Question 1

Underemployment means:

Accepted Answer

Underemployment occurs when a person works but is not fully employed according to capacity or hours.

Question 2

Education can promote social mobility because it:

Accepted Answer

Education increases skills and opportunities, enabling upward mobility.

Question 3

Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Socialization is learning of culture; social control is enforcement of conformity through norms/sanctions/law.

Question 4

Class system is mainly based on:

Accepted Answer

Class is generally linked with income, occupation, education and property and is relatively open.

Question 5

Which of the following is a factor that increases social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Education and skills increase chances of upward mobility through better jobs and opportunities.

Question 6

Which of the following is a reform movement?

Accepted Answer

Reform movements aim at limited changes such as improving laws or social practices.

Question 7

A census is:

Accepted Answer

Census is the official population count with socio-demographic information.

Question 8

Monogamy means:

Accepted Answer

Monogamy is marriage between one man and one woman (one spouse each).

Question 9

The term sociology is derived from:

Accepted Answer

Socius means companion/society and Logos means study/science.

Question 10

Social stratification means:

Accepted Answer

Stratification is division of society into strata based on unequal access to resources, power and prestige.

Question 11

Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Society is broader and may include many communities and groups within it.

Question 12

Which factor is most directly related to social change through new inventions?

Accepted Answer

Technology changes communication, work, lifestyle and institutions, leading to social change.

Question 13

Slums are generally characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Slums typically have overcrowded housing and inadequate basic services.

Question 14

Religion mainly provides:

Accepted Answer

Religion guides moral behavior and can integrate society through shared rituals and values.

Question 15

Which measure can help control population growth?

Accepted Answer

Family planning and awareness help reduce fertility and manage growth.

Question 16

Primary socialization mainly occurs in:

Accepted Answer

Family is the first and strongest agent of socialization during childhood.

Question 17

A certificate given to a student for good performance is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Rewards like praise, awards and certificates are positive sanctions.

Question 18

Formal social control is mainly exercised through:

Accepted Answer

Formal social control includes laws, police, courts and official rules of organizations.

Question 19

A social movement is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Movements are collective, organized, purposeful efforts with common goals.

Question 20

Cultural diffusion means:

Accepted Answer

Diffusion is borrowing/spread of cultural elements such as food, dress, and technology.

Question 21

Define sociology.

Accepted Answer

Sociology is the scientific study of society, social relationships and social institutions.

Question 22

Define society.

Accepted Answer

Society is a broad network of social relationships among people who share common culture and social institutions.

Question 23

Give one example of a primary group.

Accepted Answer

Family is an example of a primary group.

Question 24

What is meant by cultural diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural traits from one society or group to another through contact.

Question 25

State any one area included in the scope of sociology.

Accepted Answer

Study of social institutions such as family, education and religion (any one area).

Question 26

Mention any one effect of poverty.

Accepted Answer

One effect of poverty is malnutrition and poor health (any one effect).

Question 27

What is social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility means movement of an individual or group from one social status or class position to another.

Question 28

What is marriage?

Accepted Answer

Marriage is a socially approved and culturally/legal recognized union that establishes rights and duties between spouses and their families.

Question 29

Define social stratification.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification is the division of society into different layers (strata) based on unequal access to resources, power and prestige.

Question 30

What is meant by sanction?

Accepted Answer

Sanction means a reward or punishment given to enforce social norms and ensure conformity.

Question 31

Explain in-group and out-group with examples.

Accepted Answer

In-group is the group with which a person identifies and feels a sense of belonging, called the “we” group. Out-group is the group that is seen as “they” group.

Example: For a student, “our class” or “our college team” is an in-group, while the rival class or rival team can be an out-group.

These concepts help explain unity, group loyalty and sometimes prejudice between groups.

Question 32

Differentiate between folkways and mores with examples.

Accepted Answer

Folkways are everyday norms and customs of society. If someone violates folkways, the reaction is usually mild disapproval. Example: table manners or dress style.

Mores are strong moral norms related to right and wrong. Violation of mores is seriously condemned and may invite severe punishment. Example: theft, corruption, or serious cheating.

Thus, folkways are mild norms and mores are strong moral norms.

Question 33

Write any three measures to reduce poverty.

Accepted Answer

Measures to reduce poverty include:

1) Employment generation and skill development to increase income.
2) Improving education and health services so people can become productive and earn better.
3) Social welfare support such as food security, pensions and targeted assistance for the poor.

(Any three measures can be written.)

Question 34

Write a short note on contemporary changes in family (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Contemporary changes in family include:

1) Increase of nuclear families in many urban areas due to jobs and migration.
2) Smaller family size due to family planning and cost of living.
3) Increased education and employment of women leading to change in gender roles and decision making.

(Any three points can be written.)

Question 35

Explain any three agencies of socialization and their role.

Accepted Answer

1) Family: teaches language, manners, basic values and discipline.
2) School: provides formal learning, rules, punctuality, cooperation and competition.
3) Peer group: influences behavior, style, attitudes and habits especially in adolescence.

(Any three agencies with their role can be written.)

Question 36

Explain crime and substance abuse: causes and preventive measures.

