CBSE Class 12

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 10 The Story of Indian Democracy Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation. https://mcq-questions.com/ncert-solutions-for-class-12-sociology-chapter-10/

The Story of Indian Democracy NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 10

The Story of Indian Democracy Questions and Answers Class 12 Sociology Chapter 10

Question 1.
Interest groups are part and parcel of a functioning democracy. Discuss.
Answer:
Pressure groups or interest groups are organised and unorganised groups which try to influence governmental policies. They try to protect the interests of their members at different levels. They are the part and parcel of a functioning democracy in the following ways:

• These interest groups start campaigning on any particular issue so that public support can be gained. They take the help of mass media so that the public could pay more attention to them.
• They generally call for a strike, march or protest and try to disrupt the governmental programmes. They often call for strikes and dharnas to raise their voice.
• Generally, business groups form a lobby of the people with common objectives. so that the government could be pressurised to change its policies.
• These groups publish newspapers and control them to propagate about their interests among masses.

Question 2.
Read the Snippets from the debates held in the Constituent Assembly. Identify the interest groups. Discuss what kind of interest groups exist in contemporary India. How do they function?
Answer:
After studying the snippets from the debates held in the Constituent Assembly, we can say that many types of economic, political, social, religious, business interest groups exist in India. All these interest groups work for the fulfillment of interests of the citizens. To achieve their objectives, they pressurise the government in one way or the other. Trade Union, Farmers Organisations are some of its examples.

Question 3.
Create a ‘phad’ or a scroll with your own mandate when standing for school election. (This could be done in small groups of 5, like a panchayat.)
Answer:
Do it yourself with the help of your teacher.

Question 4.
Have you heard of Bal Panchayats and Mazdoor Kisan Sangathan? If not, find out and write a note about them in about 200 words.
Answer:
Yes, we have heard about Bal Panchayats and Mazdoor Kisan Sangathan and their description is given ahead:
(i) Bal Panchayat. They were the representatives of different classes elected as Panchs and one representative, i.e., the Head was elected as Sarpanch. They were assigned the work of finding problems of the school so that they could be discussed in their monthly meeting with the Principal Sir and other teachers.

During the morning assembly all the students were asked to share their problems, if any, with their respective representatives. After a very short span of time, the Principal became aware of the problems of the students through the representatives, i.e., the Bal Panchayat. Their problems were discussed in the meeting and suggestions were given. In this way, Bal Panchayat did a very commendable job in removing the problems of the students.

(ii) Kisan Sangathan. Our country is basically an agricultural country where around 70% of the total population is engaged directly or indirectly with agriculture related occupations. In this type of agricultural country, Kisan Sangathans are necessary which work for the benefits of farmers.

Their position is very strong in agriculture dominated states like, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, etc. They even influence the polity of their respective states. These Sangathans bring but the problems of farmers in front of the government and pressurise the government to solve the problems of the farmers. In this way these Kisan Sangathans act as pressure groups or interest groups.

Question 5.
The 73rd Amendment has been monumental in bringing a voice to the people in the villages. Discuss. ‘ (C.B.S.E 2017 (D)
Answer:
In 1992, decentralised governance came into force by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. Panchayati Raj institutions were given the Constitutional status through this Act. It became necessary for local self bodies of rural and urban areas to hold elections after every five years. Moreover, local self bodies were given the control of local resources. Its main features are:

(i) First of all, Gram Sabha was established at village level with all the adults of the village as its members. This Sabha elects the local government and gives it the definite responsibilities. Gram Sabha discusses the developmental works of village and becomes a participant in the decision-making process.

(ii) This amendment provides a three tier structure of Panchayati Raj for all states with a population of over 20 Lakhs.

(iii) It becomes necessary to conduct election after every five years of these bodies.

(iv) It provides 33% reservation of seats to women and some seats for S.C.’s and S.T.’s in these bodies.

(v) It constitutes District Planning Committee to prepare drafts and develop plans for the district as a whole. It is correct that this Act became monumental in bringing a voice to the people in the villages as all the sections of the society are given proper representation in these bodies. All the sections of the society have become a part of the decision-making process and it is one of the major feature of the successful functioning of democracy.

Question 6.
Write an essay on the ways that the Indian Constitution touches people’s everyday life, drawing upon different examples.
Answer:
(i) The Indian Constitution gave the right of equality to all of its citizens that every one is equal before law. No discrimination shall take place with any one on the basis of his race, colour, caste, creed, etc. It has brought the status of lower castes equal to the status of higher castes.

