Written Preparation

Sociology Repeated Questions from 2016-2022

Highlighted topics are the most repeated topics. So cover them first.

Social Stratification
Q. No. 3. Why social stratification is an inevitable for a society? Explain its determinants in the context of Pakistani society. (2016)
Q. No. 8. Write Notes on the following:-
(b) Caste and Class Dynamics in Pakistan (2020)

Ethnocentrism or Xenocentrism
Q. No. 2. Differentiate between Ethnocentrism and Xenocentrism with examples. Which one and how is important in damaging the peace and development situation in Karachi? Discuss with logic and evidence on the Issue. (2018)
Q. No. 4. How culture ethnocentrism promotes social change and maintain social order. Comment? (2019)
Q. No. 6. Discuss in detail that how unique culture ethos are impediments in the way of social change. Explain in detail the planned social change. (2019)

Cultural Lag
Q. No. 2. There is continuous struggle between material and non-material cultures. In this process the non-material culture lag behind the material culture and create culture lag. As a sociologist give your opinion how to fill the gap. (2019)

Culture
Q. No. 2. There is continuous struggle between material and non-material cultures. In this process the non-material culture lag behind the material culture and create culture lag. As a sociologist give your opinion how to fill the gap. (2019)
Q. No. 7. What is the role of culture in socialization of an individual to become a useful member of a society? Discuss what cultural patterns help to explain this phenomenon. (2017)
Q. No. 4. Culture is the essence of the worthwhile, but there is a clear menace to the very soul of the citizen when culture becomes a tool in the hands of the regime of the day with which to transform the outlook of the citizen. Comment. (2016)
Q8. Write notes on the following: 2. Cultural Relativism (2022)

Society
Q. No. 8. Write Notes on the following:-
(a) Types of society (2020)

Socialization
Q. No. 7. What is the role of culture in the socialization of an individual to become a useful member of a society? Discuss what cultural patterns help to explain this phenomenon. (2017)

Family
Q. No. 6. Discuss the structure and functions of Pakistani family with examples, keeping in view the changes occurring. How do you see the future of Pakistani Family System? Make a research based argument. (2018)

Religion
Q. No. 3. Durkheim emphasized on the functional aspects of religion. However, we observe many instances of religious extremism in Pakistani society. Shed some light on the phenomenon. (2020)
Q8. Write notes on the following: 1. Social functions of religion (2022)
Q. No. 8. Write notes on the following (b) The role of religious leaders in the integration of Pakistani society. (2019)

Ibn-e-Khaldun
Q. No. 7. Ibn-e-Khaldun but not August Comte is the founder of Sociology? Make your argument in favour or against this thought with logic and examples from the historical development of sociology. (2018)
Q6. Discuss why Ibn-e-Khaldun, a 14th-century Islamic jurist and scholar, still influences thinkers and sociologists even today, with respect to his ideas about social change? (2021)
Q4. Compare Ibn-e-Khaldun’s Asabiya and Durkheim’s social solidarity on the basis of consonance and dissonance in the major premises of their theories. (2022)

Emile Durkheim
Q. No. 8. Write comprehensive notes on the following social thought. (b) Suicide by Durkheim (2016)
Q. No. 5. Marx and Weber theorized that modern society alienated people. How do their approaches contrast each other and how their concepts of alienation can be compared with Durkheim’s concept of anomie? (2017)
Q. No. 3. ‘Suicide varies inversely with the degree of integration of the social group of which the individuals forms a part’. In the light of this statement, discuss Emile Durkheim theory of egoistic, altruistic, anomic and fatalistic suicide. (2019)

August Comte
Q. No. 8. Write comprehensive notes on the following social thought. (a) Law of three stages by Comte (2016)
Q. No. 5. August Comte gives three evolutionary dimensions of society; Theologian, metaphysic and positivistic. Explain each step with cogent examples. (2019)

Karl Marx
Q. No. 5. Marx and Weber theorized that modern society alienated people. How do their approaches contrast each other and how their concepts of alienation can be compared with Durkheim’s concept of anomie? (2017)
Q. No. 7. Evaluate Karl Marx’s contribution to the concept of Alienation. Discuss different types of Alienation given by him. (2019)
Q. No. 4. Do you think Karl Marx’s capitalist perspective is applicable to today’s world? Elaborate your answer by giving arguments. (2020)
Q5. Do you think Marxist theory about class and gender-based conflict is still relevant in contemporary days? (2021)

Gender-based issues
Q5. Do you think Marxist theory about class and gender-based conflict is still relevant in contemporary days? (2021)
Q8. Write Notes on the following:-
(a) The social determinants that contribute to workplace violence against women in Pakistan (2021)
(b) The social determinants that contribute to domestic violence against women in Pakistan (2021)

