Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guide of chapter 10, Western Social Thinkers: NBSE Class 11 Sociology textbook, which is part of the syllabus for students studying under the Nagaland Board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
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Summary
This chapter looks at three important thinkers who studied society: Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber.
Karl Marx lived in the 1800s. He believed that economic activity is the foundation of society. He thought society changes through a process called dialectical materialism. This means change comes from conflict between opposing forces. Marx saw society divided into two main groups or classes. One class owns things like land and factories (the ‘haves’ or oppressors). The other class owns only their ability to work (the ‘have-nots’ or oppressed workers, called the proletariat). Marx believed these two classes are always in conflict. He called this class struggle. He said history is the story of this struggle. Marx described different stages of society. First was primitive communism with no private property or classes. Then came ancient society with masters and slaves. After that was feudal society with lords and serfs. Finally, capitalist society emerged with factory owners (bourgeoisie) and workers (proletariat). Marx thought workers would eventually revolt and create a communist society with no classes or struggle. Some people disagree with Marx, saying he focused too much on money or that society has more than two classes. Still, his ideas help explain social conflicts.
Emile Durkheim was interested in what holds society together, which he called social solidarity. He lived when France was facing chaos. He studied the division of labour, which means how jobs are split up among people based on skills. Durkheim described two kinds of solidarity. Mechanical solidarity exists in simpler societies where people are very similar. They share the same feelings and beliefs, holding society together like identical parts of a machine. Organic solidarity is found in complex, modern societies. Here, people have different jobs and skills but depend on each other, like different organs in a body working together. This interdependence creates unity. Simple societies often have strict, religious rules. Complex societies tend to have more individual freedom and laws focused on cooperation.
Max Weber was another founder of modern sociology. He believed sociology should understand why people act the way they do in society. He called this understanding social action. An action is social when a person thinks about others while doing it. Weber also studied bureaucracy. Bureaucracy is a way of organising work, often in government or large companies. It uses rational-legal authority, meaning power comes from laws and rules, not just tradition or personality. Features of bureaucracy include clear rules, specific job duties, a hierarchy (some officials supervise others), hiring based on skills, written records, and officials acting impersonally according to rules. Weber thought bureaucracy was an efficient way to manage large organisations.
Textbook solutions
Very Short Answer Type Questions
1. What is dialectical materialism?
Answer: According to Marx, dialectical materialism implies that all change is materialistic. The dialectic consists of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. Marx explained social change through dialectical materialism.
2. What is meant by historical materialism?
Answer: Historical materialism is a theory, primarily associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, that explains social structures and historical change based on material and economic conditions. It posits that the way societies organize the production of goods (the “mode of production,” including technology and economic relationships) forms the fundamental base of society.
3. What is basis of social organisation according to Marx?
Answer: According to Marx economic activity is the basis of social organisation.
4. What leads to a class struggle in a capitalist society according to Marx?
Answer: In the capitalist stage, the capitalist class, or bourgeoisie, owns the capital while the proletariat, or workers, have only their labour. The capitalist class exploits the masses of population or the proletariat. This leads to conflict between the capitalists and the proletariat, which takes the form of class struggle when the oppressed class becomes conscious of its exploitation by the oppressors.
5. Which stage of society according to Marx is characterized by the slave-owning society?
Answer: The Ancient Stage of society according to Marx was represented by the slave-owning societies.
6. Who are the proletariat?
Answer: The proletariat is the class of the ‘workers’ or the ‘have-nots’ or the ‘oppressed’. This class consists of those who do not own any resources except their own labour which forces them to work for the owners. The proletariat or the workers have only their labour or work.
7. Who are the bourgeoisie?
Answer: The bourgeoisie or the capitalists are one of the two classes in the capitalist stage. The bourgeoisie own the capital, which includes money, credit and materials of production.
8. Name the book in which Emile Durkheim discussed social solidarity.
Answer: Emile Durkheim discussed social solidarity in his book, The Division of Labour (1893).
9. What are the two types of solidarity?
Answer: Durkheim distinguished two types of solidarity, namely, mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity.
