ISC Class 12 Sociology Board Exam Question Paper 2019 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Sociology Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2019

PART - I (20 Marks)

Answer all questions.

Question 1. Answer briefly each of the following questions : [10 x 2]
(i) Distinguish between Exogamy and Endo-gamy. [2 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember that endogamy mandates marrying within a specific group (like caste), while exogamy mandates marrying outside a specific group (like gotra).
b) Students often confuse gotra with caste; ensure you specify the correct basis for each rule.

(ii) What is meant by Avunculocal form of residence ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
The type of residence where the nephews and nieces stay in the house of their maternal uncle is called avunculocal residence. In such cases, the maternal uncle holds a very high authoritative place in the lives of his sister's children. This is mostly associated with matrilineal societies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the role of the maternal uncle (avunculus) in this residence pattern.
b) Do not confuse avunculocal with matrilocal residence, where the couple resides with the bride's parents.

(iii) Explain the theory of Animism. [2 Marks]

Answer:
This theory is a tribal form of religious theory founded by E.B. Tylor. This theory is essentially a belief in the spirit or soul of the dead. According to him, animism is a given form of religion in which man finds the presence of spirit in every object that surrounds him.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention E.B. Tylor as the key anthropologist associated with this theory.
b) Ensure you state the core concept that every natural object possesses a spirit or soul.

(iv) Differentiate between Levirate and Sororate. [2 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Levirate involves a woman marrying her deceased husband's brother, whereas sororate involves a man marrying his deceased wife's sister.
b) Clearly state the etymology and social function of both customs to secure full marks.

(v) Define urbanisation. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The population growth of cities, due to the movement of people from rural to urban centers, refers to the process of urbanization. Urbanization was a direct result of industrial growth and development in India. Urbanization promotes individuality and may also be a factor that contributes to the breakdown of Indian joint families.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on the demographic shift from rural to urban areas as the core definition.
b) Mention its sociological consequences like the impact on joint families and rise of individuality.

(vi) What is meant by Mass Media ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Any form of media that reaches out to a large number of audiences or people at the same time, providing them with information and spreading awareness, can be termed as mass media. Newspapers, radios, internet, televisions, etc., all serve as examples of mass media, where communication takes place through technology.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the two key features: large audience reach and technological medium.
b) Provide common examples like print, electronic, and digital media.

(vii) Define the term Ethnocentrism. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The view that makes an individual or a group feel that their own culture, religion, race, etc., is superior as compared to those of other groups is termed as ethnocentrism. This is one of the causes of prejudice and the term was coined by William Graham Sumner.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the core concept of cultural superiority.
b) Mentioning the sociologist William Graham Sumner adds academic value to the answer.

(viii) What is meant by domestic violence ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Any form of violence that is suffered by an individual within the boundaries of their private sphere or domestic sphere is said to be domestic violence. It can take the form of physical, emotional, financial, or psychological violence or harassment. Usually women are the most common victims, though aged, children, and men may also be victims.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that it occurs within the domestic or private sphere.
b) List the various forms of abuse (physical, emotional, financial) for completeness.

(ix) Explain the term Brahmanisation. [2 Marks]

Answer:
M.N. Srinivas described Brahmanisation as the process of imitating the lifestyles of the Brahmins, like vegetarianism and teetotalism, by the lower castes in order to rise up the social ladder of caste.

Teacher's Note:
a) Attribute the concept correctly to sociologist M.N. Srinivas.
b) Distinguish it briefly from Sanskritisation, noting that Brahmanisation is a specific form of Sanskritisation.

(x) Define Kinship. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The bond of blood or marriage that binds people together in a group is called kinship. There are mainly two types of kinship groups found: consanguineous (related by blood, e.g., siblings) and affinal (related via marriage, e.g., husband and wife).

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly state the two bases of kinship: blood and marriage.
b) Give relevant examples for both consanguineous and affinal kin.

PART - II (50 Marks)

Answer any five questions.