(ii) The Indian Constitution has given certain fundamental rights which every one enjoys and which are necessary to live a better life. These are given to all irrespective of their castes or creed. In this way people of lower castes can live a better life than before and this is because of our Constitution.

(iii) Our Constitution has made our country a democratic country. It means that there is no place for autocratic rule and people enjoy the top most authority by electing their ruler. So the power rests in the hands of people and touches the everyday life of the people.

(iv) India is a country where a number of religions exist. It was very much necessary to avert any religious clashes among them. That is why Indian Constitution has made our country a secular country which means that the state does not have any religion. It means that equal status is given to all the religions.

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 8 Structural Change Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation. https://mcq-questions.com/ncert-solutions-for-class-12-sociology-chapter-8/

Structural Change NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 8

Structural Change Questions and Answers Class 12 Sociology Chapter 8

Question 1.
How has colonialism impacted our lives? You can either focus on one aspect like culture or politics or treat them together.
Or
Mention any two structural changes brought about by Colonialism. (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Or
What was the impact of colonialism on the Indian Society? (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Answer:
Colonialism: At one level, the simple meaning of colonialism is the establishment of rule by one country over the other country. Western colonialism has greatly affected the world during modern times.

A number of people entered India in the past in different times and they established their rule over different parts of the country. The impact of colonial rule is very different from all the other earlier rules, because the changes which it brought were far reaching and deep.

Impact on Culture and Politics: In modern times, we have parliamentary and a legal system, a police and educational system which are according to the British model. Like the British, we drive on the left side of the road, we like bread-omlette and cutlets as seen in the menu of many canteens and roadside eateries.

Britannia, a popular brand in India is actually named after Britain. Neck-ties are included in many school uniforms. We generally admire the west and also resent it. These are just a few complex ways in which the British colonialism lives on in contemporary India.

We can even take the example of the English language and how it has greatly influenced all spheres of Indian social life. English is not only widely used nowadays by the Indian people but we now have a number of literary writings by Indians in English. Just because of the English language, Indians have got an edge in the global market.

But English continues to be a mark of privilege. If anyone don’t know English then it is a disadvantage for him in the job market. At the same time, the traditionally depressed classes like lower castes are acquainting themselves with English with which doors of opportunities are opening for them which were formerly closed.

Question 2.
Industrialisation and Urbanisation are linked processes. Discuss.
Answer:
It is true that the industrialisation and urbanisation are linked processes. With the process of modernisation, industrialisation and urbanisation also increases. Technology also developed with this and new large scale industries come into being. Cities developed around these industries.

As the industry developed, rural population moved towards it to get employment in the industry. In this way, first of all towns came into existence in the adjoining areas and then they changed into cities.

Thousands of occupations and a number of facilities are also available in urban areas. Means of transport and communication also developed with this process. In this way, industrialisation plays a great role in the progress of urbanisation.

Question 3.
Identify any town or city with which you are familiar. Find out both the history of its growth and its contemporary status.
Answer:
The students should do this themselves with the help of their teacher.

Question 4.
You may be living in a very small town, may be in a very big city, a semi urban settlement or a village.
(i) Describe the place where you live.
(ii) What are the features, which make you think it is a town and not a city, a village and not a town, or a city and not a village?
(iii) Is there any factory where you live?
(iv) Is agriculture the main job that people do?
(v) Is it the occupational nature that has a determining influence?
(vi) Is it the buildings?

• Is it the availability of educational opportunities?
• Is it the way people live and behave?
• Is it the way people talk and dress?

Answer:
Students themselves can give answer of this question with the help of their teacher by looking around their surroundings.

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 9 Cultural Change Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation. https://mcq-questions.com/ncert-solutions-for-class-12-sociology-chapter-9/

Cultural Change NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 9

Cultural Change Questions and Answers Class 12 Sociology Chapter 9

Question 1.
Write a critical essay on Sanskritisation.
Or
Define Sanskritisation. Why was it criticized at different levels? (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Or
Enumerate different levels at which Sanskritisation, as a concept has been criticized. (C.B.S.E. 2012)
Answer:
Sanskritisation is a process in which people want to improve their status by adopting the names and customs of high placed cultural groups. The reference model is generally economically better than the later group. In both, desire to be like the higher placed group occurs only when people become wealthier.
Criticism:

(i) Sanskritisation is criticised for exaggerating social mobility or the scope of lower castes to move up the social hierarchy. It leads to positional change of some individuals but not or any structural change. Inequality remains present although some individuals may be able to improve positions within the unequal social structure.

