Question: Who founded the ‘institutional school’ in sociology?
- Karl Manheim
- G.V. Vico
- George Simmel
- Thorstein Velben
Answer: (4)The correct answer to the MA CUET exam question is (d) Thorstein Veblen. Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and social theorist, is credited with founding the ‘institutional school’ in sociology. His works, published between 1884 and 1923, have had a profound impact on the development of institutional economics and have significantly influenced our understanding of industrial capitalist society and its institutions. Thorstein Veblen’s intellectual contributions span a wide range of topics, from economic theory to sociology, and he is often regarded as one of the most original and controversial thinkers of his time. The institutional school in sociology, associated with Veblen, challenges conventional economic and social theories by emphasizing the importance of institutions in shaping behavior and outcomes within a society. One of Veblen’s seminal works is “The Theory of the Leisure Class,” published in 1899, where he introduced the concept of conspicuous consumption. Veblen argued that social status and prestige are often signaled through visible displays of wealth and leisure. The leisure class, according to Veblen, engages in extravagant and wasteful consumption not primarily for its practical utility but as a means of demonstrating social standing. Veblen’s institutional approach to sociology involves a critical examination of the institutions that define and shape human behavior. He identified two fundamental instincts or dispositions within human beings – the instinct of workmanship and the instinct of parental bent. These instincts, according to Veblen, drive both industrious and aggressive behaviors, influencing the evolution of human institutions. The evolution of institutions, in Veblen’s view, is characterized by a slow transition from peaceable savagery to a more complex and hierarchical society marked by the rise of ruling classes. These ruling classes, seeking to legitimize their power and privilege, engage in conspicuous consumption as a way of displaying their status. The symbols of leisure become crucial in this display, and Veblen’s analysis of these patterns laid the foundation for the institutional school’s focus on the social and cultural aspects of economic behavior. Veblen’s insights into the relationship between institutions and human behavior were ground-breaking. He was among the first theorists to identify advertising, financial manipulation, and stagnation as essential features of a mature business economy. His analysis of the wasteful nature of modern business elites, who distort and misuse technological advancements in their pursuit of power and status, remains relevant and influential. Veblen’s view of democracy was skeptical, as he believed that, under the control of what he referred to as “substantial citizens,” democracy offered little promise in redirecting industry toward the common good. According to Veblen, ordinary people tended to emulate the values and habits of their leaders, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage for the underlying population. In summary, Thorstein Veblen founded the institutional school in sociology, challenging traditional economic and social theories by emphasizing the role of institutions in shaping human behavior. His works, particularly “The Theory of the Leisure Class,” laid the groundwork for the institutional approach that focuses on the evolution of institutions, the influence of conspicuous consumption, and the interplay between human instincts and societal structures. Veblen’s contributions continue to shape discussions in sociology, economics, and the broader social sciences, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of industrial capitalist societies and their predominant institutions. |
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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.
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