Understanding Social Institutions Short and Long Important Question Class 11 Sociology Chapter-3 Book-Introducing Sociology

 

Question - What do you understand by social institution?

Answer - 

• A systematic and organised system established in society, which controls the collective life and activities of human beings.

• These institutions are created to fulfill important functions and needs of the society and their purpose is to bind the behavior and mutual relations of people within a prescribed framework.

• Types of social institution

• Formal

• An order established by rules and laws.

• Institutionally provided education systems, such as schools and universities.

• Informal

• The primary unit that plays a non-official role in a person's life.

• Informal system based on social and cultural beliefs and traditions.

Question- What is meant by family?

Answer - 

• Family is a 'natural' social institution.

• The family performs many important functions that fulfill the basic needs of society and help stabilize the social system.

basis for division of family 

• Based on residence/ location

• matrilocal

• patrilocal

on the basis of authority and influence 

• matriarchal

• patriarchal

On the basis of lineage 

• matrilineal

• patrilineal

Question - What is meant by marriage?

Answer - 

• Marriage is a socially and legally recognized union between two individuals, typically involving mutual rights and obligations.

Grounds for division of marriage 

• Based on number of partners

• a marriage

• Polygamy

basis of the rules 

• Endogamy : A person marries within the same cultural group to which he or she is already a member 
• Exogamy : An individual marries outside his group.

Question – It is clear from the censuses that the family is gender biased – explain.

Answer - 

• In modern society it is prevalent that the boy will help the parents in their old age and the girl will get married and go to another house

• Because of this, less money is spent on girls and more money is spent on boys.

• Due to this reason, female foeticide is getting encouraged.

other factors..   

• Gender discrimination in education

• Inequalities in health care

• Economic dependence

• role setting in the family

• Property rights

Question – Mention the changes taking place in the structure of the family.

Answer - 

• Shift from joint family to nuclear family

• Changes in the role of women

• Changes in marriage and cohabitation

• Decrease in the number of children

• Progress towards gender equality

• The rise of non-traditional families

Question – “Citizenship rights include civil, political and social rights.” Explain this statement.

Answer - 

• Citizenship is not just a state of being a citizen of a country, but it also gives citizens certain special rights that enable them to live a free and dignified life.

Citizenship rights 

• civil rights

• Right to choose place of residence

• freedom of speech and religion,

• Right to property

• Equal before the law

• Right to justice

political rights 

• This includes the right to participate in elections and to stand for public office.

Social rights 

• It is the special right of an individual to enjoy a certain minimum level of economic well-being and security.

Question – Explain the concept of state.

Answer - 

• A definite territory: The state has a definite geographical boundary and has rights over all the resources, land, water, and air within it.

• Population: The population may include people of different caste, religion, language and class, but all are bound to follow the laws of the state.

• Government: The government runs and administers the state. It is divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

• Sovereignty: Sovereignty means the supreme and independent authority of a state over its territory.

Question - Education acts as the main agent of social stratification - explain.

Answer - 

• Education is a lifelong process that includes both formal and informal institutions of learning.

• Economic opportunities are determined by education

• Economic division of labour is increasing, division of tasks from home is taking place, need for acquiring specialised education and skills

• Class and caste have an influence in educational institutions.

• Education brings about class change.

Question - "Religion is important in society." Explain.

Answer - 

• Religion, as a sociological institution, shapes social norms, identity, and cohesion through shared beliefs and practices, moral guidance, social control, and cultural transmission across generations and communities.

Importance of religion

• moral and ethical guidance

• Social cohesion and collective identity

• Cultural preservation

• social control

• Spirit of humanity and service

Question: “Power is used through authority.” Explain the meaning of this statement.

Answer -

• Power is the ability of individuals or groups to achieve their will despite opposition from others.

• Legitimate, which is accepted by the society.

• Authority is that form of power which is accepted as being legitimate i.e. that which is considered to be right and just

Question - Explain the two views towards the state 

Answer -

• The functionalist approach views the state as a representative of the interests of all sections of society.

• The conflict approach views the state as a representative of the dominant sections of society.

Question – Mention the distinctive features of economic systems in modern society.

Answer - 

• A very small part of the population is engaged in agriculture

• Agriculture has also become industrialized

• most of the work is done by machines

• business is being carried on for the purpose of profit

• Dependence on chemical fertilizers