HS Special Desk

R N Bellah on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Perspective

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R N Bellah on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction on R N Bellah on Contemporary Approaches Religion, as a deeply rooted social phenomenon, has long occupied a central place in sociology. Robert Neelly Bellah (1927–2013), one of the leading intellectuals who transformed the study of religion in the modern era, is notable for his complex, historically informed, and multidisciplinary methodology. Bellah’s contributions stretch … Read more

Clifford Geertz on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Analysis

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Clifford Geertz on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Analysis

Introduction on Clifford Geertz on Contemporary Approaches Religion has been one of the most significant and complex domains of sociological inquiry. From the classical works of Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim, and Max Weber, religion has been examined through lenses of ideology, social solidarity, and meaning-making. However, in the second half of the 20th century, a … Read more

Marxian Approach to Study of Religion: A Sociological Perspective

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Secularization and Secularism in Indian Experience: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction on Marxian Approach Religion has long been a subject of deep sociological inquiry. Thinkers from different schools of thought have analyzed religion’s origins, role, and impact on society. Among them, Karl Marx provided one of the most critical and influential perspectives. His approach to religion was deeply rooted in his broader theoretical framework of … Read more

Evolutionary Approach: Animism and Naturism to the Study of Religion in Sociological Aspect

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Sociology of Religion: Faith in a Secular World

Introduction on Evolutionary Approach Religion has long been a central subject of sociological inquiry. From Émile Durkheim to Max Weber, scholars have sought to understand how religion shapes human societies and how societies, in turn, shape religious ideas and practices. Among the earliest theoretical perspectives in the sociology of religion is the evolutionary approach, which … Read more

Challenges to Indian Democracy: A Sociological Perspective

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Social Stratification in India: Caste, Class, and Gender Explained

Introduction Democracy in India is often celebrated as the world’s largest experiment in popular governance. Since its independence in 1947, India has upheld democratic ideals of universal adult suffrage, rule of law, and representative institutions despite its enormous cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. From a sociological perspective, Indian democracy is not merely a system of … Read more

Student Movements: Voices of Change in 2025 – A Sociological Perspective

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Weberian Approach to Stratification in Sociological Aspect

Introduction Student movements have historically played a transformative role in shaping societies, influencing politics, culture, and public policy. From the anti-colonial struggles of the 20th century to protests against authoritarian regimes, students have consistently emerged as powerful agents of change. In 2025, student movements across the world are once again rising to prominence, fueled by … Read more

Caste and Politics in India: A Sociological Perspective

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Social Stratification in India: Caste, Class, and Gender Explained

Introduction on Caste and Politics Caste and politics in India are deeply interlinked phenomena that have shaped the country’s democratic processes, electoral outcomes, and patterns of governance. While caste is a traditional system of social stratification rooted in hierarchy, politics in a democracy seeks to represent people through equality and participation. At first glance, these … Read more

Democracy and Its Discontent: A Sociological Perspective

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The Sociology of Elections: Why People Vote the Way They Do

Introduction on Democracy and Its Discontent Democracy, often hailed as the most legitimate form of governance, represents a system where political power derives from the collective will of the people. Its foundational ideals—freedom, equality, participation, and representation—make it both an aspiration and a benchmark for modern societies. Yet, while democracy is celebrated across the globe, … Read more

Authoritarian and Democratic State: A Sociological Perspective

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Alvin Gouldner and the Critique of Functionalism

Introduction on Authoritarian and Democratic State The state is one of the most central institutions in sociology, as it holds the authority to regulate society, maintain order, and shape the course of human development. Different forms of states emerge across history depending on the nature of power, legitimacy, and citizen participation. Among the most studied … Read more

Globalization and Identity Politics, Hate and Violence: A Sociological Analysis

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The Sociology of Democracy in the Age of Fake News

Introduction on Globalization and Identity Politics, Hate and Violence Globalization is often described as the interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies across the globe. While it has brought opportunities for economic growth, technological progress, and cultural exchange, it has also created new social tensions. One of the most visible consequences of globalization in the sociological … Read more