Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Sociology with Solutions and marking scheme Set 9 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Sociology Set 9 with Solutions
Time Allowed:- 3 hours
Maximum Marks:- 80
General Instructions:
- The question paper is divided into four sections.
- There are 35 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
- Section A includes question no. 1-16. These are MCQ-type questions. As per the question, there can be one answer.
- Section B includes question no. 17-25. These are Very Short Answer-type questions carrying 2 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 30 words.
- Section C includes question no. 26-32. They are Short Answer type questions carrying 4 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 80 words.
- Section D includes question no. 33-35. They are Long Answer type questions carrying 6 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 200 words each.
- Question no. 33 is to be answered with the help of the given graphics. Question no. 34 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.
Section-A (16×1=16 Marks)
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Assertion (A): Family a site of bitter conflicts, injustice and violence. [1]
Reason (R): The family is a space of great warmth and care with stories of compassion, sacrifice and care.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Family is a site of conflict, injustice, and violence because female infanticide, violent conflicts between brothers over property, and ugly legal disputes are a part of family and kinship as social institutions
Question 2.
Satnami Movement of the Dalits in eastern MP and the movement by Jatavas of Agra are examples of _____________. [1]
(A) Women’s rights movement
(B) Peasant movement
(C) Dalit movement
(D) Tribal movement
Answer:
(C) Dalit movement
Explanation: Dalit movements took place in the eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Agra.
Question 3.
Assertion (A): A significant yet paradoxical change in the caste system in the contemporary period is that it has tended to become ‘invisible’ for the upper caste, urban middle and upper classes. [1]
Reason (R): Caste plays no part in their private lives.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true
Answer:
(C) A is true but R is false.
Explanation: For the upper caste, caste plays no part in their public lives, being limited to the personal sphere of religious practice or marriage and kinship.
Question 4.
The ____________ conquerors benefited from their domination by exacting a continuous flow of tribute. [1]
(A) pre-capitalist
(B) capitalist
(C) imperialist
(D) post-imperialist
Answer:
(A) pre-capitalist
Explanation: Pre-capitalist societies relied on a continuous extraction of tribute and wielded dominant power structures, enabling them to secure various advantages. This accomplishment facilitated their acquisition of diverse benefits.
Question 5.
Assertion (A): Malthus’s predictions were proved false. [1]
Reason (R): In the historical experience of Europe, both food production and standards of living continued to rise despite the rapid growth of population.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Malthus’s predictions were proved false because both food production and standards of living continued to rise despite the rapid growth of population. Malthus was also criticised by liberal and Marxist scholars for asserting that poverty was caused by population growth.
Question 6.
Adivasi literally means: [1]
(A) Forest Inhabitants
(B) Ancient Inhabitants
(C) Involuntary Inhabitants
(D) Original Inhabitants
Answer:
(D) Original Inhabitants
Explanation: Adivasi has been defined as a collective term for the tribes of Indian subcontinent. The literal meaning of the term ‘adivasi’ is original inhabitants.
Question 7.
“Famines were also a major and recurring source of increased mortality”. Which of the following is not a cause of famines? [1]
(A) Continuing poverty and malnutrition in agro-climatic environment
(B) Inadequate means of transportation and communication
(C) Failure of entitlements
(D) Increasing birth rate
Answer:
(D) Increasing birth rate
Explanation: While continuing poverty and malnutrition in agro-climatic environments, inadequate means of transportation and communication, and failure of entitlements are commonly identified causes of famines, increasing birth rate is not directly linked to the occurrence of famines. The other options are more directly associated with the factors contributing to famines.
Question 8.