(ii) It has been said that the sanskritisation’s ideology accepts the upper caste as superior and lower caste as inferior. So the aspiration to imitate the upper caste is seen as natural and desirable.

(iii) This process justifies that inequality and exclusion exist in the society. It seems that the faith in pollution and purity of groups of people is justifiable. So to be able to look down on some groups, just as the upper castes looked down on the lower castes is a mark of privilege. This reflects an essentially undemocratic vision.

(iv) Sanskritisation is a process in which the rites and rituals of the upper caste are adopted. It leads to the practice of secluding girls and women, under which they have to adopt dowry practices instead of bride-price and have to practice caste discrimination against the other groups.

(v) This type of trend led to the erosion of key features of lower caste culture and society. For example, the very worth of labour because of which lower castes are degraded and rendered shameful. Identities based on the basis of work, crafts, ecology, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc. are regarded as useless in the industrial era. That’s why they remain excluded and discriminated even today.

Question 2.
Westernisation is often just about adoption of western attire and life style. Are there other aspects to being westernised? Or is that about modernisation? Discuss.
Answer:
M.N. Srinivas has defined westernisation and according to him, “Westernisation is the changes brought about in the Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of Britsh rule, the term subsuming changes occurring at different levels technology, institutions, ideology and values.”

There are many types of westernisation. The first type is the emergence of a western sub cultural pattern through a minority section of Indians, who first came in contact with the western culture. It includes the sub culture of Indian intellectuals, who not only adopted the western ideas and ways of living, but they even supported its expansion well.

So a small section of people adopted the western life styles or who were influenced by the western ideas. Except this, western cultural traits also spread like dress, food, changes in the habits and living and living style of people in general, new technology, etc. The middle class of India had adopted western ways of living. Westernisation does involve the imitation of external culture. It does not necessarily mean that people adopt modern values of equality and democracy.

Except the ways of life and thinking, Indian art and literature are also influenced by the west. Artists like Ravi Varma, Abanindranath Tagore, Chandu Menon and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhya all were grappling with the colonial encounter.

In this way, we can see a number of different levels of cultural change, resulting from our colonial encounter with the west. Conflicts between generations are seen as the cultural conflicts resulting from westernisation. The meaning of westernisation cannot be modernisation, because modernisation can come in east. But the meaning of Westernisation is only the change which came due to the west.

Question 3.
Write short notes on:

• Rites and Secularisation
• Caste and Secularisation
• Gender and Sanskritisation

Answer:
Rites and Secularisation: It would be very simple to term the complex combinations just as a mix of tradition and modernity as though tradition and modernity themselves are fixed entities or as though India has or had a set of traditions. We can say that both plurality and a tradition of argumentation have been defining features of traditions in India. They are infact constantly being redefined. We have already observed this with the 19th century social reformers. This process persists even today.

In the modern western society, the process of secularisation generally means a process of decline in the influence of religion. It has been said that modern societies become increasingly secular. Indicators of secularisation have been referred to as levels of involvement with religious organisations, the social and material influence of religious organisation and the degree to which people hold religious beliefs.

Caste and Secularisation: If we look carefully, then we find that caste and secularisation are contrary to each other. Religious ideas are given enough importance in the caste system. It has been said that human groups and occupations are divided by religion and religious scriptures and that’s why the caste system came into being.

Person with the occupation of religious activities, in caste system, i.e. Priest or Brahmins were given the highest status in society and lower castes were kept away from religious activities. In this way, we can say that religion and occupation were the two main basis of the caste system. But no importance is given to religion in secularism. Infact, religious rituals have been reduced to a great extent. That’s why people like to earn money instead of devoting time to religious activities.

Gender and Sanskritisation: The impact of Sanskritisation is many-sided. Its influence can be seen in language, literature, ideology, music, dance, drama, style of life and ritual. It is primarily a process that takes place within the Hindu space through Srinivas argued that it was visible even in sects and religious groups outside Hinduism.

Studies of different areas, however, show that it operated differently in different parts of the country. In those areas where a highly Sanskritised casts was dominant, the culture of the entire region underwent a certain amount of Sanskritisation.

Sanskritisation suggests a process whereby people want to improve their status through adoption of names and customs of culturally high-placed groups. The ‘reference model’ is usually financially better of. In both, the aspiration or desire to be like the higher placed group occurs only when people become wealthier.

