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Sociology is the study of society, which includes social relationships, interactions and culture. In NCERT Class 11 Sociology Chapter 1: Sociology and Society, students will be able to understand the society and the study of its interrelation with other factors. This blog will delve into the solutions of this chapter, which will help to understand this chapter in a simplified way.
Explore Notes of Class 11: Introducing Sociology
| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 |
Exercise
1. Why is the study of the origin and growth of sociology important?
2. Discuss the different aspects of the term ‘society’. How is it different from your common-sense understanding?
3. Discuss how there is greater give and take among disciplines today.
4. Identify any personal problem that you or your friends, or your relatives are facing. Attempt a sociological understanding.
Solutions:
1. The study of the origin and growth of sociology is important because it helps us understand how this subject emerged in response to major social changes in Europe, such as the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution. These events transformed traditional societies and created new social issues like urbanisation, poverty, and inequality. People began to question old customs, beliefs, and institutions, and there was a need to study society in a scientific and systematic way. Sociology developed as a discipline to understand these changes and offer explanations and possible solutions. By learning about its origin and development, students can better appreciate the role of sociology in understanding modern society and its relevance in today’s world.
2. The term ‘society’ in sociology refers to a complex web of social relationships, institutions, norms, values, and patterns of behaviour shared by a group of people. It is not just a group of individuals living together, but includes how they interact, the roles they play, and the rules they follow. Society involves structured relationships—like those between parents and children, teachers and students, employers and workers—and is held together by shared beliefs, customs, and institutions.
In common-sense understanding, people often think of society as just a collection of people or a geographical area, like a neighbourhood or country. But sociologically, society is much more. It focuses on how individuals are connected through culture, economy, religion, and politics, and how their actions are influenced by these factors.
So, while common sense sees society in a simple and obvious way, sociology digs deeper to understand the invisible structures and processes that shape human behaviour and social life.
3. Today, there is much greater give and take among different academic disciplines than ever before. Earlier, subjects like sociology, history, psychology, and anthropology were seen as separate with their own boundaries. But now, scholars understand that real-world problems are complex and can’t be fully understood from just one perspective. That’s why disciplines now often borrow methods, concepts, and insights from each other.
For example, historians now use sociological concepts to understand how social structures affected historical events. Similarly, sociologists study cultural aspects, a method traditionally used in anthropology, and also focus on individual behaviour, like in psychology. Even economics and political science are now closely connected with sociology when studying issues like poverty, inequality, and governance.
This exchange of ideas and methods allows for a more holistic and deeper understanding of society. It also helps in solving real-life issues more effectively, as these problems often span across multiple fields of study.
4. Let’s take the example of unemployment among educated youth, something many students and their families are facing today. At first, it might seem like a personal problem — someone didn’t get a job, maybe they didn’t try hard enough or chose the wrong course. But a sociological understanding helps us see the larger picture.
From a sociological point of view, this is not just one person’s problem, but a social issue. Many young people are unemployed even after completing their education. This shows there is a mismatch between education and job opportunities. The problem also relates to economic policies, social background, and access to resources. For instance, students from rural areas or poor families might not get the same career guidance or internships as those from cities.
Sociology helps us move beyond blaming individuals and instead focus on social structures and systems that create these issues. It teaches us to ask: Why is the job market shrinking? Are some groups facing more disadvantages than others? How can education be improved to match real-world needs? This kind of analysis leads to collective solutions, not just personal blame.
Download the NCERT Class 11 Sociology Chapter 1 Sociology and Society Solutions PDF
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