Maharashtra Board Class 11 Sociology Chapter 6 Socialization Solutions

Sociology Class 11 Chapter 6 Socialization Question Answers Maharashtra Board

Socialization Class 11 Sociology Chapter 6 Questions And Answers

1. (A) Choose The Correct Alternative And Complete The Statements.

Question 1. The process whereby an individual learns to conform to the norms of society is called ................ (assimilation / socialization / co-operation)
Answer: socialization
In simple words: Socialization is the fundamental process where individuals learn and adopt the social norms, values, and behaviors necessary to function within a society, becoming integrated members of their community.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on understanding the core definition of socialization, as it's a foundational concept in sociology and frequently appears in basic terminology questions.

Question 2. Family is a ................ agency of socialization. (primary / secondary / tertiary)
Answer: primary
In simple words: The family serves as the initial and most influential social group, providing primary socialization where children learn fundamental values, language, and behaviors directly from caregivers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the distinction between primary and secondary agents of socialization; family is the quintessential example of a primary agent.

Question 3. School is an ................ agency of socialization. (primary / secondary / tertiary)
Answer: secondary
In simple words: School acts as a secondary agency of socialization, introducing individuals to broader societal norms, formal learning, and interactions beyond the immediate family, often preparing them for adult roles.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to identify various secondary agents of socialization, such as schools, peer groups, and mass media, and explain their role in complementing primary socialization.

Question 4. Television is a / an ................ medium of communication. (audio / visual / audio visual)
Answer: audio-visual
In simple words: Television is an audio-visual medium that combines sound and images to convey information and entertainment, making it a powerful tool for mass communication and socialization.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing mass media, ensure you accurately categorize different forms (e.g., radio is audio, television is audio-visual) based on their sensory engagement.

1. (B) Correct The Incorrect Pair.

Question 1. (a) Language, behaviour - Family
(b) Social values like friendship - Peer Group
(c) Teamwork, discipline - Neighbourhood
(d) To build opinion - Mass media
Answer: (c) Team work, discipline - Workplace
In simple words: While a neighbourhood fosters social interaction, teamwork and discipline are more formally emphasized and learned within the structured environment of a workplace, making that the correct association.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, carefully analyze the primary learning or function associated with each agent of socialization to identify the most accurate pairing.

1. (C) Identify The Appropriate Term From The Given Options.

Question 1. Takes place in the early years of life. (Internet, Peer Group, Childhood, Socialization)
Answer: Socialization
In simple words: The fundamental process of learning societal norms and values, often termed socialization, is most intensive and critical during an individual's early developmental years.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize that while "Childhood" is a time period, "Socialization" is the process that occurs during that time, especially in its foundational stages.

Question 2. Global impact in today's world. (Internet, Peer Group, Childhood, Socialization)
Answer: Internet
In simple words: The Internet, with its vast reach and connectivity, profoundly influences global communication, culture, and social interactions, making it a key force with worldwide impact.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the scope and scale of influence when identifying terms; the internet's impact is inherently global and far-reaching.

1. (D) Correct The Underlined Words And Complete The Sentence.

Question 1. Radio is an audiovisual medium.
Answer: Radio is an audio medium.
In simple words: Radio transmits information solely through sound, making it an audio-only medium, unlike television which combines both audio and visual elements.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to keywords that define the nature of communication media (e.g., "audio," "visual," "audio-visual") to avoid common misidentifications.

Question 2. Peer group is an example of an authoritarian agency.
Answer: Family is an example of an authoritarian agency.
In simple words: A family, particularly in traditional structures, often functions as an authoritarian agency due to parental authority, whereas a peer group typically involves more egalitarian interactions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the different structures of social groups; authoritarian agencies typically involve a clear hierarchy, while peer groups are characterized by equality among members.

