Directorate of Distance Education

Swami Vivekanand Subharti University

I Year
Course Code: BASOCIO- 202
Course Title: Sociology & Social Movements
Assignment No: BASOCIO- 202/2022
Maximum Marks: 30

Assignment Prepared By:

Name: Biresh Kumar
Enrolment Number: AR2201252581
Roll Number: A0322R020999

Q1. What is meant by social movement? Describe its features.

Answer: A social movement refers to a collective and organized effort by a group of individuals or organizations to
bring about social, political, cultural, or economic change in society. These movements typically emerge in response
to perceived injustices, inequalities, or grievances and aim to challenge or reform existing norms, institutions, or
policies. Social movements can take many forms and cover a wide range of issues, including civil rights, environmental
protection, gender equality, labor rights, and more.
Here are some key features of social movements:
Collective Action: Social movements involve the mobilization of a group of people who share a common goal or cause.
This collective action can range from peaceful protests and demonstrations to more radical forms of activism.
Shared Goals and Values: Participants in a social movement are united by a shared set of beliefs, values, and
objectives. These goals often relate to social justice, equality, or a specific issue that needs addressing.
Grassroots Origins: Many social movements start at the grassroots level, meaning they originate among ordinary
citizens rather than established institutions or political parties. Grassroots movements often rely on community
organizing and activism to gain support.
Mass Mobilization: Social movements often aim to mobilize a large number of people, creating a critical mass that can
influence public opinion and policy. This may involve recruiting volunteers, organizing rallies, or using social media
and other communication tools to reach a wider audience.
Non-Institutional Nature: Social movements often operate outside traditional institutional channels, such as political
parties or government structures. They may challenge these institutions or seek to create alternative structures to
address their concerns.
Fluid and Dynamic: Social movements can be fluid and dynamic, evolving over time as they adapt to changing
circumstances, strategies, and tactics. They may grow, decline, or transform in response to internal and external
factors.
Strategies and Tactics: Social movements employ a variety of strategies and tactics to achieve their goals, including
public demonstrations, civil disobedience, lobbying, litigation, and media campaigns. The choice of tactics often
depends on the movement's objectives and the context in which it operates.
Diversity of Participants: Social movements often attract participants from diverse backgrounds, including activists,
advocates, scholars, and individuals directly affected by the issues at hand. This diversity can bring a range of
perspectives and expertise to the movement.
Long-Term Commitment: Many social movements require a sustained and long-term commitment from their
participants. Achieving significant social change often takes time, and activists may face obstacles, setbacks, and
opposition along the way.
Impact on Society: Social movements can have a significant impact on society by raising awareness of important
issues, changing public attitudes, influencing policy decisions, and bringing about concrete social, political, or cultural
change.
Social movements have played a crucial role in shaping societies throughout history, contributing to advancements in
civil rights, labor rights, gender equality, environmental protection, and numerous other areas of social progress.
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Q2. What do you understand by Arya Samaj? Evaluate it.
Answer: Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement that was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. The
term "Arya Samaj" can be roughly translated to mean "Society of Nobles" or "Noble Society." The movement emerged
in response to perceived corruptions and deviations within Hinduism and aimed to promote a return to what its founders
believed were the original and pure teachings of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.
Key principles and beliefs of Arya Samaj include:
Monotheism: Arya Samaj emphasizes the belief in one formless, all-powerful God (Brahman) and rejects the worship
of idols and polytheism.
Rejection of Caste System: The movement strongly opposes the caste system and advocates for the equality of all
individuals, regardless of their caste or social background. It promotes the idea of a casteless society and encourages
inter-caste marriages.
Reform of Rituals and Practices: Arya Samaj discourages elaborate rituals and practices that are not explicitly
mentioned in the Vedas. It encourages a simpler form of worship and religious ceremonies.
Promotion of Vedic Education: The movement places a strong emphasis on Vedic education and the dissemination of
Vedic knowledge. It established schools and institutions to teach the Vedas and promote Vedic learning.
Advocacy for Women's Rights: Arya Samaj has been progressive in advocating for women's rights and equality. It
supports women's education and encourages their participation in religious and social activities.
Social and Religious Reform: Arya Samaj sought to reform various social and religious practices, including issues
related to child marriage, dowry, widow remarriage, and superstitions.
Evaluation of Arya Samaj:
Positive Aspects:
Promotion of Reform: Arya Samaj played a significant role in initiating reforms within Hinduism during the late 19th
and early 20th centuries. Its emphasis on monotheism, rejection of caste discrimination, and advocacy for women's
rights were progressive for their time and contributed to positive changes in Hindu society.
Emphasis on Education: The movement's focus on Vedic education and the promotion of knowledge was
commendable, as it aimed to revive interest in ancient Indian scriptures and philosophy.
Advocacy for Social Equality: Arya Samaj's efforts to eradicate the caste system and promote social equality were in
line with broader movements for social justice and equality in India.
Negative Aspects:
Rigid Interpretation of Vedas: Critics argue that Arya Samaj's strict adherence to Vedic texts and rejection of many
