Plus Two Sociology Public Exam Answer Key 2026

📘 Sociology QP March 2026

Answer key · based on standard sociological concepts

PART‑A (1 mark each)

1. Identify the sociologist who introduced the concept of Dominant caste. (b) M.N. Srinivas

2. Complete the chart. (chart missing — typical answer: demographic transition stages / caste hierarchy) Depends on context (e.g., High stationary → Late expanding → Low stationary)

3. Name the sociologist who opined sociology can help you to map the link between personal trouble and social issues. (c) C. Wright Mills

4. The proportion of persons in different age groups relative to the total population is called Age structure / Age composition

5. A process whereby individuals or groups are cut off from full participation in social life is known as Social Exclusion

6. Who wrote the book "The Wealth of Nations"? (a) Adam Smith

7. Which city among the following declined due to industrialisation during British rule? (c) Masulipatnam

8. The Political Framework that distributed Power and Authority between central government and regional or local government is called (b) Federalism

9. The Panchayatiraj system in India was implemented by _____ amendment. (b) 73rd

10. Patterns of unequal access to social resources are commonly called Social Inequality

PART‑B (2 marks each)

11. Describe the term status symbol.

A visible, external object signifying social position/prestige (e.g. luxury car, designer clothes, elite degree). It communicates social standing.

12. Define Dominant caste.

Introduced by M.N. Srinivas: a caste is dominant when it possesses numerical strength, economic/political power, high ritual status, and access to Western education.

13. Write a short note on Social Resources.

Social resources = networks, relationships, group memberships (social capital) that help individuals achieve goals — e.g. family support, community ties, influential contacts.

14. Define Mass Media.

Technologies/institutions reaching a large, anonymous audience simultaneously (TV, radio, newspapers). One-way flow, disseminating information/entertainment.

15. List any four mass media used in your day to day life.

• Television
• Smartphone / Internet (social media)
• Radio
• Newspapers

PART‑C (4 marks each)

16. List any four merits of Sociological Imagination.

• Links personal problems to larger social forces.
• Broadens perspective beyond individual experience.
• Connects biography with history.
• Empowers informed citizenship.

17. Discuss the role of civil society in sustaining the Indian Democratic system.

• Acts as watchdog over government.
• Mobilises citizens on issues (corruption, rights).
• Gives voice to marginalised groups.
• Provides alternative platforms for debate.

18. Differentiate Regionalism and Secularism.

Regionalism: ideology focusing on regional identity/interests; may demand autonomy. Secularism: state’s equal distance from all religions, religious freedom, no state religion.

19. Briefly explain the impact of Globalisation on Radio.

• More diverse content (private FM, niche shows).
• Technological shift AM→FM + internet streaming.
• Commercialisation & advertising boom.
• Cultural hybridisation (global music + local language).

PART‑D (5 marks each)

20. List any five characteristics of Caste.

• Segmental division (closed groups).
• Hierarchy (purity/pollution).
• Endogamy.
• Restrictions on food/social interaction.
• Civil & religious disabilities (historically).

21. Explain commodification with examples.

Transforming goods/services/ideas into marketable commodities. Examples: private education as a product; corporate healthcare; ecotourism packages; commercialised festivals (Diwali/Christmas).

22. (A) Define Social Inequality. (B) Write three principles that help to explain social stratification.

(A) Unequal access to valued resources (wealth, power, prestige) across social positions.
(B) 1. Characteristic of society, not individual differences. 2. Persists over generations. 3. Universal but variable (form/degree differs).

23. Match the following :

Column A	Column B (correct match)
Kaka Kalelkar	First Backward Class Commission
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan	Education for Muslim Girls
Gandhiji	Harijan
Tarabhai Shinde	Stree Purush Tulana
Beegum Rokhiya Sakhavat Hussain	Sultana's Dream

PART‑E (6 marks each)

24. Critically evaluate Malthusian theory of population.

Malthus: population grows geometrically, food arithmetically → positive checks. Critique: ignored tech advances (Green Revolution); demographic transition (birth rates fall); regional variation; overlooks distribution & consumption.

25. Explain the powers and responsibilities of Grama Panchayat.

• Civic amenities (roads, water, lights).
• Public health