10. What is Durkheim’s notion of “Division of Labour”? (’12)
Answer: Durkheim’s notion of ‘Division of labour’ means the distribution of activities among different people on the basis of their skills and specialisations.
11. What is social solidarity?
Answer: Social solidarity, according to Durkheim, is the condition of unity, cohesion and cooperation in a society or group.
12. What is mechanical solidarity?
Answer: Mechanical solidarity is based on likeness or similarities. It is the solidarity of resemblance and is found in societies in which individuals differ from one another as little as possible.
13. What is organic solidarity?
Answer: Organic solidarity is based on differences and division of labour. It is solidarity of consensus where the coherent unity of society results from differentiation.
14. How does Weber define sociology?
Answer: Weber defined Sociology as follows: “Sociology is a science which attempts the interpretive understanding of social action in order to arrive at causal explanation of its course and effects.”
15. What is social action according to Max Weber?
Answer: According to Max Weber, social action is the action of an individual. An action is social only when the actor attaches a subjective meaning to it and gives a social orientation to it.
16. Who wrote “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”?
Answer: Max Weber wrote The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
17. What is ‘bureaucracy’?
Answer: According to Max Weber, bureaucracy is a type of social organisation in hierarchical order, in which each person is assigned with power and authority. ‘Bureau’ means an office or a system of laws, rules and regulations defining specific functions, meaning an ‘organised work process of a group’.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. Discuss the four stages of development of human society according to Karl Marx. (’12)
Answer: Marx identified the following stages in the development of societies:
- Primitive Communism or the Asiatic Stage: This stage was characterised by communal ownership of land and other resources. As there was no private property, there were no ‘owners’ and ‘non-owners’, and therefore, no classes and no class struggle.
- The Ancient Stage: The ancient stage of society was represented by the slave-owning societies. The two classes were a) the masters, and b) the slaves. In this system, the master had the right of ownership over the slave and also over what the slave produced. The master appropriated the product of the slave’s labour.
- The Feudal Stage: The feudal stage had two classes. They were a) lords, and b) serfs. The lords were the owners of land and property and constituted the ruling class. The serfs had no property rights, but could use the lord’s property. They had to pay rent for the use of such property in cash or kind.
- The Capitalist Stage: In this stage, the two classes were a) the bourgeoisie and b) the proletariat. The bourgeoisie or the capitalists own the capital (money, credit and materials of production). The proletariat or the workers have only their labour or work.
9. What is historical materialism? What according to Marx are the two classes found in every society? (’14)
Answer: Historical materialism is a theory, primarily associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, that explains social structures and historical change based on material and economic conditions. It posits that the way societies organize the production of goods (the “mode of production,” including technology and economic relationships) forms the fundamental base of society.
According to Marx, every society is divided into two classes. One class consists of those who own land and various resources; this is the class of ‘owners’ or the ‘haves’ or the ‘oppressors’. The other class consists of those who do not own any resources except their own labour which forces them to work for the owners; this is the class of the ‘workers’ or the ‘have-nots’ or the ‘oppressed’, which Marx called the proletariat.
Essay Type Questions
1. Discuss Karl Marx theory of class and class struggle. (’13)
Answer: The concept of class and the theory of class struggle are the central themes of Marx’s writings. According to Marx, every society is divided into two classes. One class consists of those who own land and various resources; this is the class of ‘owners’ or the ‘haves’ or the ‘oppressors’. The other class consists of those who do not own any resources except their own labour which forces them to work for the owners; this is the class of the ‘workers’ or the ‘have-nots’ or the ‘oppressed’, which Marx called the proletariat.
The opposed nature of the two classes gives rise to conflict between them. This conflict takes the form of class struggle when the oppressed class become conscious of its exploitation by the oppressors. According to Marx such class struggle is found in all societies. He wrote: “The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles”.
Marx identified different stages in the development of societies and the forms of class struggle found in each stage. According to Marx, class struggle in a particular stage culminates in a revolution, but such a revolution leads to the formation of new classes opposed to each other. The stages identified are:
- Primitive Communism or the Asiatic Stage: Characterised by communal ownership, no private property, no classes, and no class struggle. Private property emerged, leading to the next stage.
