Socio 2024 Beginners Test 5

SOCIOLOGY

ANSWER KEY

Q1. (a) How does poverty impact deprivation? (10)

Poverty is often defined as the lack of sufficient resources to meet basic needs, while deprivation refers to
the absence of access to various social goods and services that are considered essential for well-
being and participation in society.
Impact of Poverty on Deprivation - Economic Deprivation -
o Poverty limits access to resources like adequate housing, healthcare, and education. Families in
poverty often struggle to meet basic needs, resulting in lower living standards and a lack of
essential services.
Educational Deprivation -
o Children from impoverished families frequently attend underfunded schools and face barriers to
educational attainment. This educational deprivation can perpetuate a cycle of poverty, as limited
education often leads to lower-paying job opportunities.
Health Deprivation -
o Poverty is linked to poorer health outcomes. People in poverty may have limited access to
nutritious food, healthcare services, and safe living conditions, contributing to higher rates of
chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy.
Social Exclusion -
o Poverty often leads to social isolation. Individuals in poverty may lack social networks and access
to community resources, leading to feelings of alienation and marginalisation.
Housing Deprivation -
o Low-income families are more likely to live in substandard housing conditions, such as
overcrowded or unsafe environments. This can lead to issues such as inadequate amenities, poor
sanitation, and increased exposure to environmental hazards.
Nutritional Deprivation -
o Economic constraints can force families to choose cheaper, less nutritious food options. This
nutritional deprivation can have long-term effects on physical and cognitive development,
particularly in children.
Employment Deprivation -
o Poverty often correlates with job insecurity and underemployment. Those in poverty may have
limited access to stable, well-paying jobs, resulting in lower income and increased economic
vulnerability.
Cultural Deprivation -
o Individuals in poverty may have reduced access to cultural and recreational activities, which can
impact their quality of life and personal development. This lack of engagement in cultural practices
can further marginalise them from mainstream society.

Psychological Deprivation -

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1. The stress and stigma associated with poverty can lead to psychological issues such as depression
and anxiety. The constant struggle to make ends meet can also affect self-esteem and mental well-
being Poverty and deprivation can have a cyclical effect, where children who grow up in poverty are
more likely to experience poverty as adults. This intergenerational transmission of poverty
perpetuates the cycle of deprivation across generations.

Q1. (b) What is social closure? Examine its correlation to social exclusion. (10)

1. Social closure refers to the processes through which groups seek to restrict access to resources,
opportunities, and privileges to maintain or improve their own position within a social hierarchy.
Correlation between social closure and social exclusion –
2. Definition and Mechanisms: Social closure involves groups establishing boundaries to control
access to resources and opportunities. This inherently leads to social exclusion, where those
outside the group are denied access to these resources.
3. Inequality and Stratification: Social closure contributes to inequality by reinforcing stratification.
Groups that successfully close themselves off maintain advantages, while outsiders face exclusion
from these advantages, perpetuating social hierarchies.
4. Identity Formation: Social closure helps in defining group identities by distinguishing insiders
from outsiders. This distinction reinforces group cohesion and solidarity but simultaneously
excludes those who do not fit the criteria.
5. Labour Markets: In economic terms, social closure affects labour markets. Occupational groups or
professions may restrict entry by requiring specific credentials or certifications, thereby excluding
those who lack them from certain job opportunities.
6. Education and Social Mobility: Educational institutions can practice social closure through
selective admissions and curricula that favour certain groups or backgrounds. This can limit social
mobility for disadvantaged groups by restricting access to quality education.
6. Political Participation: Social closure can manifest in political arenas where certain groups
dominate decision-making processes or political institutions. This can lead to the exclusion of
marginalized groups from participating in governance and policymaking.
7. Cultural and Social Capital: Groups that practice social closure accumulate cultural and social
capital, which enhances their prestige and influence. Meanwhile, excluded groups lack access to
such capital, further entrenching their marginalization.
8. Social Cohesion vs. Conflict: While social closure strengthens group cohesion among insiders, it
can also breed conflict between groups. Excluded groups may challenge the legitimacy of closure
mechanisms, leading to social tensions and potentially social movements advocating for inclusion.

