Teachers recommend solving Kerala Syllabus Plus Two Sociology Previous Year Question Papers and Answers Pdf March 2024 to improve time management during exams.
Kerala Plus Two Sociology Previous Year Question Paper March 2024
Answer any 9 questions from 1 to 10. Each carries 1 score. (9 × 1 = 9)
Question 1.
Who called upon the media to function as the watch dog of democracy?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Subhash Chandra Bose
(c) B.P. Mandal
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru
Question 2.
The first modem mass media Institution began with development of _____.
(a) Radio
(b) Television
(c) Printing Press
(d) Telephone
Answer:
Printing Press
Question 3.
______ refers to the mixing of the global culture with the local culture.
(a) Westernisation
(b) Culture of consumption
(c) Glocalisation
(d) Corporate culture
Answer:
Glocahsation
Question 4.
Who among the following emphasised the glory of the Aryan period?
(a) Jyotiba Phule
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Viresalingam
(d) Vidyasagar
Answer:
BaI GangadharTilak
Question 5.
Jyotiba Phule who started the first school for women at ______ .
(a) Allahabad
(b) Delhi
(c) Pune
(d) Madras
Answer:
Pune
Question 6.
Who is the chief architect of the Constitution of India?
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
(d) Sri Lai Bahadur Shgstri
Answer:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Question 7.
The aggressive chauvinism based on religious identity is _____.
(a) Regionalism
(b) Secularism
(c) Communalism
(d) Liguism
Answer:
Communalism
Question 8.
The families that pass on property from mother to daughter is 1
(a) Families of orientation
(b) Families of Procreation
(c) Matrilineal Families
(d) Patrilineal Families
Answer:
Matrilineal FamWes
Question 9.
______ refers to the pre-conceived opinions or attitudes held by members of one group towards another.
(a) Stereotypes
(c) nileoiaioio
Answer:
Prejudices
Question 10.
_____ is the non-state and non-market part of the public domain in which individuals get together voluntarily to create institutions and organisations.
(a) Bureaucracy
(b) Constitution
(c) Government
(d) Civil Society
Answer:
Civil Society
Answer all the questions from 11 to 15 in two or three sentences each. Each carries 2 scores.
Question 11.
Describe the idea ‘Sex ratio’.
Answer:
Sex ratio is the number of females per thousand males in a given area at a specific time. It is a demographic indicator that helps in understanding the balance between males and females within a given population.
Question 12.
Clarify the term ‘Dominant Caste’ with examples.
Answer:
Dominant Caste’ is a term contributed by M.N.Srinivas. A dominant caste is a group that is big innumbers, wealthy in land and money. and holds significant political influence. Examples include Jats of Punjab, Reddys ofAndhra Pradesh, Yadavas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and similar influenlial caste groups.
Question 13.
What is meant by Social Exclusion?
(b) Prejudices
(c) Discrimination
(d) Social Exclusion
Answer:
Social exclusion is when certain people or groups are left out from fully taking part in society. It can happen when they are ignored or not given the same opportunities as others in the fields of education, health and social security. Social exclusion is not accidental, rather it is a result of structural features of society.
Question 14.
Explain the idea ‘Scientific Management’.
Answer:
The concept of scientific management was put forward by F.W.Tayor. The main objective of this theory is improving economic efficiency and labour productivity, It is a method where tasks are broken down into smaller, repetitive elements to increase efficiency. This theory is also known as Taylorism
Question 15.
What is meant by ‘Mass Communications’?
Answer:
Mass communication refers to the distribution of information to a large audience through various channels such as television, newspapers, films, radio, and magazines. These mediums are called mass media because they reach a wide and diverse audience.
Answer any 3 questions from 16 to 19. Each carries 4 scores. (3 × 4 = 12)
Question 16.
Explain the meaning of the concept. ‘Commodification’ with suitable examples.
