HS Special Desk 
Introduction on Inequality and Social Stratification Societies across history have been marked by differences in wealth, power, and status. These differences are not accidental; rather, they are structured and maintained through various social mechanisms. Sociology uses the concept of social stratification to explain these divisions, and it views inequality as a central outcome of stratified … Read more
Introduction Turkmenistan, a landlocked Central Asian nation, remains one of the most tightly controlled societies on earth. Since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, its political system has exhibited hallmark features of authoritarian rule: highly centralized power, pervasive propaganda, tightly managed civil society, and relentless surveillance. This sociological analysis investigates how authoritarianism in Turkmenistan … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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