2. Write Short Notes.

Question 1. Formation of 'self' according to Mead.
Answer: George Mead has elaborated on the process of building social self which does not exist at birth. According to Mead, formation of self occurs in three distinct stages.
Stage 1 - Imitation : In this stage, children imitate behaviour of adults without understanding it. Example: A little boy might drive his mother to her office by driving his toy car or help his parents clean the floor by pushing a broom.
Stage 2 - Play stage : A child plays, sometimes as being a mother or a teacher, at times a postal worker, a police officer etc. In this stage, responses are not organized. A child internalises the attitudes of others who are significant to her/his through enacting the roles of others. A significant other is someone whose opinions matter to us and who is in a position to influence our thinking.
Stage 3 - Game stage : As a child matures, and as the self gradually develops, one internalises the expectations of a large number of people. Children learn to behave according to the impressions of others. They understand that role play in each situation involves following a consistent set of rules and expectations. For example, a child at this stage is likely to be aware of the different responsibilities of people in a restaurant who together, make for a smooth dining experience. Thus, the self is mainly formed through our interactions with others and our understanding of others responses. Socialization, in this sense is a process of self-awareness.
In simple words: George Mead proposed that the "self" develops through social interaction in three stages: imitation, play (where children take on specific roles), and game (where they understand multiple roles and societal expectations). This process ultimately leads to self-awareness and the ability to view oneself from the perspective of the generalized other.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define each of Mead's stages (Imitation, Play, Game) with examples, emphasizing how the child's understanding of self and others evolves at each stage.

Question 2. Agencies of socialization.
Answer: There are different social groups which can be seen as agencies of socialization.
1. Family: Family is the main agent of socialization. The child learns language and other basic behavioural patterns in family. Socialization through family is varied because there is no single, uniform pattern to do so. A child brought up in nuclear family will undergo different pattern of socialization. Patterns of child rearing vary across families with different caste, class, and ethnic backgrounds.
2. Peer groups : Peer groups are friendship groups made up of people of similar age. In peer groups, the interactions are reasonably egalitarian as there is a greater amount of give and take, when compared to family or school. Peer groups use informal sanctions including positive sanctions like approving gestures or laughing at your jokes, and negative sanctions like disapproving jokes, labelling or rejecting your company.
3. Schools : Schooling and education are considered as secondary agencies. School involves learning values and norms at a step higher than those learnt in a family. Skills and values like team work, discipline, conformity to authority are learnt in schools and this helps prepare students for the adult world.
4. Mass Media : One of the significant forces of socialization in modern culture is mass media. Mass media are the means for delivering impersonal communication directed to a vast audience. Mass media includes traditional print media like newspapers and magazines, electronic media like radio and television and current IT enabled media and social media. Television has an influence on children from a very young age and affects their cognitive and social development. Modern technological advancements have strengthened and changed the role of mass media. Technology has certainly increased the spread of mass media.
5. Neighbourhood : A neighbourhood community is an important agency of socialization. A neighbourhood is a geographically localized community within a larger city, town or suburb. Neighbourhoods are formed through considerable face to face interaction among members often living near one another. A neighbourhood community provides the base for an individual to extend social relations and interactions beyond the narrow limits of the home.
6. Workplace : Socialization is a life long process. Adult socialization indicates this continuous process of learning. One of the significant agents of adult socialization is the workplace. Adult individuals spend significant amount of time at the workplace. Socialization through work place involves acquiring new skills, knowledge and behaviour patterns suitable to the requirements of the job.
In simple words: Agencies of socialization are the institutions and groups that teach individuals how to participate in society, including family, peer groups, schools, mass media, neighbourhoods, and workplaces. Each agency contributes unique lessons and values crucial for an individual's social development throughout their life.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing agencies of socialization, provide specific examples for each and briefly explain how each agent contributes to the individual's learning of social norms and roles.

Question 3. Resocialization.
Answer: The process of unlearning old norms, roles, values and behavioural patterns and learning new patterns is called re-socialization. Sometimes an individual is caught in a situation where one has to break away from past experience and internalise different norms and values. Re-socialization can also be defined as a process which subjects an individual to new values, attitudes and skills according to the norms of a particular institution and the person has to completely re-engineer one's sense of social values and norms. The person may be in a jail, hospital, in religious organization, police, army etc. In such institutions there is total break up from the normal social life outside. A prison sentence is a good example. The individual not only has to change and rehabilitate one's behaviour in order to return to society but must also accommodate the new norms required for living, while in prison.
In simple words: Resocialization is the process of shedding old norms, values, and behaviors and adopting new ones, often occurring in environments like prisons or military camps that demand a complete reorientation of an individual's social identity. It involves both unlearning and new learning.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that resocialization often occurs in "total institutions" which completely control an individual's environment, facilitating a dramatic shift in their social roles and values.

