Basic Concepts: NBSE Class 11 Sociology notes

Summary

Society is a group of people who live together and share relationships. The word society comes from a Latin term meaning companionship. Society is like a system where people interact, follow rules, and depend on each other. It is abstract because it includes ideas, norms, and values that we cannot touch but are very important. Two sociologists, Maclver and Page, called society the web of social relationships. Another sociologist, Harry M. Johnson, said society is a group of people with a common culture living in a particular area.

Society has special features. People in society often have things in common like language or beliefs. These similarities help them get along. But differences are also important. They allow people to exchange skills and ideas. Society works because people depend on one another. Cooperation is key. People work together for shared goals. Norms and institutions guide how people behave. Social control ensures people follow these rules. Society changes over time to meet new needs.

Social groups are collections of people who interact and share relationships. Groups can be small or large. Primary groups are close-knit and personal, like families. Secondary groups are larger and more formal, like clubs. In-groups are groups we feel part of, while out-groups are those we don’t belong to. Formal groups have rules and structures, like schools. Informal groups are relaxed and spontaneous, like friends playing together.

Social control means keeping order in society. It ensures people follow rules and norms. Informal control happens through unwritten rules, like praise or gossip. Formal control uses laws and police to enforce rules. Both types help maintain peace and cooperation. Social control is needed everywhere, from small groups to large communities.

India is an example of a multicultural society. It has many sub-cultures like Assamese or Punjabi cultures. Societies can also be grouped based on their activities or relationships. Some societies focus on farming, while others are industrial. Some value close relationships, while others focus on individual goals. Understanding these differences helps us learn about how people live and work together.

The chapter explains society, its features, and how people form groups. It also talks about how rules and control keep society running smoothly. These ideas help us understand how humans live together and solve problems as a group.

Textbook solutions

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. Define society. (’06,’09)

Answer : Society is defined as “the web of social relationships”. Sociology is the study of society, and the concept of ‘society’ is fundamental in sociology. Society means a system of social relationships, including interactions, norms, values, sanctions, and institutions.

2. How is the word ‘society’ derived?

Answer : The word ‘society’ is derived from the Latin word ‘societas’, meaning ‘companionship’. So, the root or etymological meaning of the word society is a system of life of companions.

3. Is society an abstract?

Answer : Yes, the meaning of society becomes abstract as it includes interactions, norms, values, sanctions, and institutions, making it an abstract concept.

4. Who said, ‘society is the web of social relationship’? (’08)

Answer : Maclver and Page said, ‘society is the web of social relationships’.

5. What is a social group?

Answer : A social group is a collection of individuals who are brought into social relationships with one another. It is characterized by a pattern of interaction between members, an organized structure based on shared values, norms, and interests, and an enduring character sustained over a period of time.

6. What is a primary group? (’08)

Answer : A primary group is characterized by intimate face-to-face association and cooperation. It is fundamental in forming the social nature and ideals of individual personality.

7. Who used the term ‘primary groups’ to mean face-to-face association? (’07)

Answer : Charles Horton Cooley used the term ‘primary groups’ to mean face-to-face association.

8. Give an example of a primary group.

Answer : An example of a primary group is the family.

9. What is a secondary group? (’09)

Answer : Secondary groups are those groups which provide experience lacking in intimacy, such as trade unions, political parties, clubs, and professional associations.

10. Give an example of a secondary group.

Answer : An example of a secondary group is a trade union.

11. What is an in-group?

Answer : An in-group refers to groups with which an individual identifies themselves. The individual identifies by virtue of their awareness of likeness or consciousness of kind.

12. What is an out-group? (’09, ’14)

Answer : An out-group consists of those persons, whether formally organized or not, toward whom we feel a sense of indifference, avoidance, disgust, competition, or outright conflict. Out-groups can also be referred to as ‘they-groups’.

13. Who classified groups into in-group and out-group? (’10, ’12)

Answer : W.G. Sumner formulated the concepts of in-groups and out-groups based on the subjective attitude of members.

14. What is a formal organisation? (’10)

Answer : A formal organisation is a group deliberately constructed to achieve specific objectives through explicitly defined roles and specified rules. Formal organisations involve less frequent and intense interactions and shorter relationships that command less allegiance compared to primary groups.

15. What is meant by social control?

Answer : Social control refers to the system of devices whereby society brings its members into conformity with the accepted standards of behaviour. It involves mechanisms and strategies that encourage conformity to norms and discourage deviance.

16. Define social control?

Answer : Social control refers to the system of devices whereby society brings its members into conformity with the accepted standards of behaviour, as defined by E.A. Ross. Alternatively, it is the way in which entire social order coheres and maintains itself, according to Maclver and Page.

