Lecture

Mod-01 Lec-23 Social stratification-I: Social inequality and stratification

This module explores social stratification, beginning with the concept of social inequality. It discusses how resources and opportunities are distributed within society.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Forms of social inequality
  • Factors contributing to stratification
  • Impacts of inequality on social mobility

Students will analyze case studies that illustrate these dynamics.


Course Lectures
  • This module introduces the concept of sociology, exploring its definition, significance, and the role it plays in understanding social behavior and society at large.

    Key insights include:

    • The scope and relevance of sociology
    • Sociological imagination and its application
    • Overview of different sociological perspectives
  • This module covers various sociological approaches that help in understanding societal dynamics. It examines key frameworks used in sociological research, including:

    • Functionalism
    • Conflict theory
    • Symbolic interactionism
    • Feminist perspectives

    Students will learn how these approaches can be applied to analyze social phenomena.

  • This module discusses the nature of society, focusing on the interactions between individuals and groups. It highlights the importance of social structures and the roles they play in shaping human experiences.

    Topics covered include:

    • Individual roles and their societal impacts
    • Group dynamics and their significance
    • Social norms and values

    Students will gain insights into how individual behavior is influenced by societal context.

  • This module delves into the concepts of cooperation and conflict within societies. It emphasizes the dual nature of social interactions and the balance between collaborative and antagonistic relations.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Forms of cooperation in various social contexts
    • Sources and consequences of conflict
    • The role of conflict in social change

    Students will analyze case studies that illustrate these dynamics.

  • This module focuses on the definition and classification of family, examining its role as a fundamental social unit. It covers the various types of families and their dynamics.

    Topics include:

    • Different family structures (nuclear, extended, single-parent, etc.)
    • Functions of family in society
    • Influence of culture on family dynamics

    Students will engage in discussions about how families adapt to social changes.

  • This module examines various perspectives on family, including sociological and cultural viewpoints. It highlights the evolving nature of family roles and relationships in contemporary society.

    Focus areas include:

    • Changing family roles in modern contexts
    • Impact of globalization on family structures
    • Gender roles within families

    Students will analyze how societal changes influence family life.

  • This module provides a definition of the state, discussing its essential characteristics and functions within a society. It explores the relationship between the state and its citizens.

    Key topics include:

    • Functions and responsibilities of the state
    • State sovereignty
    • Types of governance and their implications

    Students will learn about the state's role in shaping social policy.

  • This module focuses on the nature of the state in India, examining its structure, functions, and the unique challenges it faces. It offers insights into Indian governance and policy-making.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Historical context of the Indian state
    • Political institutions and their roles
    • Major challenges in governance

    Students will engage in discussions about the implications of these factors on social dynamics.

  • This module explores the concept of power within a societal context. It examines the various dimensions of power and its implications for social relationships and structures.

    Topics covered include:

    • Definitions and theories of power
    • Power dynamics in different social contexts
    • Impact of power on social inequality

    Students will analyze case studies to understand the implications of power.

  • This module examines the functionalist and Marxist perspectives on power. It contrasts these theoretical frameworks, providing insights into how different sociologists understand power dynamics.

    Key areas covered include:

    • Functionalist views on power and social order
    • Marxist critiques of power and class struggle
    • Implications for social change and policy

    Students will engage in debates on the effectiveness of these perspectives.

  • This module focuses on the sociology of work, beginning with the exploration of the need for work in human society. It discusses the economic, social, and psychological aspects of work.

    Topics include:

    • Historical perspectives on work
    • Work as a means of livelihood
    • Work's role in identity and social standing

    Students will learn about the changing nature of work in contemporary society.

  • This module continues the exploration of the sociology of work by examining the relationship between social change and work. It discusses how societal transformations impact work practices and attitudes.

    Focus areas include:

    • Impact of industrialization on work
    • Changing work environments and conditions
    • Globalization and its effects on labor

    Students will analyze the interplay between societal changes and work patterns.

  • This module examines the development aspect of work, exploring how economic and social development influences labor markets and employment practices.

    Key topics include:

    • Role of development in shaping work opportunities
    • Impact of education and skill development on work
    • Social and economic disparities in employment

    Students will analyze case studies illustrating these concepts.

