| Non-Rationalised Sociology NCERT Notes, Solutions and Extra Q & A (Class 11th & 12th) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Class 11th Sociology NCERT Notes, NCERT Question Solutions and Extra Q & A (Non-Rationalised)
Introducing Sociology
1. Sociology And Society
This chapter introduces Sociology as the systematic and scientific study of human society, focusing on social relationships, interactions, and institutions. It explains that sociology offers a unique perspective, often called the 'sociological imagination' by C. Wright Mills, which connects personal problems to broader public issues. The chapter distinguishes sociology from common-sense knowledge, which is often based on assumptions, by highlighting sociology's reliance on rigorous research and evidence. It also explores the relationship between sociology and other social sciences like history, economics, and psychology, showing how it provides a broader context for understanding human behaviour and the intricate web of social life in diverse societies like India.
2. Terms, Concepts And Their Use In Sociology
This chapter introduces the foundational terms and concepts that form the building blocks of sociological analysis. It explains that these concepts are tools that allow sociologists to see the social world in a more precise and analytical way. Key concepts covered include social groups (distinguishing between intimate, face-to-face primary groups like family and more formal secondary groups like schools or offices), status (a social position, which can be ascribed, like caste, or achieved, like a profession), and role (the expected behaviour associated with a status). Understanding these core concepts is essential for dissecting social structures and interactions, moving beyond everyday language to a more systematic understanding of society.
3. Understanding Social Institutions
This chapter explores major social institutions, which are complex, integrated sets of social norms and beliefs organized around the preservation of a basic societal value. The chapter focuses on five key institutions: the Family (fulfilling roles of socialisation and emotional support), Marriage (a socially sanctioned union), Kinship (web of social relationships), Economy (organizing the production and distribution of goods and services), and Polity (the institution of governance and power). It also discusses Religion as an institution providing meaning and moral frameworks. These institutions provide the framework for our social lives, establishing roles and rules that guide human behaviour and maintain social order in all societies, including the diverse institutional arrangements found in India.
4. Culture And Socialisation
This chapter examines the interconnected concepts of Culture and Socialisation. Culture is defined as the shared way of life of a group of people, encompassing both material aspects (like technology) and non-material aspects (like values, norms, and beliefs). Socialisation is the lifelong process through which individuals learn their culture, internalize its norms, and develop their sense of self. The chapter discusses the primary agents of socialisation—the family, school, peer groups, and mass media—and explains how they transmit cultural values from one generation to the next. This process shapes individual personalities and ensures the continuity of society, which is particularly evident in the rich and diverse cultural context of India.
5. Doing Sociology: Research Methods
This chapter shifts focus to the practical aspect of sociology, explaining the research methods sociologists employ to study society empirically. It emphasizes the importance of objectivity and moving beyond personal bias. The chapter introduces a range of methodologies, distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative approaches. Key methods discussed include surveys (using questionnaires and interviews to collect data from large groups), participant observation (where the researcher immerses themselves in a community to gain in-depth understanding), and case studies. It highlights that the choice of method depends on the research question, making it clear that sociology is a science based on evidence and systematic inquiry, not just armchair theorizing.
Understanding Society
1. Social Structure, Stratification And Social Processes In Society
This chapter explores the underlying organization of society. It introduces social structure as the patterned and enduring social relationships that form the skeleton of society. A key aspect of this structure is Social Stratification, the hierarchical division of society into different layers or strata. The chapter discusses different systems of stratification, with a major focus on the caste system in India (a closed system based on birth) and the class system (a more open system based on economic status). It also examines key social processes—the dynamic forms of interaction like cooperation (working together), competition (striving for a common goal), and conflict (a struggle over values or resources)—that shape social life.
2. Social Change And Social Order In Rural And Urban Society
This chapter examines the dual forces of social change (the transformation of culture and social institutions over time) and social order (the persistence of social structures and norms). It discusses various sources of social change, including technology, the environment, and social movements. The chapter then contrasts how these dynamics play out in rural and urban settings. Rural societies are often characterized by strong community ties and informal social control, while urban societies are marked by anonymity, formal control, and rapid change. This distinction is crucial for understanding the ongoing transformations in India, with its dynamic interplay between village life and the fast-paced growth of cities.
3. Environment And Society
This chapter explores the critical relationship between the environment and society, a field known as environmental sociology. It explains how societies are shaped by their ecological context, but also how human actions, especially in industrial societies, profoundly impact the natural world. The chapter discusses major environmental problems like resource depletion, pollution, and global warming as social issues, not just technical ones, because their causes and consequences are socially patterned. It highlights how environmental risks are often distributed unequally, disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalized. The chapter also touches upon the rise of environmental movements in India and globally, which advocate for sustainability and environmental justice.
4. Introducing Western Sociologists
This chapter provides an introduction to the foundational thinkers of sociology, often referred to as the "founding fathers." It explores the core ideas of three major Western sociologists whose work shaped the discipline. The chapter discusses Karl Marx and his focus on class conflict as the engine of historical change in capitalist societies. It then examines Emile Durkheim, who was concerned with social facts, social solidarity, and the division of labour in modern society. Finally, it introduces Max Weber, who emphasized understanding social action (verstehen) and analyzed the rise of modern bureaucracy and capitalism. Their classical theories provide powerful and enduring frameworks for analyzing society.
5. Indian Sociologist
This chapter shifts the focus to pioneering Indian sociologists who have applied and adapted sociological theories to the unique context of Indian society. It highlights the significant contributions of key scholars. The work of G.S. Ghurye, often considered the 'father of Indian sociology', is discussed for his encyclopedic work on caste, tribes, and Indian culture. The chapter details the contributions of M.N. Srinivas, who developed influential concepts like 'Sanskritisation', 'Westernisation', and the 'dominant caste' through his intensive village studies. The contributions of other scholars like Iravati Karve on kinship systems are also mentioned, showcasing how Indian sociologists have provided indispensable insights into the complexities of their own society.