17. What is formal social control? (’09)

Answer : Formal social control is official and usually involves the law, police, and the courts. It includes all legislation and enactments enacted at various levels such as village, district, state, national, and international levels. The agents of formal organizations, such as police departments, courts, and prisons, enforce rules that have been written into law.

18. Identify the two basic forms of social control. (’12)

Answer : The two basic forms of social control are:

(i) Informal mechanisms
(ii) Formal mechanisms

19. Point out one informal means of social control.

Answer : One informal means of social control is social rewards, which include smiles, nods of approval, and promotions. These reward conformity and indirectly discourage deviance.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Mention two features of society?

Answer : Two features of society are: (i) Likeness: Society means likeness, where likeness manifests in many forms such as sex, nationality, language, attitudes, norms, values, institutions, beliefs, aspirations, and physical features. (ii) Difference: Society also means difference, which is equally important as likeness. People differ in their capacities, ideas, attitudes, desires, beliefs, and sex, leading to mutual exchange, sharing, division of labor, social mobility, and social progress.

2. Why is society dynamic and changing in nature? (’10)

Answer : Society is dynamic and changing in nature because habits, norms, customs, traditions, mores, structure, and institutions vary from society to society. Additionally, society is always changing and moving, seldom remaining static, as change takes place to meet the challenges of the time and the situational necessities of the people.

3. Is Indian society a multicultural society? Why? (’07,’11)

Answer : Yes, Indian society is a multicultural society because every society has its own culture, and in a large society like India, there are usually sub-cultures. For example, in India, there are many sub-cultures such as the Assamese, Punjabi, and others.

4. Explain briefly any two characteristics of a society as listed by Harry M. Johnson. (’07)

Answer : Two characteristics of a society as listed by Harry M. Johnson are:

Definite territory: Society is a territorial group. Even a society of nomads has a territory which the people consider as their land or country. There are other smaller territorial groups within society, such as villages, cities, and neighborhoods.
Culture: Culture is the way of life of a society. Every society has its own culture. A society has a “comprehensive” culture because it is culturally self-sufficient. In a large society, there are usually sub-cultures, for example, in India, there are many sub-cultures like the Assamese, Punjabi, etc.

5. State the difference between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. (’06,’11)

Answer : The difference between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft is:

Gemeinschaft society is characterized by intimate social life. It is a community where everyone knows everyone else, and where people share a sense of togetherness.

On the other hand, Gesellschaft society is dominated by impersonal relationships, individual accomplishment, and self-interest.

6. Identify three characteristics of a social group. (’12)

Answer : Three characteristics of a social group are:

(i) A social group is a collection of individuals. The number of members can be very small or very large, but there must be at least two members.
(ii) A social group has a pattern of interaction between the members. Without such interaction, there can be no group.
(iii) A social group has an organised structure because the pattern of social interaction is based on shared values, norms, and interests.

7. State any four characteristics of a primary group. (’08)

Answer : Four characteristics of a primary group are:

(i) Face-to-face association.
(ii) The unspecialized character of association.
(iii) Relative permanence.
(iv) Limited size and limited membership.

8. List three characteristics of a secondary group. (’07)

Answer : Three characteristics of a secondary group are:

Formal relationships – impersonal relationships.
Lack of intimacy among the members.
Unlimited or large size with a large number of members.

9. Differentiate primary groups from secondary groups with examples. (’06)

Answer : The differences between primary groups and secondary groups, along with examples, are:

Social relationships in a primary group are face-to-face and intimate, but they are formal and usually indirect in secondary groups. For example, a family is a primary group, while a trade union is a secondary group.
The members of a primary group share their interests in common, but the members of a secondary group share only limited interests in common. For example, a peer group is a primary group where personal bonds are strong, whereas a political party is a secondary group focused on specific goals.
In a primary group, members have intrinsic value, while in secondary groups, persons have extrinsic value. For instance, friendships in a neighborhood (primary group) are valued for their own sake, while professional associations (secondary groups) are valued for achieving specific objectives.

10. Point out two differences between in-group and out-group.

Answer : Two differences between in-group and out-group are:

In-groups consist of groups with which the individual identifies himself, while out-groups consist of those persons toward whom we feel a sense of indifference, avoidance, disgust, competition, or outright conflict.
The members of an in-group feel that their personal welfare is bound up with other members of the group, whereas the attitude of an individual towards out-group members is generally one of antipathy.