What are the laws that allow citizens of a particular state to also simultaneously be citizens? [1]
(A) Cross-border citizenship laws
(B) Multiple citizenship laws
(C) Dual-citizenship laws
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(C) Dual-citizenship laws
Explanation: These laws are known as ‘dual-citizenship’ laws. For instance, Jewish Americans may be citizens of Israel as well as the USA; they can even serve in the armed forces of one country without losing their citizenship in the other country. Dual citizenship laws allow citizens of a particular state to hold citizenship in another state simultaneously. These laws recognize and accommodate individuals who have ties to multiple countries, allowing them to enjoy the rights and privileges of citizenship in both states.
Question 9.
The example of secondary sector is: [1]
(A) Banking
(B) Agriculture
(C) Mining
(D) Manufacturing
Answer:
(D) Manufacturing
Explanation: The secondary sector refers to the sector of the economy that involves the processing of raw materials into finished goods. Manufacturing is a prime example of the secondary sector as it involves the transformation of raw materials into tangible products through various processes. Banking (A) is part of the tertiary sector, agriculture (B) is part of the primary sector, and mining (C) is another example of the primary sector.
Question 10.
Even though the fertility and population growth rates are declining, India’s population is projected to increase from 1.2 billion todays to an estimated 1.6 billion by 2050 due to __________. [1]
(A) population explosion
(B) post-transitional phase
(C) population momentum
(D) rate of natural increase
Answer:
(C) population momentum
Explanation: Population momentum refers to the continued population growth even after a decline in fertility rates. In the context of India, despite declining fertility and population growth rates, the large existing population and the young age structure contribute to population momentum. This leads to a projected increase in India’s population from 1.2 billion to an estimated 1.6 billion by 2050. Population explosion (A) refers to a sudden and rapid increase in population, which is not the primary factor in this case. Post-transitional phase (B) is not directly related to the projected increase in population. The rate of natural increase (D) is a component of population growth but does not explain the projected increase from 1.2 billion to 1.6 billion specifically.
Question 11.
Assertion (A): The problem of selective abortions is not due to poverty or ignorance or lack of resources. [1]
Reason (R): We find the sex ratio to be the lowest in the most prosperous regions.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion states that the problem of selective abortions is not due to poverty or ignorance or lack of resources, which is true. Selective abortions, where pregnancies are terminated based on the gender of the fetus, are influenced by socio-cultural factors rather than solely by poverty, ignorance, or lack of resources. The reason states that we find the sex ratio to be the lowest in the most prosperous regions, which is also true. This supports the explanation that the problem of selective abortions is more prevalent in prosperous regions, where access to technology for gender determination and societal preferences for male children can contribute to a lower sex ratio. Therefore, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Question 12.
In India, how much work (whether it is in agriculture, industry or services) is in the unorganised or informal sector? [1]
(A) 50%
(B) 90%
(C) 100%
(D) 20%
Answer:
(B) 90%
Explanation: The organised sector consists of all units employing ten or more people throughout the year. But in India, over 90% of the work, whether it is in agriculture, industry or services is in the unorganised or informal sector.
Question 13.
There is no historically fixed or logically necessary relationship between a _____________ and the varied forms of ____________ that it could be based on. [1]
(A) state-nation, society
(B) nation-state, community
(C) nation, ideology
(D) community, nation-state
Answer:
(B) nation-state, community
Explanation: Today it is hard to define a nation in any way other than to say that it is a community that has succeeded in acquiring a state of its own. Interestingly, the opposite has also become increasingly true. Just as would-be or aspiring nationalities are now more and more likely to work towards forming a state, existing states are also finding it more and more necessary to claim that they represent a nation. The relationship between the nation-state and community is relatively a new one.
Question 14.
Which of the following factors plays a significant role in shaping the patterns of rural-urban migration in India? [1]
(A) Cultural preservation
(B) Land ownership rights
(C) Caste-based discrimination
(D) Technological advancements
Answer:
(C) Caste-based discrimination
Explanation: Caste-based discrimination is a significant factor that influences the patterns of rural-urban migration in India. The caste system, deeply rooted in Indian society, has historically resulted in social and economic disparities among different caste groups. Individuals from lower castes often face discrimination and limited opportunities in rural areas, leading them to migrate to urban areas in search of better social mobility and economic prospects. The push factor of caste-based discrimination drives many individuals to leave their rural communities and seek a more inclusive and equal environment in urban areas.
