Question: He Views society as a system and argues that any social system has four basic functional prerequisites adaptation, goal attainment, integration and pattern maintenance. Who is he?
- Talcott Parsons
- Edward Shils
- Robert Merton
- Marion J. Levy
Answer: (1)Talcott Parsons, a prominent figure in sociology, is attributed to the perspective that views society as a system with four basic functional prerequisites: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and pattern maintenance. In the context of the MA CUET exam question, understanding Parsons’ contributions to sociological theory, particularly his work in functionalism, structural-functionalism, and system theory, is crucial for selecting the correct option, which is (a) Talcott Parsons. Talcott Parsons was a key figure in the development of structural-functionalism, a sociological paradigm that analyzes society as a complex system with various interrelated parts that contribute to its stability and functioning. Parsons’ theoretical work sought to explore the intricate connections between personality, social systems, and culture. His analysis centered on identifying the essential elements of personality and culture that serve as prerequisites for the existence and growth of any social system. According to Parsons, for a social system to maintain persistent order and operate in an orderly manner, it must fulfill certain functional prerequisites. These prerequisites are essential for the system to endure and function effectively over time. Parsons conceptualized society as a social system composed of various units, organizations, institutions, and actors engaged in interactive processes. Parsons’ overarching aim was to demonstrate the interconnectedness of personality and social systems. He believed that to subsist and endure, all social systems, including family, economy, and polity, must establish and maintain boundaries. These boundaries are necessary as social systems consist of human beings with social orientations that are patterned. The actions of self-maintenance performed by these social systems are grounded in the fact that they are comprised of individuals whose values and behaviors are guided by societal patterns. To elaborate on the concept of functional prerequisites, Parsons identified four key functions, collectively referred to as AGIL: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency. Let’s delve into each of these functional prerequisites:
Parsons argued that these four functional prerequisites are indispensable for the survival and efficient operation of social systems. The dynamic interplay of adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency functions contributes to the self-adjusting and self-maintaining qualities of social systems. These functions collectively support the internal and external processes required for the persistence and functionality of the social system. In summary, Talcott Parsons’ conceptualization of society as a system with functional prerequisites has left an indelible mark on sociological theory. His emphasis on the interrelationship between personality and social systems, along with the identification of AGIL as key functional prerequisites, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of social order and stability. Parsons’ work continues to be influential in the study of sociology, offering valuable insights into the complexities of societal functioning and the conditions necessary for the continuity of social systems. |
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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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