Accepted Answer

Crime is an act that violates the law and is punishable by the state. Substance abuse refers to harmful use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs that leads to dependence and creates health and social problems. Both are serious issues because they weaken families, create insecurity and disturb social order.

Causes of crime include poverty, unemployment and inequality which may push some people towards illegal activities. Family breakdown, lack of supervision and weak social control can increase deviance. Peer influence, exposure to violence, and substance abuse can also lead to crime. Substance abuse itself is caused by stress, frustration, depression, peer pressure, curiosity, easy availability of substances and lack of family support.

Preventive measures: Crime can be reduced by improving education, employment opportunities and community policing. Strong law enforcement and quick justice are also necessary. Substance abuse can be controlled through awareness programs in schools and communities, counseling services and de-addiction centers. Families should provide emotional support and supervision. Strict action against illegal drugs and trafficking is essential. Rehabilitation and reintegration programs should help recovered persons return to normal life.

Thus, controlling crime and substance abuse requires both preventive social measures and effective legal action, along with support and rehabilitation for affected individuals.

Question 37

Explain cultural change and the processes of diffusion, acculturation and assimilation.

Accepted Answer

Cultural change refers to changes in the material and non-material aspects of culture such as values, norms, beliefs, customs, lifestyle and technology. Culture changes due to many factors like technological development, education, urbanization, migration, mass media and globalization.

There are different processes through which cultural change takes place.

Diffusion is the spread or borrowing of cultural traits from one group or society to another. For example, adoption of jeans, pizza or smartphones in different societies is due to diffusion.

Acculturation occurs when two cultures come into continuous contact and one group adopts some traits of the other. For example, migrants may adopt the local language and food habits while still maintaining some of their original traditions.

Assimilation is a deeper process in which different cultural groups gradually merge and the separate identity of a group reduces. Over time, the minority group may completely adopt the host culture in language, lifestyle and practices.

Thus, diffusion is borrowing of traits, acculturation is adoption due to contact, and assimilation is deeper merging. These processes explain how culture changes in society.

Question 38

Explain the problems of urbanization and suggest measures to solve them.

Accepted Answer

Urbanization brings development, but rapid and unplanned urban growth creates serious problems.

Problems: One major problem is housing shortage which results in slums and overcrowding. Another problem is pressure on basic services such as water supply, sewage, health care and schools. Urban areas also face traffic congestion, accidents and long travel time due to inadequate transport planning. Pollution (air, water and noise) increases because of vehicles, industries and poor waste disposal. Unemployment and inequality can also rise when migrants do not find suitable jobs, which may contribute to crime and insecurity.

Measures: These problems can be reduced through planned urban development. Governments should promote affordable housing, slum improvement and rehabilitation with basic facilities. Public transport systems, traffic management and walkable infrastructure should be strengthened to reduce congestion. Waste management, sewage treatment and strict pollution control are necessary for a healthy environment. Decentralization is also important—developing small towns and rural industries can reduce pressure on big cities. Finally, skill training and employment generation programs can help migrants obtain stable jobs.

Therefore, with proper planning and inclusive policies, urbanization can be made more sustainable and beneficial.

Question 39

Explain the factors responsible for social change.

Accepted Answer

Social change does not occur due to a single reason. It takes place because many factors work together over a period of time. The major factors responsible for social change are as follows.

Firstly, the technological factor is one of the strongest causes. New inventions and tools change production, communication and daily life. For example, the internet, smartphones and digital payments have changed how people study, shop and maintain relationships.

Secondly, economic factors such as industrialization, urban employment and changes in income influence social relations and class structure. When people shift from agriculture to factory or service jobs, their family life, lifestyle and values also change.

Thirdly, political and legal factors bring planned changes through laws and policies. Reforms such as education policies, welfare schemes and laws against social evils can change social practices gradually.

Fourthly, demographic factors like population growth, migration and urbanization create new needs and problems. Migration changes community life and often leads to cultural mixing and new social patterns.

Lastly, cultural and educational factors spread new ideas like equality, human rights and scientific outlook. Education increases awareness and aspirations, which encourages people to challenge old customs.

Thus, social change is multi-causal and occurs due to the combined influence of technology, economy, politics, population and changing ideas.

Question 40

Explain major theories of social change (any two or three).

Accepted Answer

Sociologists have explained social change through different theories. The major theories can be understood as follows.

Evolutionary theory explains change as a gradual development from simple to complex forms. According to this view, society progresses step by step and institutions become more differentiated and advanced with time.

Cyclical theory explains change as movement in cycles. It argues that societies rise, grow, reach maturity and then decline, and similar patterns may repeat. Therefore, change is not always linear progress.

Conflict theory explains social change through struggle between groups with different interests, especially between the powerful and the weak. When inequality and exploitation increase, resistance and conflict grow, leading to reforms or major change in the social order.

Functionalist theory (equilibrium view) explains that society is a system of interrelated parts. When change happens in one part, other parts adjust to restore balance. Such change is often gradual and adaptive.

Thus, different theories highlight different causes—progress, cycles, adjustment or conflict—but together they help us understand social change in a better way.

Essentials of Sociology — Question Paper

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