ISC Class 12 Sociology Board Exam Question Paper 2018 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Sociology Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2018

Part - I (20 Marks)
Answer all questions.

Question 1.
Answer briefly each of the following questions : [10 x 2]
(i) What are the two types of uni lineal descents ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Two types of unilineal descents are patrilineal and matrilineal.

Teacher's Note:
a) Unilineal descent traces descent exclusively through a single line, either the father's or the mother's.
b) Students must clearly distinguish between patrilineal (male line) and matrilineal (female line) descent.

(ii) Distinguish between consanguineous kinship and affinal kinship. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Consanguineal kinship refers to those kins, which are related through blood (e.g., mother, siblings, offspring, etc.), while affinal kinship refers to those kins, which are related through marital bonds (husband, father, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, etc.).

Teacher's Note:
a) Consanguineal kin are connected by biological or presumed biological ties.
b) Affinal kin relationships are established socially through marriage.

(iii) Who are sharecroppers ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Sharecroppers are farmers who do not have their own land and work as tenants on others' land and have to pay a part of their crops as rent to the landowner.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sharecropping is a form of agriculture where a landowner allows a tenant to use the land in return for a share of the crops produced.
b) This agrarian relationship often highlights economic dependency and tenancy issues in rural sociology.

(iv) Define the term modernization. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Modernisation is a progressive transition from pre-modern or traditional society to a modern society. It refers to improvement in technology and in the processes of production.

Teacher's Note:
a) Modernisation encompasses structural changes in economy, polity, education, and social values.
b) Mentioning both technological advancement and societal transformation is essential for full marks.

(v) Explain what is meant by couvade. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Couvade refers to a strange sacred birth custom prevalent in tribes like Gonds and Khasi. Under this custom, the husband has to lead the life of an invalid, along with his pregnant wife. He has to refrain from doing any active physical work and has to go on a sick diet. He is also expected to follow the same taboos as are observed by his wife.

Teacher's Note:
a) Couvade is a sympathetic ritual where the father assumes childbearing-related behaviors.
b) Give specific tribal examples such as the Gonds or Khasi to enrich the answer.

(vi) Write the full forms of MGNREGA and IRDP. [2 Marks]

Answer:
MGNREGA : Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005).
IRDP : Integrated Rural Development Programme.

Teacher's Note:
a) Full forms must be written accurately with correct spellings and years where applicable.
b) These programmes represent key rural development and employment initiatives in India.

(vii) What is an avuncupotestal family ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Avuncupotestal family refers to the one in which the authority is vested with the maternal uncle. The nephews and nieces show the greatest loyalty towards the maternal uncle and work for him and inherit his property.

Teacher's Note:
a) The term is derived from 'avunculus' meaning maternal uncle.
b) This structure is typically found in certain matrilineal societies where the mother's brother holds disciplinary and administrative authority.

(viii) Define assimilation. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Assimilation is a process whereby attitudes of many persons are united and thus, develop into a unified group (Bogardus). Assimilation refers to a process in which persons or groups acquire the culture of other groups with which they come into contact, by adopting their attitudes, behavior, values, and ways of life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Assimilation involves complete cultural fusion where minority groups lose their distinct cultural identity to blend into the dominant culture.
b) Citing a standard sociological definition or sociologist adds academic weight.

(ix) Give the meanings of the terms beliefs and rituals. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Beliefs refer to a cognitive state of mind where some person places faith or trust in some person or thing, representing attitudes towards mythological, supernatural or spiritual aspects of religion. Rituals refer to the behavioral aspects of repetitive actions and sacred words, such as chanting of mantras or performing religious rites.

Teacher's Note:
a) Beliefs represent the cognitive or mental dimension of religion, whereas rituals represent the practical or behavioral dimension.
b) Clearly distinguish between what is thought/believed and what is physically performed.

(x) What are free goods ? Give an example. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Free goods in economic terms refer to those resources which are available in abundance, hence people do not have to pay anything for them. For example, air, water.