Social closure and social exclusion are closely intertwined phenomena in sociology. Social closure
reinforces group boundaries to maintain advantages for insiders, thereby excluding outsiders from
opportunities and resources, which perpetuates social inequalities and can lead to broader social
tensions and conflicts.

Q1. (c) Elucidate on Dumont’s conceptualisation of ‘purity and pollution’ and its

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contemporary relevance. (10)
For Dumont, West is characterised by Homo Aequalis, in contrast, India Caste System is an Homo
Hierarchicus, based on the notion of Ritual Purity and Pollution.

Purity and Pollution -

As an ideology –
• He identifies Hierarchy as the essential value underlying the caste system supported by Hinduism,
which led to the ranking of the elements in the society.
• This hierarchy was supported by the Ideology of the purity and pollution, Dumont called it as
single true principle of the caste system.
Binary opposition -
• For Dumont the pure and impure elements are binary opposites to each other
• Dumont points out that this opposition underlies hierarchy, which is the superiority of the pure
over the impure, underlies separation because the pure and the impure must be kept separate.
The social hierarchy of purity and pollution -
• The Brahmins assigned with the priestly functions, occupied the top rank in the social
hierarchy and were considered ‘pure’ as compared to other castes.
• The untouchables, being ‘impure’, and segregated outside the village, were not allowed to
draw water from the same wells from which the Brahmins did so.
Purity and Pollution in Daily life -
• Even the mundane objects are considered as pure and polluting, for example gold is considered
purer than silver and ranked accordingly
• These objects are classified as pure and polluting, not simply by contact, but by their use and the
person who uses it.
Impact of the Segregation -
• This segregation based on purity and pollution leads to disjunction of the secular and ritual status
within the social system.
• It also made the secular dimension of the social stratification system subordinate to the ritual
dimension.

Relevance of Dumont’s Purity and Pollution -

• Continuity of Priestly Monopoly – the Brahmin caste still continues to uphold their privilege of
performing the rituals in many temples based on the notion of ritual purity.

• Temple Entry restrictions – the scheduled castes are still denied entry into the temples based on
the perceived notion of ritual impurity.

• Women and Pollution – women are still excluded from the ritual activities and are considered
polluting due to their natural biological process of menstruation.
Occupation and pollution – According to National Safai Karmachari Commission 97 percent of
the manual scavengers are Scheduled caste, a work which is considered as polluting.

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However, there are certain social changes which challenges the relevance of the Dumont’s notion
of Purity and Pollution –
Government Initiatives – the initiatives by governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu allowed for the
non- Brahmin priests.
• Mass transportation – the mass transportation facilitated the commutation of all communities
together without any discrimination
• Changing Food Habits – the De-Sanskritization effect among the Brahmins led them to consume
meat, which is considered as polluting.
• Consumerism – the mass consumerism led to the consumption of the goods which are touched
and produced by the castes which are considered as polluting.

The concept of purity and pollution as theorised by Dumont though persists, is continuously losing
the ground due to increased adherence to constitutional values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

Q2. (a) Comment on how ‘gender’ and ‘authority’ intersect in complex ways across various
contexts. (20)

The intersection of gender and authority is a rich area of study within sociology, highlighting how
societal perceptions and structures shape individuals' experiences and opportunities based on
their gender.

Gendered Authority in Organizations:

• Sociologist Max Weber's work on authority structures, particularly his concept of charismatic,
traditional, and legal-rational authority, can be applied to understand how gender norms influence
leadership.
• For instance, women often face challenges in attaining and maintaining positions of authority due
to biases that associate leadership with masculine traits like assertiveness and decisiveness.
Gender and Political Leadership:
• The study of gender and politics, influenced by scholars like Sylvia Walby and Joan Acker,
examines how gender norms affect political participation and leadership.
• Women in politics often navigate gendered expectations that can limit their authority or influence
perceptions of their competence compared to male counterparts.
Gendered Hierarchies in Families:
• Sociologist Arlie Hochschild's concept of the "second shift" highlights how gender norms
influence authority within families.
• Women often bear a disproportionate burden of caregiving and domestic work, which can affect
their authority in decision-making processes within the household.
Gender and Religious Authority:
• In religious contexts, scholars like Nancy Tatom Ammerman have explored how gender norms
influence who holds religious authority and in what capacity.
• Many religious traditions have historically restricted women's roles in religious leadership based on
interpretations of gendered religious texts and traditions.