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 13 Globalisation and Social Change Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation. https://mcq-questions.com/ncert-solutions-for-class-12-sociology-chapter-13/

Globalisation and Social Change NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 13

Globalisation and Social Change Questions and Answers Class 12 Sociology Chapter 13

Question 1.
Choose any topic that is of interest to you and discuss how you think globalisation has affected it. You could choose cinema, work, marriage or any other topic.
Answer:
Here we have choosen cinema as the topic which is being affected by the globalisation. Cinema: Indian cinema is one of the largest cinema industry in the world and it also has been affected by globalisation. It has. affected our ways of thinking, ways of behaviour and moreover our culture.

These days, Hollywood films are becoming an inspirational force for Bollywood producers and they are making their films on the tracks of Hollywood cinema. These days, more and more technology is being used in our films. Animated films, action scenes, hew types of weapons and vehicles are some of the features which our cinema takes from Hollywood. Advancements have been made in photography, cameras, musical instruments, making of films and all these have happened because of the impact of globalisation.

These days, Indian films are not only released in India but they are released worldwide. Many Indian films have traded more overseas as compared to India and all this has happened because of globalisation. Many producers are making films while keeping in mind the overseas audience and this has happened because of globalisation. In this way, we can say that Indian cinema has been greatly affected by globalisation.

Question 2.
What are the distinctive features of a globalised economy? Discuss.
Answer:
The process of globalisation is the process in which the economy of one country is associated with economies of other countries. In other words, unrestricted exchange of goods, services, capital and labour of one country with others is known as globalisation. Economies of different countries come in contact with each other in this process.

There is free exchange of trade between the countries. In this way, unification of different economies is called globalisation. The whole world has now been changed into a village due to globalisation. It is also called a ‘Global Village’.

Distinctive Features of a Globalised Economy:
(i) A Globalised economy is based on the theory of free trade. Free trade encourages competition and increases capabilities. This thing is hardly seen in controlled economies. More working ability helps to increase equality of services.

(ii) More foreign investment is present in the economy of any country in a globalised economy. More foreign investment gives strength to weak economies.

(iii) Free trade policy is used for uncontrolled flow of foreign capital and goods. It has been considered that it will help the economics of third world countries.

(iv) It has also been considered that globalisation will solve serious problems like unemployment, poverty, etc. Globalisation increases opportunities of employment and increase in employment opportunities helps in economic development.

(v) Globalisation helps in the unification of different economies and it solves the problem of social justice. Some people are of the view that liberalisation of the economy provides many facilities to the deprived groups.

(vi) Exchange between different countries increases in globalised economies and it helps in maintaining world peace.

Question 3.
Briefly discuss the impact of globalisation on our culture.
Answer:
In many ways, our culture is affected by globalisation. Right from the early ages, India had adopted an open approach to cultural influences and the Indian culture has been enriched because of this. In the last decade, we have seen major cultural changes and it was feared that our local cultures would be overtaken by globalised culture. Earlier, our cultural tradition was very reserved and had no connection with the outside world.

It hardly knew anything else and was suspicions of everything. Fortunately we have not retained our old attitude till today. There have been some hot debates in our society not just about political and economic issues but also about changes in styles, clothes, films, music, body language, language, etc. Many social reformers and early nationalists of the 19th century also debated on culture and tradition. The issues todays are the same, but in different ways. What is perhaps the difference is the intensity and scale of change.

Question 4.
What is glocalisation? Is it simply a market strategy adopted by multinational companies or is genuine cultural synthesis taking place? Discuss.
Answer:
Glocalisation means the mixing of the global with the local. It is neither completely spontaneous nor is it completely delinked from the commercial interests of globalisation. The main contention of glocalisation is that all cultures will become similar meaning homogenous. Some say that there is an increasing tendency towards glocalisation of culture.
It is actually a policy followed by foreign companies while dealing with local traditions to enhance the marketing of their products.

We can see in India, all the international T.V. channels like MTV, Channel V, Star, CN, etc. use Indian languages. Even McDonalds does not sell any beef products in India instead they sells only chicken and vegetarian products. McDonald’s serves only vegetarian during the Navaratri festival. In the field of music, we can see the growth of popularity of Indi pop, Bhangra pop, fusion music and even remixes. It is also a form of glocalisation.

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 2 The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation. https://mcq-questions.com/ncert-solutions-for-class-12-sociology-chapter-2/

The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 2

The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society Questions and Answers Class 12 Sociology Chapter 2

Question 1.
Explain the basic argument of the theory of demographic transition. Why is the transition period associated with a population explosion?
Answer:
One of the significant theory in demography is the theory of demographic transition. This theory says that the population growth is directly related to the overall levels of economic development and generally every society follows a typical pattern of development related to population growth. Three basic phases of population growth are there. The first phase is of low population growth in an underdeveloped and technologically backward society.