Answer:
Commodification occurs mainly due to the expansion of capitalism around the world. Corn mod Wlcatxn brings previousiy non-traded goods and services into the market economy allowing them to be bought and sold. For example, jobs and skills that people have can become commodities when people start paying for those services. Other examples are bottled water, marriage bureaus, and personality development institutes. According to Marx and critics of capitalism, the process of commodification has negative social effects.
Question 17.
Find out the different aspects in the growth and expansion of mass media and communication.
Answer:
The different aspects of the growth and expansion of mass media and communication are:
(a) Economic, Political, and Cultural Influence: Mass media, like TV and newspapers, change based on money. politics, and culture. For example, ads and news stories can be ifluenced by who s paying for them and what’s happening in the world.
(b) Connection between Mass Media and Society: Mass media and society affect each other. Society shapes what’s in the media, and the media shapes how society thinks and acts.
(c) Formal Structure of Mass Communication: Mass communication, such as TV shows and news, needs a big, organized system to work.
(d) Digital Divide: Not everyone has the same access to digital things like computers and the internet. Some people have more. and some have less. This can make it hard for everyone to get the same information and opportunities.
Question 18.
What is meant by ‘Marketisation’? Discuss.
Answer:
Marketisation refers to the shift towards using market-based methods instead of government rules to address social, political, or economic issues.This includes actions like deregulation (reducing rules), privatization (selling government-owned companies), and allowing more freedom for businesses to operate.
Advocates of marketisation believe it can boost economic growth because they think private businesses are more efficient than government-run ones. For example, instead of the government directly providing a service like healthcare, it might encourage private companies to compete for customers.
This can lead to more choices for people but can also mean that those who can’t afford to pay might not get the same level of service. Marketisation is often seen as a way to promote competition and efficiency, but critics worry it can lead to inequality and prioritize profit over people’s needs.
Question 19.
Home based work is an important part of the economy, substantiate.
Answer:
Home-based work is indeed a significant component of the economy, contributing to various industries. It is when people do their jobs from their homes instead of going to a workplace. Home-based work is really important for the economy because it involves making things like lace, carpets, and bidis right from home. Usually, women and kids do this kind of work. They get materials from someone, make the products, and then that person picks them up and pays them based on how many they make.
For example, in the bidi industry, people in forest villages collect leaves and sell them to contractors. These contractors give materials to home-based workers, mostly women, who make bidis at home. The bidis are then sold to manufacturers, who put their brand labels on them and sell them to shops. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lots of people, especially in the IT sector, worked from home. Even though they were doing different jobs, both types of home-based work involve people doing their jobs from home, showing how important it is for the economy.
Answer any 3 questions from 20 to 23. Each carries 5 scores. (3 × 5 = 15)
Question 20.
List out the differertt dimensions of ‘Globalisation’.
Answer:
Globalisation is the process by which economies, societies, and cultures become increasingly interconnected and
interdependent across national boundaries. It started in 1991 when the government decided to open up the Indian economy to the global market. Before that, the government had lots of rules to protect Indian businesses. But with liberalisation, those rules were removed. Globalisation involves the exchange of goods, services, ideas, and information on a global scale, facilitated by advancements in technology, communication, and transportation.
Factors Driving Globalisation:Transnational Corporations
One big part of globalisation is the role of big companies that operate in many countries. These are called transnational corporations. They make goods or offer services in different parts of the world.
Electronic Economy:
Another thing driving globalisation is the electronic economy. With technology, money can move around the world quickly. This is good for business, but it also brings risks like cyber threats.
Dimensions of Globalisation
(a) Economic Dimension: Economic globalization involves the increasing flow of goods, services, and capital across national borders. It,leads to the creation of a global market where businesses compete and cooperate on an international scale.
(b) Political Dimension: Political globalization involves the creation and strengthening of global organizations like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and International Monetary Fund. Countries also collaborate on global issues such as climate change, terrorism, and human rights through treaties, agreements, and summits.