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Intersectionality and Multiple Identities:

• Kimberlé Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality emphasizes how gender intersects with other
identities (race, class, sexuality) to shape experiences of authority.
• For example, Black women may face unique challenges in attaining authoritative positions due
to both racial and gender biases.

Judith Butler's Gender Performativity:

• Butler argues that gender is not intrinsic but performed and constructed through repeated actions.
Authority is similarly performed within societal norms that prescribe how gender should influence
behaviour and decision-making.
• For instance, women in leadership roles may navigate expectations of assertiveness and nurturing
simultaneously, which are often perceived as conflicting traits in gendered stereotypes.

Historical and Cross-Cultural Perspectives:

• Historical analyses reveal shifts in gendered authority, from matrilineal societies where
women held significant authority to modern contexts where legal and economic structures
often favour male leadership.
• Cross-cultural studies show varying degrees of gendered authority norms, reflecting local
understandings of masculinity and femininity.

Hegemonic Masculinity:
• In global contexts, Raewyn Connell's concept of hegemonic masculinity examines how dominant
forms of masculinity uphold authority, often at the expense of marginalized genders. This
framework helps understand how gender intersects with cultural norms and economic factors to
shape authority dynamics worldwide.

Legal and Political Dimensions:

• Legal scholar Catharine MacKinnon's work on sexual harassment laws illustrates how legal
frameworks reflect and reinforce gendered power imbalances in workplaces, affecting who holds
authority and how it is exercised.

Resistance and Change:

• Social movements advocating for gender equality often challenge existing authority structures. The
#MeToo movement, for instance, exposed abuses of authority predominantly by men in positions
of power, sparking discussions about accountability and gender dynamics in workplaces.

Understanding these intersections requires analysing both structural factors (institutional norms and
policies) and cultural factors (social expectations and stereotypes). Sociologists emphasize the
importance of challenging gender norms and promoting inclusive leadership practices to address these
complexities effectively.
Q2. (b) Analyse the contemporary forms of untouchability in India and posit the factors
that have the potential to change the dimensions of such practices. (20)

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Untouchability in India, though officially abolished by the Constitution and laws such as the Protection
of Civil Rights Act (1955) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
(1989), persists in various forms. The contemporary forms of untouchability manifest in both overt and
subtle ways, influenced by socio-economic, political, and cultural factors.
Contemporary Forms of Untouchability -
1. Physical Segregation: In rural areas, Dalits often live in separate colonies or hamlets, physically
segregated from the dominant castes. This segregation extends to public spaces such as temples,
water sources, and schools, where Dalits may face restrictions or prohibitions.
2. Economic Discrimination: Dalits often face barriers in accessing employment opportunities,
particularly in the private sector. They are frequently relegated to menial jobs and face
discrimination in wages and working conditions.
3. Social Exclusion: Social interactions between Dalits and non-Dalits are often restricted. Inter-
caste marriages, while legally permitted, face strong social opposition and can result in violence,
social ostracism, or even honour killings.
4. Educational Discrimination: Dalit students may face discrimination in schools and colleges,
including differential treatment by teachers, social isolation by peers, and limited access to
educational resources.
5. Political Marginalisation: Despite reservations in political institutions, Dalits often find it
challenging to exercise their political rights fully. Dominant caste members may control local
governance structures, limiting Dalit participation and representation.
6. Violence and Atrocities: Dalits are frequently subjected to violence, including physical assaults,
sexual violence, and property destruction. These acts are often meant to reinforce caste hierarchies
and instil fear.
Factors with Potential to Change the Dimensions of Untouchability -
1. Legal and Policy Interventions: Strengthening the implementation of existing laws and
introducing more robust legal frameworks can help address untouchability. Effective enforcement,
timely justice, and stringent penalties for violators are crucial.
2. Education and Awareness: Promoting education that emphasises equality, human rights, and
social justice can play a significant role in changing societal attitudes. Awareness campaigns can
highlight the issues faced by Dalits and promote inclusive practices.
3. Economic Empowerment: Providing economic opportunities, skill development, and
entrepreneurship support to Dalits can enhance their socio-economic status. Economic
independence can reduce dependence on dominant castes and improve social standing.
4. Social Movements and Advocacy: Grassroots movements, NGOs, and advocacy groups play a
critical role in challenging untouchability practices and advocating for Dalit rights. These
movements can mobilise communities, influence public opinion, and pressurise authorities to act.
5. Political Representation: Increasing Dalit representation in political institutions and decision-
making bodies can ensure that their concerns are addressed. Empowered Dalit leaders can work
towards policy changes and better implementation of laws.

