🎯 FINAL TOP 3-MARKERS (NIOS Sociology)
1. Define Social Stratification. What are its characteristics?
Social stratification is the hierarchical division of society into different levels or strata based
on factors like class, caste, gender, and income.
Characteristics:
It is universal but variable.
Inherited, passed down generations.
Based on belief systems (like caste or religion).
Leads to inequality in resources and status.
2. What is Socialization? Name 3 agents.
Socialization is the process through which individuals internalize society’s norms, values,
and roles.
Agents of socialization:
1. Family – teaches language and basic behavior.
2. School – discipline and formal learning.
3. Peers – social skills, independence, group behavior.
3. What is Joint Family? Mention its features.
A joint family is a large family system where multiple generations live together, sharing
responsibilities.
Features:
Common kitchen and property.
Patriarchal leadership.
Social security and economic support.
Preserves cultural traditions.
4. Define Caste. Mention its characteristics.
Caste is a hereditary social group with specific status, rules, and occupations.
Characteristics:
Fixed status at birth.
Endogamy – marriage within same caste.
Social hierarchy.
Restrictions on food, interaction, and mobility.
5. What is Social Institution? Give examples.
Social institutions are established patterns of behavior that organize society.
Examples:
Marriage (regulates family)
Religion (spiritual guidance)
Education (transfers knowledge)
6. Define Status. Types of Status.
Status is the social position a person holds in society.
Types:
Ascribed – by birth (e.g., gender, caste)
Achieved – by effort (e.g., doctor)
Master Status – dominant in one’s identity
7. What is Marriage? Mention its 3 functions.
Marriage is a socially recognized union between two individuals, usually leading to family
formation.
Functions:
Legitimizes sexual relations and offspring.
Provides emotional and economic stability.
Establishes kinship ties.
8. What is Gender Discrimination? Give examples.
Gender discrimination is unequal treatment based on sex or gender.
Examples:
Wage gap between men and women.
Girls denied education.
Male preference in inheritance or family roles.
9. Define Education. Mention any 3 functions.
Education is a formal process of learning and acquiring knowledge, values, and skills.
Functions:
Socialization of youth.
Transmission of culture and knowledge.
Development of personality and discipline.
10. Define Urbanization. Mention its effects.
Urbanization is the increase in population in urban areas due to migration and industrial
growth.
Effects:
Growth of slums.
Unemployment and housing shortage.
Pollution and overpopulation.
11. What is Social Change? Mention characteristics.
Social change is any significant modification in the structure or functioning of society.
Characteristics:
Universal and continuous.
May be slow or fast.
Can be planned (laws) or unplanned (natural disasters).
12. Define Kinship. Mention its types.
Kinship is the bond formed by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Types:
Consanguineal – blood relations.
Affinal – by marriage.
Adoptive – legally created ties.
13. What is Social Control? Mention 2 types.
Social control refers to mechanisms that regulate individual behavior.
Types:
Formal – laws, police, courts.
Informal – family, customs, religion.
14. Define Social Group. Types of Social Groups.
A social group is a collection of people who interact and share common identity.
Types:
Primary – intimate and close (e.g., family).
Secondary – impersonal and goal-oriented (e.g., office, school).
15. What is Role Conflict? Explain briefly.
Role conflict occurs when a person faces competing demands from different roles.
Example: A woman who is a mother and also a working professional may struggle between
job and childcare.
16. What is Role of Panchayati Raj in Rural Society?
Panchayati Raj institutions are the grassroots democratic system in villages.
Roles:
Implement rural development programs.
Improve sanitation, education, infrastructure.
Promote women’s participation in decision-making.
17. Define Norms. Types of Norms.
Norms are unwritten rules that guide behavior in society.
Types:
Folkways – casual norms (e.g., greetings).
Mores – strong moral norms (e.g., respect elders).
Laws – formalized norms with legal backing.
18. What are functions of Religion?
Religion provides spiritual meaning and moral guidance.
Functions:
Social cohesion.
Moral discipline.
Emotional comfort.
Legitimizes social order.
19. What is the impact of Media on Society?
Media influences public opinion, behavior, and culture.
Impact:
Spread of awareness and education.
Shapes political views.
Promotes consumerism and fashion.
20. Define Culture. Mention its characteristics.
Culture is the shared way of life of people in a society.
Characteristics:
Learned, shared, symbolic.
Adaptive and dynamic.
Passed through generations.
