Question: The ‘frequent repetition of petty acts’ motivated by interest producing ‘habit in the individual and custom in the group,’ was named by W.G. Sumner as?
- Mores
- Folkways
- Custom
- Habit
Answer: (2)W.G. Sumner’s Concept of Folkways: Unveiling the Dynamics of Social HabitsW.G. Sumner, a prominent American sociologist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributed significantly to the understanding of societal norms and behaviors. The question at hand revolves around a key concept introduced by Sumner: the ‘frequent repetition of petty acts’ motivated by interest, producing ‘habit in the individual and custom in the group.’ This concept is encapsulated by the term ‘folkways.’ To comprehend the depth of Sumner’s insights and the implications of folkways, we must explore the intricate interplay between individual habits and collective customs. Folkways Defined:According to Sumner, folkways are not merely individual habits but extend to become shared customs within a group or society. The term ‘folkways’ denotes the customary behaviors, habits, and traditions that emerge from the repetitive actions of individuals within a community. These actions, often minor and seemingly inconsequential, gain significance through their collective repetition, giving rise to patterns of behavior that define the social fabric. The Dynamics of Folkways:Sumner’s assertion that folkways are motivated by interest is pivotal to understanding their dynamics. Individuals engage in repetitive actions driven by their interests and needs, and these actions, when performed collectively, crystallize into shared customs. The motivations behind folkways are not arbitrary; they stem from the pursuit of individual or group interests, shaping the habitual behaviors that characterize a community. Unconscious Nature of Folkways:A distinctive feature of folkways, as highlighted by Sumner, is their unconscious and involuntary nature. Unlike conscious and voluntary acts governed by laws and institutions, folkways operate on a level of natural necessity. Individuals, driven by shared interests, engage in repetitive actions without explicit awareness or intentionality. This unconscious adherence to customary behaviors forms the essence of folkways. Transformation into Custom and Habit:Sumner elucidates that the operation by which folkways are produced involves the frequent repetition of petty acts. These acts, when performed collectively and consistently, transform into customs at the group level and habits at the individual level. The synergy between individual habits and collective customs creates a dynamic interplay that defines the societal landscape. Philosophical Underpinnings of Folkways:Implicit in folkways is a philosophy that becomes explicit when examined through the lens of technical philosophy. While acts under laws and institutions are conscious and voluntary, those under folkways are characterized by unconscious and involuntary compliance. The philosophy embedded in folkways reflects a natural order, where individuals, driven by shared interests, instinctively conform to customary behaviors. Dominance of Folkways in Societal Life:Sumner contends that folkways dominate societal life. The frequent repetition of petty acts, when ingrained in the collective consciousness, establishes a normative framework that governs behavior. The unconscious and involuntary nature of folkways contributes to their pervasive influence, shaping the everyday actions of individuals within a society. Folkways vs. Mores:Sumner distinguishes folkways from mores, emphasizing that mores possess an element of sentiment and faith. While folkways operate on the level of habitual actions driven by shared interests, mores involve deeper convictions and emotional attachments. Mores are societal norms characterized by greater readiness and confidence, often finding expression through positive enactments for the realization of societal purposes. Evolution of Folkways into Laws and Institutions:The evolutionary trajectory of folkways involves their transformation into institutions or laws. As folkways become more formalized and structured, they transition into societal constructs with explicit rules and regulations. This transformation alters their character, and they become distinguishable from the more sentiment-driven mores. Conclusion:W.G. Sumner’s concept of folkways unravels the intricate dynamics of societal habits and customs. The ‘frequent repetition of petty acts’ emerges as a powerful force that shapes individual habits and collective customs within a community. The motivations driving folkways, rooted in individual and group interests, highlight the pragmatic underpinnings of customary behaviors. The unconscious and involuntary nature of folkways underscores their pervasive influence, dominating societal life. Sumner’s distinction between folkways and mores provides further nuance, emphasizing the role of sentiment and faith in the latter. Additionally, the evolution of folkways into laws and institutions demonstrates the adaptability of customary behaviors within the societal framework. In essence, Sumner’s exploration of folkways offers a profound understanding of how seemingly trivial actions, when perpetuated collectively, contribute to the formation of societal norms. Folkways, as the unconscious expressions of shared interests, continue to shape the imponderabilia of actual life, influencing the daily conduct of individuals and the character of the societies they constitute. |
Take a Quick Sociology Quiz to measure your Performance
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Question: Define the term “ethnic movement” and provide an example from India.