(c) Cultural Dimension: Cultures blend and evolve as they interact, leading to the emergence of hybrid identities, cuisines, and art forms. Globalization enables the dissemination of media and entertainment products worldwide, shaping popular culture and tastes.
Question 21.
List out the merits of sociological imagination.
Answer:
The concept of sociological imagination, as introduced byAmerican sociolostC. Wright Mills. offers a powerful tramework forunderstanding the intersection of personal experiences and broader social forces The sociological imagination offers several merits that enhance ow understancng of society and our place within it:
(a) Critical Thriking: It encourages individuale to question the taken-for-granted assumptions about society and examine the underlying structures that shape social phenomena.
(b) Understanding Social Context: It helps individuals understand how personal experiences are influenced by broader social forces such as history ciiture. and social institutiors.
(c) Empathy and Compassion: By recognizing the interconnectedness of personal troubles and public issues, the sociological Imagination fosters empathy and compassion towards others expenences and struggles
(d) Social Change II empowers individuals to recognize their agency in contflbuting to social change by addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for social lustice.
(e) Cultural Awareness: The sociological inagInatxn omotes cultural awareness by flighlighting the diversity of human experiences and challenging elhnocentnsm and social positions, fostering self awareness and reflexivity.
(f) Self-Reflection: It encourages individuale to reflect on their own biases, privileges.
(g) Global Perspective: By emphasizing the interconnectedness of societies and the global nature of social issues, the sociological imagination promotes a global perspective on social phenomena.
(h) Personal Growth: It fosters personal growth and development by expanding individuals’ perspectives, encouraging lifelong learning, and promoting a sense of civic responsibility.
Question 22.
Differentiate between Western and Indian meaning of secularism.
Answer:
In the western context, secularism mainly means secarating religion from government. This was a big change in the western world’s history because before, religion and politics were connected. But then, religion started becoming less importent in public life, and people could choose if they wanted to be religious or not. This happened as modern ideas like science and logic became more popular.
In India, secularism is similar to the western idea, but it also includes other things. In everyday language. ‘secular” is often used tomean the opposite of “communal.” So, when e say someone or something is secular, it means they don’t show favoritism towards any religion. Instead, they treat all religions equally. For example, in India,, the government celebrates holidays for all religions, not just one.
However, there are challenges in India because the government wants to be secular but also protect minority groups. Minonties might need extra help because they might not have the same advantages as the majority group. But when the government gives them special treatment, some people think its just for votes or support. They say it’s not fair to the majority. Others argue that without this special help, the majority might force their beliefs onto minorities.
Question 23.
Match the following:
(a) The First Backward Classes Commission Dayanand Saraswati
(b) The Second Backward Classes Commission Raja Rammohan Roy
(c) The Brahmo Samaj Jyotiba Phule
(d) The Satyashodhak Samaj B.P. Mandal
(e) The Arya Samaj Kaka Kalelkar
Answer:
(a) The First Backward Classes Commission Kaka Kaiekar
(b) The Second Backward Classes Commission- B.P. Manda
(C) The Brahmo Samaj- Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(d) The Satyashodhak Samaj- Jyotiba Phule
(e) The Arya Samaj- Dayanand Saraswati
Answer any 3 questions from 24 to 27. Each carries 6 scores. (3 × 8 = 18)
Question 24.
Explain the features of National Family Planning Programme of India.
Answer:
The National Famdy Planning Programme of India started with the aim to control how fast the population grows and in what way. They wanted to make sure the population grew in a way that’s good for society. At first, the maingoal was to slow down how quickly the population was growing, They did this bytelling people about different ways they could control when they have children, like using birth control methods They also worked to make sure people knew about health issues related to population growth.
This was all happening wound 50 years ago, and since then, India has made a lot of progress in managing its population. But during a time called the National Emergency, the famay plenning program faced a big problem This was in the years 1975to 1976. During this time, normal govemment processes stopped, and the goverrcent could make special rules without needing approval from Parliament.