Question 15.
Santhals, Hos, Oraons, Mundas in Chota Nagpur and the Santhal Parganas are tribes of: [1]
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Haryana
(C) Jharkhand
(D) Karnataka
Answer:
(C) Jharkhand
Explanation: During earlier periods, diverse tribal communities inhabited various regions of India, each possessing its distinct culture, language, and way of life. Among these tribes were the Santhals, Mundas, Oraons, Hos, and others, who settled in areas such as the Chota Nagpur Plateau and Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand, among others.
Question 16.
Which of the following is not a result of contract farming? [1]
(A) It disengages many people from the production process.
(B) Makes their own indigenous knowledge of agriculture irrelevant.
(C) It is ecologically sustainable
(D) Caters primarily to the production of elite items
Answer:
(C) It is ecologically sustainable
Explanation: Contract farming leads to:
(a) Disengagement of people from the production process.
(b) Making of own indigenous knowledge of agriculture irrelevant.
(c) Focusing primarily on the production of elite items.
Option (C) It is ecologically sustainable which is not a result directly associated with contract farming. While contract farming can have both positive and negative outcomes, its ecological sustainability depends on the specific practices and arrangements implemented within the contract farming system.
Section – B (9×2=18 Marks)
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 17.
Population growth always outstrips growth in production of subsistence resources; hence the only way to increase prosperity is by controlling the growth of population. Unfortunately, humanity has only a limited ability to voluntarily reduce the growth of its population. Malthus believed therefore that ‘positive checks’ to population growth- in the form of famines and diseases- were inevitable because they were nature’s way of dealing with the imbalance between food supply and increasing population. Malthus was also criticised by liberal and Marxist scholars for asserting that poverty was caused by population growth. Critics argued that problems like poverty and starvation were caused by the unequal distribution of economic resources rather than by population growth. [2]
Based on the given passage, answer the following question.
Can you provide an example of a statement that supports the Malthusian theory without critiquing it, based on the given passage?
OR
Mass media and communication channels are now bringing images of urban life styles and patterns of consumption into the rural areas. Consequently, urban norms and standards are becoming well known even in the remote villages, creating new desires and aspirations for consumption. Mass transit and mass communication are bridging the gap between the rural and urban areas. Even in the past, the rural areas were never really beyond the reach of market forces and today they are being more closely integrated into the consumer market. Considered from an urban point of view, the rapid growth in urbanisation shows that the town or city has been acting as a magnet for the rural population.
Based on the given passage, answer the following question.
Why does urban areas act as a magnet for the rural population
Answer:
Example statement: “The Malthusian theory accurately recognizes the challenge of population growth surpassing the production of subsistence resources, necessitating population control measures to achieve long-term prosperity.”
Explanation: This statement acknowledges and supports the central premise of the Malthusian theory as presented in the passage. It recognizes the inherent challenge of population growth outpacing the availability of subsistence resources. By emphasizing the need for population control measures to ensure long-term prosperity, the statement aligns with the Malthusian theory without offering any critique or alternative explanations for societal problems.
OR
Those who cannot find work (or sufficient work) in the rural areas go to the city in search of work where the opportunities are available in abundance. Also, the lifestyle, standards and norms of urban areas create different aspirations and desires for consumption for the rural population.
Question 18.
What are some of the different forms that the family can take? [2]
Answer:
Nuclear Family: It consists of one set of parents and their children.
Extended Family: It consisted of more than one couple and, often, more than two generations live together. The extended family is symptomatic of India.
Diverse forms of family:
(i) Matrilocal-patrilocal (based on residence)
(ii) Matrilineal and patrilineal (based on rules of inheritance)
(iii) Matriarchal and patriarchal (based on authority)
Question 19.
