Sociology Study Notes on Social Change and Marriage

Study Notes

Sociology: Study Notes

Social Change
- Refers to transformations in the social structure, social institutions, and social relationships within a society over time.
- Patterns of Social Change: Gradual, accelerated, progressive, regressive, revolutionary, evolutionary.
- Factors Driving Social Change:
  - Technological Advancements
  - Economic Development
  - Political Processes
  - Cultural Diffusion
  - Social Movements
  - Population Growth
  - Environmental Factors
Marriage
- A socially sanctioned union between two individuals of opposite sexes to establish a family unit.
- Forms of Hindu Marriage:
  - Monogamy: One spouse at a time.
  - Polygamy: Multiple spouses (polygyny: multiple wives, polyandry: multiple husbands).
- Hindu Marriage as a Religious Sacrament:
  - Considered a sacred union blessed by religious authorities, carrying spiritual and religious significance.
Sociology
- Defined as the systematic study of human society, its structure, functions, interactions, and institutions.
- Formalistic School: Focuses on the scientific method to study social phenomena, emphasizing objectivity and observation.
- Synthetic School: Integrates various disciplines like history, economics, and psychology into the study of sociology.
Social Stratification
- Refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on factors like wealth, power, prestige, and social status.
- Features of Social Stratification:
  - Inequality: Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.
  - Hierarchy: Ranking of individuals or groups.
  - Persistence: Tendency to persist across generations.
- Karl Marx:
  - Two classes: Bourgeoisie (owners of production) and Proletariat (workers).
  - Conflict between classes drives social change.
- Max Weber:
  - Multiple dimensions of stratification: class (economic status), power (influence), status (social prestige).
  - Class, power, and status are interconnected, but distinct.
Family
- A primary social institution, considered a vital agent of socialization.
- Importance of Family for Socialization:
  - Teaches social norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors.
  - Shapes personality, attitudes, and identity.
  - Provides emotional support and a sense of belonging.
- Joint Family in India:
  - Extended family structure comprising multiple generations living together.
  - Provides economic support, social security, and a sense of community.
Law and Social Control
- Formal Social Control: Includes laws, regulations, and institutions (courts, police, government).
- Informal Social Control: Includes customs, traditions, norms, social pressure, and family discipline.
- Importance of Law for Social Control:
  - Maintains order and stability.
  - Enforces social norms and values.
  - Protects individual rights and freedoms.
Short Notes
- Anticipatory Socialization: Learning and internalizing the norms, values, and behaviors of a group or role that one expects to join in the future.
- Dower: A gift given to the bride by her family during marriage, sometimes involving property or money.
- Community and Association:
  - Community: A group of individuals bound together by a common identity, shared interests, and geographic location.
  - Association: A group formed for specific purposes, often with formal membership and organizational structure.
- Norms and Values:
  - Norms: Expected patterns of behavior within a social group.
  - Values: General beliefs about what is good, right, or desirable within a society.
- Culture: The shared beliefs, behaviors, and traditions that define a group of people.
- Status and Role:
  - Status: A socially defined position or rank within a social group.
  - Role: The set of expected behaviors associated with a particular status.