Answer: An ethnic movement refers to a collective effort by a group sharing common cultural, linguistic, or religious traits, seeking to assert their identity and rights; an example from India is the Khalistan Movement in Punjab.
2. Question: Identify the main objectives behind the Gorkhaland ethnic movement.
Answer: The Gorkhaland ethnic movement primarily seeks to establish a separate state for India’s Nepali-speaking population in the Darjeeling region, advocating for linguistic and cultural recognition and political autonomy.
3. Question: What was the Operation Blue Star, and which ethnic movement was it related to?
Answer: Operation Blue Star was a military action in 1984, aiming to remove Sikh militants hiding in the Golden Temple in Amritsar; it is related to the Khalistan movement, which sought a separate Sikh country.
4. Question: Mention a critical factor that triggered the emergence of ethnic movements in India, as discussed by Dipankar Gupta.
Answer: Dipankar Gupta emphasized that ethnicity is fundamentally a political process, wherein caste and religion, the key components of identity formation, are politicized by leaders for vested interests.
5. Question: What were the primary reasons for the Assam Ethnicity conflicts involving Bodo tribals and Bengali Muslim settlers?
Answer: The Assam Ethnicity conflicts primarily stemmed from issues related to immigration, land rights, and resource allocation, leading to clashes, riots, and evolving relationships among indigenous communities to address challenges.
6. Question: Briefly describe the role of the Dravidian Movement in terms of caste and societal structure.
Answer: The Dravidian Movement, led notably by E.V. Ramasamy, aimed to establish an egalitarian society, focusing on anti-Brahmanism and advocating for equal rights for backward castes, while also introducing reforms like self-respect marriages.
7. Question: Name the prominent ethnic movements in North-East India and specify one common objective.
Answer: Prominent ethnic movements in North-East India include the Nagas’ and Mizos’ struggles; a common objective was to gain autonomy and recognition for their distinct tribal identities and cultural uniqueness.
8. Question: What is the key argument of Gail Omveldt regarding traditional Indian society and multiculturalism?
Answer: Gail Omveldt opposed romanticizing traditional Indian society, arguing that hierarchy has always dominated it and dismissing the notion that multiculturalism is an intrinsic feature of Indian society as a myth.
9. Question: Briefly explain the social hierarchy factor as a contributing element to ethnic movements as suggested by Olzak.
Answer: Olzak suggests that the construction of hierarchies among ethnic communities, which often leads to the suppression of one group by another, is a key factor that can instigate social and ethnic movements.
10. Question: Identify one consequence of the unequal economic development factor within the context of ethnic movements in India.
Answer: One consequence of unequal economic development is the marginalization and underdevelopment of certain groups, leading to feelings of alienation and sometimes initiating ethnic movements as these groups strive for equality and recognition.
To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques.
META TAGS:
Why Vikash Ranjan’s Classes for Sociology?
Proper guidance and assistance are required to learn the skill of interlinking current happenings with the conventional topics. VIKASH RANJAN SIR at SOCIOLOGY GURU guides students according to the Recent Trends, making him the Best Sociology Teacher for Sociology.
At Sociology Guru, the Best Sociology Coaching platform, we not only provide the best study material and applied classes for Sociology but also conduct regular assignments and class tests to assess candidates’ writing skills and understanding of the subject.
Choose The Best Sociology Teacher for your Preparation?
To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques. Sociology, Social theory, Best Sociology Teacher, Best Sociology Coaching, Sociology Syllabus.
Best Sociology Teacher, Sociology Syllabus, Sociology, Sociology Coaching, Best Sociology Coaching, Best Sociology Teacher, Sociology Course, Sociology Teacher, Sociology Foundation, Sociology Foundation Course, Sociology CUET, Sociology for IAS, Sociology for UPSC, Sociology for BPSC, Sociology for UGC NET, Sociology for JPSC,
Follow us :
KEYWORD: -Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, Frequent Repetition of Petty Acts, MA CUET SOCIOLOGY
