Short question -Sociology

TANMOY MUKHERJI INSTITUTE OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

Short question Sociology-

Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

(a) What is Association?

→An association is a voluntary group of individuals organized deliberately to achieve specific objectives. It has a formal structure, defined rules, membership, and authority. Associations are created for particular purposes such as education, religion, politics, or social service. Examples include trade unions, political parties, clubs, and educational institutions.

(b) Define Cultural Lag.

→Cultural lag is a concept introduced by W.F. Ogburn. It refers to the situation where changes in material culture (technology, inventions, scientific developments) occur faster than changes in non-material culture (beliefs, laws, morals, customs). Because of this gap, social problems and conflicts arise, such as cyber-crimes due to rapid growth of technology without adequate laws.

(c) What is Social Control?

→Social control refers to the mechanisms used by society to regulate individual behaviour and maintain social order. It includes both formal means (law, police, courts) and informal means (customs, traditions, religion, public opinion). Social control ensures conformity to social norms and prevents deviant behaviour, helping society to function smoothly.

(d) Define Assimilation.

→Assimilation is the social process through which individuals or minority groups gradually adopt the language, culture, values, and behaviour of the dominant group. Over time, differences between groups reduce and a sense of unity develops. Assimilation helps in national integration but may also lead to loss of original cultural identity.

(e) Who gave the concept of Primary Group?

→The concept of Primary Group was given by Charles Horton Cooley.

Primary groups are small, intimate groups characterized by face-to-face interaction, emotional bonds, and long-term relationships. Examples include family, close friends, and neighbourhood groups. These groups play a vital role in personality development and socialization.

(f) What is the Meaning of Kinship?

→Kinship is a system of social relationships based on blood relations (consanguinity), marriage (affinity), or adoption. It defines family roles, inheritance, marriage rules, and social obligations. Kinship ties are fundamental in organizing social life and maintaining social cohesion in both traditional and modern societies.

(g) Define Socialization.

→Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn social norms, values, customs, language, and behaviour necessary to participate effectively in society. It begins from childhood and continues throughout life. Agencies of socialization include family, school, peer groups, religion, media, and state. Socialization shapes personality and social identity.

(h) Mention any Two Types of Social Stratification Found in Our Society.

→Two major types of social stratification are:

Caste System – A closed system based on birth, occupation, and social status, commonly found in traditional Indian society.

Class System – An open system based on economic factors such as income, education, and occupation, allowing social mobility.

(i) What is In-Group and Out-Group?

→An in-group is a social group with which an individual identifies and feels loyalty, belongingness, and emotional attachment.

An out-group is a group to which the individual does not belong and may feel competition, indifference, or hostility.

This distinction helps explain social behaviour, group solidarity, and social conflicts.

(j) Define Drug Abuse.

→Drug abuse refers to the excessive, improper, or non-medical use of drugs that harms an individual’s physical health, mental health, and social life. It may lead to addiction, crime, family breakdown, and social problems. Commonly abused substances include alcohol, narcotics, and psychotropic drugs.

(K) What is Community?

→A community is a permanent social group of people living in a specific geographical area, sharing common culture, traditions, customs, values, and social institutions. Members of a community have a strong feeling of belongingness and mutual cooperation. Community life involves close social relationships and common interests such as language, religion, and economic activities. Examples include village communities and urban communities.

(l) What is Marriage?

→Marriage is a socially approved and legally recognized institution that establishes a stable relationship between two individuals, usually for the purpose of family life, procreation, and social stability. It regulates sexual relations, determines legitimacy of children, and assigns social roles and responsibilities. Marriage also creates alliances between families and ensures social control.