- The Ancient Stage: Represented by slave-owning societies with two classes: masters and slaves. Masters owned slaves and their product, appropriating the slave’s labour. Conflict led to revolts and the formation of feudal society.
- The Feudal Stage: Had two classes: lords and serfs. Lords owned land and property (ruling class). Serfs had no property rights but could use the lord’s property, paying rent. Lords appropriated surplus product as rent, resulting in struggle and the emergence of capitalist society.
- The Capitalist Stage: Has two classes: the bourgeoisie (capitalists who own capital) and the proletariat (workers who have only their labour). The capitalist class exploits the masses of population or the proletariat. This conflict will lead to the revolution of the workers and the dictatorship of the proletariat, which in turn, will lead to the establishment of Communism, a society with no classes and class struggle.
6. Discuss Max Weber’s concept of bureaucracy. (’13)
Answer: According to Max Weber, in the modern world, the state depends on bureaucracy or rational-legal authority. ‘Bureau’ means an office or a system of laws, rules and regulations defining specific functions; it means ‘organised work process of a group’. Weber described bureaucracy as a type of social organisation in hierarchical order, in which each person is assigned with power and authority. Its aim is to rationally run the administration of states or other organisations. Weber noted that bureaucracy has a very close relationship with democracy.
Bureaucracy has several inter-connected features ensuring rationality: it involves continuous performance of official functions according to rules; officials have specified spheres of competence and authority; authority is hierarchical with higher officials supervising subordinates; officials are appointed based on merit and qualifications; bureaucrats do not own the means of administration and cannot use power for private purposes; it is characterized by written records; officials must act impersonally, rationally, and according to rules; and bureaucrats have security of tenure, paid salary, and pension benefits. Weber believed these characteristics make bureaucracy more efficient than other non-centralised, non-professional, patrimonial forms of administration.
Problem Solving
In the Naga society, the rich are too rich and the poor are becoming poorer. Is this a true statement? If Yes/No. Why?
Answer: Yes, this statement appears to reflect a growing concern in many societies, potentially including Naga society. This situation can be understood through the lens of class differences. When one group owns significant resources (like land, capital, businesses) and another group primarily has only their labour to offer, an imbalance can arise. The owners (‘haves’) may accumulate more wealth by utilising the labour of the non-owners (‘have-nots’). If the compensation for labour doesn’t keep pace with the profits generated, or if opportunities for the poor to acquire resources are limited, the gap between the rich and poor can widen over time. This dynamic, where wealth concentrates in the hands of a few while the majority struggle, mirrors the conflict described between oppressor and oppressed classes seen throughout different stages of societal development.
Think and Answer
In your family there is a division of labour between your father, mother, brothers and sisters. Identify the manner in which this division of labour is organised.
Answer: Yes, in my family, there is a clear division of labour. My father primarily works outside the home to earn income. My mother manages most of the household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and managing finances, although she might also work. My older siblings often help with chores like washing dishes, looking after younger siblings, or running errands. As a student, my main task is to study, but I also help with tidying my room or setting the table. This division is organised partly by traditional roles (like father as breadwinner, mother as homemaker), partly by age and ability (older siblings have more responsibilities), and partly by individual skills or availability. It’s a way our family distributes activities to keep everything running smoothly.
Who are the different officials in your educational institution who do different types of work? What are the works they do? Who supervises them?
Answer: In my educational institution, there are several officials with different roles, forming a structured organisation:
- Principal/Headmaster: The overall head, responsible for managing the school, overseeing staff and students, implementing policies, and representing the school.
- Teachers: Responsible for instructing students in specific subjects, evaluating progress, managing the classroom, and communicating with parents.
- Office Staff/Clerks: Handle administrative tasks like admissions, fees, record-keeping, correspondence, and supporting the Principal.
- Librarian: Manages the library resources and assists students and staff.
- Support Staff (Cleaners, Security): Maintain the cleanliness and safety of the school premises.
There is a clear hierarchy. Teachers and other staff generally report to the Principal/Headmaster, who has supervisory authority over them. The Principal, in turn, might be supervised by higher authorities in the education department or governing body. This structure ensures tasks are assigned, performed according to rules, and overseen by those in higher positions, much like a bureaucracy.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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