3. Explain The Following Concept With An Example.

Question 1. Primary socialization
Answer: 1. The most critical process of socialization happens in the early years.
2. This learning in the early years is termed as primary socialization.
3. Primary socialization takes place in infancy and childhood and involves intense cultural learning.
4. A child gets acquainted with values, customs, behavioural norms and manners. It is an informal process.
Example : Family is the main agent of primary socialization. Peer group and neighbourhood is also seen as a primary socializing agency.
In simple words: Primary socialization refers to the fundamental learning of basic social norms, values, and behaviors that occurs intensely during infancy and childhood, primarily within the family unit. It is an informal process that lays the groundwork for an individual's personality and cultural understanding.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining primary socialization, clearly define its characteristics (early years, informal, foundational) and always provide the family as the prime example.

Question 2. Secondary socialization
Answer: 1. Socialization as a process is lifelong.
2. The learning which extends over the entire life of a person is known as secondary socialization. It is a formal process of socialization.
Example : Schooling and education are considered as secondary agencies of socialization. What we learn through a formal curriculum with specific subjects and skills. Schooling involves learning values and norms at a step higher than those learnt in family.
In simple words: Secondary socialization is the ongoing, formal learning process that extends beyond early childhood, typically occurring in structured environments like schools, workplaces, or peer groups. It involves acquiring specific skills, values, and norms needed to function in different social contexts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish secondary socialization from primary by emphasizing its formal nature, occurrence throughout life, and specific contexts like education or professional settings.

4. (A) Complete The Concept Maps.

Question 1.
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): इस आरेख में 'समाजीकरण की एजेंसियां' (Agencies of Socialization) मुख्य बिंदु है, जिससे चार वृत्ताकार बक्से तीर के निशानों से जुड़े हुए हैं। ये वृत्ताकार बक्से उन विशिष्ट एजेंसियों का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हैं जो समाजीकरण में भूमिका निभाती हैं।

In simple words: This concept map illustrates the central idea of "Agencies of Socialization," with four empty circular nodes indicating where the different agents would be listed, connected by arrows.

🎯 Exam Tip: For concept map questions, carefully identify the central theme and then list the relevant sub-concepts or components that branch out from it, ensuring all connections are logical.

Question 1.
Answer:
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह आरेख 'समाजीकरण की एजेंसियों' (Agencies of Socialization) को दर्शाता है, जो केंद्रीय बॉक्स में स्थित है। इससे 'परिवार' (Family), 'पड़ोस' (Neighbourhood), 'साथी समूह' (Peer Group), और 'स्कूल' (School) के नाम के चार संबंधित बक्से जुड़े हुए हैं, जो समाजीकरण के मुख्य स्रोतों को इंगित करते हैं।
In simple words: This concept map visually represents "Agencies of Socialization" as the central theme, connected to four key agents: Family, Neighbourhood, Peer Group, and School, highlighting their roles in an individual's social development.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing a concept map, ensure that the chosen agents are distinct and accurately represent the various social structures involved in the socialization process.

4. (B) State Whether The Following Statements Are True Or False With Reasons.

Question 1. Socialization is a life-long process.
Answer: This statement is True.
(i) The process of learning attitudes, norms and behaviour patterns and becoming members of different social groups like family, kin network, peer group and later, formal groups like school, professional networks etc., is a life long process.
(ii) Socialization is an ongoing process of continuous learning The birth of a child is a new experience of parenting for a couple. Similarly, older people become grandparents thus creating another set of relationships connecting different generations with each other.
(iii) Thus, socialization as a learning process is life long even though the most critical process happens in the early years but secondary socialization extends over the entire life of a person.
In simple words: The statement is true because socialization is an continuous process of learning and adapting to new social roles, norms, and expectations that continues from birth through old age, encompassing all life stages and transitions.

🎯 Exam Tip: When providing reasons for true/false statements, ensure your points logically support your answer and cover the full scope of the concept, such as primary and secondary socialization throughout the lifespan.

Question 2. Advertisements influence consumer behaviour.
Answer: This statement is True.
1. Mass media has become an integral part of our day to day life.
Advertisements through mass media are the means for delivering impersonal communication directed to a vast audience.
2. Advertisements transmit information and messages which influence the behaviour of the consumer to a great extent.
3. The use of colours, words, music, images, videos influence our behaviour and persuades us to take action. Advertisements through mass media has wider approach.
In simple words: This statement is true as advertisements, transmitted via mass media, leverage audio-visual elements, persuasive language, and repetition to inform, influence, and ultimately shape consumer choices and purchasing decisions.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing media influence, provide concrete examples of how advertisements utilize various techniques (e.g., imagery, music, emotional appeals) to persuade consumers.

