sociology

# NIOS Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA)

## Session: 2025-2026

## Subject: Sociology (331)

**1. Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-60 words.**

**Question (a):** *"Sociology is the scientific study of social relations, institution and society".* Explain the statement with proper arguments.

**Answer:** Sociology is considered a scientific study because it uses systematic methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to understand social order and change. It does not rely on mere common sense; instead, it objectively examines how social institutions (like family, religion, and education) shape human relationships and influence collective behavior within a society.

**2. Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-60 words.**

**Question (b):** How would you justify that norms are indispensable part of our life? Clarify.

**Answer:** Norms are the shared expectations and implied rules that guide human behavior in society. They are indispensable because they create social order, predictability, and stability. Without norms, there would be chaos and confusion, as people would not know how to behave appropriately or interact safely with others in daily life.

**3. Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-60 words.**

**Question (b):** *'The advancement of industrial revolution embittered the positive relationship between man and his natural environment'.* Explain the statement with suitable arguments.

**Answer:** The Industrial Revolution marked a shift from eco-friendly traditional livelihoods to mass production powered by fossil fuels. This advancement led to large-scale deforestation, rapid urbanization, and severe air and water pollution. Consequently, it transformed nature into a mere resource for exploitation, disrupting the harmonious and sustainable relationship humans previously shared with their environment.

**4. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-150 words.**

**Question (b):** *"Some statuses appear to have both achieved and ascribed elements".* Explain the statement with suitable examples.

**Answer:** In sociology, an 'ascribed status' is a social position assigned to a person at birth or involuntarily later in life (such as caste, race, or gender), while an 'achieved status' is acquired voluntarily through personal choice, effort, and ability (such as becoming a doctor, teacher, or athlete).

However, in reality, many statuses blend both elements. For example, a person born into a wealthy business family inherits a certain social standing and network (ascribed element). Yet, to successfully manage, expand, or sustain that business, they must acquire professional education and skills through individual hard work (achieved element).

Similarly, entering a caste-based traditional occupation can be seen as ascribed, but achieving excellence or modernizing that profession requires personal competence. Thus, social status is often a dynamic interplay where ascribed privileges or limitations heavily influence the opportunities for achieved success.

**5. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-150 words.**

**Question (b):** According to you, what are the major contribution of Swami Vivekananda for India's social upliftment? Explain.

**Answer:** Swami Vivekananda made monumental contributions to India's social upliftment by combining spiritual values with social activism. His key contributions include:

 * **Elimination of Social Evils:** He strongly condemned caste-based discrimination, untouchability, and superficial rituals, emphasizing that all human beings are manifestations of the same divine soul.

 * **Empowerment through Education:** Vivekananda believed education is the primary tool for social regeneration. He advocated for practical, character-building education accessible to all classes, especially the poor and marginalized.

 * **Women Upliftment:** He championed the cause of women's rights and education, asserting that a nation cannot progress without improving the status of its women.

 * **Concept of 'Daridra Narayana':** He introduced the philosophy of serving the poor and downtrodden as the highest form of worship, which led to the foundation of the Ramakrishna Mission to provide extensive healthcare, disaster relief, and education across India.

**6. Prepare any one project of the following projects given below.**

**Project (b):** Write a report on 5 different kinds of media and how they are promoting culture based on exposure/interviews.

**Answer:**

### **Project Report: Role of Media in Promoting Culture**

**Introduction:**

Media serves as a powerful vehicle for cultural transmission and preservation. Based on observations and discussions with individuals having diverse media exposure, this report analyzes how five different types of media actively promote cultural events, values, and traditions.

**1. Television (Broadcast Media):**

Television remains a highly accessible medium for families. Broadcasters promote culture through dedicated regional channels, cultural programs, and live telecasts of major festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Onam. Reality shows focusing on traditional folk music and classical dance forms play a major role in keeping cultural arts alive among younger generations.

**2. Print Media (Newspapers and Magazines):**

Newspapers dedicate special weekly columns, supplements, and festive editions to explore local history, heritage sites, and traditional recipes. During regional festivals, print media publishes detailed articles explaining the historical and mythological significance behind various rituals, ensuring the knowledge is documented and passed down.

**3. Social Media Platforms (Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook):**

Social media has democratized cultural promotion. Content creators from varied backgrounds document and share vlogs about local temple festivals, tribal art forms, and indigenous lifestyles. Short videos (Reels/Shorts) make traditional clothing, folk music, and linguistic heritage trendy and engaging for global audiences.

**4. Radio and Podcasts (Audio Media):**

Radio stations, particularly community radio, frequently broadcast local folk songs, poetry, and regional language discussions. Podcasts have recently emerged as a significant medium where experts discuss ancient philosophy, folklore, and cultural history, engaging listeners who prefer long-form audio storytelling.

**5. Digital Streaming Platforms (OTT Media):**

Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms promote cultural diversity by hosting regional cinema and documentaries. Documentaries focusing on India’s diverse tribal populations, culinary traditions, and heritage crafts allow viewers worldwide to understand and appreciate different cultural identities intimately.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, different forms of media act as vital links connecting people to their roots. While traditional media like TV and print continue to document major cultural milestones, digital and social media ensure that even niche regional traditions gain global visibility and survival.