Growth rate in this is low because death rate and birth rate both are very high. That is why difference between the both or net growth rate is low. The third phase is also one of low growth in a developed society where both the birth rate and death rate have been reduced to a great extent and there is very less gap between both of them. But there is transitional stage between the two, which is a movement from a backward to an advanced stage. This stage has a feature of very high rates of growth of population.

Transitional phase is related to population explosion because death rate is brought down quickly through better nutrition, public health and advanced methods of disease control. But birth rate does not reduce to such an extent and that is why growth rate goes high. Many countries are struggling to reduce the birth rate in keeping with the falling death rate.

Question 2.
Why did Malthus believe that catastrophic events like famines and epidemics that cause mass deaths were inevitable?
Answer:
One of the most famous theories of demography is related with the English political economist, Thomas Robert Malthus. He was of the view that human population ii tends to grow at a much faster rate than the rate at which the human subsistence can grow. Therefore, humanity is condemned to live in poverty forever because the growth of agricultural production will always be overtaken by population growth. Because population growth is always more than the growth in production of subsistence resources, the.

only way to increase prosperity is by controlling the growth of population. But humans have very limited methods (preventive checks) to voluntarily reduce the growth of population. Malthus was of the view that positive checks on population growth are in the form of famines and diseases. These were inevitable because they were the nature’s way of dealing with the imbalance between food supply and increasing population.

Question 3.
What is meant by ‘Birth Rate’ and ‘Death Rate’? Explain why the birth rate is relatively slow to fall while the death rate declines much faster.
Answer:
Birth Rate. Number of births in any particular area per thousand people in the population is called Birth rate. It means that in any particular area, how many children were born per 1000 persons.Death Rate. Number of deaths in any particular area per thousand people in the population is called death rate. It means that in any particular area, how many people have died per 1000 persons.

It is a hard fact that birth rate reduces very slowly as compared to death rate. One of the main reasons is that death rate can be reduced very quickly with the help of health services and by keeping control over epidemics. But birth rate cannot be reduced to that extent. Birth rate is generally more because of fertility rate, religious ideas, social views, poverty, fatalism, illiteracy, etc. and it is very difficult to change the ideas of masses. They are of the view that the children are given by God. So, He will take care of them. That is why birth rate does not reduce as quickly as death rate.

Question 4.
Which states of India have reached or are very near the replacement levels of population growth? Which -ones still have very high rates of population growth? In your opinion, what could be some of the reasons for these regional differences?
Answer:
The meaning of replacement level is giving birth to two children by a couple. The states which have reached the replacement levels of population growth are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Goa, Punjab, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, etc. The states where growth rate of population is more are Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan etc.

States which are very close in reaching replacement level are Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh etc. There are certain regional factors of difference between rates of replacement levels and population growth and these factors are:

(i) If population will be literate then their thinking will definitely be positive. But if population will be illiterate then their thinking will be negative and they will be ignorant about most of the things. States with high literacy rate will have low growth rate and states with low literacy rate must have high growth rate.

(ii) Every state has its own values and customs which always influence the replacement level and growth rate.

(iii) There are number of people who favour giving birth to more number of children for more family income later on.

(iv) Each area has different cultural structure and literacy level and it also affects the growth rate.

Question 5.
What is meant by the age structure of the population? Why is it relevant for economic development and growth?
Or
What is meant by the age structure of population? (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Answer:
The age structure of the population is the proportion of persons is different age groups relative to the total population. Three age groups are included in it and these are

• 0-14 years
• 15-59 years, and
• 60 + years.

First group is of children, which is a dependent group. Second group is of youth which is also known as active or working class. Third group is of elder people. This will be clear from the given table.

The table tells us that the people who belong to the working class are more in number. They remain at the top during 1961—2011. Then comes children or the dependent group yet, their number is decreasing. In the end elder people are there. Average age in our country is 63 years and that is why they are less in number.

Importance of Age Structure in Economic Development and Growth.
(i) The given table tells us that the age group of 0-14 years is continually decreasing after 1961. It is so because National Population Policy was implemented in 1976 and general masses came to know about the merits of less population.

(ii) This table tells us that the number of people in the age group of 60+ years are increasing constantly. It also tells us that life expectancy in our country is also increasing. It is so because the country is progressing and health services in the country are continually increasing. That is why people with the age of 60+ years live more than the people in the earlier times.