Teacher's Note:
a) Free goods have zero opportunity cost and are not scarce.
b) Provide clear, universally accepted examples like sunlight or air.

Part - II (50 Marks)
Answer any five questions.

Question 2.
(a) Define degrees of kinship. Discuss its types with examples. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Degree of kinship refers to the degree of closeness one has to different relatives. Normally, consanguineous kins are more closely related to each other than affinal kins. There are mainly three basic degrees into which kins can be classified:
1. Primary kins: Some relatives are near, close, and direct. According to Dubey, they are eight in number, viz., father-son, husband-wife, mother-daughter, father-daughter, mother-son, younger-elder sisters, younger-elder brothers, and sister-brother. For example, Ego's father is Ego's primary consanguineous kin, whereas Ego's wife is Ego's primary affinal kin.
2. Secondary kins: They are primary kins of primary kins. In other words, they are related through a primary kin. For example, father's brother (chacha), sister's husband (bahnoi) are secondary kins. The father is my primary kin and his brother is the primary kin of my father.
3. Tertiary kins: They are secondary kins of our primary kins or primary kins of our secondary kins. For example, the wife of a brother-in-law (sala), called sarhaj in Hindi, is a tertiary kin because the brother-in-law is my secondary kin and his wife is the primary kin of my brother-in-law.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly define primary, secondary, and tertiary kinship categories using standard sociological terminology.
b) Provide accurate relational examples (such as father's brother or brother-in-law's wife) to demonstrate complete understanding.

(b) Define social stratification. Discuss its features. [5 Marks]

Answer:
According to Raymond W. Murray, 'Social stratification is a horizontal division of society into higher and lower social units.' It refers to a process in which individuals and groups are ranked in a hierarchy of status.
Following are the features of social stratification:
1. Social stratification is universal: It is present in every society in one form or the other.
2. Social stratification is social: It is not biological attributes of individuals that determine their superiority or inferiority, but rather their social positions.
3. Social stratification is an ancient concept: The notion of stratification is not a new concept, but it has been in existence since ages. Society was always stratified on the basis of economic, political, or status factors.
4. Social stratification exists in diverse forms: The forms of social stratification vary from one society to another. For example, Indian society is stratified on the basis of the caste system into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, while ancient Greek society was divided into freemen and slaves.

Teacher's Note:
a) Include a standard sociological definition of social stratification with attribution.
b) List and explain at least four distinct features with suitable historical or social examples.

Question 3.
(a) Discuss the structural and functional changes in the Indian joint family system. [5 Marks]

Answer:
According to Iravati Karve, a traditional Indian joint family is described as a group of people living under a common roof, who eat food cooked in a common hearth, who hold property in common, who participate in common worship, and are related to each other by some particular type of kinship. Urbanisation and industrialisation have led to the breaking of the joint family. Structural and functional changes in the Indian joint family are as follows:
1. Smaller family sizes: The traditional large-sized joint family, which was also a socio-economic unit, has been replaced by small-sized nuclear families.
2. Change in relationship between man and woman: Women are no longer considered inferior to men, but enjoy equal status, having an equal say in all matters.
3. Laxity in sexual relationships: Traditional rigid rules regarding sexual relationships are no longer valid, leading to an increase in pre-marital and extra-marital relationships.
4. Economic independence of women: Women are no longer confined to the four walls of the house, but are working shoulder to shoulder with men.
5. Neo-Local Residence: As a result of industrialization and urbanisation, more young married couples set up residence at their place of work.
6. Functional Jointness: Married sons who have set up independent households continue to maintain connections with their joint families in native places, fulfilling obligations towards parents and siblings, though distant kinship ties have weakened.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cite Iravati Karve's definition of the traditional joint family as an effective introduction.
b) Clearly categorize changes into structural shifts (family size, residence) and functional shifts (roles, economic independence).