Why is rising dependency ratio a cause for worry in countries that are facing aging population? [2]
Answer:
A rising dependency ratio is a significant concern for countries grappling with an aging population. This is because it creates a challenging scenario where a smaller proportion of working-age individuals are burdened with the responsibility of providing resources for a larger proportion of dependents.
Question 20.
What are the criteria used for defining OBCs? [2]
Answer:
Criteria used for defining OBCs:
(i) Social and educational backwardness.
(ii) Identification by caste.
(iii) Neither part of the forward castes, nor of the Dalits.
Question 21.
How do people find jobs? [2]
Answer:
- Through advertisements and employment exchanges.
- Through personal contacts for those who are self-employed, e.g., plumbers, private tuitions and freelance photographers.
- Through Contractors/Jobbers (who are called as mistris in the Kanpur textile mills).
- As Badli workers, who substitute for regular permanent workers who are on leave.
Question 22.
What were the potential challenges encountered by farmers in the majority of Green Revolution regions when transitioning from a multi-crop regime to a mono-crop system? [2]
Answer:
- Transitioning from a multi-crop system to a mono-crop regime in Green Revolution areas posed risks for farmers.
- The mono-crop system lacked alternative crops to rely on in case of crop failure, leaving farmers vulnerable.
- Farmers became highly dependent on the success of a single crop, with no fallback options.
- Market fluctuations and price volatility could significantly impact farmers’ income and financial stability.
- Continuous cultivation of the same crop in the mono-crop system increased the risk of soil degradation and nutrient depletion.
- Soil health and long-term sustainability of agricultural practices were at stake due to the limited crop diversity.
Question 23.
How do farmers engage with the global market, and how does this relationship impact their agricultural practices? Provide an example to illustrate the dynamics involved. [2]
Answer:
- Farmers engage with the global market by selling their agricultural products, such as crops or livestock, to buyers and traders beyond their local or regional markets.
- This relationship with the global market influences farmers’ agricultural practices and decisions.
- Access to the global market provides farmers with opportunities to expand their customer base and increase their income potential.
- Global market demands can influence farmers’ crop choices, production methods, and quality standards to meet international market requirements.
- Price fluctuations in the global market can impact farmers’ profitability and financial stability.
- The global market also exposes farmers to market risks and competition, requiring them to stay informed and adapt to changing market conditions.
- An example illustrating this dynamic is a rice farmer in Asia who exports their rice to international markets, adjusting their cultivation practices and meeting quality standards to meet the preferences of global buyers.
Question 24.
Did the model of the South Asian colonial city cater to the needs of the natives? Give a reason for your answer. [2]
Answer:
- The model of the South Asian colonial city primarily served the interests of the colonial powers rather than the needs of the native population.
- Colonial cities were often designed to facilitate the administration, military control, and economic exploitation by the colonial rulers.
- The urban planning and architecture of colonial cities were influenced by European styles and preferences, neglecting the cultural and social aspects of the native population.
- The layout and infrastructure of colonial cities were designed to maintain social hierarchies and segregation, limiting access and opportunities for the native inhabitants.
- Public spaces and resources in colonial cities were often unequally distributed, favoring the colonial elite and disregarding the needs of the majority of the local population.
- The focus on economic exploitation and administrative control resulted in inadequate provision of basic amenities and services for the native inhabitants.
Question 25.
“Colonialism led to the growth of an English educated Indian middle class. They read the thinkers of western enlightenment, philosophers of liberal democracy and dreamt of ushering in a liberal and progressive India. And yet, humiliated by colonial rule they asserted their pride in traditional learning and scholarship. You have already seen this trend in the 19th-century reform movements. As this chapter will show, modernity spelled not merely new ideas but also rethinking and re interpretation of tradition. Both culture and tradition are living entities. People learn them and in turn modify them. Take the everyday example of how the sari or jain sem or sarong is worn in India today. Traditionally the sari, a loose unstitched piece of cloth was differently worn in different regions.”