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6. Inter-caste Interactions and Integration: Promoting inter-caste interactions, whether through
education, employment, or social events, can help break down caste barriers. Encouraging inter-
caste marriages and friendships can also reduce social segregation.
7. Media and Technology: Media can play a powerful role in highlighting issues related to
untouchability and advocating for change. Social media platforms provide a space for Dalit voices
and can mobilise support for their causes. Technology can also be used to report and track
incidents of discrimination and violence.
8. Urbanization and Migration: Urbanisation and migration to cities can dilute caste identities and
reduce the practice of untouchability. In urban settings, people from diverse backgrounds often
interact, which can lead to more inclusive attitudes.
The persistence of untouchability in contemporary India underscores the need for continued efforts
to combat this deeply entrenched social issue. While significant progress has been made, much
remains to be done. A multi-faceted approach that combines legal measures, economic
empowerment, education, social movements, and changes in cultural attitudes is essential for
eradicating untouchability and ensuring social justice and equality for all.

2 c What is social mobility? How can it be achieved? (10)

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy. It typically
involves changes in a person's or group's social status, either upward (social ascent) or downward (social
descent).

Types of Social Mobility -

1. Vertical Mobility: This refers to moving up or down the social hierarchy.
2. Horizontal Mobility: This involves changing positions within the same social stratum, such as
moving from one occupation to another of similar status.
3. Intergenerational Mobility: It describes changes in social status between generations, often
measured in terms of children's achievements relative to their parents.
4. Intragenerational Mobility: This type occurs within a person's lifetime, reflecting changes in
social status over time.
Achieving social mobility can be influenced by several factors -
1. Education: Access to quality education is crucial as it provides skills and credentials necessary for
upward mobility. Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu highlighted how cultural capital (knowledge, skills,
and education) can perpetuate social inequalities.
2. Economic Opportunities: Availability of jobs and economic policies that promote equal
opportunities impact mobility. Karl Marx and Max Weber discussed how economic factors shape
class divisions and mobility.
3. Social Networks: Connections and networks influence job opportunities and social advancement.
Granovetter's "Strength of Weak Ties" theory illustrates how diverse social networks can offer
access to new opportunities.

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4. Meritocracy: Sociologist Talcott Parsons introduced the idea of meritocracy, where individuals'
talent and effort determine their social position. However, critics like Michael Young argue that
meritocracy can reinforce inequality if certain groups have unequal access to opportunities.

Case Studies
• United States: Historically, the American Dream embodies social mobility, although studies show
it has become more difficult in recent decades due to economic inequalities and structural
barriers.
• Scandinavian Countries: Countries like Denmark and Sweden are often cited for their higher
levels of social mobility due to strong social welfare systems and equal access to education.
• China: Economic reforms since the late 20th century have led to significant social mobility,
although access to opportunities is still influenced by regional disparities and political
connections.