Question 2.
(a) Discuss the differences between polygyny and polyandry as forms of marriage. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: Polygyny is a form of marriage in which a man marries more than one woman simultaneously. Polyandry is a form of marriage in which one woman is married to several men at the same time.
2. Types of Polygyny: It is divided into sororal polygyny (where the co-wives are sisters) and non-sororal polygyny (where the wives are not related as sisters).
3. Types of Polyandry: It is divided into fraternal polyandry (several brothers are married to the same woman) and non-fraternal polyandry (husbands are not related as brothers).
4. Causes of Polygyny: Factors include a higher female-to-male ratio, economic contribution of women, or childlessness of the first wife.
5. Causes of Polyandry: Factors include scarcity of women, heavy bride price, poverty, and male sterility.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure the answer by comparing definition, types, and causes of both marriage forms.
b) Caution students not to confuse polyandry with wife-lending or wife-sharing.

(b) Define religion. Discuss religious beliefs and religious rituals. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: Religion revolves around man's belief in supernatural forces. It is a social institution that binds man to the supernatural, binds man to man, and binds society together.
2. Core Aspects: Religious beliefs and religious rituals form the two core aspects of any religion.
3. Religious Beliefs: They form the cognitive part of religion. They tell us that the existence of sacred things is true, provide information about the supernatural world, and explain how our world is bound to it (e.g., belief that God watches our actions).
4. Religious Rituals: This is the practical, symbolic side of religion associated with the sacred (e.g., recitation of hymns, immersion in sacred rivers).
5. Function of Rituals: Rituals serve as a means to remind individuals of the holy world and help express their religious sentiments.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly distinguish between the cognitive component (beliefs) and the practical component (rituals).
b) Give appropriate sociological examples for both beliefs and rituals.

Question 3.
(a) Discuss any five government policies for the upliftment of tribals. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Constitutional Safeguards: Article 15 provides equal rights and opportunities. Articles 16(4), 320(4), and 335 provide reservation of seats in employment opportunities and legislatures for tribal people.
2. LAMPS: Large-sized Multipurpose Co-operative Societies were established in tribal areas to provide productive and unproductive loans, purchase surplus produce, and supply agricultural inputs.
3. Twenty-Point Programme: Focused specifically on the development of Scheduled Tribes and assisting tribal families to cross the poverty line.
4. Tribal Panchasheela: Five principles laid down by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, which include non-imposition on tribals, respecting forest rights, avoiding over-administration, and training tribals to build their own leadership.
5. Welfare Infrastructure: Medical, educational facilities, and encouragement of traditional and new crafts through artisan fairs (Shilpo Melas) have been introduced.

Teacher's Note:
a) List specific policies such as constitutional provisions, LAMPS, and Tribal Panchasheela.
b) Ensure all headings are clearly mentioned with brief explanations.

(b) Briefly discuss any five types of families. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Based on Size: Joint family (includes husband, wife, children, grandparents, and relatives living together) and nuclear family (comprises only husband, wife, and their children).
2. Based on Authority: Matriarchal family (female holds the highest status and authority as head) and patriarchal family (male holds authority and decisive powers).
3. Based on Residence: Matrilocal family (couple resides in the bride's mother's house) and patrilocal family (couple stays at the groom's father's house).
4. Based on Descent: Matrilineal family (descent and property passed along the female line) and patrilineal family (descent and property passed along the male line).
5. Based on Number of Spouses: Monogamous family (one man marries one woman) and polygamous family (one spouse is married to more than one partner at a time).

Teacher's Note:
a) Classify families systematically based on different sociological attributes (size, authority, residence, descent, spouses).
b) Provide clear definitions for each subtype to secure maximum marks.

Question 4.
(a) Explain the concept of fundamentalism. Examine the role of state in dealing with this problem. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Concept: Fundamentalism is an ideology opposed to progressive thinking, characterized by the belief in the absolute authority of a sacred text or religious leader, and opposition to any challenge to religious ideas.
2. Spread Awareness: The state can use mass media to educate the masses about the dangers of fundamentalistic thoughts.
3. Vigilance: The state must maintain high vigilance and monitor organizations that use fundamentalism to spread terrorism.
4. Educational Curriculum: Textbooks must be monitored to ensure students are not taught ideologies that trigger fundamentalism.
5. Secularism and Bans: The state must promote a secular approach to life and legally ban extremist groups that disrupt social harmony.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define fundamentalism clearly before outlining state measures.
b) Mention proactive measures (education, awareness) alongside reactive measures (bans, vigilance).