traditional Hindu practices led to a narrow and rigid interpretation of Hinduism, alienating some Hindus who followed
different traditions.
Limited Influence: While Arya Samaj had an impact on some segments of Hindu society, its influence remained
somewhat limited compared to other reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj or the social and political movements
led by Mahatma Gandhi and others.
Controversies: Over the years, Arya Samaj has faced internal divisions and controversies, which have sometimes
overshadowed its reformist agenda.
In conclusion, Arya Samaj was a significant reform movement within Hinduism that aimed to bring about positive
changes in the religion and society. While it made commendable efforts to promote monotheism, equality, and
education, it also faced challenges and limitations in terms of its influence and interpretation of Hindu scriptures. Its
impact has been both positive and controversial, depending on one's perspective and the specific context in which it
operated.
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Q3. Explaining the meaning of social problems, describe the elements of social problems.
Answer: Social problems are issues or conditions within a society that are perceived as harmful, undesirable, or in
need of attention and resolution by a significant portion of the population. These problems can affect individuals,
communities, or the entire society and often have complex causes and consequences. Social problems are typically
subject to debate, discussion, and efforts to address them through various means, including public policies, community
initiatives, and social movements.
The elements of social problems can be broken down into several key components:
Objective Condition: A social problem begins with an objective condition or issue that exists in society. This could be
a tangible and measurable problem, such as poverty, crime rates, pollution, or unemployment. Objective conditions
are often quantifiable and can be studied empirically.
Subjective Perception: Not all objective conditions become social problems; they need to be subjectively perceived as
such by a significant portion of the population. This perception involves people recognizing that a particular issue is
problematic, unfair, or unjust. Public awareness and concern are crucial for an objective condition to be considered a
social problem.
Social Harm: Social problems are characterized by the harm they cause to individuals, communities, or society as a
whole. This harm can take various forms, such as physical, emotional, economic, or social harm. For example, poverty
can lead to hunger, homelessness, and a lack of access to education and healthcare, causing social harm.
Normative Conflict: Social problems often involve normative conflicts, where different groups within society hold
contrasting values, beliefs, or norms regarding the issue. These conflicting perspectives contribute to the debate and
discussions surrounding the problem. For instance, debates over abortion involve normative conflicts regarding a
woman's right to choose versus the sanctity of life.
Collective Action: Addressing social problems usually requires collective action, such as government policies,
community initiatives, or advocacy efforts by social movements. Individuals and organizations must work together to
develop and implement solutions to mitigate or eliminate the problem.
Change Efforts: Social problems generate efforts to bring about change or resolution. These efforts can take various
forms, including legislative reforms, public awareness campaigns, grassroots activism, or philanthropic initiatives. The
aim is to address the root causes of the problem and alleviate its negative impact.
Impact on Society: Social problems can have a wide-ranging impact on society. They may affect the overall well-being,
stability, and functioning of a community or society as a whole. For example, high levels of drug addiction can strain
healthcare systems, increase crime rates, and destabilize families and communities.
Complex Causes: Social problems are rarely the result of a single cause but often arise from complex interactions of
economic, cultural, political, and structural factors. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for devising
effective solutions.
Intersectionality: Many social problems intersect with one another. Individuals or communities may experience multiple
social problems simultaneously due to overlapping factors like poverty, discrimination, and limited access to resources.
Understanding the intersections of social problems is essential for comprehensive solutions.
In summary, social problems encompass objective conditions perceived as harmful by a significant portion of society.
They involve complex causes, normative conflicts, and the potential for collective action to address the harm caused.
These problems can vary widely in scope and impact and addressing them often requires a multidimensional approach
involving various stakeholders and strategies.
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Q4. What do you understand by the alcoholism?
Answer: Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and often progressive medical condition
characterized by an individual's excessive and problematic consumption of alcohol. It is considered a substance use
disorder and involves a range of physical, psychological, and social consequences. Alcoholism is typically marked by
a strong craving for alcohol, an inability to control drinking, and continued alcohol use despite adverse consequences.
Key features and characteristics of alcoholism include:
Loss of Control: Individuals with alcoholism find it challenging to control their drinking once they start. They may
consume larger amounts of alcohol than intended and struggle to limit or stop their drinking altogether.
Craving: There is a persistent and strong desire or craving for alcohol. This craving can be both physical and
psychological, driving individuals to seek and consume alcohol.
Physical Dependence: Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to physical dependence on alcohol. This
means the body adapts to the presence of alcohol and requires it to function normally. When alcohol is not consumed,
withdrawal symptoms may occur, which can be uncomfortable or even life-threatening.