Read the above passage and explain the results of westernisation? [2]
OR
How did the rise of capitalist economies during the Industrial Revolution contribute to social inequality and class divisions?
Answer:
- Westernisation has brought significant changes to societal institutions.
- Traditional norms and practices related to marriage, family, caste system, and religion have become less strict and prevalent.
- Education and exposure to Western ideas have led to a greater awareness of the right to equality.
- The values of society are undergoing a transformation, with a growing emphasis on individualism and formal relationships.
- Increased emphasis on individual rights and personal freedom has influenced societal values.
- The trend towards individualism and formal relations is on the rise in modern society.
OR
- The capitalist system created a significant wealth gap between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class).
- Capitalist enterprises relied on exploitative labour practices, such as low wages and long working hours, leading to the impoverishment
of the working class. - The concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few capitalist elites further widened the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Capitalist economies fostered competition, which resulted in the consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of dominant capitalist players, reinforcing social inequality.
- The emergence of industrial capitalism led to the displacement of traditional livelihoods and the degradation of working conditions for many individuals.
- Capitalism’s reliance on private property and profit accumulation reinforced social divisions based on wealth, privileging those who owned and controlled capital.
- The growth of capitalist economies led to the emergence of a middle class, which occupied a somewhat ambiguous position between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
- The capitalist system perpetuated social stratification, as access to education, healthcare, and other essential resources became increasingly determined by socioeconomic status.
- The unequal distribution of wealth and resources fuelled social unrest and the rise of labour movements seeking to address the disparities inherent in capitalist societies.
Section – C (7×4=28 Marks)
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 26.
“The very term ‘disabled’ is significant because it draws attention to the fact that public perception of the ‘disabled’ needs to be questioned”. State the common features central to the public perception of ‘disability’ all over the world. [4]
OR
Nation-state became the dominant political form during the colonial period. Explain.
Answer:
- Stigmatization
- Pity or Helplessness
- Dependence
- Stigmatization and negative attitudes
- Assumptions of helplessness and inability
- Dependency on others
- Limited opportunities and exclusion from society
- Lack of understanding and empathy
- Labeling and categorisation
- Physical or mental limitations emphasized over individual capabilities
- Limited representation and visibility in media and public spaces
- Ignorance or misconceptions about disability and its diverse forms and experiences
OR
During the colonial period, the nation-state emerged as the dominant political form due to several factors:
Colonial Rule: European powers established colonial rule over vast territories, imposing their own political structures and systems. They organized these territories into distinct administrative units, which laid the foundation for nation-states.
Borders and Boundaries: Colonial powers drew artificial borders and boundaries, often disregarding existing cultural, ethnic, and linguistic differences. These borders created distinct territorial entities that eventually became the basis for nation-states.
Imposition of Governance: Colonial powers introduced centralised governance systems and administrative institutions in their colonies. They established bureaucracies, legal frameworks, and infrastructure to facilitate control and exploitation of resources. These structures eventually formed the basis for independent nation-states.
Nationalist Movements: The colonial period witnessed the rise of nationalist movements, where local populations aspired for self-governance and independence. These movements sought to unite diverse communities within defined territories under a common national identity, leading to the emergence of nation-states.
International Recognition: The concept of the nation-state gained international recognition through diplomatic relations and international treaties. The recognition of nation-states by the international community solidified their status as the dominant political form.
Question 27.
Explain ‘Time Slavery’ in the IT Sector. [4]
Answer:
- Long working hours in the industry are driven by factors such as time differences between India and client sites, leading to evening conference calls with the U.S.
- Overwork is inherent in outsourced projects due to underestimation of project costs and timelines, requiring engineers to put in extra hours to meet deadlines.
