SOCIAL CHANGE IN MODERN SOCIETY

1. SOCIAL CHANGE IN MODERN SOCIETY

A. Theories of Social Change

1. Discuss various theories of social change. Explain the limitations of unilinear theory of social change. (2024)
2. Examine any two theories of social change in detail. (2017)
3. Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples. (2013)
4. Write short note: Theory of Cultural Lag – Ogburn and Nimkoff. (2012)
5. Is the theory of cultural lag valid in present times? Discuss. (2018)
6. Explain the relevance of the idea of ‘cultural lag’ in understanding social change. (2015)
7. Pitirim A. Sorokin sees history as fluctuation between two kinds of culture. Analyse whether this notion is cyclical theory of social change. (2000)
8. Explain the classical concept of social change and critically examine the contribution of the linear theories. (1995)

B. Development, Modernisation & Dependency

1. Critically examine the World-Systems theory of Immanuel Wallerstein in terms of development and dependency. (2024)
2. Assess critically A.G. Frank’s theory of ‘development of underdevelopment’. (2023)
3. Trace the trajectory of development perspectives on social change. (2022)
4. Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in understanding the present global scenario. (2021)
5. Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss. (2020)
6. Criticize A.G. Frank’s ‘development of underdevelopment’. (2019)
7. Write a short essay on the Latin American perspective on ‘dependency’. (2014)
8. Write short note: Development and Dependency. (2011)
9. Discuss World System Theory in the context of modern society. (2011)
10. Comment on the critics’ charge that Immanuel Wallerstein’s dependency theory is simplistic and wrong. (2009)
11. Write short note: Theory of underdevelopment. (1988)
12. Write short note: Modernisation. (1991)
13. Write short note: Planned development in a democracy. (1985)
14. Has development been successful in removing poverty? Can you relate development to progress? (1985)

C. Role of Science, Technology & Media

1. Critically examine the roles of science and technology in social change. What is your opinion on their increasing trend in ‘online’ education and teaching? (2024)
2. Feminist scholars argue that ‘New media’ is masculine and reinforces hierarchies. Comment. (2019)
3. Assess the role of mass media as an agent of social change. (2017)
4. Discuss mass education as an instrument of social change and modernization. (2005)
5. Write short note: Education as an agent of social change. (2008)

D. Conflict, Tradition & Modernity

1. “Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence of social change.” Explain. (2016)
2. “Social change can be brought about through development.” Illustrate from India. (2016)
3. Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the study of social change. (2015)
4. Illustrate the conflicts and tensions experienced by societies undergoing social change. (2013)
5. Does collapse of functionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture of modernity? Discuss. (2018)

E. Displacement, Policy & Directed Change

1. Examine the social dimensions of displacement induced by development. (2013, 2010)
2. “Social support mechanism needs to be strengthened for effective implementation of development programmes.” (2011)
3. State significance of social policy in social development. Under what conditions a social policy fails? (2006)
4. Human factors involved in directed social change. (2006)
5. Define ‘social policy’. Evaluate its performance in modernisation of developing societies. (2001)
6. What is social policy and its relevance to social development? Under what circumstances does it hinder development? (1994)
7. Write short note: Directed social change. (1990)
8. How far are social policy and directed social change effective in social development? (1989)

F. Structural Change

1. Elaborate on the concept of structural change. Discuss the endogenic factors of structural change with examples. (1999)
2. Critically examine the impact of traditional social structures on development and democracy. (1996)
3. Examine the relationship between social structure and social change. Has the Indian social structure facilitated or hindered the process? (1984)

G. Comparative & Theoretical Perspectives

1. Bring out a comparative analysis of Marxian and Parsonian views of social change and examine their relevance for India. (2004)