology
classes against the exploitative policies has emerged in India and has also taken the position of
anti-state in its principles.
The theories of Feminism has also led to the greater impact #metoo within the society of India
and has empowered many feministic movements in the country of India.
Q11 Try to find out what Marx and Weber wrote about India ?
Answer. According to Marx , the British rule in the country of India was both destructive and
favourable for it as they introduced the private property in the society which ultimately led to the
formation of a class society and is a classical example of ' oriental despotism' but on the other
hand they also challenged the deeproot stereotypes present in society. He also analysed the
class struggle in the country of India in economic as well as social sphere.
According to Max Weber , the religion played a quintessential role in the formation of the society
and the distribution of the resources. He has done extensive work on the 'Hinduism and
Buddhism' in the country of India.
Q12 Can you think of reasons why we should study the work of thinkers who died long ago ?
What could be some reasons to not study them ?
Answer. We should study the work of different thinkers primarily to know about different theories
presented by the analysts so that we can underline the problems of society and possibly look for
solutions and alternatives.
The major reason for not studying about a particular thinker can be subject to stereotypes of the
society or the inherent criticism and alienation towards the particular belief and faith.
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Book : Understanding Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Sociology
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