SOCIOLOGY: THE DISCIPLINE

1) SOCIOLOGY: THE DISCIPLINE

A. Emergence of Sociology: Historical & Intellectual Background

1. What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate. (2025)
2. Sociology is the product of European Enlightenment and Renaissance. Critically examine this statement. (2024)
3. What aspects of Enlightenment do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology? Elaborate. (2022)
4. How did the Intellectual forces lead to the emergence of Sociology? Discuss. (2020)
5. Explain how sociology has emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific temper. (2017)
6. How had Enlightenment contributed to the emergence of Sociology? (2015)
7. “Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social reformist orientation in the U.S.A.” – Comment. (150 words) (2013)
8. How did the French revolution and Industrial revolution play an important role in the emergence of Sociology? (2012)
9. Write short note: Emergence of Sociology is an outcome of modernity and social change in Europe, keeping sociological perspective in view. (150 words) (2011)
10. “Sociology without History is rootless and History without Sociology is fruitless.” Elaborate. (2010)
11. How is emergence of sociology linked with modernization of Europe? (2008)
12. Short note: Intellectual background for the emergence of sociology. (2006)
13. Write short note: Sociology and its relationship with economics and political science. (2005)
14. Write short note: Sociology as an interpretative discipline. (2001)
15. Write short note: Sociology and social anthropology. (2000)
16. Write short note: Sociology as a by-product of Industrial Revolution. (1999)
17. Write short note: Intellectual sources for the rise of Sociology. (1994)
18. Write short note: Ideology and the emergence of sociology. (1993)
19. Had the French Revolution anything to do with the emergence of Sociology in Europe? Make a critical study. (1989)
20. Explain the basic premises of the anti-positivist attack on sociology. Do you agree with these? Substantiate your answer. (1988)
21. Do you agree with the view that sociology can never be a science? What limitations need to be taken into consideration in the scientific study of social phenomena? (1984)

B. Nature & Scope of Sociology (Relation with other Social Sciences)

1. In what way is the scope of sociology unique? Explain. (2025)
2. What is the relationship (similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology? Discuss. (2025)
3. Discuss the nature of sociology. Highlight its relationship with social anthropology. (2024)
4. Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences. (2022)
5. From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinary, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences? (2021)
6. Discuss the changing equations of discipline of sociology with other social sciences. (2017)
7. Compare and contrast Sociology with Anthropology. (2013)
8. Write short answer: How is sociological approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach? (150 words) (2014)
9. What can Sociology show us about our actions? Discuss the practical significance of Sociology. (2011)
10. Write short note on Comparison between Sociology and Economics. (2009)

C. Sociology & Common Sense

1. What is common sense? How are common knowledge and sociology related to each other? (2025)
2. Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain. (2023)
3. How is Sociology related to common sense? (2021)
4. The focal point of sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense? (2018)
5. Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument. (2016)

D. Broader Perspectives & Applications

1. In the Context of globalization, has the scope of Sociology been changing in India? Comment. (2020)
2. “The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relationship between the two in a society.” – C.W. Mills. Explain. (2018)
3. “Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern societies.” Discuss. (2016)
4. Write short answer: How did the emergence of industrial society change the family life in Western Europe? (150 words) (2014)
5. Do you agree with the view that sociology can never be a science? (Revisited scientific debate—1984 Q)