(b) Explain the various rules related to marriage. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Rules related to marriage are either preferential or prohibitive in nature:
1. Exogamy: It refers to the prohibition of marriage between individuals who may be members of the same group. Exogamy can be of the following types:
- Gotra Exogamy: People belonging to the same gotra share the same blood, hence inter-marriage is restricted.
- Pravar Exogamy: Marriage between persons who are members of the same spiritual pravar is restricted among Hindus, especially Brahmins.
- Village Exogamy: Among some Indian tribes like the Munda and tribes of Chota Nagpur, there is a practice to marry outside one's own village.
- Pinda Exogamy: Pinda refers to common parentage; offspring from five maternal and seven paternal generations are sapinda and cannot inter-marry.
2. Endogamy: Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying within a specific group to preserve group unity, homogeneity, prestige, status, and numerical force. Forms include tribal endogamy, caste endogamy, sub-caste endogamy, class endogamy, and race endogamy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate clearly between exogamy (marriage outside) and endogamy (marriage inside a group).
b) Detail the subtypes of exogamy with proper traditional and tribal examples.

Question 4.
(a) How are Malinowski's and Radcliffe Brown's functional theories on religion different from each other ? [5 Marks]

Answer:
According to Malinowski, religion performs a significant function in the economic and psychological lives of individuals, especially in tribes. When Trobriand islanders go for fishing expeditions, religion provides them relief from stress and anxiety. Thus, he considers religion as a means of adjustment which saves men from tensions and gives mental peace and tranquility.
However, according to Radcliffe Brown, the objective of religion is not only to relieve individual tensions and fears, but also to create a consciousness of dependence upon supernatural powers. He considers the existence of the group to be more significant than that of the individual, and hence the individual has to make sacrifices for the group. An individual learns this sense of duty and sacrifice through religion, which helps maintain social order.
Thus, Malinowski is known as a psychological functionalist, whereas Radcliffe Brown is a structural functionalist in relation to their analysis of religion.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight Malinowski's focus on individual psychological needs and anxiety reduction.
b) Contrast this with Radcliffe Brown's emphasis on social cohesion, collective consciousness, and the structural maintenance of society.

(b) Define communalism with reference to plural society in India. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Communalism refers to aggressive chauvinism based on religious identity. Chauvinism is an attitude which considers one's own group as legitimate and worthy, while viewing others as inferior and illegitimate. In a plural society like India, communalism operates as an aggressive political ideology linked to religion. Since India is a multi-religious country, communalism is often exploited by politicians for vested interests and serves as a recurrent source of violence, tension, and riots.
Communal riots are often incited to maintain the false pride of respective communities, sometimes leading to extreme violence. Historical examples include the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in 1984 and anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat in 2002.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define communalism precisely as religious chauvinism and political manipulation in a pluralistic setting.
b) Mention sociological implications and real-world examples as cited in the curriculum.

Question 5.
(a) Briefly discuss the Panchayati Raj System. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The Panchayati Raj System came into being in 1992 based on recommendations given by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment was introduced to bring about democracy at the grassroots level through decentralisation. The Panchayati Raj System is a three-tier system consisting of:
1. Gram Panchayat at the village level.
2. Mandal Parishad or Block Samiti / Panchayat Samiti at the intermediate block level.
3. Zila Parishad at the district level.
It is responsible for ensuring economic development and social justice. It is compulsory for local self-government bodies in rural and municipal areas to hold elections every five years, with seats reserved for SC, ST, and women candidates.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the historical origin (Balwant Rai Mehta Committee) and the constitutional backing (73rd Amendment, 1992).
b) Clearly outline the three tiers and mandatory provisions like regular elections and reservations.