11. Distinguish between formal and informal groups with two examples each.

Answer : The distinction between formal and informal groups is as follows:

Informal groups are generally small groups and relatively not organized, while formal groups are characterized by impersonality, ranked positions, large size, relatively elaborate complexity, and long duration.
Informal groups closely correspond to primary groups characterized by close physical proximity, intimate and face-to-face relationships, small size, personal and direct cooperation, and spontaneous relationships. Examples include the family and friends circle. Formal groups, on the other hand, are closer to secondary groups and involve less frequent and intense interactions, shorter relationships, and less allegiance. Examples include schools and government agencies.

12. Define social control. (’12)

Answer : Social control refers to the system of devices whereby society brings its members into conformity with the accepted standards of behaviour. It is the way in which entire social order coheres and maintains itself.

13. Explain informal social control.

Answer : Informal social control is unofficial because it takes place through ‘unofficial’ mechanisms. Such mechanisms or means are unwritten norms and can be even casual in nature. Some of the mechanisms of this nature are praise, ridicule, gossip, and ostracism. Informal social control tends to occur in small groups. Crosbie has listed four types of mechanisms or means of informal control:

Social rewards, which include smiles, nods of approval, and promotions. They reward conformity and indirectly discourage deviance.
Punishment, which includes frowns, criticism, and even physical threats that target deviant acts with an intention to stop them.
Persuasion, which is another way of bringing deviants into the proper way of behaving.
Redefined norms, which involve redefining norms in the context of the changed set of circumstances and values.

14. Explain any three mechanism or means of social control as listed by Crosbie. (’13)

Answer : Three mechanisms or means of social control as listed by Crosbie are:

Social rewards, which include smiles, nods of approval, and promotions. They reward conformity and indirectly discourage deviance.
Punishment, which includes frowns, criticism, and even physical threats that target deviant acts with an intention to stop them.
Persuasion, which is another way of bringing deviants into the proper way of behaving.

15. Briefly explain with an example how informal control operates in a society. (’09)

Answer : Informal social control operates through unofficial mechanisms such as unwritten norms, which can be casual in nature. For example, in small groups, mechanisms like praise, ridicule, gossip, and ostracism are used to encourage conformity to norms and discourage deviance.

16. Why is social control a necessity in society? (’08)

Answer : Social control is necessary for order and stability and the continued existence of society. It ensures that individuals and groups behave in an orderly manner by accepting and observing various practices, rules, or norms. Society exerts influence on individuals to encourage conformity to social norms and standards of behavior and discourage deviance, which helps maintain social order.

17. Why is ‘difference’ important in a society? (’11)

Answer : Difference is important in society because it leads to mutual exchange and sharing. Factors of difference such as variations in capacities, ideas, attitudes, desires, beliefs, and sex enable division of labor, social mobility, and social progress. While likeness makes it easy to establish conditions of interaction, difference complements it by fostering diversity and innovation. However, for smooth functioning, difference should be subordinate to likeness, with differences of views being welcomed as long as they contribute to realizing common interests or goals.

Essay Type Questions

1. Give the etymological meaning of society and explain its characteristics. (’14)

Answer : The etymological meaning of society is derived from the Latin word ‘societas’, which means ‘companionship’. Therefore, the root meaning of the word society is a system of life of companions. The characteristics of society are as follows:

Likeness: Society means likeness, which manifests in various forms such as likeness in sex, nationality, language, attitudes, norms, values, institutions, beliefs, aspirations, and physical features. Likeness makes it easy to establish conditions of interaction like mutual awareness and communication, leading to the development of social relationships.
Difference: Society also means difference, which is equally important as likeness. People differ in their capacities, ideas, attitudes, desires, beliefs, and sex. Factors of difference lead to mutual exchange, sharing, division of labor, social mobility, and social progress. For smooth functioning, difference should be subordinate to likeness, and differences of views should work towards realizing common interests or goals.
Interdependence: There is an absolute necessity of ‘give’ and ‘take’ in social living. For example, family life is based on interdependence, where procreation is a combined activity, and both men and women depend on each other in day-to-day life. Interdependence is found in all walks of life and is necessary for human survival.
Co-operation: Cooperation means working together for a common goal. Many human needs and urges can only be fulfilled by working together with others. Cooperation helps maintain orderliness, unity, and solidarity within the group and is required in all kinds of human activities.
Norms and institutions: Norms are standards of behavior, and an institution refers to a set of fixed norms for performing an important human activity. Major activities of man are institutionalized to avoid confusion, and social structure or arrangements of human relationships are institutionalized.
Social control or authority: Social control refers to the regulation of behavior and activities of individuals through habits, customs, folkways, traditions, mores, education, religion, and laws. Individuals are expected to behave according to socially approved norms, and sanctions (rewards or punishments) are used to enforce compliance.
Dynamic and changing nature: Society is dynamic and constantly changing. Habits, norms, customs, traditions, structures, and institutions vary from society to society. Change occurs to meet challenges and situational necessities, and a society resistant to change becomes irrelevant.