Social mobility is crucial for societal progress as it allows individuals and groups to improve their quality
of life and contribute more effectively to economic and social development.

Q3. (a) Assess the relevance of Andre Beteille’s analysis of the caste system. (20)

By utilising Weber’s ideas of Class (economic position), Status (prestige and social honour), and Party
(political affiliation and influence), Beteille sheds light on the multidimensional nature of social
stratification in the Indian context. By this approach he examined the dynamism in the Caste system of
India.

Andre Beteille’s observation on caste -

• Emergence of modern education, commodification of land, which led to the rise of the middle class
land ownership and political power
• Beteille concluded through his analysis that caste is not the only form of inequality in India; other
forms include class and power differences.
• Beteille quoted that caste old is replaced by caste new in India. It is moving away from Identity
centric to Interest centric.
• Through his analysis, Beteille concluded that the “India’s destiny not caste in stone” that is the
Caste consciousness is decreasing down in the country.
Relevance of Andre Beteille analysis -
• Christophe Jaffrelot (2003) has examined India’s “silent revolution” through which lower-status
groups have increasingly captured political office and used political power to alter the balance of
power between the upper and the lower castes in the countryside.
• The recent protest for reservation in public employment by Marathas and Vanniyars in Tamilnadu
indicates that the caste as a group moved from identity centric to interest centric.
• The rapid expansion of the middle class in the country downsized the caste consciousness among
the groups, as the middle class consciousness is slowly replacing the caste consciousness

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• The increase in the rate of intercaste marriage and commensality due to the growth of
education and urbanism diluted the caste consciousness.
However these relevances are challenged by the existence of certain other facts which are antithesis to
the findings of Andre Beteille .
Non- relevance of Andre Beteille analysis -
• Caste is still identity centric, for example Matua Mahasangha representative of the Namasudras of
West Bengal asserted itself politically and changed the caste categories associated with politics in
West Bengal.
• Gail Omvedt contends that India’s destiny is caste in stone, though there is an increase in inter-
caste marriage, only 5 percent of the total marriages are such.
• Rajni Kothari also contends that Caste need politics as much as politics need caste. The increase
in politicisation doesn’t reduce the caste consciousness, there exists a higher degree of caste
consciousness during the time of elections.
• According to NCRB the crime against the scheduled caste in India increased by 13.1 percent.
• Utsa Patnaik held that despite land reforms, the traditional land holding castes continue to hold
the land ownership. The Maliks came from the traditional upper caste while the kisan and mazdoor
came from the lower castes.
Despite the hold over its traditional attributes the caste continues to change to the influence of
modernization and increase in rationality and governance.

Q3. (b) How do functionalists differ from the Marxists in their study of social
stratification? (20)
Aspect - Functionalists - Marxists -
Focus of Emphasize the role of social institutions Focus on economic relations,
Analysis and their functions in maintaining particularly ownership of means
stability and cohesion. of production, as the basis of
social class.
Function of Argue that social stratification serves a View stratification as a tool for
Stratification purpose by ensuring that the most exploitation, where the ruling
talented individuals are appropriately class (bourgeoisie) extracts
rewarded and motivated to perform surplus value from the working
important roles. class (proletariat).
Inequality See inequality as functional, contributing View inequality as a source of
and Social to social order and stability by ensuring conflict and instability,
Order that roles are filled by the most qualified potentially leading to class
individuals. struggle and revolution.
Meritocracy Support the idea of meritocracy, where Criticize meritocracy as a myth
individuals advance based on their that justifies unequal
abilities and efforts. distribution of wealth and
power.

