NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology (Social Change and Development in India) Chapter 2 Cultural Change

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 12th

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Class : 12th
Subject : Sociology
Chapter : 2
Chapter Name : Cultural Change

Q1 Write a critical essay on sanskritization?

Answer. The inclination of the 'lower castes' towards the language, caste and societal patterns
and conformations of upper caste or privileged sections of the society is known as
Sanskritization. Its basic tenets include :

(a) The principle of 'language' plays an imperative role in the respective processes as the
whole structure of the system is monopolised by Sanskrit-texts and the ownership of
such texts .
(b) The inclination towards caste-based learning leads to caste based discriminative
patterns of education. It often leads to the caste-mobilization of the individuals within the
construct of the caste system.
(c) As the individual, the stratified society has shaped the existence around the domain of
caste based oppression empowered by religious and cultural institutions.
(d) The principle of identity which is considered as "social oddity" is reflected upon the
parameters of caste reductionism and negation of intellectual advancement.
(e) The respective religion has often reinforced the unprivileged ness by legitimising it on the
principles of Hindu manuscripts,epics,religious literature etc.
(f) The pervasive nature of caste discrimination arises from its acceptance and recognition
at the individual level.
(g) The ascription of a particular caste is based upon the assumption and assertion of
"KARMA" and the theory of "transmigration of soul".
(h) The 'Sanskritization' is actually a negative process boosting up the idea of
monopolisation of one language and one caste over others.

Q2 Westernisation is often just about adoption of western attire and lifestyle. Are there other
aspects to being westernised? Or is that about modernisation? Discuss.

Answer. No, Westernisation is not only about the cultural influence of the West. The other
aspects for being westernised are:
(a) The intellectual influence of the ideas mainly equality, justice and fraternity are also
some of the intellectual influences of the process.
(b) The political and economic avenues are also affected by the processes of
democratisation of West.
(c) For example, the waves of democracy and the ideals of political systems are actually

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Book Name : Social Change and Development in India Ncert Solutions | Chapter-2 Sociology

considered as 'flow of ideas' from West.
(d) Other aspects mainly include cultural, political, economical and ideological realms.

No, modernisation means the effect of modern ideals of life , which are not only native to West
but includes the transitional topics and ideas. Modernisation is not based upon the ideas of
limitation to the Western democracies and not to any other country. For example, the rise of
LGBTQ+ movement, Intersectionality etc.

Q3 Write short notes on :
(a) Rites and secularisation.
(b) Caste and secularisation.
(c) Gender and sanskritization.

Answer.
(a) Rites and secularisation :
The customs and the activities associated with a respective religion are known as rites. The rites
are often considered as rigid aspects of the religion. The process of secularisation has its basic
two principles: Tolerance and acceptance. The concept of tolerance of rites associated with
different religions often leads to the clash between two or more communities on religious lines.
The acceptance of the respective changes within the rites is also not accepted because of its
origin from religious texts. The interaction and association taking place often leads in the
formation of diverse experiences of cultural and religious experiences.

(b) Caste and secularisation :
The process of secularisation is subject to the caste of the person as it enters the paradigm of
intersectionality.The paradigm of "Intersectionality" has become the quintessential component of
empowerment as it lays its foundation upon the ideals of realism rather than idealism.The
concept of feminism for a 'lower caste woman' often clashes with the understanding of a
'sawarna woman'.The
intersectional feministic movement is the need of the hour with its prevalence within the youth
and other factions of this divided society.The differeces on the lines of religion,sex,gender,
class etc , when entangled with caste often creates a conflict and diverse set of issues and
discourses. As an oppressed woman , the choice as an individual is curtailed by the structures
of religion in the name of ultimate one and hence, they 'justify the unjustified'.

(c) Gender and Sanskritization :
The inclination of the 'lower castes' towards the language, caste and societal patterns and
conformations of upper caste or privileged sections of the society. The principle of 'language'
plays an imperative role in the respective processes as the whole structure of the system is
monopolised by Sanskrit-texts and the ownership of such texts . The principle of gender plays
an important role in the respective process as the hegemonization over the acquiring of

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knowledge is always in the hands of patriarchal set-ups. Even in the processes of social and
caste mobility, the primacy is often given to the men rather than the principle of equality and
justice.

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