(iii) Table also tells us that working class of population is also increasing. They are progressing which helps in the progress of the country.

Question 6.
What is meant by sex ratio? What are some of the implications of a declining sex ratio? Do you feel that parents still prefer to have sons rather than daughters? What in your opinion, could be some of the reasons for this preference?
Or
According to demographers and sociologists, what are the reasons for the decline in the child sex ratio in India? (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Or
Define sex ratio. What is meant by an adverse or falling sex ratio? (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Or
Mention the factors responsible for the decline in the child sex ratio in India? (C.B.S.E. 2017 (O.D.))
Answer:
Sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1000 males in a given area at a specified time period. Sex ratio is an important indicator of gender balance in population. Historically, the sex ratio has been slightly in favour of females, which means the number of females per 1000 males has generally been somewhat higher.

But India has had a declining sex-ratio for more than a century now. From 972 females per 1000 males at the start of 20th century, the sex ratio, declined to 940 in 2011. The trends of the last four decades have been particularly worrying.

Yes, it is correct that even today, parents prefer to have male child as compared to girl child. Female foeticide is still going on, girls are sacrificed to have a boy, people take many steps to get a baby boy. Here, one thing is important that it has no direct relation with poverty. But it is directly related to socio-cultural factors. This has been linked to the prevailing social norms that tend to value males much more than females, which leads to ‘son preference’ and the relative neglect of girl babies.

• The availability of the sonogram, originally developed to identify genetic or other disorders in the foetus, is used, today, to identify and selectively abort female foetuses.
• It is striking that the lowest sex ratios are found in the most prosperous regions of India. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, etc. are among the richest states with lowest sex ratios. This shows the problem of selective abortions and not ignorance or illiteracy.

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 3 Social Institutions: Continuity and Change Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation. https://mcq-questions.com/ncert-solutions-for-class-12-sociology-chapter-3/

Chapter 3 Social Institutions: Continuity and Change NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Social Institutions: Continuity and Change Questions and Answers Class 12 Sociology Chapter 3

Question 1.
What is the role of the ideas of separation and hierarchy in the caste system?
Answer:
If we look carefully at the caste system, then we would come to know that the ideas of separation and hierarchy play a great role in the caste system. All the main features of caste system will be of no importance in the absence of these two ideas. Their description is given below:

(i) Separation. It is one of the main features of caste system that every caste is completely separated from the others. This separation had an advantage that there was no problem of mixing of different castes with each other. Every caste had certain rules regarding eating habits, marriage, keeping social relations, occupations etc. and that’s why they were very much separated from each other. On the other hand, these different and separated castes had no individual existence. They can only exist in relations to a larger whole, the totality of society consisting of all castes.

(ii) Hierarchy. There is another feature of caste system that is based on the hierarchical order. Meaning of hierarchy is that every caste had its specific position in this ladder-like arrangement. There were certain differences between all the castes and these differences were based on the concept of ‘purity and pollution’. Castes that were considered ritually pure had high status while those considered less pure or impure had low status. Basically in modem societies, all these classes have higher status which have power in their hands.

Question 2.
What are some of the rules that the caste system imposes? (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Or
Explain the common features of the caste system as it existed in the past. (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Answer:
There are certain commonly cited features of caste system and these are given below:
(i) Membership of caste is based upon birth, which means a child is born into the caste of his parents. It is not a matter of choice. No one can even change one’s caste, leave it or choose not to join it. Yet, there are certain examples where a person may be expelled from his caste.

(ii) Every caste had certain rules regarding food and food sharing. It is prescribed that what kinds of food may or may not be eaten and who one may share food with is also specified.

(iii) Caste system had strict rules regarding marriage for its members. Caste groups are endogamous which means one has to marry within one’s caste.

(iv) Castes are divided into sub-divisions which means all the castes are divided into sub-castes and many a times sub-castes may also have further sub-castes. This is known as segmental organisation.

(v) Caste involved a system having many castes arranged in a hierarchy of rank and status. Practically, every person has a particular caste and every caste has a particular place in the hierarchy of all castes. Position of middle castes varies from region to region, but position of upper and lower castes remains the same.

(vi) All the castes have their fixed occupations. Person born into any particular caste, had to practise the occupation associated with that caste. It means that occupations were hereditary, and passed on from one generation to another. Members of other castes cannot join the occupation of any other caste. The occupations are confined only to a particular caste.