5. Give Your Personal Response.

Question 1. 'Breaking News' tends to create panic or emotional responses. Why do you think this happens? Give relevant examples to illustrate.
Answer: Many newspapers as well as some private news channels very frequently transmit news of murders, accidents, stealing, dacoity, beating, rape, economic cheating, fraud, scams, etc., as breaking news. Constant hearing of such news affects the minds of the people and it weakens the faith in ideals and values of life. This happens because breaking news get much more viewers than normal news.
In simple words: Breaking news often creates panic and emotional responses because media outlets frequently sensationalize negative events like crimes or disasters to attract more viewers, leading to heightened anxiety and a sense of insecurity among the audience. This constant exposure can erode public trust and emotional well-being.

🎯 Exam Tip: When providing a personal response, ensure you explain the underlying psychological and sociological reasons for the observed phenomenon and support your argument with clear examples.

Question 2. The use of 'unacceptable language' is often picked up by children even if this kind of language is not used within the home. Explain how this might happen.
Answer: Even though the new born is initiated with this learning process in family it is not the only agency of socialization. School, peer groups, neighbourhood, mass media are different social groups and social contexts which can be seen as agencies of socialization. Children pick up unacceptable language from variety of other sources like television which has strong influence on viewers. The child might hear one of his friends or someone in neighbourhood using slang words or abusing language.
In simple words: Children can pick up unacceptable language from outside the home because socialization extends beyond the family to agents like peer groups, schools, neighborhoods, and mass media. Exposure to slang or abusive language from friends, television, or community members can lead to its adoption, even if not used at home.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the role of multiple agents of socialization beyond the family in shaping a child's linguistic and behavioral development, especially the powerful influence of peer groups and mass media.

6. Answer The Following Question In Detail (About 150-200 Words).

Question 1. You belong to a generation that has been exposed to internet. Discuss how internet has brought about positive and negative results.
Answer: Modern technological advancements have strengthened and changed the role of mass media as an agent of socialization. Technology like internet has certainly increased the spread of mass media. People spend most of their time in touch with the world. Internet has enhanced communication and social connection. It has also increased political and civic participations. Social media allow students to learn outside of their class rooms. 'School in the cloud' is yet another example of how the internet and social media can help to improve global education. Internet has helped to transmit information and create awareness about a wide range of issues and events among members of the society. It influences attitudes, values and moulds public opinion and acts as an effective way to change the society. Through the internet we can access online educational courses or training. In fact, any type of information from any part of the world can be accessed through the internet. There is also negative impact of internet on society as - Youth access the internet and indulge in chatting, emailing, watching restricted site that leads to cyber crimes instead of creating interest in reading and creative activities. Sometimes internet may not give accurate information hence the validity and accuracy of the messages must be considered. Internet reaches the masses in developing countries, but there are many tribal, rural and poor urban people having no access to any kind of information. Communication technologies are expensive and need maintenance. Thus, internet may help to develop knowledge and spread information but it also has adverse effects on the society and have promoted values like individualism and materialism.
In simple words: The internet has profoundly impacted society by enhancing communication, facilitating global education, and fostering civic participation (positive results). However, it also contributes to cybercrime, the spread of misinformation, digital divide, and promotes individualism and materialism (negative results), underscoring its dual nature in socialization.

🎯 Exam Tip: For detailed answers, structure your response into clear positive and negative aspects. Provide specific examples for each point, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the internet's societal impact.

11th Sociology Digest Chapter 6 Socialization Intext Questions And Answers

Activity (Textbook Page No. 68)