2. Define society. Explain the characteristics of society according to Harry M. Johnson. (’13)

Answer : Society is defined as “a group of people who share a common culture, occupy a particular territory, and feel themselves a unified and distinct entity,” according to Harry M. Johnson. The characteristics of society, as listed by Harry M. Johnson, are:

Definite territory : Society is a territorial group. Even a society of nomads has a territory which the people consider as their land or country. There are other smaller territorial groups within society, such as villages, cities, and neighborhoods.
Progeny : Progeny means children and young persons. Progeny is important because a society usually gets new members through reproduction or giving birth to children.
Culture : Culture is the way of life of a society. Every society has its own culture. A society has a “comprehensive” culture because it is culturally self-sufficient. In a large society, there are usually sub-cultures. For example, in India, there are many sub-cultures like the Assamese, Punjabi, etc.
Independence : A society is not a sub-group of any other entity. Society is a permanent, self-contained, and integrated group. Therefore, it exists independently.

3. What are social groups? Explain the characteristics of primary groups.

Answer : Social groups are a collection of individuals who are brought into social relationships with one another. Groups are aggregates of people who have a consciousness of membership and of interaction.

The characteristics of primary groups, as specified by Cooley, are:

Face-to-face association.
The unspecialized character of association.
Relative permanence.
Limited size and limited membership.
Intimacy among the members.

Primary groups are fundamental in forming the social nature and ideals of individual personality. They are small in size, relatively stable and permanent, and are characterized by intimate, face-to-face cooperation. Examples include the family, peer group, play group, and neighborhood.

4. Define social group. Mention four points of differences between primary and secondary groups. (’13)

Answer : A social group is defined as a collection of individuals who are brought into social relationships with one another. Groups are aggregates of people who have a consciousness of membership and interaction.

The four points of differences between primary and secondary groups are:

Social relationships in a primary group are face-to-face and intimate, but they are formal and usually indirect in secondary groups.
Members of a primary group share their interests in common, whereas members of a secondary group share only limited interests in common. Thus, primary groups are person-oriented, and secondary groups are goal-oriented.
In a primary group, members have intrinsic value, while in secondary groups, persons have extrinsic value.
Primary groups are small in size, but secondary groups are usually large in size.

4. Define social group. Mention four points of differences between primary and secondary groups. (’13)

Answer : A social group is a collection of individuals who have a pattern of interaction based on shared values, norms, and interests, with an organized structure and an enduring character. The four points of differences between primary and secondary groups are:

Social relationships in a primary group are face-to-face and intimate, but they are formal and usually indirect in secondary groups.
The members of a primary group share their interests in common, while the members of a secondary group share only limited interests in common.
In a primary group, members have intrinsic value, whereas in secondary groups, persons have extrinsic value.
Primary groups are small in size, but secondary groups are usually large in size.

5. Distinguish between informal and formal groups with suitable examples?

Answer : Informal and formal groups can be distinguished as follows:

Informal groups are generally small groups and relatively not organized. They closely correspond to C. H. Cooley’s primary group, characterized by close physical proximity, intimate and face-to-face relationships, small size, personal and direct cooperation, spontaneous relationships, etc. Informal groups involve relatively frequent and intense interactions and lengthy relationships that require a high degree of allegiance. Examples of such small, informal groups include the family, friends circle, neighbourhood, and playgroup.

Formal groups or organizations, on the other hand, are characterized by impersonality, ranked positions, large size, relatively elaborate complexity, long duration, and are more structured than small informal groups. A formal organization is a group deliberately constructed to achieve specific objectives through explicitly defined roles and specified rules. This form of group comes closer to Cooley’s idea of a secondary group. Formal organizations involve less frequent and intense interactions and shorter relationships that command less allegiance. Examples include schools, businesses, government agencies, and religious institutions like churches or temples.