The government then tried to reduce the population quickly by making many people have sterilization surgeries Sterilization as a medical procedure that stops someone from being able to have children. They made a lot of poor and weak people have this Surgery, and they put a lot of pressure on government workers like teachers and office workers to bring people for sterilization. Many people didn’t like this. and there was a lot of opposition to the progran.
After the National Emergency ended, the family planning program changed.They stopped using forceful methods like making people have sterilization surgeries. Instead. they started focusing on broader goals related to society and demographics. They made new rules in 2000 as part of the National Population Policy, and in 2017, they included most of these goals in the National Health Policy. These policies set new targets for improving health and managing the population.
The history of India’s family planning program shows us that while the government can do a lot to control how fast the population grows, there are many other things that also matter. Things like money, society, and culture also play a big role in how many children people have. So, even though the government tries to manage the population, there are many factors that they can’t control completely.
Question 25.
Describe the important features of the Caste System.
Answer:
The caste system is a social structure in India that has been deeply ingrained in society for centuries. It determines a person’s social status and role based on their birth. Below are the key features of the caste system:
(a) Caste Determined by Birth:
A person’s caste is determined by the caste of their parents.
One cannotchoose their caste; it is assigned at birth
While rare, there are instances where a person may be expelled from their caste.
(b) Strict Rules about Marriage:
Marriage within one’s caste, known as endogamy, is strictly observed.
Members of a caste are expected to marry only within their own caste group.
(c) Rules about Food and Food-Sharing
Caste membership dictates what kinds of food one can eat.
There are strict guidelines about sharing food, often limiting it to members of the same caste.
(d) Hierarchy of Castes:
The caste system is structured into a hierarchy of rank and status.
Each caste occupies a specific place in the hierarchy.
While the hierarchical position of some castes may vary regionally, a hierarchy is present across all regions.
(e) Sub-Divisions within Castes
Castes are further divided into sub-castes.
Sub-castes may also have their own divisions, creating a segmental organization within the caste system.
(f) Occupational Linkage
Traditionally, castes were associated with specific occupations.
Occupations were hereditary, meaning they were passed down from generation to generation within a caste.
The caste system in India is a complex social structure that shapes every aspect of an individual’s life, from birth to occupation. Its defining features include birth-based caste assignment, strict rules about marriage and food, a hierarchical arrangement of castes, subdivision into sub-castes, and linkage with specific occupations. Despite efforts to address its inequalities, the caste system continues to influence social dynamics in India.
Question 26.
(a) Define the term‘Sanskritisation’.
(b) Critically analyse the concept ‘Sanskritisation’.
Answer:
(a) The term sanskritisation was coined by M.N. Srinivas. It may be defined as the process by which a ‘low ’caste or tribe or other group takes over the customs, ritual, beliefs, ideology and style of life of a high and, in particular, a ‘twice-born (dwija) caste’.
(b) The concept of Sanskritisation reflects a multifaceted impact on Indian society. It influences various aspects such as language, literature, ideology, music, dance, and rituals. Sanskritisation operates differently in different regions of India, depending on the dominance of Sanskritised or non-Sanskritic castes.
agricultural practices, and socioeconomic disparities. Impact of colonialism on media
Criticism of Sanskritisation arises on several fronts:
- Overstates social mobility for lower castes, leading to only positional changes within the caste.
- Perpetuates the idea that upper-caste practices are superior, reinforcing social inequalities.
- Justifies inequality and the purity of certain social groups.
- Doesn’t address structural changes needed to reduce inequality, focusing instead on individual advancement.
Question 27.
Examine the impact of the ‘British Colonialism’ on Indian Society.
Answer:
British colonialism brought modern ideas and institutions to India but also imposed limitations on freedom and self-governance.
Agrarian Structure Changes:
Before British rule, land ownership was with ruling groups, but under colonialism, zamindars gained more control and imposed heavy taxes on peasants.