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Mobility Acknowledge social mobility as possible, Often emphasize limited
where individuals can move up or down mobility due to structural
the social ladder based on their constraints and the perpetuation
achievements. of class divisions.
Role of Less emphasis on ideology as a tool of Emphasize ideology as a means
Ideology domination; focus more on functional through which the ruling class
aspects of stratification. maintains dominance and
justifies inequality.
Views on Generally supportive of capitalism as a Critical of capitalism,
Capitalism system that rewards talent and effort. highlighting its inherent
contradictions and exploitation
of labour.
Analysis of Downplay class conflict, viewing society Emphasize class conflict as
Class as generally harmonious with occasional central to understanding
Conflict tensions. societal dynamics, with the
potential for revolutionary
change.
Thinkers Durkheim, Parsons, Davis and Moore Marx, Engels, Gramsci,
Althusser

Q3. (c) Describe how status is used as a system of stratification. (10)

Status is a crucial system of stratification in society that organizes individuals or groups based on
their social standing, prestige, and level of respect or admiration they receive from others.
1. Max Weber and Status Groups –
• Max Weber, a prominent sociologist, argued that status groups form an important aspect of social
stratification.
• These groups are based on shared social prestige, lifestyle, and cultural values.
• For instance, in many societies, there are status groups based on occupation, such as doctors,
lawyers, and engineers, who enjoy higher social status compared to other professions.
2. Achieved and Ascribed Status –
• Sociologist Talcott Parsons emphasized the distinction between achieved and ascribed status.
• Achieved status is attained through personal efforts and accomplishments, such as educational
qualifications or occupational achievements.
• In contrast, ascribed status is assigned at birth or by social characteristics beyond an individual's
control, like race, gender, or family background.
• This differentiation in status can create disparities and inequalities within society.
3. Erving Goffman and Impression Management –
• Erving Goffman, a sociologist, developed the concept of impression management, which focuses on
how individuals present themselves to others in social interactions.
• People strategically project a certain image or status to gain social approval and acceptance.

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• For example, someone may dress formally and use sophisticated language to project a higher social
status during a job interview.
4. Status Inconsistency –
• Sociologist Gerhard Lenski highlighted the concept of status inconsistency, where an individual
holds different statuses that are not congruent with one another.
• For instance, a person with a high-level professional job but limited wealth may experience status
inconsistency. This inconsistency can lead to social tensions and challenges in fitting into
established social hierarchies.
5. Pierre Bourdieu and Cultural Capital –
• Pierre Bourdieu, a prominent sociologist, introduced the concept of cultural capital, which refers to
non-financial social assets such as education, skills, and cultural knowledge that can be used to
gain higher status in society.
• For example, individuals from privileged backgrounds often possess cultural capital in the form of
extensive education and exposure to cultural activities, which can enhance their social status.
6. Status Symbolism –
• Sociologist Thorstein Veblen coined the term "conspicuous consumption" to describe the
phenomenon where individuals display their wealth and social status through lavish and
ostentatious purchases.
• This behaviour is driven by the desire to signal one's high social standing and gain recognition
within a particular social group.
7. Occupational Prestige –
• Sociologists Peter M. Blau and Otis Dudley Duncan developed the concept of occupational prestige,
which refers to the social evaluation and respect accorded to different occupations within a
society.
• They developed scales to measure the relative status and prestige associated with different
professions.
• For example, doctors and professors often enjoy higher occupational prestige compared to janitors
or manual laborers.
8. Social Stratification and Life Chances –
• Sociologist Karl Marx emphasized the role of social stratification in determining individuals' life
chances, referring to their opportunities for success and upward mobility in society.
• Marx argued that those in higher social statuses have greater access to resources, power, and
opportunities, which perpetuates social inequalities.
9. Intersectionality and Multiple Statuses –
• Sociologist Kimberlé Crenshaw introduced the concept of intersectionality, highlighting how
individuals' social identities, such as race, gender, and class, intersect to shape their experiences
and social statuses.
• Intersectionality recognizes that people can hold multiple statuses simultaneously, and the
combination of these statuses can result in unique forms of advantage or disadvantage.

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10. Global Stratification –
• Sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein developed the world systems theory, which examines global
stratification and how nations are positioned within the global economic system.
• According to this theory, countries are classified into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral
positions, which determine their economic status and influence in the global arena.
Overall, status is a multifaceted system of stratification that shapes individuals' lives and societal
structures, influencing access to resources, power, and opportunities in various social contexts.

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