Introducing Western Sociologists Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Sociology Chapter-3 Book-Understanding Society

 

1. Which three revolutionary changes have played a role in the emergence of sociology?

Answer: 

Three major revolutionary changes have been important in the development of sociology:

• Enlightenment/Science Revolution

• French Revolution (1789)

• Industrial Revolution

2. What was the Enlightenment and what impact did it have on sociology?

Answer:

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in Western Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries that promoted reason, logic, science, and humanism rather than religious faith.

It laid the foundation of scientific thinking and secularism for sociology.

A tendency developed to study the individual by considering him as the centre point of society.

3. What were the major effects of the French Revolution (1789)?

Answer:

1. Declaration of Human Rights: The principles of equality, liberty and fraternity were implemented.

2. Political Sovereignty: The concept of sovereignty emerged at the level of the individual and the nation-state.

3. End of the Zamindari System: The peasants were freed from the exploitation of the noble class.

4. Rise of the New Republic: The concept of modern democracy strengthened.

5. Universalisation of Education: Education got a place in the public sector.

4. What was the Industrial Revolution and what were its effects on society?

Answer: 

The Industrial Revolution took place in Europe and North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming an agriculture-based economy into a machine-based one.

major impact:

• Urbanisation: Rural people began to migrate to cities in search of work.

• Creation of the working class: A working class employed in factories developed.

• Global economy: Production and trade grew internationally.

• Environmental Impact: Industrialisation caused pollution and over-use of resources.

5. Who was Karl Marx and what was his contribution to sociology?

Answer:

Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a German philosopher and sociologist who analysed society in terms of class struggle.

Major contributions:

• Theory of class struggle

• Criticism of capitalism

• The concept of socialism

• Historical Materialism

Major works:

• The Communist Manifesto

• The Capital

6. According to Karl Marx, what are the stages of development of society?

Answer:

1. Primitive Communism

2. Slavery

3. Feudalism

4. Capitalism

5. Socialism

7. What are the key elements of Karl Marx's class struggle theory?

Answer:

Classes in society are formed on the basis of control over the means of production.

There are two classes in a capitalist society:

• Bourgeois class (bourgeoisie)

• Proletariat (labourers)

Change in society occurs when the exploited class (workers) organise themselves and make a revolution.

8. Who was Emile Durkheim and what were his contributions to sociology?

Answer:

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) was one of the founders of sociology. He viewed society as a social fact.

Major contributions:

• Social Solidarity

• Sociological study of religion

• Sociological analysis of suicide

Major works:

• Division of Labor in Society

• The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life

9. According to Durkheim, what are the types of social unity in society?

Answer:

1. Mechanical Solidarity – Based on similar work and belief in traditional society.

2. Organic Solidarity – Based on division of labour and mutual dependence in modern society.

10. Who was Max Weber and what were his contributions to sociology?

Answer:

Max Weber (1864-1920) was a German sociologist who emphasized meaningful social action in the study of society.

Major contributions:

• Theory of Bureaucracy

• The Protestant Ethic and the Growth of Capitalism

• Theory of Ideal Type

Major works:

• The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

• Economy and Society

11. What are the main characteristics of bureaucracy according to Max Weber?

Answer:

• Hierarchy

• Rule-Based System

• Specialization

• The importance of written documents

• Division of duties and powers

12. What is Social Action?

Answer:

According to Max Weber, social action is human behaviour that is meaningful and is influenced by the behaviour of other individuals.

13. Who did the sociological study of religion and what were their conclusions?

Answer:

1. Emile Durkheim: Considered religion a source of social unity and morality.

2. Max Weber: Explained the relationship between religion and economic system.

14. What are the main reasons for change in society?

Answer:

• Technological and industrial development

• Political and social movements

• Changes in the economic structure

• Changes in culture and ideology

15. What is the importance of sociology?

Answer:

• Helps in understanding the structure and functions of society.

• Helps in solving social problems.

• Helps in formulation of policies and plans.

16. What are the means of production?

Answer: 

Factors of production are the resources used to produce goods and services. They include land, capital, labor, and technology.

17. What is Historical Materialism?

Answer: 

According to Karl Marx, society develops depending on its economic structure and production relations.

18. What is called Social Fact?

Answer: 

According to Durkheim, social facts are the external and binding norms, values ​​and institutions that prevail in society and regulate individual behaviour.