(b) Examine Telangana Movement as one of the urban-ethnic movements. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Introduction: The Telangana Movement was an urban-ethnic movement that eventually led to the linguistic division of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana.
2. Economic Grievances: Telangana contributed about 45 percent to state development but received only about 25 percent in return.
3. Infrastructure and Resource Loss: Construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar dam damaged limestone mines, and water crises hit peasants hard while coastal Andhra received most water resources.
4. Employment and Budget Imbalance: Budget allocations were inadequate, and government jobs were predominantly held by people from Andhra region.
5. Consequences: Following widespread protests, the Government of India declared June 2, 2014, as Telangana Formation Day, making it the 29th state with Hyderabad as the common capital.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight both causes (economic disparity, resource allocation) and consequences (formation of the state).
b) Keep historical facts and dates accurate.

Question 5.
(a) "Jajmani system is a caste based system." Examine this statement with reference to rural India. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: The Jajmani system is an exchange system in rural India where Zamindars (Jajmans) and service castes (Kamins or Praja) exchanged goods and services.
2. Traditional Occupational Obligations: Created interdependence among castes for economic needs.
3. Closer Family Links: Long-term exchange of services created enduring social ties between Jajman and Kamin families.
4. Exclusivity: Relationships were exclusive; specific families provided specific hereditary services (e.g., Brahmins for rituals, carpenters for woodwork).
5. Village Solidarity: As noted by M.N. Srinivas, it promoted vertical solidarity and integration within the caste system and village community.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the terms Jajman and Kamin clearly.
b) Reference sociologist M.N. Srinivas to emphasize the role of the Jajmani system in village solidarity.

(b) Make a comparative study of Joking relationships and Avoidance relationships in Kinship usages. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Kinship Usages: Rules of kinship serve to create special groupings and govern roles and relationships among kins.
2. Avoidance Relationships: Involve a rule of restraint where certain kin members must avoid direct contact, conversation, or physical proximity (e.g., father-in-law and daughter-in-law in some traditional societies).
3. Joking Relationships: Involve a permitted familiarity where one individual is allowed, or even required, to tease or make fun of another without taking offense (e.g., between grandparents and grandchildren, or between a man and his wife's younger sister).
4. Purpose of Avoidance: Maintains social distance, modesty, and prevents inappropriate sexual or marital intimacy.
5. Purpose of Joking: Relieves social tension, promotes friendliness, and strengthens interpersonal bonding within specific kinship structures.

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast avoidance (distance and respect) with joking (familiarity and teasing).
b) Provide clear anthropological examples for both usages.

Question 6.
(a) What is a Political organisation ? What role does it play in bringing about change in society ? [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: A political organisation is any organisation that involves itself in the political process and governance of society.
2. Decentralisation: Introduction of the Panchayati Raj system gave grassroots populations a voice and enabled local problem-solving.
3. Reservation of Seats: The 73rd Amendment Act provided reservations for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in panchayats, bringing marginalized groups into mainstream politics.
4. Bal Panchayats: Encouraged leadership qualities among children by letting them address their own issues.
5. Women's Empowerment and Social Recognition: Government schemes and voting rights for the third gender have enhanced social inclusion and status.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define political organisation before discussing its societal roles.
b) Highlight specific legislative changes like the 73rd Amendment Act and Panchayati Raj.

(b) Define gender bias. Examine its consequences for both, men and women. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: Gender bias refers to discrimination based on the gender of a person. In patriarchal societies, it often skews preference towards men, impacting both genders.
2. Consequences for Women (Crimes): Leads to domestic violence, sexual harassment, eve-teasing, and rape.
3. Consequences for Women (Work and Family): Glass-ceiling effect, unequal pay, preference for male child leading to female foeticide, and denial of property inheritance.
4. Consequences for Men (Legal and Parental): Lack of reproductive rights regarding abortion and legal vulnerability to false charges due to female-centric laws.
5. Consequences for Men (Societal Expectations): Burden of being sole breadwinners and psychological stress from rigid parameters of masculinity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure a balanced answer covering impacts on both women and men.
b) Use sociological terms like glass-ceiling and patriarchy appropriately.