  • This module focuses on capitalism and its influence on motivation for work. It examines how capitalist structures shape work attitudes, ethics, and opportunities.

    Key focus areas include:

    • Historical analysis of capitalism and work
    • Capitalism’s impact on work motivation
    • Work ethics in capitalist societies

    Students will engage in discussions on the implications of capitalism for workers.

  • This module explores the social conditions that shape religious thought and practice. It analyzes the intricate relationship between society and religion.

    Key discussion points include:

    • Socioeconomic factors influencing religious beliefs
    • Religion as a response to social issues
    • The role of religion in community cohesion

    Students will examine case studies highlighting these relationships.

  • This module examines the bases of religion, exploring its fundamental concepts and structures. It discusses various religious beliefs and practices across cultures.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Definition and classification of religions
    • Common elements in religious practices
    • Influence of culture on religious beliefs

    Students will analyze how these bases shape individual and collective identities.

  • This module focuses on the various forms of religious beliefs, analyzing how different religions express spirituality and community values. It highlights the diversity of religious practices globally.

    Key discussion points include:

    • Differences between monotheism and polytheism
    • Religious symbols and their meanings
    • Rituals and their social significance

    Students will gain insights into the sociological implications of these beliefs.

  • This module provides an explanation of religion, focusing on its role and function in society. It discusses various theories that seek to explain religious phenomena.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Functionalist views on religion
    • Conflict theories regarding religion
    • Symbolic interactionism in understanding religious practices

    Students will analyze the implications of these theories for social cohesion and conflict.

  • This module explores the relationship between religion and society, examining how religious institutions influence social norms, values, and behaviors.

    Focus areas include:

    • The role of religion in shaping societal values
    • Religion's influence on social change
    • Interplay between religion and politics

    Students will engage in discussions on the implications of these relationships for social cohesion.

  • This module examines the contributions of Karl Marx and Max Weber to the understanding of religion in society. It discusses their differing perspectives on the role of religion.

    Key discussion points include:

    • Marx's critique of religion as ideology
    • Weber's views on the Protestant ethic and capitalism
    • The implications of their theories for contemporary religious practices

    Students will analyze how these theories apply to modern contexts.

  • This module explores the concept of education, discussing its definition and significance in society. It highlights the role of education in personal and societal development.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Purpose and functions of education
    • Educational systems and their structures
    • The impact of education on social mobility

    Students will engage in discussions about the changing nature of education in contemporary society.

  • This module focuses on the functions of education in society. It examines how education serves various purposes, including socialization, skill development, and cultural transmission.

    Key topics include:

    • Education as a means of social integration
    • The role of education in promoting equality
    • Functions of education in economic development

    Students will analyze the implications of these functions on social structures.

  • This module explores social stratification, beginning with the concept of social inequality. It discusses how resources and opportunities are distributed within society.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Forms of social inequality
    • Factors contributing to stratification
    • Impacts of inequality on social mobility

    Students will analyze case studies that illustrate these dynamics.

  • This module examines explanations of social stratification, focusing on various theoretical perspectives that seek to understand the causes of inequality.

    Key perspectives include:

    • Functionalist explanations of stratification
    • Conflict theory views on inequality
    • Symbolic interactionist perspectives

    Students will analyze how these theories relate to contemporary issues of inequality.

  • This module focuses on theories and facts related to social stratification. It analyzes empirical evidence concerning inequality and its implications on society.

    Key areas of discussion include:

    • Statistical data on social stratification
    • Case studies illustrating stratification
    • Impact of stratification on various demographics

    Students will engage in discussions on the relevance of these theories today.

  • This module examines stratification in India, focusing on the unique aspects of social hierarchy in the Indian context. It discusses how caste, class, and other factors contribute to stratification.

    Key discussion points include:

    • Historical roots of stratification in India
    • The role of caste in social hierarchy
    • Contemporary issues related to inequality

    Students will analyze how these aspects impact Indian society.

  • This module explores the concept of deviance, defining it and discussing how deviant behavior is perceived within society. It highlights the social norms that govern behavior.

    Key focus areas include:

    • Definitions and types of deviance
    • Societal reactions to deviant behavior
    • Cultural variations in defining deviance

    Students will engage in discussions on the implications of deviance for social order.