(b) Describe any five types of economies of tribal India. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Following are the main tribal economies in India:
1. Food-Gatherers and Hunters: Nomadic tribes like the Andamanese, Onge, Kadar, Kharia, and Jarawa practice hunting and food gathering, operating a subsistence economy with simple social organization.
2. Permanent Settled Cultivators: Tribes like Oraon, Munda, Gond, and Santhal practice permanent settled cultivation using wet cultivation and crop rotation, though some work as sharecroppers or agricultural laborers.
3. Pastoral Economy: The Toda of Nilgiri hills and Bhotia of Almora rear buffaloes and cows, exchanging milk and dairy products for daily essentials.
4. Shifting Hill Cultivators: Tribes like Gonds, Nagas, Khasi, and Garo practice slash-and-burn (Jhum or Podu) cultivation on hilly forest areas, abandoning plots after fertility is lost, growing Kharif crops like bajra, jowar, and potatoes.
5. Craftsmen: Tribes such as Naga and Khasi specialize in colored handloom products, while Lohars are traditional blacksmiths, though many supplement their income with other jobs due to marginal profits.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure all five economic types are accurately named with relevant tribal community examples.
b) Describe the mode of production and livelihood pattern for each category clearly.

Question 6.
(a) Discuss how cultural contact led to changes in dormitories in tribal India. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Cultural contact with Hindus and conversion to Christianity has led to the decay of tribal dormitories. The glamour of urban life and the inferior treatment of dormitories by outsiders caused tribals to detach themselves from their traditional institutions. While some continue them secretly out of shyness, others have adapted by naming dormitory officers after British-era village officials (e.g., Dewan, Tehsildar in Muria Gond 'Ghotul').
Christian missionaries actively discouraged tribals from maintaining dormitories, leading to feelings of deprivation among converts. The decay of dormitories without suitable substitutes has caused cultural breakdown, social anarchy, and strained parent-child relationships among tribals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the dual impact of Hindu contact and Christian missionary activities on tribal youth dormitories.
b) Discuss the sociological consequences, including cultural lag, loss of traditional authority, and anomie.

(b) Write an account on the geographical and racial classification of tribal India. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Geographical classification of tribes (as given by B.S. Guha):
1. North and North-Eastern Zone: Includes tribes from Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and North-Eastern states (e.g., Gaddis, Nagas, Kuki, Khasi, Garo).
2. Central or Middle Zone: Comprises plateaus and mountain belts between the Indo-Gangetic plains, including Mundas, Todas, Santhals, and Chenchus.
3. Southern Zone: Includes tribes of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala (e.g., Todas, Panyan, Chenchu).
Racial classification of tribes:
1. Proto-Australoid: Short to medium stature, broad face, small flattened nose (e.g., Munda, Ho, Chenchu).
2. Mongoloid: Yellowish skin, prominent cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes with epicanthic fold (e.g., Bhotia, Naga, Lepcha).
3. Negrito: Black skin color, woolly hair, flat lips and nose (e.g., Irula, Kadar, Onge, Angami Naga, Jarwa).

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly separate geographical zones from racial categories as formulated by anthropologists like B.S. Guha.
b) Provide accurate tribal examples for every sub-category under geography and race.

Question 7.
(a) Define Ethnicity. Discuss its features. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Ethnicity refers to a group of people who have a great affinity with each other based on similarities of language, religion, values, region, ancestry, etc.
Following are the salient features of ethnicity:
1. A Feeling of Ethnocentrism: An ethnic group considers its own culture superior and views others as inferior.
2. Common Territory: An ethnic group generally occupies a defined common territory.
3. Ascribed Membership: Membership in an ethnic group is acquired by birth, making it ascriptive in nature.
4. A Sense of Community: Members share a strong 'we' feeling and consider themselves part of the same community.
5. Unique Cultural Traits: Ethnic groups are identified by distinct cultural attributes such as language, customs, religion, and traditions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide a clear sociological definition of ethnicity emphasizing shared ancestry and culture.
b) List at least five characteristic features clearly to secure full marks.

