IGNOU BSOC 108 ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY Free Solved Assignment 2022-23

IGNOU BSOC 108 Free Solved Assignment 2022-23, IGNOU BSOC 108 ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY Free Solved Assignment 2022-23 If you are interested in pursuing a course in radio production and direction, IGNOU BSOC 108 can be an excellent choice. In this article, we will take a closer look at what IGNOU BSOC 108 is all about and what you can expect to learn from this course.

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IGNOU BSOC 108 Free Solved Assignment 2022-23 is a course offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) under the School of Journalism and New Media Studies. As the name suggests, it is a course on “Production and Direction for Radio.” The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of radio production and direction and covers various topics related to this field. IGNOU BSOC 108 Free Solved Assignment 2022-23

IGNOU BSOC 108 Free Solved Assignment 2022-23


Assignment I

Q1. What is the relationship between economy and society? Discuss with suitable examples.

The relationship between the economy and society is complex and multifaceted, as each influences and is influenced by the other in numerous ways. The economy is a system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, while society is a complex web of individuals, communities, and institutions that interact with one another.

One way that the economy and society are interrelated is through the labor market. The availability and distribution of jobs and wages affect the quality of life and social mobility of individuals and families. For example, in countries where unemployment rates are high and wages are low, social problems such as poverty and crime are more prevalent. On the other hand, in countries with strong economies and low unemployment rates, individuals have more opportunities to improve their standard of living and contribute positively to their communities.

Another way that the economy and society are interconnected is through the distribution of wealth and resources. In capitalist societies, the economy tends to reward those who own capital, such as property or stocks, leading to income inequality and social stratification. This can have far-reaching effects on society, including unequal access to education, healthcare, and other resources.

In addition, economic policies can have a significant impact on social issues. For example, policies related to taxation, trade, and welfare can affect income distribution, job creation, and social services. For instance, progressive taxation policies can help reduce income inequality and fund social programs, while trade policies can have implications for employment and wages.

Finally, social and cultural factors can also shape the economy. For example, consumer preferences and values can influence the types of products and services that are in demand, which in turn affects the businesses that thrive or fail. Similarly, social movements and activism can bring attention to issues such as environmental sustainability, labor rights, and diversity, which can influence business practices and economic policies.

Overall, the relationship between the economy and society is complex and multifaceted. While the economy influences social outcomes such as income, employment, and access to resources, social factors such as culture, values, and activism can also shape economic policies and outcomes.

Q2. Describe the two different schools of thought-formalism and substantivisim.

Formalism and substantivism are two distinct schools of thought in anthropology, which approach the study of economic systems and practices from different perspectives.

Formalism is an approach that emphasizes the study of economic systems in terms of their formal, abstract properties, such as rules, norms, and patterns of behavior. This approach focuses on the way in which economic activities are structured and organized, rather than on the specific content of those activities. Formalists view economic systems as self-regulating and self-correcting, and they tend to emphasize the role of individual actors in creating and maintaining economic order.

Substantivism, on the other hand, is an approach that emphasizes the study of economic systems in terms of their substantive content, such as the values, beliefs, and cultural practices that shape economic behavior. Substantivists view economic systems as embedded in social and cultural contexts, and they tend to emphasize the role of collective action and social norms in shaping economic behavior. Substantivists often argue that economic activities cannot be fully understood or explained by reference to abstract rules or principles alone.

To summarize, formalism focuses on the formal properties of economic systems, such as rules and patterns of behavior, while substantivism emphasizes the substantive content of economic systems, such as cultural practices and social norms. These two schools of thought represent different ways of understanding the complex relationship between economic practices and broader social and cultural contexts.

Assignment II

Q3. Discuss the views of Max Weber and Karl Marx on the relation between economy and society?

Max Weber and Karl Marx were two influential sociologists who had differing views on the relationship between economy and society.

Weber viewed the economy as an important component of society but not the sole determining factor. He believed that various aspects of society, including religion, politics, and culture, could influence economic activity. Weber’s concept of the “protestant work ethic” highlighted the role of religion in shaping economic behavior. According to Weber, the values of hard work, discipline, and thrift instilled by the Protestant faith contributed to the rise of capitalism.