Question 7.
(a) Make a comparative analysis between caste and class. [5 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Present the comparison in a tabular format contrasting ascribed versus achieved status.
b) Highlight the closed nature of caste versus the open nature of class.

(b) What is meant by prejudice ? Elaborate on any four causes of prejudice. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: Prejudice is a pre-judged notion or negative attitude towards members of another group, often leading to discrimination.
2. Learnt Behaviour: Result of faulty socialisation where children absorb coloured opinions from elders.
3. Stereotypes: Exaggerated beliefs associated with a category that give rise to prejudiced attitudes.
4. Authoritarian Personality: Model developed by Theodore Adorno describing individuals who are intolerant, insecure, and tend to bully inferiors.
5. Scapegoating: Venting frustration and anger onto less powerful groups or individuals when direct confrontation is not possible (e.g., displaced aggression).

Teacher's Note:
a) Define prejudice clearly before listing psychological and sociological causes.
b) Mention key concepts like Adorno's authoritarian personality and scapegoating.

Question 8.
(a) What is RTE ? Discuss any four of its implications. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: The Right to Education (RTE) Act was passed in 2009, enforcing free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.
2. Free Education: No child has to pay fees or expenses that prevent completion of elementary education.
3. Age-Appropriate Admission and No Detention: Children are admitted to age-appropriate classes, and no child can be held back or expelled until completion of elementary education.
4. Ban on Corporal Punishment: Prohibition of corporal punishment, ensuring an anxiety-free environment.
5. Infrastructure and Inclusivity: Mandates required school infrastructure (classrooms, toilets, teachers) and extends support for children with learning disabilities up to 18 years.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention the enactment year (2009) and implementation date (April 1, 2010), along with Article 21A.
b) List key implications like free education, ban on corporal punishment, and infrastructural mandates.

(b) Define social movements. Explain any four reasons that lead to social movements. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: A social movement is a collective effort to transform established relations within a particular society.
2. Dissatisfaction with Existing Social Conditions: Emerges when people are unhappy with the societal status quo (e.g., #MeToo movement against sexual harassment).
3. Relative Deprivation: Triggered when a group feels deprived compared to others (e.g., reservation demands by certain communities).
4. Stress and Strain: Caused by structural deficiencies within society (e.g., LGBTQ movements for rights and recognition).
5. Resistance to Change: Movements may also arise to resist other social changes threatening traditional norms.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide a precise sociological definition of social movements.
b) Support each reason with relevant contemporary examples.

Question 9.
(a) Examine the two types of Kinship. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Introduction: Kinship is the bond of blood or marriage that binds people together into groups, forming the core of anthropological studies.
2. Consanguineous Kinship: Based on blood ties between individuals.
3. Examples of Consanguineous Kin: Siblings, mother and daughter, father and son.
4. Affinal Kinship: Based on marital ties established through the social institution of marriage.
5. Examples of Affinal Kin: Husband and wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly divide the answer into consanguineous and affinal kinship.
b) Provide appropriate examples for both categories.

(b) Briefly discuss the role of traditional markets in rural India. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Periodic Markets: Functioned as weekly or bi-weekly markets known as 'Haats'.
2. Economic Exchange: Served as centers where buyers and sellers met to exchange commodities; initial versions operated on a barter system before money became the medium.
3. Recreation and Entertainment: Acted as centers of entertainment where artists and artisans showcased and sold products.
4. Social Interaction: Provided spaces for social networking, gossiping, fixing marriages, and catching up with kin from other villages.
5. Social Structuration: Shop placement in traditional markets reflected social stratification, with higher castes occupying central locations and lower castes located on the periphery.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize both economic functions (exchange, barter) and sociological functions (social interaction, stratification).
b) Mention how spatial arrangement in markets mirrors caste stratification.