20 short answer questions on "Sociology and its Relationship" for Class 11 students.

1.Define sociology in your own words.
Answer: Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of human society, social interactions, social groups, and social institutions. It explores how individuals shape and are shaped by their social environment.

2.Who coined the term "sociology" and why did he feel a new discipline was needed?
Answer: Auguste Comte coined the term "sociology." He believed a new science was needed to study social phenomena using scientific methods to solve modern social problems.

3.Name the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology.
Answer: Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism.

4.Briefly explain the focus of functionalism in understanding society.

Answer: Functionalism sees society as a system of interrelated parts working together to maintain social stability and order.

5.What is the central idea of conflict theory in sociology?
Answer: Conflict theory focuses on social inequality, power struggles, and how dominant groups maintain control over resources and institutions.

6.Explain the main emphasis of symbolic interactionism.
Answer: Symbolic interactionism emphasizes micro-level social interactions and how individuals create shared meanings through symbols and language.

7.How does sociology differ from common sense understanding of society?
Answer: Sociology uses scientific research and theory, while common sense relies on personal opinion and experience, which may be biased or incorrect.

8.In what ways is sociology related to history? Give one example.
Answer: Sociology uses historical data to understand social change. For example, it studies industrialization’s impact on family structures.

9.Distinguish between the primary focus of sociology and political science.
Answer: Sociology studies all aspects of society, while political science focuses mainly on political systems, power, and governance.

10. How does the sociological perspective contribute to our understanding of economic issues?

Answer: Sociology analyzes how social factors like class and gender influence economic inequality and behaviors.

11. Briefly explain the difference in focus between sociology and psychology.
Answer: Psychology studies individual behavior and mental processes, while sociology studies social interactions and societal patterns.

12. What is the traditional focus of anthropology that distinguishes it from sociology?
Answer: Anthropology traditionally studies non-Western cultures and pre-industrial societies, often through fieldwork.

13. How does social psychology bridge the gap between sociology and psychology?
Answer: Social psychology combines social context and group behavior from sociology with individual behavior from psychology.

14. Define C. Wright Mills' concept of the "sociological imagination."
Answer: Sociological imagination is the ability to connect personal experiences with larger social and historical forces.

15. Explain the sociological concept of "social structure" with an example.
Answer: Social structure is the organized pattern of social relationships and institutions. Example: the school system with roles like teachers and students.

16. What are social norms? Give a brief example.
Answer: Social norms are accepted rules of behavior. Example: Waiting in line is a norm in many societies.

17. Define "social institutions" and name two examples.
Answer: Social institutions are organized systems meeting societal needs. Examples: Family and Education.

18. Briefly explain the difference between microsociology and macrosociology.
Answer: Microsociology studies small-scale interactions; macrosociology studies large-scale social structures and systems.

19. What is meant by the term "agency" in sociological discussions?
Answer: Agency is the ability of individuals to make independent choices and influence the social world.

20. Why is it important for individuals to study sociology?
Answer: Sociology helps individuals critically understand society, recognize social influences, and become responsible citizens.