Implementation of Land Revenue Systems:
British rule introduced different land revenue systems:-the zamindari system, where intermediaries extracted produce or money, and the raiyatwari system, where cultivators paid taxes directly.
Consequences of Land Revenue Systems:
The zamindari system led to exploitation, stagnation, and famines, while the raiyatwari system incentivized cultivators to invest in agriculture, leading to higher productivity and prosperity.
Legacy of Colonialism:
The impact of British land revenue administration and exploitation shaped the agrarian landscape of contemporary India, influencing land ownership patterns.
- Indian nationalism grew in response to British colonialism.
- The nationalist press played a crucial role in nurturing anti-colonial sentiment.
- The colonial government imposed censorship on the nationalist press.
- Newspapers like Kesari, Mathrubhumi, and Amrita Bazar Patrika faced consequences but continued advocating for independence.
- Mass media under British rule included newspapers, magazines, films, and radio.
- Radio was state-owned, limiting the expression of national views.
- Newspapers and films were monitored by the British government.
- Despite limited circulation, print media influenced public opinion through word of mouth.
- The media expressed a range of opinions about India’s independence.
Answer any 2 questions from 28 to 30. Each carries 8 scores. (2 × 8 = 16)
Question 28.
(a) What are the ideals of Panchayati Raj?
(b) Briefly explain the powers and responsibilities of Panchayats.
Answer:
(a) The ideals of Panchayati Raj revolve around the concept of grassroots democracy and decentralized governance at the village level. It aims to empower local communities by ensuring democratic participation and decisionmaking.
- Historically, village governance was influenced by caste panchayats,often representing dominant groups with conservative views.
- Mahatma Gandhi advocated for local self-government, envisioning each village as a self-sufficient unit practicing gram swarajya.
- The 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
- This mandated the election of local self¬government bodies every five years, giving them control over local resources.
- The 73rd and 74th amendments reserved one-third of seats for women in all elected offices of local bodies, enhancing women’s participation in decision¬making.
- These reforms signify a commitment to grassroots democracy, decentralization, and inclusive governance in India.
(b) According to the Constitution, Panchayats should be given powers and authority to function as institutions of self government.
- The following powers and responsibilities were delegated the Panchayats:
- to prepare plans and schemes for economic development.
- to promote schemes that will enhance social justice.
- to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees.
- help in the devolution of governmental responsibilities, especially that of finances to local authorities.
1. Social welfare responsibilities of the Panchayats include the maintenance of burning and burial grounds.
2. Recording statistics of births and deaths, establishment of child welfare and maternity centres, control of cattle pounds, propagation of family planning and promotion of agricultural activities.
3. The development activities include the construction of roads, public buildings, wells, tanks and schools. They also promote small cottage industries and take care of minor irrigation works.
Question 29.
(a) What is meant by ‘Green Revolution’?
(b) Critically analyse the Social Consequences of the Green Revolution.
Answer:
(a) The Green Revolution, a government initiative largely funded by international agencies, aimed to modernize agriculture in India by providing high-yielding crop varieties, along with pesticides, fertilizers, and other inputs, to farmers. Its primary objective was to rapidly increase agricultural productivity to meet the growing demand for food. Focused mainly on regions with assured irrigation, such as Punjab, western U.P, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Tamil Nadu, the Green Revolution led to significant improvements in crop yields, making India self-sufficient in foodgrain production. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a prominent agricultural scientist, played a crucial role in championing the development and implementation of high-yielding crop varieties, particularly wheat and rice, contributing to the success of the Green Revolution.
(b) The impacts of the Green Revolution in India were multifaceted. It led to rapid social and economic transformations in certain areas, boosting agricultural productivity and making the country self-sufficient in foodgrain production. However, the benefits were unevenly distributed, primarily favoring medium and large-scale farmers while exacerbating inequalities in – rural society.