  • This module delves into the various perspectives on deviance, including how different sociological frameworks interpret deviant behavior. It discusses the implications of these perspectives for social policies.

    Key perspectives include:

    • Functionalist views on deviance
    • Conflict theory perspectives
    • Labeling theory and its implications

    Students will analyze case studies illustrating these viewpoints.

  • This module examines the theories of deviance, focusing on the underlying causes and societal responses to deviant behavior. It discusses how these theories inform our understanding of social norms.

    Key theories covered include:

    • Strain theory
    • Social control theory
    • Routine activity theory

    Students will engage in discussions on the relevance of these theories in contemporary society.

  • This module explores the definition of social change, discussing its significance and various dimensions. It emphasizes the continuous nature of change within societies.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Types of social change (planned, unplanned, etc.)
    • Factors driving social change
    • Impacts of change on societies

    Students will analyze case studies illustrating the process of social change.

  • This module focuses on the theories of social change, analyzing various frameworks that seek to explain how and why societies change over time.

    Key theories discussed include:

    • Evolutionary theory
    • Revolutionary theory
    • Modernization theory

    Students will engage in discussions about the implications of these theories for understanding contemporary social issues.

  • This module examines social change in industrial societies, focusing on the transformations brought about by industrialization. It discusses its impact on social structures and relationships.

    Key discussion points include:

    • Effects of industrialization on labor
    • Urbanization and its implications for society
    • Changes in family structures due to industrialization

    Students will analyze case studies illustrating industrial social changes.

  • This module focuses on urbanization and its related issues in social change. It examines how urban growth affects social interactions and community dynamics.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Patterns of urbanization
    • Challenges faced by urban communities
    • Urbanization's impact on social relationships

    Students will analyze the implications of urbanization for social structures.

  • This module examines the Malthusian theory of population, discussing its implications for understanding population growth and its effects on society. It analyzes Malthus's ideas and their relevance today.

    Key topics include:

    • Malthus's principles on population growth
    • Critiques of the Malthusian theory
    • Contemporary population issues

    Students will engage in discussions on how these theories apply to modern demographic challenges.

  • This module focuses on the relationship between population and society, examining how demographic factors influence societal structures and dynamics.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Population distribution and its implications
    • Migration patterns and their effects
    • Population policies and their societal impacts

    Students will analyze case studies to understand these relationships.

  • This module introduces perspectives in sociology, discussing various frameworks that inform sociological research and analysis. It emphasizes the importance of diverse viewpoints in understanding social phenomena.

    Key perspectives include:

    • Conflict perspective
    • Functionalist perspective
    • Symbolic interactionist perspective

    Students will engage in discussions on the relevance of these perspectives for sociological inquiry.

  • This module continues the exploration of perspectives in sociology, focusing on contemporary issues and theoretical developments. It discusses how perspectives evolve and adapt to societal changes.

    Key discussion points include:

    • New theoretical frameworks
    • Application of perspectives to current social issues
    • Integration of various sociological theories

    Students will analyze how these evolving perspectives inform sociological understanding.

  • This module explores social problems and theory, discussing how sociological theories can be applied to analyze and understand various social issues affecting contemporary society.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Identification of key social problems
    • Theoretical applications to social issues
    • Implications for social policy and reform

    Students will engage in discussions about the role of sociology in addressing social problems.

  • This module introduces sociological methods, discussing various research techniques used in sociology. It emphasizes the importance of methodology in sociological inquiry.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Qualitative vs. quantitative research
    • Data collection techniques
    • Ethical considerations in sociological research

    Students will learn about the role of methods in sociological understanding.

  • This module focuses on ethnography as a qualitative research method in sociology. It examines the principles and practices of conducting ethnographic studies.

    Key topics include:

    • Definition and importance of ethnography
    • Ethnographic research design and execution
    • Challenges and ethical issues in ethnography

    Students will engage in discussions about the significance of ethnography in sociological research.

  • This module focuses on ethnography in India, exploring the unique aspects and challenges of conducting ethnographic research in the Indian context. It discusses the significance of understanding cultural nuances.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Ethnographic methods specific to Indian society
    • Cultural considerations in research
    • Case studies illustrating ethnographic research in India

    Students will analyze the implications of these factors for sociological understanding.