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Part-II Social Change and Development in India
Class 12 Sociology Chapter 8 Cultural Change
Textual Questions & Answers
1. Write a critical essay on ‘Sanskritization’.
Ans: The term ‘Sanskritization’ was introduced by the Indian sociologist M. N. Srinivas. While studying the Coorg society of South India, he observed that some members of the lower castes try to raise their social status by imitating the customs, rituals, food habits, and religious practices of the higher castes (especially the twice-born castes). He described this process of social mobility as ‘Sanskritization’.
Main features of Sanskritization:
Firstly, it is a process of social mobility. Lower caste groups attempt to gain social recognition by adopting the customs and practices of higher castes. Secondly, it is mainly a form of social change that occurs within the caste-based structure of Hindu society. Thirdly, it takes place gradually and may require several generations to be completed.
Criticism:
The theory of Sanskritization has several limitations.
First, it does not question the caste system; rather it accepts it. When lower castes imitate higher castes, the caste-based hierarchy continues to exist. Secondly, it does not give adequate importance to economic and political power. Social status is not determined only by the imitation of customs; factors such as land ownership, education, and political power are often more important.
Thirdly, it ignores the issue of gender inequality. In many cases, adopting the customs of higher castes means imposing stricter control over women. Fourthly, the influence of Sanskritization is limited in modern urban society, because education, occupation, and economic status gain greater importance there.
Overall, Sanskritization provides an important explanation of social mobility in Indian society, but it cannot fully explain the structural inequalities of the caste system. Therefore, it is considered a partially explanatory theory.
2. Westernization is not only the adoption of Western dress and lifestyle. Are there other aspects of Westernization? Discuss what it says about modernization.
Ans: The term ‘Westernization’ was used by M. N. Srinivas. He did not consider it merely as the adoption of Western dress or lifestyle. Rather, it is a broad process of socio-cultural change.
Broader aspects of Westernization:
Firstly, the spread of modern education, scientific outlook, and rationalism. Secondly, the introduction of a modern system of justice in law and administration. Thirdly, the spread of values such as individual freedom, human rights, and equality. Fourthly, the development of modern means of communication such as newspapers, printing press, railways, and postal systems. Therefore, Westernization is not only a change in dress or food habits; it also involves changes in values, institutions, and ways of thinking.
Relation with modernization:
Modernization refers to the movement towards a society characterized by rationality, scientific outlook, democracy, industrialization, and urbanization. Westernization may be one path to modernization, but the two are not identical. This is because modernization does not mean merely imitating the West; it involves adopting modern values according to local conditions. In India, modernization has often taken place while preserving local traditions. In general, Westernization can be described as a cultural influence, whereas modernization is a broader process of social change.
3. Write short notes
(a) Customs and Secularization
Ans: Secularization refers to the process through which the influence of religion declines in society and decisions in social and political spheres are made independently of religion. Customs and traditions are often based on religious beliefs. As a result of secularization, many customs are reinterpreted on the basis of social reasoning. For example, the institution of marriage has become not only a religious ceremony but also a matter of legal recognition.
(b) Caste and Secularism
Ans: In a secular state, all citizens are considered equal. However, in Indian society the caste system has created social inequality. Although the Constitution provides legal equality, caste-based discrimination has not completely disappeared in practice. Therefore, a tension can be observed between caste and secularism.
(c) Gender and Sanskritization
Ans: In the process of Sanskritization, adopting the customs of higher castes often means imposing greater control over women, such as strict codes of modesty and restrictions on mobility. As a result, gender inequality may become stronger. Therefore, Sanskritization does not always promote equality; in some cases, it reinforces gender-based inequality.
Additional Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who introduced the term ‘Sanskritization’?
(a) G. S. Ghurye
(b) M. N. Srinivas
(c) Auguste Comte
(d) Karl Marx
Ans: (b)
2. Sanskritization is mainly related to which society?
(a) Christian society
(b) Hindu society
(c) Tribal society
(d) Urban society
Ans: (b)
3. What is meant by Westernization?
(a) Only the adoption of Western dress
(b) Adoption of Western education and values
(c) Agricultural system
(d) Village life
Ans: (b)
4. What does secularization mean?
(a) Expansion of religion
(b) Complete dependence on religion
(c) Decline of the influence of religion in social spheres
(d) Religious rule
Ans: (c)
5. What is one characteristic of modernization?
(a) Rationalism
(b) Superstition
(c) Caste-based discrimination
(d) Dictatorship
Ans: (a)
6. In Sanskritization, which group imitates whom?
(a) Higher caste imitates lower caste
(b) Lower caste imitates higher caste
(c) Urban people imitate rural people
(d) Men imitate women
Ans: (b)
7. What spread as a result of Westernization?
(a) Sati system
(b) Scientific outlook
(c) Slavery
(d) Zamindari system
Ans: (b)
8. How are citizens regarded in a secular state?
(a) According to religion
(b) According to caste
(c) As equal citizens
(d) According to gender
Ans: (c)
9. Which factor is not given sufficient importance in Sanskritization?
(a) Customs and practices
(b) Economic power
(c) Religious traditions
(d) Food habits
Ans: (b)
10. What is the relationship between modernization and Westernization?
(a) Completely identical
(b) Completely separate
(c) Partially related
(d) No relationship
Ans: (c)
11. How long can Sanskritization take?
(a) A few days
(b) A few months
(c) Several generations
(d) One day
Ans: (c)
12. Which is associated with Westernization?
(a) Rationalism
(b) Blind faith
(c) Village customs
(d) Caste system
Ans: (a)
13. In which document of India is secularism reflected?
(a) Monarchy
(b) Constitution
(c) Puranas
(d) Vedas
Ans: (b)
14. What type of social mobility does Sanskritization show?
(a) Vertical social mobility
(b) Horizontal mobility
(c) Political mobility
(d) Biological mobility
Ans: (a)
15. What is one result of modernization?
(a) Development of democracy
(b) Feudalism
(c) Slavery
(d) Increase of superstition
Ans: (a)
Short Answer Type Questions:
1. What is Sanskritization?
Ans: It is the process by which lower castes adopt the customs and practices of higher castes to increase their social status.
2. Who used the term Sanskritization?
Ans: M. N. Srinivas.
3. What is Westernization?
Ans: It is the process of adopting Western education, values, and institutions.
4. What is secularism?
Ans: It is the principle of governing the state by giving equal respect to all religions.
5. What is the meaning of modernization?
Ans: It refers to the transformation of society based on rationalism and a scientific outlook.
6. Sanskritization is associated with what?
Ans: The Hindu caste system.
7. What values are spread by Westernization?
Ans: Equality and individual freedom.
8. What is the identity of citizens in a secular state?
Ans: All citizens are equal in the eyes of the law.
9. Write one limitation of Sanskritization.
Ans: It does not completely remove caste-based inequality.
10. What does modernization promote?
Ans: Democracy and education.
11. Is Westernization related only to dress?
Ans: No, it is related to changes in education and values.
12. What does secularization reduce?
Ans: The influence of religion in social spheres.
13. How long may Sanskritization take?
Ans: It may take several generations.
14. Write one social impact of modernization.
Ans: Increase in the awareness of social equality.
15. Write one institutional impact of Westernization.
Ans: Introduction of a modern system of education.