The introduction of new technology and commercialization of agriculture further marginalized small and marginal farmers, leading to increased rural-urban migration. Additionally, the Green Revolution widened regional inequalities and exacerbated exploitative labor relations in feudal agrarian structures. While the initiative initially increased employment and wages for agricultural workers, it also led to economic insecurity and a loss of traditional farming knowledge. The second phase of the Green Revolution in the 1980s saw similar trends, with increased commercialization and market dependence, exacerbating livelihood insecurity, especially in dry and semi-arid regions. Calls for a return to traditional, organic farming methods have emerged in response to the negative environmental and social impacts of modern agricultural practices.
The main issues can be concluded as follows.
- Widening inequalities, favoring medium and large-scale farmers
- Marginalization of small and marginal farmers, leading to increased ruralurban migration
- Exacerbation of regional inequalities and exploitative labor relations
- Initial increase in employment and wages for agricultural workers, followed by economic insecurity
- Loss of traditional farming knowledge and calls for a return to organic methods.
Question 30.
What are the features of a ‘Social Movement’? Explain the important theories on Social Movements.
Answer:
Social movements are when groups of people come together to push for change in society. They work together in an organized way, sharing the same goals and ideas. These movements have tackled lots of different problems throughout history, like fighting for the rights of people who are treated unfairly or challenging old-fashioned ways of doing things. Even though they often face challenges, social movements are really important for making society better and fairer for everyone.
Here are few examples of different types of social movements which brought notable changes in society.
- Campaigns for women’s suffrage and gender equality
- Civil rights movements advocating for racial equality
- LGBTQ+ rights movements fighting for equal rights and recognition
- Environmental movements addressing climate change and conservation
- Anti-war movements opposing military intervention and advocating for peace
- Labor movements fighting for workers’ rights and fair wages.
Sociologists and thinkers conducted various studies about the social movements and formed certain theories in connection to them. Let’s examine some major theories here.
Relative Deprivation Theory:
Relative Deprivation Theory posits that feelings of discontent and frustration arise not solely from objective deprivation or absolute poverty, but from a perceived discrepancy between one’s expectations or aspirations and one’s actual circumstances relative to others. According to this theory, individuals or groups compare their situation with that of others and feel deprived or disadvantaged when they perceive themselves as unfairly disadvantaged or lacking in comparison. Relative deprivation can fuel social movements, protests, or collective action as individuals or groups mobilize to address perceived injustices or inequalities and strive for greater equality or recognition.
This theory highlights the subjective nature of deprivation and underscores the importance of social comparisons and perceived relative status in shaping feelings of discontent and collective action. Mancus Olson’s Theory Mancur Olsen’s theory, known as the Collective Action Theory, emphasizes the, challenges and dynamics of group behavior and collective action. Olsen argues that individuals face incentives to free-ride, meaning they benefit from the collective efforts of others without contributing themselves. This results in the “logic of collective action,” where individuals have little incentive to participate in collective action
unless they believe their contribution will make a difference or they face selective incentives that motivate them to participate. Olsen’s theory highlights the importance of overcoming coordination problem sand providing selective incentives, such as material rewards or social benefits, to mobilize individuals and overcome the collective action problem. Additionally, he emphasizes the role of group size and organization in facilitating or hindering collective action efforts.
Resource Mobilisation Theory:
Resource Mobilization Theory posits that successful social movements require the effective mobilization of resources, including financial, organizational, and human resources, to achieve their goals. Developed in response to earlier’theories focusing solely on grievances or structural factors, Resource Mobilization Theory emphasizes the strategic use of resources by movement actors to maximize their impact and effectiveness.
According to this theory, social movements must build networks, establish organizations. and mobilize support to acquire and deploy resources effectively. Furthermore, Resource Mobilization Theory highlights the role of external factors, such as political opportunities and Institutional support, in shaping the mobilization and allocation of resources for social movements.