Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

G.S. Ghurye (1893–1983): Father of Indian Sociology

• Theory: Caste and Race in India
• Key Ideas:
  • Known as the "Father of Indian Sociology."
  • Studied the caste system, arguing it has both racial and cultural aspects.
  • Described caste as having six characteristics: Segmental Division, Hierarchy, Restrictions on Marriage, Occupational Specialization, Commensality Rules, and Social Disabilities.
  • Analyzed the role of Sanskritization in social mobility.

M.N. Srinivas (1916–1999): Sanskritization and Westernization

• Theory: Sanskritization and Westernization
• Key Ideas:
  • Defined Sanskritization as the process where lower castes adopt upper-caste practices to improve social status.
  • Defined Westernization as the influence of British rule on Indian society, encompassing

Realism: Core Principles in International Relations

• This point of view was predominantly used by political leaders before World War I.
• Human nature is inherently flawed and selfish; individuals prioritize their own interests.
• The only significant actor in International Relations (IR) is the state, and its decisions are paramount.
• IR is characterized by competition, not cooperation, often resulting in a zero-sum game.
• States seek to maximize their power, defined as the capacity to influence other states or people.
• National interests are synonymous with *national security*, guaranteeing the state's own survival.
• Politics and morality are fundamentally incompatible.

Key Authors: Morgenthau, Kennan, Kissinger.

Idealism and the Pursuit of Global Peace

• Peace

European States: Diversity and Characteristics

Europe is divided into 49 countries. Differences between states include:

• Size: Russia is the largest, while micro-states are the smallest.
• Population: Russia also has the largest population.
• Wealth: Germany possesses the most economic power.
• Regional Differences: Western Europe is the most developed zone, while former Soviet Europe (Eastern Europe) is the largest in terms of area.

The European Union: Origins and Purpose

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged stronger than other European countries. European countries created a continent-wide organization to consolidate peace, prevent wars, and compete collectively against these superpowers. In 1957, six European countries signed... Continue reading "The European Union: Structure, Evolution, and Key Institutions" »

Assam's Role in the Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement, which began in 1905 as a response to the Partition of Bengal, soon spread to other parts of India, including Assam. The people of Assam actively participated in the movement, promoting the use of Indian-made goods and boycotting British products.

Key Organizations Promoting Swadeshi in Assam

Various associations and organizations were formed in Assam to promote the Swadeshi Movement. Some of these included:

• The Assam Association
• The Asomiya Bhasar Unnati Sadhini Sabha
• The Utkal Sammilani

Welfare Activities and Indirect Benefits

To achieve their objectives, these organizations undertook several welfare activities, which resulted in indirect benefits from the Swadeshi Movement. These activities... Continue reading "Assam's Contribution to India's Freedom Struggle: 1905-1922" »

Exceptional Measures Without Successful Securitization

• Securitization theory posits that security threats are socially constructed through speech acts rather than objective dangers.
• However, exceptional measures, such as emergency laws, surveillance, or restrictions on rights, can be implemented without a successful securitization move.
• For instance, COVID-19 lockdowns were exceptional measures, but they were not always framed as a “security” issue like terrorism.

Characteristics of Securitization

• A shift from the political sphere to the security sphere occurs when a political issue (e.g., immigration, climate change) is transformed into a security threat.
• Existential threat language is employed, framing the issue as an urgent crisis that threatens

The Global Village: Unity and Disparity

The world has become one big market, but this globalization has not led to the disappearance of differences between the countries of the world. Economic realities highlight stark contrasts:

• Rich countries are dominated by the consumer society and economic welfare.
• Poor countries are subject to the consequences of their poverty, including famine and disease.

Negative consequences of technology and economic globalization include people and cultures becoming less differentiated, leading to the rise of cultural hybrids.

The United Nations: Defender of Rights

The UN is an important defender of human and national rights, but this organization has limited power because real decisions are often taken by a powerful... Continue reading "Global Dynamics: Conflict, Cooperation, and the United Nations" »

Key Indigenous Concepts and Terminology

• Indigenous Historical Consciousness: The understanding of relationships between past, present, and future from an Indigenous perspective.
• Historicity: The idea that history is actively made and revolves around Indigenous peoples.
• Historical Recognition: Acknowledging the full and accurate historical narratives of Indigenous peoples.
• Sites of Pedagogy: Specific locations or contexts that serve as places of learning.
• Indigenousness: The holistic way of being, encompassing the deep connection between land and people as a whole.
• Sovereignty: The inherent right to self-governance and full rights for Indigenous nations.
• Métissage: The interweaving or separation of histories, often referring to cultural mixing or

Importance of English Language in India

Historical Context and Acceptance

For centuries, education has been a cornerstone of societal progress, spreading knowledge and fostering understanding across communities. Children worldwide learn various languages in their schools, either as their mother tongue or as a second language. Most countries where English is not the native language learn it as a second language due to its significant cultural and utility values. The people of India are no exception to this trend.

English is widely accepted as a second language in India. As Mahatma Gandhi once stated, "English is a language of international commerce, it is the language of diplomacy, and it contains many a rich literary treasure." Such an introduction... Continue reading "English Language: Its Vital Role in India and Worldwide" »

Swami Vivekananda

Secrets of Work Stated by Swami Vivekananda

1. Work as Worship: Swami Vivekananda emphasized that work should be performed as a form of worship, with dedication, devotion, and a sense of reverence. He believed that when work is performed with this attitude, it becomes a means of connecting with the divine.

2. Selfless Service: Swami Vivekananda stressed the importance of selfless service, performing work without expectation of reward or recognition. He believed that selfless service helps to purify the mind, cultivate compassion, and develop a sense of unity with others.

3. Detachment from Results: Swami Vivekananda taught that one should work without attachment to the results of their actions. He believed that attachment to results... Continue reading "Insights on Work, Taxation, Business, Literature, and Philosophy" »