Explain why the central task of sociology is to explore the interplay of society and the individual. In the early stage of sociology's emergence, there were contrary and contesting understandings of society. Highlight the various perspectives to understand society with sociological perspective. Define sociology. Explain two apparently innocuous facts that the comparative and historical perspective of sociology brings home. Define aggregates and quasi group with the help of examples. What is social structure? What do sanction and deviance signify? Read the following passage and answer the questions: Khasi matriliny generates intense role conflict for men. They are torn between responsibilities to their natal house on the one hand and to their wife and children. They feel deprived of sufficient authority to command their children's loyalty.
Answer (1)
Sociology is the scientific study of society, human behavior, and social relationships. It focuses on understanding how individuals interact with each other and how these interactions shape societies over time.
The central task of sociology is to explore the interplay of society and the individual because individuals shape society through their actions and beliefs, while society also influences individual behavior and identity. This dynamic interaction offers insights into cultural norms, values, and institutions.
Early Perspectives in Sociology:
In the early stages of sociology's emergence, several perspectives attempted to explain society:
Functionalism : This perspective views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and order. Each component serves a function that contributes to societal equilibrium.
Conflict Theory : This perspective, influenced by Karl Marx, emphasizes the role of power and inequality in shaping social relations. It views society as a platform of struggle between different social classes.
Symbolic Interactionism : Focused on the micro-level, this perspective studies how individuals use symbols and meanings in social interactions, affecting their behavior and societal roles.
Two Apparently Innocuous Facts in Sociology:
Marriage Practices : By comparing marriage customs across cultures and history, sociology reveals how societal norms dictate interpersonal relationships, economic exchanges, and social roles.
Educational Structures : Historical perspectives show how education systems both reflect and perpetuate social hierarchies and can shape societal progress or stasis.
Definitions:
Aggregates : These are collections of people with physical proximity but minimal social interaction or shared identity, like people waiting at a bus stop.
Quasi Groups : These are collections of individuals with some overlapping characteristics or interactions, but not formal membership or identity, such as people working in the same company but in different departments.
Social Structure:
Social structure refers to the organized pattern of social relationships and institutions that together compose society. It dictates how individuals and groups interact and establishes norms, roles, and hierarchies.
Sanction and Deviance:
Sanction : These are reactions, either positive or negative, from others in response to an individual’s behavior, used to enforce societal norms.
Deviance : This refers to behavior that violates social norms, which can result in sanctions. It can lead to social change by challenging established norms.
Passage Analysis:
The passage regarding Khasi matriliny highlights role conflict, where Khasi men face tension between obligations to their maternal house and their own family. This exemplifies how cultural structures can shape individual roles, leading to conflicts that stem from societal expectations competing with personal relationships. Sociologically, this underscores the influence of cultural practices on social dynamics and individual identities.