Question 3.
What changes did colonialism bring about in the caste system? (C.B.S.E. 2011, 2013)
Or
Mention any two changes that caste underwent during the colonial rule. (C.B.S.E. 2010)
Or
The institution of caste underwent major changes from colonial times to the present day. Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2012)
Answer:
Caste system worked with full strength in Indian society till the arrival of the British or even after sometime of establishment of the British empire. But once the British strengthened their position in India, they started to bring certain changes in Indian society and caste system was greatly affected by this. In this way colonisation brought the following changes in the caste system.

(i) Changes came due to western education. The British started establishing western education system in India by which all the children were given same and equal education without any discrimination. With western education, people came to know about their rights which led to the decline of caste system. Education was made open for women and lower castes because of which the main feature of caste system, of not giving education to them, came to an end.

(ii) Doing surveys. The colonial rulers brought many changes in India and all these changes were brought down deliberately. Firstly, they tried to understand the complex system of castes so that adminstration could be run smoothly. That is why they carried out detailed surveys about customs and traditions of different castes and tribes. Reports were made and on the basis of these reports, they started to bring changes in society. It again led to changes in caste system.

(iii) Social welfare. Modern educated Indians started to bring reforms in Indian society and their main objective was to eliminate the evils from the society. All the social reformers took certain steps against caste system. Welfare works were done for lower castes, inter-caste marriages were encouraged, widow marriage and elimination of child marriage got legal sanction. It reduced the complexity of caste system.

(iv) Reduction of traditional occupations. Hundreds of new occupations came to India with the advent of colonialism. Industries were opened, schools, colleges were started, new offices were opened with which people started to get occupations according to their wish and ability. With this, traditional occupations started to come to an end with which caste system began to change.

(v) Welfare of lower castes. Welfare works of lower castes started towards the end of colonial time. Administration took special interest in it. In 1935, Indian Government Act was passed which gave legal sanction to certain scheduled castes and tribes. From here, the words like scheduled castes and scheduled tribes came into being. Castes with lowest status in caste hierarchy were included in scheduled castes and many works were done for their welfare.

In this way, many changes came in caste system during the colonial period. We cannot deny the fact that basic and fundamental changes came in caste system during this time.

Question 4.
In what sense has caste become relatively ‘invisible’ for the urban upper castes?
Answer:
One of the most important but paradoxical changes came in caste system in post independence period. It seems to become invisible for the upper urban castes, urban middle and upper classes. These groups were benefited the most from the developmental policies of post colonial era, importance of caste declined for them because it had done its job very well. Their caste status was crucial in ensuring that they had enough economic and educational resources to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by quick development.

Particulary, the upper caste elites were able to benefit from subsidised public education, especially professional education in science, medicine, technology and management. They also took advantage of expansion of state sector jobs in early decades after Independence. In this starting period, they lead the whole society and ensured that they did not face any serious competition.

As their privileged status got consoldiated in second and third generations, these groups started to believe that their progress had no relation with their caste. Certainly for third generations of these groups, their economic and educational capital alone is quite sufficient to ensure that they will continue to get the best in terms of life chances. For them, it seems that caste has no importance in their public life, it being limited to the personal sphere of marriage, kinship or religious practice.

Question 5.
How have tribes been classified in India? (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Or
“Tribes have been classified according to their permanent and acquired traits”. Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Answer:
Tribes have been classified according to their permanent and acquired traits. Both of these traits are given below:
(i) Permanent traits. Tribal population in India is widespread, but they are also concentrated in certain regions. Around 85% of the tribal population lives in middle India, most of them stretched from Gujarat and Rajasthan in the West to West Bengal and Odisha in the East with Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and in few parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Around 11% people live in the North Eastern states and rest of remaining 3% live in rest of India. Assam having concentration of more than 30% tribal people and states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland have more than 60% and upto 95% of tribal population. Tribal population is very small in rest of the country.

(a) In terms of Language. Tribes can be classified in four categories in terms of language. Two of them are ‘Indo-Aryan’ and ‘Dravidians’, which are shared by the rest of Indian population as well, and tribes account for only about 1% of the former and around 3% of the latter. Two other language groups are ‘Austric’ and ‘Tibeto-Burman’ and these are primarily spoken by tribal people. They account for all of the first and over 8% of the second group i.e. Tibeto-Burman.

(b) In Physical-Racial terms. Tribes are classified under the Negrito, Australoid, Mongoloid, Dravidian and Aryan categories from physical-racial terms. The last two i.e. Dravidian and Aryans are again shared with rest of the Indian population.

