Sociology – Class XII – Student Support Material (SSM 2025–26)

SECTION A – Objective Type Questions (1 Mark Each)

Section A mainly includes:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Assertion–Reason Questions

Case-based short questions

This section tests basic knowledge, definitions, concepts, and factual clarity.

For example, in:

 Chapter 1 – Introducing Indian Society

Section A focuses on:                               Meaning of Sociology

Self-reflexivity                                           Social map

Community identity                                  Colonialism and nationalism

Reform movements

You must know definitions like:

Society – A group of people sharing a common culture and territory.

Self-reflexivity – The ability to critically examine oneself from an outsider’s perspective.

Community identity – Identity based on birth and belonging.

Questions test whether you understand:

Difference between personal troubles and social issues

Impact of colonialism

Role of reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Gandhi

Chapter 2 – Demographic Structure

Section A tests:                                             Meaning of demography

Birth rate, death rate, fertility rate                Sex ratio

Infant mortality rate                                      Malthusian theory

Demographic transition theory

You must clearly remember:

Population grows in geometric progression (Malthus).

Food grows in arithmetic progression.

Replacement level means population stabilisation.

Chapter 3 – Social Institutions

Section A includes:                                        Meaning of caste, varna, jati

Endogamy and exogamy                              Sanskritisation

Dominant casten                                          Tribal classification

Nuclear and joint family

This section mainly checks memory and conceptual clarity.

SECTION B – Short Answer Questions (3–4 Marks)

Section B requires explanation in paragraph form.
You must write structured answers with clear understanding.

Example 1: Colonialism and Caste

You must explain:                                  British census and classification

Herbert Risley’s hierarchy                     Rigidification of caste

Government of India Act 1935             Emergence of Scheduled Castes and Tribes

Explain how colonial rule reshaped caste identity.

Example 2: Malthusian Theory (Critical Explanation)

You should explain:                                Population growth vs food supply

Preventive and positive checks              Criticism by liberal and Marxist scholars

European example proving Malthus wrong

Answers must show both explanation and criticism.

Example 3: Demographic Transition Theory

Explain the three stages:                          High birth & death rate

High birth & low death rate (population explosion)

Low birth & death rate

Explain why stage two causes rapid population growth.

Example 4: Tribal Development Issues

Explain:                                                     Resource loss

Forest exploitation                                   Migration of non-tribals

Identity movements                                 Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh creation

You must show understanding of both historical and modern changes.

Example 5: Family Structure

Explain:                                                     Nuclear family

Joint family                                               Matrilineal and patrilineal systems

Changes due to urbanisation

Section B tests conceptual clarity and ability to explain logically.

SECTION C – Long Answer Questions (6 Marks)

Section C tests analytical ability, comparison, evaluation, and structured writing.

Answers must be detailed and well-organized.

1. Caste: Continuity and Change

You must explain:                                     Traditional features of caste

Purity and pollution principle                   Endogamy

Occupational rigidity                                Colonial impact

Constitutional provisions                          Reservation policy

Sanskritisation                                          Dominant caste concept

Show how caste has changed but still continues in modern India.

2. Tribal Identity and Development

Explain:                                                      Tribal characteristics

Permanent and acquired traits                  Exploitation under colonialism

Post-independence displacement             Development projects

Forest rights                                               Tribal movements

Emerging tribal middle class

You must analyse both problems and progress.

3. Demographic Changes in India

Explain:                                                       Population growth trends

Age structure                                              Youth population

Sex ratio decline                                         Government programmes

National Health Policy 2017                        Literacy growth

Rural-urban differences

Answers must connect statistics with social impact.

4. Social Institutions and Modernisation

Discuss:                                                       How modernization affects caste

Impact of urbanisation                               Industrialisation

Education                                                    Political mobilisation

Caste-based parties

Provide examples like:                                Yadavs

Jats                                                              Marathas

Patidars