Tolerance: Tolerance develops when a person needs increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effects. As
tolerance increases, individuals may drink larger quantities of alcohol to experience the same level of intoxication.
Neglect of Responsibilities: People with alcoholism often neglect their responsibilities at home, work, or school. They
may miss work, perform poorly in their jobs, or neglect their families and other obligations due to their drinking.
Social and Interpersonal Problems: Alcoholism frequently leads to strained relationships with family, friends, and
colleagues. It can result in arguments, conflicts, and social isolation.
Loss of Interest: Individuals with alcoholism may lose interest in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed. Their focus
often revolves around obtaining and consuming alcohol.
Continued Use Despite Consequences: Even when faced with negative consequences such as health problems, legal
issues, or accidents related to alcohol use, people with alcoholism may continue to drink.
Withdrawal Symptoms: When they try to stop or reduce their drinking, individuals with alcoholism may experience
withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, tremors, nausea, sweating, and seizures. These symptoms can be
physically and emotionally distressing.
Progressive Nature: Alcoholism tends to worsen over time if left untreated. The longer an individual continues to abuse
alcohol, the more severe the physical and psychological consequences become.
Alcoholism is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and individual
psychology. It can have serious health implications, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, mental health
disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety), and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, alcoholism can
have devastating effects on personal relationships and can lead to legal and financial problems.
Treatment for alcoholism typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies, support groups, medical
interventions (when necessary), and lifestyle changes. The goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety,
improve their overall well-being, and address the underlying causes of their alcohol abuse. Support from healthcare
professionals, family, and friends can play a crucial role in the recovery process.
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Q5. Write a nature of corruption in Indian Society?
Answer: Corruption is a complex and deeply ingrained issue in Indian society, with several distinctive characteristics
and manifestations. While it is important to note that corruption exists in many societies around the world, the nature
of corruption in Indian society exhibits certain specific features:
Widespread and Systemic: Corruption in India is not limited to isolated incidents but is pervasive and systemic. It can
be found at various levels of government, bureaucracy, and public institutions. This systemic nature makes it
challenging to eradicate.
Bureaucratic Corruption: One of the most prominent forms of corruption in India is bureaucratic corruption. This
involves government officials, civil servants, and law enforcement personnel engaging in corrupt practices, such as
bribery, extortion, and nepotism, often for personal gain.
Political Corruption: Corruption is also prevalent in Indian politics, with allegations of bribery, kickbacks, and misuse of
power being common. Corruption scandals involving politicians have made headlines over the years.
Red Tape and Bureaucratic Delays: The extensive bureaucracy and red tape in India contribute to corruption. Citizens
and businesses often encounter delays and hurdles in obtaining permits, licenses, and government services, which
can lead to bribes being paid to expedite processes.
Petty Corruption: Petty corruption, where citizens encounter bribery and extortion in their daily interactions with
government officials, is widespread. This includes situations like traffic police accepting bribes for minor traffic
violations or government clerks demanding money for routine paperwork.
Corruption in Public Services: Corruption is also seen in public services like healthcare and education. Patients may
need to pay bribes for timely medical care, while students may face unfair practices in educational institutions.
Electoral Corruption: The electoral process in India is not immune to corruption. Politicians may use money, influence,
or illegal means to win elections. Vote-buying and the use of unaccounted funds during campaigns are common
allegations.
Black Money and Tax Evasion: The presence of black money, unaccounted wealth, and tax evasion contribute to
corruption. People may hide their income to avoid paying taxes, leading to revenue loss for the government.
Lack of Transparency: The lack of transparency in government operations and decision-making processes creates
opportunities for corruption to thrive. Transparency and accountability mechanisms are often inadequate.
Corruption Perceptions: High levels of perceived corruption in India can erode public trust in institutions and hinder
economic development. India's ranking on global corruption indices often reflects these perceptions.
Efforts to Combat Corruption: India has made efforts to combat corruption through legislation like the Right to
Information Act and the establishment of anti-corruption bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission and the Lokpal.
However, the effectiveness of these measures varies.
Civil Society and Media: Civil society organizations and the media play a significant role in exposing corruption and
advocating for transparency and accountability. Investigative journalism and activism have been instrumental in raising
awareness about corruption issues.
It's important to emphasize that while corruption is a significant challenge in Indian society, it is not representative of
the entire population or all sectors of society. Many individuals, organizations, and institutions in India are committed
to fighting corruption and promoting ethical governance. Addressing corruption in India requires a multi-pronged
approach that includes legal reforms, improved enforcement, increased transparency, and a cultural shift towards
ethical behavior and integrity at all levels of society.
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