(b) Explain the theory of divine origin of the caste system. [5 Marks]

Answer:
According to the traditional theory of divine origin of the caste system, as outlined in the Manusmriti (an ancient Hindu text), the different varnas or castes were created from different parts of the creator Lord Brahma's body:
1. From the mouth of the creator emerged the Brahmins (priests and scholars).
2. From the arms emerged the Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors).
3. From the thighs emerged the Vaishyas (traders and agriculturists).
4. From the feet emerged the Shudras (laborers and service providers).
This theological explanation was historically used to legitimize social hierarchy, hereditary occupations, and differential privileges within traditional Hindu society.

Teacher's Note:
a) Reference the sacred text Manusmriti and the creator deity Brahma.
b) Map each body part correctly to the respective varna to demonstrate textual accuracy.

Question 8.
(a) Discuss the relationship between social change and sustainable development. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Social change refers to the modifications experienced in society, but such changes must be accompanied by sustainable development to ensure long-term utility. Sustainable development aims to achieve a balance between biophysical, technological, and cultural aspects of social change. Introducing innovations without regard to traditional ecological knowledge can harm native biodiversity. According to the United Nations, sustainable development is 'development that meets the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.'
In developing nations like India, rapid technological and economic change often outpaces cultural adaptation, resulting in cultural lag and social problems (e.g., higher prevalence of cell phones than sanitation facilities). Unchecked technological growth fosters consumerism, climate change, and global warming. Therefore, integrating sustainability goals—such as eradicating poverty, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring resource conservation—is vital for harmonious social change.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link social change directly with ecological and inter-generational resource sustainability.
b) Use contemporary sociological concepts like cultural lag and UN definitions of sustainable development.

(b) Explain how patriarchal ideology affects the status of women. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Patriarchal ideology refers to the belief that supreme authority resides with males. The eldest male member is considered the head of the family, holding all decision-making power. Patriarchal societies are typically patrilocal (residence in the father's house) and patrilineal (lineage traced through the male line). This ideology adversely affects women by rendering them subordinate and inferior to men.
Women are frequently denied personal freedom and decision-making authority in important household matters. Sons are viewed as permanent family members and property heirs, whereas daughters are often perceived as economic liabilities. Furthermore, women often experience unequal access to basic life opportunities, including education, proper nutrition, and healthcare.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define patriarchy through structural traits like patrilocality, patrilineality, and male authority.
b) Detail the socio-economic repercussions on women, including denial of property rights, education, and health disparities.

Question 9.
(a) Media acts as an agency of social change. Explain. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Media includes various communication channels such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, films, and digital platforms. As mass media, it reaches vast populations simultaneously and serves as a powerful agency of social change in the following ways:
1. Forming Public Opinion: It shapes public views on critical social, political, economic, and cultural matters.
2. Disseminating Information: It provides instantaneous updates on global events and developments.
3. Cultural Diffusion: People adopt lifestyle changes, fashions, and values observed through media from different parts of the world.
4. Social Sensitization: Media creates awareness regarding government laws, welfare policies, public health, sanitation, and disease prevention.
5. Environmental Consciousness: It educates citizens about pressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and global warming.

Teacher's Note:
a) Enumerate mass media forms clearly and explain their societal functions.
b) Highlight both positive developmental roles (awareness, policy education) and cultural transmission aspects.

(b) Write a short note on the Maoist Movement in Chhattisgarh. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The Maoist movement represents an ongoing conflict between militant communist groups (Naxalites) and the Indian state. The movement originated in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal, led by leaders like Charu Majumdar, Kanu Sanyal, and Jangdal Santhal as an armed peasant struggle against exploitation.
Causes of the Movement: Rooted in extreme rural poverty, economic exploitation, loss of traditional land rights, deprivation of subsistence means, administrative apathy, nationalization of forests, and perceived judicial partiality.
Consequences: While initially organized to champion tribal and peasant rights, the movement led to severe violence, loss of innocent lives, and heightened state security conflicts, resulting in limited structural upliftment and persistent regional instability.

Teacher's Note:
a) Outline the historical origin of the Naxalite movement from West Bengal and its expansion into central tribal belts like Chhattisgarh.
b) Balance the discussion by explaining both the socio-economic grievances that caused the movement and its violent consequences.