SOCIOLOGICAL THINKERS

Karl Manheim on Hermeneutic and Interpretative Traditions – 50 MCQs with Answers (UGC NET Sociology)

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Karl Mannheim on Hermeneutic and Interpretative Traditions – 50 MCQs with Answers (UGC NET Sociology)

The contributions of Karl Manheim are central to understanding the interpretative and hermeneutic traditions in sociology. Mannheim’s work, particularly in the Sociology of Knowledge, explores how social location, historical context, and ideological positioning shape human understanding and interpretation. For UGC NET Sociology, questions on Mannheim often connect hermeneutics, interpretative sociology, ideology, utopia, and relationism.The following … Read more

50 MCQs on G.H. Mead, Hermeneutics & Interpretative Traditions

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George Herbert Mead (1863–1931), one of the foundational thinkers of American Pragmatism and Symbolic Interactionism, made significant contributions to the interpretative traditions of sociology. While Mead is not a hermeneutician in the classical sense (like Dilthey, Weber, or Gadamer), his work deeply engages with the interpretation of meanings, signs, gestures, and social interaction — placing … Read more

What is Sociology? A Beginner’s Guide

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What is Sociology? A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction on What is Sociology Sociology is the scientific study of society, human social relationships, and the structures that shape our lives. It looks at how people interact within organizations, cultures, and groups and how these interactions affect social change, behavior, and beliefs. As a discipline, sociology helps us understand the complexities of social life, … Read more

Sociological Theories for Studying Regions

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Conflict Theory in Sociology

Introduction on Sociological Theories The study of regions has been a significant area of interest in sociology, as regions are not merely geographical entities but also social, cultural, economic, and political constructs. Sociological theories provide frameworks to analyze how regions are formed, how they function, and how they influence social behavior, identity, and power structures. … Read more

From Modernism to Postmodernism and The Postmodern Condition: A Sociological Perspective

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Modernism to Postmodernism and The Postmodern Condition

Introduction The transition from modernism to postmodernism represents one of the most significant shifts in sociological thought, influencing how we understand culture, knowledge, power, and social structures. Modernism, rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emphasized rationality, progress, and universal truths. In contrast, postmodernism challenges these notions, advocating for skepticism toward grand narratives, embracing relativism, and highlighting the … Read more

B. R. Ambedkar and His Movements for Marginalized Groups in India

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B. R. Ambedkar and His Movements for Marginalized Groups in India

Introduction Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956), popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a jurist, social reformer, economist, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. His life and work were dedicated to the upliftment of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”), Adivasis, and other oppressed groups in India. From a sociological perspective, Ambedkar’s … Read more

Robert K. Merton’s Manifest and Latent Functions: A Sociological Perspective

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Manifest and Latent Functions

Robert K. Merton, one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century, made significant contributions to the field of sociology, particularly through his development of functional analysis. Among his many contributions, the concepts of “manifest” and “latent” functions stand out as foundational tools for understanding the complexities of social structures and institutions. These concepts … Read more

Robert K. Merton’s Theory of Reference Groups

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Theory of Reference Groups

Robert K. Merton, one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century, made significant contributions to the field of sociology through his work on social structure, deviance, and the sociology of science. Among his many contributions, the theory of reference groups stands out as a pivotal concept in understanding how individuals evaluate themselves and … Read more

Talcott Parsons’ Pattern Variables & 30 Important Questions

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Pattern Variables

Talcott Parsons (1902–1979), one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century, is widely recognized for his contributions to structural functionalism and his efforts to develop a comprehensive theory of social action. Among his many theoretical contributions, the concept of pattern variables stands out as a significant tool for understanding how individuals and societies navigate social … Read more

Parsons’ Functionalism and Social Change with 30 Questions

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Functionalism

Talcott Parsons (1902–1979) is one of the most influential figures in the field of sociology, particularly known for his development of structural functionalism, a theoretical framework that seeks to explain social structures and institutions in terms of their functions in maintaining social order and stability. Parsons’ work has been both celebrated and critiqued for its … Read more