In contrast, Marx believed that the economy was the primary driving force behind societal change. He argued that the economic system, specifically capitalism, determined the nature of society and the relationships between social classes. Marx believed that capitalism created a class struggle between the bourgeoisie (the owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class). He saw this struggle as the driving force behind social change and believed that ultimately, the proletariat would rise up and overthrow the bourgeoisie, leading to the establishment of a socialist society.

In summary, while both Weber and Marx recognized the importance of the economy in shaping society, they differed in their views of its role. Weber believed that economic activity was influenced by various societal factors, while Marx saw the economy as the primary driver of societal change and the source of class conflict.

Q4. What did Karl Polanyi mean by the concept of embededness of economy?

Karl Polanyi was a Hungarian economic historian and social philosopher who is well known for his idea of the “embeddedness” of the economy. Polanyi argued that economic activity is embedded in social relations, and that the market economy is not a natural, self-regulating system, but rather a socially constructed institution.

According to Polanyi, economic activity cannot be separated from the social and cultural context in which it takes place. In other words, economic relations are not simply a matter of supply and demand, but are influenced by social and cultural factors such as tradition, morality, and power relations.

Polanyi believed that the idea of a self-regulating market economy was a myth, and that such an economy could not function without government intervention to regulate and stabilize it. He argued that the rise of industrial capitalism in the 19th century led to a disembedding of the economy from its social and cultural context, resulting in social and economic instability and ultimately, the Great Depression.

Polanyi’s concept of embeddedness challenges the idea that economic activity can be separated from social and cultural factors. It highlights the importance of understanding the social and cultural context in which economic activity takes place, and the need for government intervention to regulate and stabilize the market economy.

Q5. Discuss with examples the nature of reciprocity found in society.

Karl Polanyi was a Hungarian economic historian and social philosopher who is well known for his idea of the “embeddedness” of the economy. Polanyi argued that economic activity is embedded in social relations, and that the market economy is not a natural, self-regulating system, but rather a socially constructed institution.

According to Polanyi, economic activity cannot be separated from the social and cultural context in which it takes place. In other words, economic relations are not simply a matter of supply and demand, but are influenced by social and cultural factors such as tradition, morality, and power relations.

Polanyi believed that the idea of a self-regulating market economy was a myth, and that such an economy could not function without government intervention to regulate and stabilize it. He argued that the rise of industrial capitalism in the 19th century led to a disembedding of the economy from its social and cultural context, resulting in social and economic instability and ultimately, the Great Depression.

Polanyi’s concept of embeddedness challenges the idea that economic activity can be separated from social and cultural factors. It highlights the importance of understanding the social and cultural context in which economic activity takes place, and the need for government intervention to regulate and stabilize the market economy.

Assignment III

Q6. What were the core ideas of Mark Granovetter on “embededness” in society?

Mark Granovetter is a prominent sociologist who introduced the concept of “embeddedness” in his seminal paper “The Strength of Weak Ties” published in the American Journal of Sociology in 1973. The core idea of embeddedness is that social networks are not simply collections of isolated individuals, but rather, they are embedded in larger social structures such as families, organizations, and communities.

Granovetter argued that the strength of social ties is determined by the degree of embeddedness in these larger social structures. He distinguished between strong ties and weak ties, and argued that weak ties can be more important than strong ties in certain situations because they provide access to new information and resources that are not available through strong ties.

Furthermore, Granovetter emphasized that social networks are not static, but rather they change over time in response to the changing social contexts. The process of embedding and disembedding involves the creation and dissolution of social ties, and the transformation of social structures over time.

In summary, Granovetter’s concept of embeddedness highlights the importance of social networks and social structures in shaping individual behavior and social outcomes. It suggests that understanding the dynamics of social networks and the ways in which they are embedded in larger social structures is critical to understanding social phenomena such as the spread of information, the diffusion of innovations, and the formation of social movements.

Q7. What is the meaning of generalized reciprocity? Explain.

Generalized reciprocity refers to a form of exchange where people give without expecting an immediate or specific return. It is a social norm that exists in many societies and is based on the principle of mutual aid and support. In generalized reciprocity, individuals contribute to the collective welfare of the group, without keeping track of who owes what to whom.

