SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP

1. SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP

A. Family: Structure, Functions & Theories

1. Modern families have not just become nuclear and neo-local, but also filiocentric. How do you explain this trend? (2024)
2. What are the ‘basic and irreducible’ functions of the family as proposed by Talcott Parsons? Explain. (2024)
3. Analyse critically David Morgan’s views on family practices. (2023)
4. Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family. (2022)
5. Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary world. (2021)
6. What are the new forms of family in developed societies? (2018)
7. Distinguish between family and household with reference to the concept of development of the household. (2018)
8. Critically examine the functionalist views on the institution of family. How do those help us in understanding family in the present times? (2014)
9. Analyse the contemporary trends in family with examples. (2013)
10. Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a response to social change in modern society. (2016)
11. Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts. (2016)
12. Show how family is distinct from household. (2012)
13. What you mean by marriage and family? Discuss the structural and functional changes in family in modern society. (2011)
14. Write short note: Industrialization and changes in the family’s functions. (2009)
15. Write short note: New trends in the types and forms of family in contemporary India. (2008)
16. Write short note: Changing structure of family. (2007)
17. Write short note: Nuclear family and industrial society. (2006)
18. Elucidate changing structure of family and marriage in modern society. (2005)
19. Write short note: Role of Family in Social Control. (2005)
20. Write short note: Gender Roles in Changing Structure of Family. (2004)
21. Discuss the factors responsible for the changing structure of family in modern societies. (2000)
22. Explain the view that the nuclear family “fits” the needs of industrial society. Is it the same in all industrial societies? (1994)
23. Give a brief account of the trends in sociological analysis of change in traditional family and kinship systems in the face of industrialisation. (1993)
24. Short note: Social consequences of increase in the rate of divorce. (1992)
25. How do changes in the age and sex roles in the family affect the social structure itself? (1989)
26. Discuss family as a basic and fundamental social institution. Do you think changing sex roles necessitate the replacement of family by another institution? (1984)

B. Marriage: Institution, Trends & Transformation

1. Give an account of the recent trends of marriage in the Indian context. How are these different from traditional practices? (2025)
2. Marriage as an institution has undergone a radical transformation from ‘ritual’ to ‘commercial’ in its outlook. Explain the factors behind this change. (2024)
3. Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system in modern Indian society. (2020)
4. Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society? Comment. (2020)
5. In the light of judicial intervention on ‘Live-in relationships’, discuss the future of marriage and family in India. (2019)
6. Examine the relationship between the contemporary trends in marriage and changing forms of family. (2017)
7. What do you understand by institutionalization of ‘live-in–relationship’? (2014)
8. Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to changes in economic and social order. (2013)
9. Discuss the emerging forms of marriage and family with examples from the West and the East. Can there be family without marriage? (2009)

C. Kinship, Descent & Lineage

1. In what way does queer kinship challenge the traditional kinship system? Substantiate by giving illustrations. (2025)
2. What, according to Irawati Karve, are the major differences between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems? (2019)
3. Discuss the regional variations of kinship system in Indian society. (2017)
4. How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other? Illustrate. (2015)
5. Describe the importance of lineage and descent in kinship and family. (2012)
6. Write short note: Lineage and Descent. (2011)
7. Write short note: Kinship and Social Capital. (2010)
8. Elaborate on the concepts of Family and Lineage. Discuss the relationship between Rules of descent and inheritance of property. (2003)
9. Write short note: Structural principles of kinship. (1988)

D. Patriarchy, Gender & Division of Labour

1. Does women’s education help to eradicate patriarchal discriminations? Reflect with illustrations. (2023)
2. How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development? (2022)
3. What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of society? (2020)
4. Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations? (2018)
5. Examine ‘patriarchal bargain’ as gendered division of work in contemporary India. (2017)
6. To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women? (2016)
7. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss. (2015)
8. Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically examine how it affects sexual division of labour in societies. (2013)
9. Distinguish between Sex and Gender issues with suitable examples. (2002)
10. Write short note: Impact of changes in sex role on family. (1996)
11. Write short note: Change in sex roles and the socialisation of children. (1984)

E. Culture, Personality & Socialisation

1. Discuss the meanings and significance of culture in human society. Critically bring out its role in personality development. (2003)
2. In what way is the process of socialization helpful in the development of personality? (2002)
3. ‘Socialization is a process by which all of us acquire the culture that we transmit to the next generation’. Elaborate. (1998)
4. Bring out the relationship between culture and personality. Give examples of variations within the same culture. (1993)
5. Write short note: Socialization and personality. (1990)
6. How does culture influence personality? Can personality influence culture? (1985)
7. Analyse scientific theory of culture. Will the crisis in culture in contemporary society facilitate emergence of a new man? (1984)

F. Social Control

1. Social control is more a matter of conviction than coercion. Comment. Discuss the role of ideology. (1999)
2. Compare the role of custom as an agency of social control in primitive and modern industrial societies. (1996)
3. What are the agencies of social control? Which is the most effective in a democratic society? (1985)
4. Write short note: Social control. (1991)
5. Write short note: Primary group. (1995)
6. Write short note: Role of culture. (1995)
7. Write short note: Incest taboo. (2001)

G. Miscellaneous

1. Write short note: Social consequences of increase in the rate of divorce. (1992)
2. What has been the impact of industrialisation on family and kinship organisation? Illustrate kinship’s role in industrial societies. (1995)