6. Explain informal and formal mechanisms of social control. (’06,’08)

Answer : Informal and formal mechanisms of social control are as follows:

Informal Social Control: Informal social control is unofficial because it takes place through ‘unofficial’ mechanisms. Such mechanisms or means are unwritten norms and can be even casual in nature. Some of the mechanisms of this nature are praise, ridicule, gossip, and ostracism. Informal social control tends to occur in small groups. Crosbie has listed four types of mechanisms or means of informal control:

Social rewards which include smiles, nods of approval, and promotions. They reward conformity and indirectly discourage deviance.
Punishment which includes frowns, criticism, and even physical threats that target deviant acts with an intention to stop them.
Persuasion is another way of bringing deviants into the proper way of behaving.
Redefined norms are the fourth type of informal social control. It involves redefining norms in the context of the changed set of circumstances and values.

Formal Social Control: Due to limitations and weaknesses of informal social control, many organizations and institutions specializing in the process of social control have been created in modern societies. Formal social control includes all the legislation and enactments enacted at various levels such as village, district, state, national, and international levels. Formal social control is official and usually involves the law, police, and the courts. The agents of formal organizations such as police departments, courts, and prisons enforce rules that have been written into law. Formal social control is usually well defined and consists of written norms or rules.

6. Explain informal and formal mechanisms of social control. (’06,’08)

Answer : Informal and formal mechanisms of social control are as follows:

Social rewards which include smiles, nods of approval, and promotions. They reward conformity and indirectly discourage deviance.
Punishment which includes frowns, criticism, and even physical threats that target deviant acts with an intention to stop them.
Persuasion is another way of bringing deviants into the proper way of behaving.
Redefined norms are the fourth type of informal social control. It involves redefining norms in the context of the changed set of circumstances and values.

7. Define social control. Explain the two forms of social control with examples. (’10, ’14)

Answer : Social control refers to the regulation of behaviour and activities of individuals and groups to maintain order and stability in society. It is necessary for the continued existence of society and is universal, as it is found in all societies, from the simplest to the most complex.

The two forms of social control are informal social control and formal social control.

Informal social control is unofficial and takes place through unwritten norms. It tends to occur in small groups and includes mechanisms such as praise, ridicule, gossip, and ostracism. Some examples of informal social control include smiles or nods of approval as social rewards for conformity, and criticism or frowns as punishments for deviant acts. Persuasion and redefined norms in response to changed circumstances are also part of informal social control.

Formal social control is official and involves written norms or rules enforced by institutions specializing in social control. This includes legislation and enactments at various levels such as village, district, state, national, and international levels. Formal social control is carried out by agents of formal organizations such as police departments, courts, and prisons, which enforce rules that have been written into law. An example of formal social control would be the enforcement of laws by the police or the punishment of offenders through the court system.

Problem Solving

1. There are many anti social activities in our towns. There are thefts, fights between people, destruction of public property, etc. What is the type of social control that is required in such a situation? What are the concrete steps that must be taken?

Answer : In this situation, formal social control is required because the anti-social activities mentioned, such as thefts, fights, and destruction of public property, are serious violations of societal norms and laws. Formal social control involves official mechanisms like laws, police, courts, and other legal institutions to enforce rules and maintain order.

The concrete steps that must be taken include:

Strengthening law enforcement : Deploying police personnel to patrol areas with high incidents of anti-social activities to deter such behavior and ensure quick response to violations.
Implementing legal actions : Filing cases against offenders in courts to punish them according to the law, which serves as a deterrent to others.
Public awareness campaigns : Educating the community about the importance of adhering to social norms and laws through formal channels like schools, media, and local organizations.
Community involvement : Encouraging community members to report anti-social activities to authorities and participate in neighborhood watch programs to supplement formal control mechanisms.
Rehabilitation programs : Providing counseling and rehabilitation for offenders to reintegrate them into society and reduce recidivism.

Think and Answer

2. Is your educational institution a primary group or a secondary group? Give reasons to justify your answer.

Answer : My educational institution is a secondary group .

Reasons :

Nature of Relationships : In a secondary group, relationships are more formal and impersonal, unlike the intimate and personal relationships found in primary groups. In an educational institution, interactions between students and teachers are generally based on roles and responsibilities rather than deep emotional bonds.
Size : Educational institutions typically have a large number of members (students, teachers, administrative staff), which is characteristic of secondary groups. Primary groups are usually smaller in size.
Goal-Oriented : The interactions within an educational institution are often directed towards achieving specific goals such as academic success, skill development, and career preparation. This goal-oriented nature is a hallmark of secondary groups.
Limited Interactions : While there may be some level of interaction among members, these are usually limited to academic or extracurricular activities, lacking the intense and frequent interactions seen in primary groups.
Temporary Nature : Membership in an educational institution is often temporary, lasting only for the duration of a course or program. In contrast, primary groups tend to be more permanent and stable over time.

Ron'e Dutta

Ron'e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.

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