This type of reciprocity differs from other forms, such as balanced or negative reciprocity, which involve more explicit expectations of exchange or repayment. In balanced reciprocity, individuals exchange goods or services of equal value with the expectation of a future return, while negative reciprocity involves the exploitation of others for personal gain, often with the use of force or coercion.

Generalized reciprocity is often seen in close-knit communities, where individuals share resources and support each other in times of need. It is a way of building social bonds and fostering trust, as individuals contribute to the group without the expectation of an immediate return. This type of reciprocity is also associated with the concept of altruism, where individuals act for the benefit of others, without regard for personal gain.

Q8. Discuss the nature of society of people dependent on hunting and gathering?

Societies that depend on hunting and gathering, also known as hunter-gatherer societies, are typically small and mobile groups of people who rely on the natural environment for their subsistence. These societies are often characterized by a close relationship between humans and their environment, where humans use their knowledge of the land, plants, and animals to survive.

One of the defining characteristics of hunter-gatherer societies is their economic system, which is based on the collection of wild plants and animals. People in these societies often have a deep understanding of their environment and are able to identify and use a wide range of natural resources. They rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants to meet their basic needs.

Hunter-gatherer societies tend to be egalitarian, with little or no social hierarchy or formal leadership. Decision-making is often done through consensus or discussion, and there is a high degree of cooperation and sharing within the group. Individuals within these societies often have specialized skills, but these skills are not usually associated with status or power.

Gender roles in hunter-gatherer societies are often more flexible than in more complex societies. Men and women both participate in hunting and gathering, with women typically responsible for gathering while men focus on hunting. However, these roles can vary depending on the specific environment and culture of the group.

Overall, hunter-gatherer societies tend to have a close-knit community and a deep sense of connection to their environment. They rely on cooperation and sharing to survive and typically have a strong sense of social equality. However, the reliance on the natural environment can also make these societies vulnerable to environmental changes and fluctuations in resources.

Q9. Define and discuss the meaning of pomology with examples?

Pomology is the scientific study of fruits and their cultivation. The word “pomology” comes from the Latin word “pomum,” which means fruit, and “logia,” which means the study of. Pomology encompasses various aspects of fruit production, such as tree planting, grafting, pruning, pest control, and harvesting.

Pomologists study the anatomy, morphology, genetics, and physiology of fruits, as well as the cultural and environmental factors that affect their growth and development. They also research ways to improve the quality, yield, and sustainability of fruit crops.

Examples of fruits that are studied in pomology include apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, strawberries, grapes, citrus fruits, and many others. Pomologists may specialize in a particular fruit or group of fruits and work for government agencies, universities, or private companies involved in fruit production, processing, and marketing.

One of the most notable achievements of pomology is the development of new fruit varieties through selective breeding and genetic engineering. These new varieties have characteristics such as improved taste, texture, color, disease resistance, and shelf life, which make them more appealing to consumers and more profitable for growers. Pomology is essential for maintaining the diversity and quality of the world’s fruit supply and ensuring food security for future generations.

Q10. What do you understand by ‘modes of production’ Give an example?

Modes of production refer to the various ways in which societies organize and carry out the production of goods and services. These modes are characterized by specific social relations, property relations, and technological systems that define how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed within a given society.

One example of a mode of production is feudalism, which was the dominant economic and social system in Europe during the Middle Ages. In this system, lords or nobles owned the land and peasants worked the land in exchange for protection and a share of the produce. Feudalism was based on a hierarchical social structure where power and wealth were concentrated in the hands of the nobility, while peasants and serfs had limited social mobility and were tied to the land.

Another example of a mode of production is capitalism, which emerged in Europe during the Industrial Revolution and became the dominant economic system in many parts of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries. Capitalism is characterized by private ownership of the means of production (such as factories, machines, and land), competition between individuals and businesses to produce and sell goods and services, and the pursuit of profit as the primary motive for economic activity. This system is based on a market economy where prices are determined by supply and demand and resources are allocated through market mechanisms.

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