Question 1. Conduct a group discussion on the threatening challenge of online games like 'Blue Whale'. Try to find answers to issues like why do children even consider participating in such games? Are parents to be blamed? What is the role of Law?
Answer: Games like 'Blue Whale' has the challenges of self-harm. It exploits vulnerable people. It blocks the boundary between virtual and real world. There's a constant competition, level up, which drive the children to perform their best amongst others. Most games are addictive become of the challenges involved. Once the children are engrossed in it, there is no coming back and they strive hard to achieve the next level, the next goal. This sense of achievement targets the brain's reward system and compels the gamer to perform the act again and again. Are parents to be blamed? Children are becoming addictive to online games because they are designed to be addictive and not because parents allow them to play too much. What is the role of Law? With dangerous online games like 'Blue Whale' claiming several innocent lives in the recent past, the supreme court has directed the centre to constitute a panel of experts to block such life-threatening games.
In simple words: Online games like 'Blue Whale' attract vulnerable youth through addiction mechanics and peer pressure, blurring reality and exploiting the brain's reward system. While parents share responsibility in monitoring, the inherent addictive design of such games, and the legal system's role in blocking harmful content, are crucial factors in addressing this challenge.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing social issues like online gaming, address multiple perspectives – psychological impact, parental role, and legal interventions – to provide a balanced and comprehensive answer.

Question 2. Watch advertisements or messages on T.V. and see how effective mass media is in creating awareness against corruption, drug addiction, smoking or any other relevant social issue. (Textbook Page No. 68)
Answer: The mass media has potential to create awareness against various issues like corruption, drug addiction, smoking etc., by propagandise simple and focused messages to large audiences repeatedly, overtime, at a low cost. They are able to reach a large heterogeneous population. Media campaigns can help in the reduction of smoking and drug addiction and have shown positive results in number of other relevant social areas. Techniques of mass media can be effectively used to counter corruption as well.
In simple words: Mass media is highly effective in raising awareness about social issues like corruption and drug addiction because it can disseminate simple, focused messages repeatedly to a vast, diverse audience at a low cost. This broad reach allows media campaigns to influence public opinion and behavior positively.

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating the effectiveness of mass media, consider its reach, cost-efficiency, and ability to deliver consistent messages that can shift public perception and encourage social change.

Question 3. Do you think resocialization requires total institutions? Why? Why not? (Textbook Page No. 70)
Answer: In the process of resocialization old behaviours are removed because they are of no use. Resocialization is necessary when a person moves to a senior care centre, goes to a boarding school or serves time in jail. I think, resocialization requires 'total institutions' in a new environment as they can learn new norms and unlearn existing behaviours. The most common way of resocialization occurs in a total institution where people are isolated from society and made to follow new rules and behaviours. A ship at sea military camps, religious convents, prisons or some cult organizations. They are cut off from a larger society. Members entering an institution have to leave behind their old identify to be socialized.
In simple words: Resocialization often benefits from total institutions, such as prisons or military camps, because these environments isolate individuals from their past, enforce new rules and behaviors, and compel a complete re-engineering of self. This controlled setting facilitates the unlearning of old norms and rapid adoption of new ones.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define "total institutions" and provide strong arguments with examples for why their structured, isolated nature is highly conducive to effective resocialization, emphasizing the need for a complete break from prior identities.

Question 4. Collect data from five students regarding their experience with social networking sites (example Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter). Find out about how much time they spend online, what kinds of people they interact with, what topics are usually discussed, the uses and problems of social networking sites. Write a 100-word Report on your findings. (Textbook Page No. 71)
Answer: With respect to overall media consumption, most students spend hours on social networking sites using mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, etc. This age group restricts watching television and is considered as the largest part of change in the media landscape. Example: More three to eleven years of age group are online than in 2016, with much of this growth coming from increased use of tablets. Unsurprisingly, tablets and other portable, connected devices are also playing an important role.
Uses: Social networking sites allow users living at distant places within their network to connect to another thus increasing social connection, share ideas, photographs, videos, information and other happenings around the world.
Problem:
1. Untrustworthy Member Data.
2. Users submit inaccurate information on their profile.
3. Leaving social networking is difficult; there are saved accounts, and ways to continue to reconnect to the site, even after an individual uninstall the account.
4. Less time for face to face connections with family members.
5. Being too much online diminishes our skills and can have serious side effects. These side effects are becoming more and more frequent amongst the waves of generations.
In simple words: Social networking sites are widely used by students, primarily on mobile devices, to connect with distant networks, share content, and discuss various topics. While they enhance social connection and information exchange, key problems include unreliable data, difficulty disengaging, reduced face-to-face interaction, and potential negative side effects from excessive online engagement.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing reports on social media, ensure a balanced discussion covering both the advantages (e.g., connectivity, information access) and disadvantages (e.g., privacy concerns, impact on real-world interactions) with clear, concise points.