(c) In terms of size. Tribes vary a great deal in terms of size. They are ranging from around seven million to some Andemanese islanders and number less than a hundred persons. Some Indian tribes have atleast a million population and these are Gonds, Bhils, Santhals, Oraons, Minas, Bodos and Mundas. Around 8.2% of total Indian population belongs to tribal people.

(ii) Acquired Characteristics. In this, two main criteria are there and these are mode of livelhood and extent of incorporation into Hindu society or a combination of both. On the basis of livelihood, tribes could be categorised into fishermen, food gatherers and hunters, shifting cultivators, peasants and plantation and industrial workers. But the dominant classification is the degree of assimilation into Hindu society.

Assimilation can be seen from either the point of view of tribes or from the point of the dominant Hindu mainstream. From tribes’ point of view, apart from the extent of assimilation, attitude towards Hindu society is also a major criterion, with differentiation between tribes that are positively inclined towards Hinduism and those who resist it. From the point of view of mainstream tribes may be viewed in terms of the status accorded to them is Hindu society, ranging from the high social status given to some to the generally low status accorded to most of them.

Question 6.
What evidence would you offer against the view that ‘tribes are primitive communities living isolated lives untouched by civilisation’?
Answer:
Some scholars are of the view that there is no coherent basis for treating these tribes as pristine which means original or pure societies which are uncontaminated by civilisation. They propose that instead the tribes should really be seen as secondary phenomena arising out of the exploitative and colonialist contact between pre-existing states and non-state groups like the tribals. This contact itself creates an ideology of tribalism. The tribal groups begin to define themselves as tribals in order to differentiate themselves from the newly encountered others.

Question 7.
What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today?
Or
Explain the main factors influencing the formation of tribal identity today. (C.B.S.E. 2012)
Or
What are the factors behind the assertion of tribal identities today? (C.B.S.E. 2013, 2017(D))
Answer:
These days the request of maintaining the concept of tribal identity is increasing day-by-day. One of its reasons may be the gradual emergence of an educated middle class among tribal communities. Most visible in the North-eastern states, this is now a segment beginning to be seen in the rest of the country as well, particularly among members of the larger tribal communities. In conjunction with policies of reservation, education is creating an urbanised professional class. As tribal societies get more differentiated i.e. develop class and other divisions within themselves, different bases are growing for the assertion of tribal indentity.

Question 8.
What are some of the different forms that the family can take?
Or
Distinguish between a nuclear and extended family. (C.B.S.E. 2012)
Answer:
If we look carefully towards modern society then mainly two types of families exist and these are:
(i) Nuclear Family. The basic form of family is Nuclear family. Husband, wife and their unmarried children live in nuclear family. When children get married then they again establish their own nuclear family. Yet the number of members increases but basically family remains nuclear. Husband-wife both have equal status and have equal rights in this type of family. Advice of wife and children is being taken before reaching any decision.

(ii) Joint Family. Inspite of Urbanisation, we still see this type of family in urban areas. Members of more than two generations live under one roof. Eldest member of the family has complete control over others. Thus, he/she is the head of the family.

Question 9.
In what ways can changes in social structure lead to changes in the family structure?
Or
In what ways does change in social structure lead to changes in the family structure? (C.B.S.E. 2017 (O.D.))
Answer:
It is certain that changes in social structure lead to the great changes in family structure. Sometimes, these changes comes suddenly and sometimes it come very slowly. For example, Britishers brought changes in administrative system in India. They spread western education, industries were developed which led to advent of thousands of new occupations. People left their joint families in rural areas in search of occupation. They began to live in cities and made their own nuclear families. In this way colonialism led to change in social structure and it led to change in family structure.

Question 10.
Explain the differences between Matriliny and Matriarchy.
Answer:
Studies have shown that different types of families are found in different societies. From the point of view of residence, some societies are matrilocal and some are patrilocal. In matrilocal family, the newly married couple lives with the woman’s parents whereas in patrilocal family, the couple stays with the man’s parents.

From the point of view of inheritance, in matrilineal society, property passes on from the mother to daughter and in patrilineal society, property passes on from father to son. In patriarchal family, the men exercise authority and dominance and in matriarchal family, women play a similar dominant role. But matriarchy unlike patriarchy has been a theoretical instead of an empirical concept.

No historical or anthropological evidence of matriarchy has been found where women exercise dominance. But, there do exist matrilineal societies where women inherit property from their mothers but do not exercise control over it, nor are they decision makers in public affairs.