Research or Social Research
Q. No. 7. Which types of research by objective are commonly being used by NGOs and explain these types of research with suitable examples? (2016)
Q. No. 3. What are core elements which lead to develop rigorous research design in social research? (2017)
Q. No. 8. Write short notes on the following:
(i) Research process in sociology (2018)
Q7. Discuss the strengths and limitations of the three methods of data collection for social researchers: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. (2021)
Q. No. 7. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative way of studying any social phenomenon. Elaborate by giving an example of each approach and how that can be inquired? (2020)
Q5. Social issues are investigated through quantitative and qualitative modes of inquiry in variable situations. Explain the different situations with examples, reflecting the proper application of the two methods. (2022)
Q. No. 6. How can moral degeneration be scientifically studied? Delineate the entire research process for studying this phenomenon. (2020)
Q. No. 8. Write notes on the following (a) Research proposal on Afghan war syndrome and its impacts on the economy of Pakistan. (2019)

Max Weber
Q. No. 5. Marx and Weber theorized that modern society alienated people. How do their approaches contrast each other and how their concepts of alienation can be compared with Durkheim’s concept of anomie? (2017)
Q. No. 5. Max Weber used the term Verstehen for better understanding of social actions. Explain the significance of the concept by discussing two examples from social life. (2020)
Q7. Max Weber and Talcott Parsons have theorized social action from their variable perspectives. Highlight the contributions of both thinkers and also locate the divergence in their standpoints. (2022)

Talcott Parsons
Q7. Max Weber and Talcott Parsons have theorized social action from their variable perspectives. Highlight the contributions of both thinkers and also locate the divergence in their standpoints. (2022)

Robert King
Q. No. 6. Describe the major work of Robert king Merton in Sociology. Explain his work with suitable examples. (2016)

Socio-Culture or socio-cultural change or Social Change or Culture Change
Q. No. 4. Discuss in brief the socio-cultural factors that may enhance and retard the process of social and cultural change in societies. (2017)
Q. No. 4. How do you see the future of Pakistani society resulting from the effect of Industrialization, Modernization, Urbanization and Modern means of communication upon social change processes? Discuss with examples. (2018)
Q4. In what ways have industrialization and the tertiary sector created socio-cultural change in Pakistan? (2021)
Q6. How can sexually abused children be reintegrated into society? Highlight the role of formal and informal agents/organizations in the socio-cultural landscape of Pakistan. (2022)
Q. No. 8. Write note on the following.
(a) Political economy of globalization (2017)
(b) Regional migration (2017)

Deviance or Crime or Social Control
Q. No. 8. Write short notes on the following: (ii) Deviance and street crime in Pakistan (2018)
Q3. In what ways does informal and formal social control help to reduce or prevent deviance and crime in society? (2021)
Q2. Deviant Behaviour is the result of ineffective social control. Comment on the flaws existing in the formal and informal mechanisms of social control with examples and add how these mechanisms can be improved. (2022)

Theories of Sociology
Q. No. 5. Youth is an asset of any nation but Pakistani youth is inclined towards youth bulge. What strategies being an expert suggests the state to put the youth on positive track? Give your suggestions in the light of sociological theories. (2016)
Q. No. 2. How evolutionary theories of sociology provide a stimulating gesture to transform societies? Compare and contrast the classical and neo-classical school of thoughts for understanding phenomenon of social change. (2017)
Q. No. 3. Make a comparative and analytical discussion on the Social Contract Theory and the Organismic Theory while developing your thesis with a logical conclusion. (2018)

Miscellaneous
Q. No. 2. Discuss the application of Sociology in agriculture, health and industries with examples. (2016)
Q. No. 6. What key characteristics distinguish capitalism from socialism? Compare these two systems in terms of productivity, economic inequality and personal freedom. (2017)
Q. No. 8. Write note on the following. (a) Political economy of globalization (2017)
(b) Regional migration (2017)
Q. No. 5. How do you see the future of major cities in Pakistan? Discussing by focusing on the issues of water and foods security and the situation of terrorism and extremism with examples and data. (2018)
Q. No. 2. Differentiate between social change and social structural changes. Discuss three key areas which need immediate attention of policy makers. (2020)
Q2. Many scholars argue that the contemporary world we live in is predominantly dominated by global culture. Do you agree that we live in a society with a global culture, provide examples for your arguments? (2021)
Q3. Since the inception of Pakistan as an independent country, numerous education policies have been developed but have not stood productive towards ensuring hundred percent enrollments. Describe the systemic flaws and other restraining forces behind it. (2022)

Sociology Repeated Questions from 2016-2022 Read More »

Soum (Fasting)

I. Introduction

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It enables Muslims to realize the pangs of hunger and thirst. In the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims observe complete abstinence from food, water, and many other things from dawn until dusk. Allah Almighty has prescribed fasting on Muslims as prescribed on others. Allah says in Holy Quran:O you who believe, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that may become righteous.” (Al-Quran)

II. Definition of fasting

Lexicology: الصوم means to control or to prevent.

Fasting can be described as:

To abstain oneself completely from food, drinks and other legitimate desire from the dawn of the morning up to the sunset, with the intension of fast during the entire month of Ramzan.

iii. philosophy of fasting

There is great importance attached to Fasting for Allah made it obligatory in each and every period.
 

