sociology

Leisure Class and Conspicuous Consumption in Sociology

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leisure class

Thorstein Veblen, a pioneering American sociologist and economist, introduced the concepts of “leisure class” and “conspicuous consumption” in his seminal work, The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899). His analysis critiques the socio-economic structure of capitalist societies, where wealth and status are demonstrated through non-productive activities and excessive consumption. Veblen’s theories remain relevant in understanding … Read more

Socio-Religious Reform Movements and Their Influence on Social Change in India

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Socio-Religious Reform Movements

India, with its rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and traditions, has historically been a land of diverse social practices and beliefs. However, many of these practices were deeply entrenched in hierarchical structures, caste systems, and gender inequalities. The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the emergence of socio-religious reform movements that sought to address these … Read more

Thorstein Veblen’s Theory of Technological Evolutionism: A Sociological Perspective

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Technological Evolutionism

Thorstein Veblen (1857–1929), an American economist and sociologist, is widely regarded as one of the most original thinkers in the social sciences. His work transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, blending economics, sociology, and anthropology to critique the socio-economic structures of his time. Among his many contributions, Veblen’s “Theory of Technological Evolutionism” stands out as a foundational … Read more

Sanskritization and Its Influence on Social Change in India

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Sanskritization

Social change is a fundamental aspect of human societies, reflecting the dynamic nature of cultural, economic, and political structures. In India, a country characterized by its diverse social fabric and hierarchical caste system, the process of social change has been influenced by various sociological phenomena. One such phenomenon is “Sanskritization,” a concept introduced by the … Read more

Middle Class and Gated Communities in Urban India

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Nature, Scope, and Methods of Social Anthropology

Urban India has witnessed a significant transformation in its social and spatial landscape over the past few decades, with the rise of gated communities becoming a defining feature of this change. These enclosed residential complexes, often equipped with modern amenities and security features, have become synonymous with the aspirations and lifestyles of the burgeoning middle … Read more

New Social Structures in the Informal Sector of Urban India

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The informal sector in urban India plays a crucial role in the economy, employing millions of workers across diverse occupations such as street vending, construction, domestic work, waste recycling, and gig-based jobs. Despite its economic significance, the informal sector is often characterized by precarious working conditions, lack of social security, and marginalization. Sociologically, the informal … Read more

Planned Social Change :Comprehensive note with 30 Questions

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Planned Social Change

Social change is an inevitable and continuous process that shapes societies over time. It refers to the transformation of cultural, economic, political, and social institutions and relationships. While social change can occur organically through natural processes, it can also be deliberately initiated and directed. This intentional effort to alter societal structures and norms is known … Read more

Dialectical Approaches to Social Change in Indian Society

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Dialectical Approaches

Social change is a dynamic and continuous process that restructures societies by influencing institutions, cultural norms, and power relations. In the Indian context, marked by deep-rooted traditions and hierarchical social structures, an effective analysis of social change requires an approach that acknowledges contradictions, conflicts, and their resolutions. Dialectical approaches, grounded in the principles of conflict … Read more

Agrarian Society: Comprehensive Note with Top 50 MCQs

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Agrarian societies have played a crucial role in the historical development of human civilization. Defined by their dependence on agriculture as the primary means of sustenance and economic activity, these societies exhibit unique social structures, class divisions, and cultural dynamics. In the words of Karl Marx, “The hand-mill gives you society with the feudal lord; … Read more

Multiple Nuclei Theory: A Comprehensive Note with 50 Important MCQs

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Multiple Nuclei Theory

Urban sociology is a rich field that explores the evolution, structure, and dynamics of urban environments. One significant contribution to this field is the Multiple Nuclei Theory, a model introduced by Chauncy Harris and Edward Ullman in 1945. The theory redefined urban development and spatial organization by moving away from traditional monocentric models, such as … Read more