- Extended working hours are justified through the management practice of “flexi-time,” where employees have the freedom to choose their working hours but end up working as long as necessary to complete tasks.
- Peer pressure and the desire to demonstrate dedication to superiors contribute to employees staying late in the office even when there is no real work pressure.
- The work culture in the industry perpetuates the expectation of long hours, with little consideration for work-life balance.
Overall, the industry’s work culture is characterized by long working hours driven by factors like time differences, project demands, and workplace norms. Despite the concept of flexi-time, employees often find themselves working extended hours to meet expectations and demonstrate commitment.
Question 28.
Discuss the plight of the labourers. [4]
Answer:
- Exploitation: Labourers often face exploitation, with low wages and poor working conditions being prevalent.
- Lack of job security: Many labourers work in informal sectors where they have little to no job security, making them vulnerable to sudden unemployment or income instability.
- Health and safety risks: Labourers often work in hazardous environments without proper safety measures, leading to increased risks of accidents and health issues.
- Long working hours: Labourers are often subjected to long working hours, sometimes without adequate breaks or overtime compensation.
- Lack of social protection: Many labourers, especially in the informal sector, lack access to social protection measures such as healthcare, pension schemes, and legal protections.
- Discrimination and marginalization: Certain groups of labourers, such as migrant workers, women, and marginalised communities, may face discrimination and marginalisation in the labor market.
- Limited access to education and skill development: Lack of access to quality education and skill development opportunities can further perpetuate the cycle of poverty and limited job prospects for labourers.
Question 29.
Highlight the main features of demographic dividend in India. [4]
Answer:
Main features of demographic dividend in India:
(i) The share of working age of people, that is, people aged between 15 years to 64 years, is relatively large.
(ii) There is a very small share of “old people” or people aged above 60 years to support.
There is also a small share of “young children” or those below 15 years of age who cannot work or those who are dependent. The relatively large share of working age population is a source of economic growth and prosperity.
Question 30.
The varied social reform movements had common themes, yet were different. Explain. [4]
Answer:
- for some the concerns were confined to the problems that the upper castes, middle class women and men faced.
- for others the injustices suffered by the discriminated castes were central questions.
- for some social evils had emerged because of a decline of the true spirit of Hinduism.
- for others caste and gender oppression was intrinsic to the religion.
- Sati was opposed by the Brahmo Samaj.
- Orthodox members of the Hindu community in Bengal formed an organization called Dharma Sabha.
Question 31.
“What marked these 19th century social reform attempts was the modern context and mix of ideas.” Interpret the given statement. [4]
Answer:
The mix of ideas –
- Ram Mohun Roy attacked the practice of sati on the basis of both appeals to humanitarian and natural rights doctrines as well as Hindu shastras.
- Ranade’s writings entitled The Texts of the Hindu Law on the Lawfulness of the Remarriage of Widows and Vedic Authorities for Widow Marriage elaborated the shastric sanction for remarriage of widows.
- The content of new education was modernising and liberal. The literary content of the courses in the humanities and social sciences was drawn from the literature of the European Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment. Its themes were humanistic, secular and liberal.
- Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan’s interpretation of Islam emphasised the validity of free enquiry (ijtihad) and the alleged similarities between Koranic revelations and the laws of nature discovered by modern science.
- Kandukiri Viresalingam’s ‘The Sources of Knowledge’ reflected his familiarity with navyanyaya logic. At the same time he translated Julius Huxley.
Question 32.
What is a minority group? Why do minorities need protection from the State? [4]
Answer:
A group of people, who, because of their distinct physical or cultural characteristics find themselves in situations of inequality within the society. Such groups include ethnic minorities. Religious or cultural minorities need special protection because of the numeric/demographic domination of the majority:
- Religious or cultural minorities are politically vulnerable.
- The majority will use state machinery to suppress their religious or cultural institutions, forcing them to abandon their distinctive identity.
- It is necessary to ensure the rights of the minorities.