1. Aim of Life-Servitude of Allah

The real aim of Islam is to make the whole life of man transformed into the ibadat of Allah. Man is born as a slave, and slavery, i.e servitude is ingrained in his very nature. Therefore, he must not be free for a single moment from ibadat, i.e servitude to Allah, in thought and deed. Allah Almighty has created man for his ibadat. 
 
In Surah Az-Zuriyat verse: 56, Allah Almighty says:
 
 

I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” (Al-Quran)

2. Ibadat-Training of Servitude

The real purpose of religious duties like Salah, Hajj, Fasting, and Zakat having been made obligatory for Muslims, is to train for a big “Ibadat”. Ramadan is the training of 30 days in which Muslims feel the pain of hunger and thirst.
 

3. Fasting is a Hidden Ibadat

All religious duties except fasting are performed by some outward movement or the other.  For instance, in Salah a man stands, sits, and does Ruku and Sajdah which is visible to everybody; in Hajj he goes on a long journey and travels with hundreds of thousands of people. Zakat is also given by one person and received by another person. All these religious works cannot be concealed. If one performs them, other people come to know about it.
 
According to Hadith e Qudsi, Allah Almighty says:
 

Fasting is for Me and I will reward it.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

 

iv. importance of fasting in holy quran and ahadith

1. Importance of Fasting in the Holy Quran

The first and foremost quality of the fast is that it creates piety and fear of Allah. 
 
In Surah Al-Baqarah verse: 183, Allah Almighty says:
 
 

O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed before you, that you not ward off evil.” (Al-Quran)

 
In Surah Al-Bakarah verse: 185, Allah Almighty says:
 
 

So whoever witnesses among you the month (Ramadan) then he should fast in it.” (Al-Quran)

 

2. Importance of Fasting in Ahadith Nabawi ﷺ

 
About fasting, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
 

Fasting is a shield for you as it saves you from sins in this world and would protect you from hell in the Hereafter.” (Muslim)

When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither use indecent language nor speak aloud. If someone kicks up a row and abuses him, he should tell him that he is observing fast.” (Muslim)

 

v. impacts of fasting on human life

1. Spiritual Impacts

a. Discipline and self-control

Fasting has immense spiritual value for it is basically a spiritual exercise and discipline. It brings man closer to God and removes all barriers between him and his Lord.
 

b. Attainment of piety

The very purpose of fasting is the attainment of taqwa. Fasting is observed by God and only He knows whether a person is really fasting or not, it brings a man very close to his Creator.

c. Fasting infuses the spirit of jihad

The training trial of the month of Ramadan is unique in the respect that it inculcates the spirit of Jihad in the believers. It prepares him for Jihad with hunger, thirst, obedience, patience, and perseverance.

2. Moral Impacts

a. Building moral character

Fasting teaches a man moral discipline through practical rain during the month of Ramadan. It is through fasting that he suffers and undergoes trials of hunger and thirst. It helps in building up his moral character.
 

b. Fasting controls passion

It is the best way to control passion. For example: If a man has rich food, he will get a strong passion which is the cause of all evils.
 

c. Fasting destroys the pride of man

The king or beggar landlord or layman becomes. All men realize the severity of fasting also.
 

3. Social Impacts

a. Brotherhood and sympathy

Hunger is a great revealing experience. It shows people what it is like to be hungry. It helps them to feel and share other people’s suffering in hunger and thirst.
 

b. Social unity

Certainly, it has a great social impact when all Muslims, from every walk of life, fast together. They come together in large numbers for iftari and for tarawih prayers in the mosques and sit together. It helps to bring them closer to each other, thrilled and filled with sentiments of love and brotherhood.
 

c. Economic benefits

Fasting brings enormous economic benefits to the Muslim community. During the month of Ramadan, the rich people spend very generously on the poor to win the pleasure of God. Their generosity and charity enable the poor section of the community to receive sufficient funds during this month to meet their needs for at least a part of the year.
 

vi. conclusion

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar is the month during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Muslims refrain from eating, smoking, drinking, and any refrain from pleasurable activities. According to Imam Ghazali, “Fast does not mean only to control on food and water but it means to control oneself from evil thinking, evil-looking, evil listening, and evil talking. Ramadan is the month that aims to purify the soul and bring the individual close to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Besides this, fasting infuses the spirit of Jihad, builds moral character, and brings social unity.

Soum (Fasting) Read More »

The Climate Catastrophe- A Call for the World

The effects of climate change are being witnessed in all corners of the world. The catastrophic floods in Pakistan, hurricanes in Cuba and the United States, typhoons and cyclones in Southeast Asia, extreme weather conditions in Europe, and long heatwaves witnessed in South Asian countries are some of the manifestations of climate catastrophe. The most daunting is that once-in-a-lifetime climate shocks may soon become once-a-year events.

The Climate Catastrophe- A Call for the World Read More »

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