A quick summary of this chapter for revision right before the exam: definitions, key examples and a one-page preview of the whole book. Read the full notes separately for detailed explanations.
1 Why Sociology Is Different
Sociology, unlike other subjects
AdvantageStudents already know something, not afraid of it
DisadvantageMust “unlearn” common sense first
Why unlearnCommon sense is “partial”: incomplete + biased
2 All Definitions in One Place
All definitions in one place
UnlearningSetting aside existing common-sense ideas about society before studying it
Partial (two senses)Incomplete (opposite of whole) and biased (opposite of impartial)
Self-reflexivityThe ability to turn your own gaze back towards yourself, critically: quick to criticise and slow to praise oneself
Personal troubleAn individual worry limited to one person’s own perspective
Social issueSomething about large groups, not the individuals who make them up
Mills’ pointSociology helps map the links and connections between personal troubles and social issues
3 The Social Map, at a Glance
~40%of India’s population is the student’s age or younger
2Sociology textbooks in Class 12
6chapters previewed after this one, in Book 1
| Identity on the social map | Book’s own example |
|---|---|
| Age group | “Young people”; people your age or younger are ~40% of India’s population |
| Regional/linguistic | Gujarati speaker from Gujarat; Telugu speaker from Andhra Pradesh |
| Economic class | Lower middle class or upper class, based on parents’ occupation and income |
| Religious/caste/tribal | A particular religious community, caste or tribe |
4 Preview of the Whole Book, in One Table
| Book | Covers |
|---|---|
| Book 1 (this book) | The basic structure of Indian society |
| Book 2 | Social change and development in India |
| Chapter | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2 | Demographic structure (India: currently 2nd most populous; projected to overtake China) |
| 3 | Caste, tribe and family |
| 4 | The market (colonialism, then developmental policies) |
| 5 | Inequality and exclusion: caste, tribe, gender, disabled |
| 6 | Cultural diversity: “unity in diversity” has a hard side |
| 7 | Suggestions for project work (the practical component of the course) |
Quick Revision: read this the night before the exam
- Sociology is a subject in which no one starts from zero
- Prior knowledge: an advantage (not afraid) and a disadvantage (must unlearn)
- “Partial” = incomplete + biased
- Self-reflexivity = turning your gaze back on yourself, critically (quick to criticise, slow to praise oneself)
- C. Wright Mills: personal trouble (one person) vs social issue (large groups)
- Book 1 = basic structure of Indian society; Book 2 = social change and development
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