- Protecting minorities also means doing away with any kind of discrimination.
- It is necessary to bring forth a just and equitable society.
- Safeguarding minority rights is necessary for a strong, unified, democratic nation.
Section – D (3 ×6=18 Marks)
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 33.
What does the bulge in the below given population pyramid indicate? The bias towards younger age groups in the age structure is believed to be an advantage for India. Explain. [6]
Answer:
The bulge in the middle age group indicates that majority of Indians belong to the working population providing the opportunity called demographic dividend.
- The average age is also less than that of most other countries, thus the changing age structure could offer a demographic dividend for India.
- Thus, the dependency ratio is low and provides the opportunity for economic growth.
- This dividend arises from the fact that the current generation of working age people is relatively large and it has only a relatively small preceding generation of old people to support.
- This potential can be converted into actual growth with the increased level of education and employment.
- Thus, these benefits have to be utilised through planned development.
Question 34.
“The transformation in labour relations is regarded by some scholars as indicative of a transition to capitalist agriculture. Because the capitalist mode of production is based on the separation of the workers from the means of production (in this case, land) and the use of ‘free’ wage labour. In general, it is true that farmers in the more developed regions were becoming more oriented to the market. As cultivation became more commercialised, these rural areas were also becoming integrated to the wider economy. This process increased the flow of money into villages and expanding opportunities for business and employment. But we should remember that this process of transformation in the rural economy, in fact, began during the Colonial period. In many regions in the nineteenth century, large tracts of land in Maharashtra were given over to cotton cultivation and cotton farmers became directly linked to the world market. However, the pace and spread of change rapidly increased after Independence, as the government promoted modern methods of cultivation and attempted to modernise the rural economy through other strategies.”
Based on the given passage, answer the following questions. [6]
(A) What did the process of integration of rural areas lead? When did it begin?
(B) What happened in the nineteenth century?
(C) When did the process increase?
Answer:
- This process of integration increased the flow of money into villages and expanding opportunities for business and employment. It began during the Colonial period.
- In the nineteenth century, large tracts of land in Maharashtra were given over to cotton cultivation and cotton farmers became directly linked to the world market.
- The pace and spread of change rapidly increased after Independence, as the government promoted modern methods of cultivation and attempted to modernise the rural economy through other strategies.
Question 35.
What is the meaning of Secularisation? Explain its different elements. [6]
Answer:
According to M.N. Srinivas, Secularisation implies that what was previously regarded as religious is now ceasing to be such and it also implies as a process of differentiation which results in the various aspects of society, economic, political, legal and moral becoming increasingly discrete in relation to each other.”
In this way, on the basis of the given definition, we can say that secularisation is that process in which the explanation of human behaviour is not done on the basis of religion, but is based upon rationalism. Phenomena are understood on the basis of their reason with function. The effect of religion is decreasing in our daily life. Now the impact of science and objectivity has increased. M.N. Srinivas gave three essential elements of secularisation which are given below:
(i) Lack of religiousness: First and the important element of secularisation is the decline in the importance of religion. An increase in secularisation will automatically bring change in religious beliefs. A person starts to feel that those religious beliefs or traditions in which he believes, are unable to fulfil any one of his needs. In this way, religious views start to decline.
(ii) Rationality: Through rationality, humans start to examine every type of superstitions, beliefs, etc., on the basis of rationality. According to Srinivas, “In rationality, with other things traditional beliefs and views were changed into modern knowledge.” In this way, rationality
increased in humans with the development of modern ideas and values.
(iii) Process of differentiation: The process of differentiation is also related to the process of secularisation. Every sector of society i.e., social, moral, political, etc., is different from each other. Occupation of the person, in modern society, is not decided on the basis of religion but is determined on the basis of his/her ability. Now everyone is equal before the law. The impact of religion has decreased in every sector of society. A person has started to get everything on the basis of his ability, not on the basis of religion.