Study Plan (Sociology)

I. General Sociology
1. Individual: Sociability or the sociality of man.

2. Culture: Meaning and Characteristics (Culture is variable, learnt, social,

shared, transmissive, dynamic and adaptive), types (Material, Non –material),
functions (transfer of knowledge, define situation, provide behavior pattern,
moulds personality) and elements of culture (norms, values, beliefs, sanctions,
customs). Culture and Socialization; formal and non-formal socialization,
transmission of culture, cultural relativism. Sub-cultures. Ethnocentrism and
xenocentrism, Cultural lag, High culture and popular culture. Multiculturalism,
assimilation, and acculturation.

Ethnocentrism and xenocentrism:

 How culture ethnocentrism promotes social change and maintain social order .
comment? (2019)
 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)

Material, Non –material:

There is a 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 what do you suggest to fill the gap. (2019)
Culture and Socialization
 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)
 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)
 2007 - Individual is product of society and culture. Different methods of socialization
lead to a variety of building norms and values in the personality of individuals.
Discuss:
(i) the relationship of individual, society and culture
(ii) different methods of socialization
(iii) the variation exemplified due to different methods of socialization in
norms and values
  2005 - In your opinion what are the advantages of socialization? Is socialization
process applicable to the adults? Discuss it.
 2004 - Why is culture indispensable to human society and what part do norms and
values play in social life?
 2001 - What is the role of culture in socialization of an individual to become a useful
member of society? Discuss with examples.

3. Society: Meaning and characteristics. Community; meaning and

characteristics. Individual and society. Relationship between individual and
society. Two main theories regarding the relationship of man and society.
the social contact theory (ii) the organismic theory. Social and cultural
evolution of society (Hunting and Gathering Society, Herding and Advance
Herding Society, Horticultural Society, Agrarian Society, Industrial Society,
Postmodern Society).
 Discuss the application of Sociology in agriculture, health and industries with
examples. (2016)

The social contact theory

 Make a comparative and analytical discussion on the Social Contract Theory and the
Organismic Theory while developing your thesis with a logical conclusion. (2018)

Community
 Define the term “Community” and discuss its important characteristics (2015)

Individual and society

 2004 - Define ‘Status’. Discuss the factors which decide status of an individual in
society.

4. Social Interaction: Caste and classes, Forms of social classes, Feudal system
in Pakistan, Social Mobility-nature of social mobility and its determinants in
Pakistani society, Culture of poverty.
 Why social stratification is an inevitable for a society? Explain its determinants in the
context of Pakistani society. (2016)
 What is a social organization? Discuss how precepts about caste and social classes
influence smooth running of society. (2014)
 Define and differentiate between caste and class. Discuss the dynamics of classes in
the existing feudal system. (2013)
 Determinates of social mobility. (2013)
 The role of government and non-government organization in poverty alleviation of
Pakistan. (2012)
  What is role of Biradaris/castes in political system of Pakistan? Support your
argument with data and evidence from previous general election results of Pakistan
Society. (2010)
 Poverty in Pakistan. (2010)
 2008 – What do you understand by Social Mobility? Do transfer of payments aid or
discourage social mobility?
 2007 - Discuss the class structure of Pakistan society with special reference to:

 the influence of the class structure at the time of independence

 the determinants of social mobility
 the feudal system

 2006 - What role biradri/caste system is playing in decision making on political issues
especially local bodies election in rural areas of Pakistan? How this biradri-based
political organization influences the community development process? Discuss in the
light of issues/conflicts arising from the situation and their impact on the individual,
family, and society.
 2005 - Differentiate between primary and secondary groups, and discuss the character
of primary relations.
 2001 - What are the systems of forms of Social Classes? Discuss the impact of Feudal
System in Pakistan

5. Social Control: Mechanisms of social control-formal and informal means of

social control, Anomie, Alienation and social Integration-Means of social
integration in Pakistani Society.
 2007 - Political thinkers in Pakistan lament that man in the street is alienated. Do you
agree to the statement and if you agree give reasons? Discuss:

 nature of alienation
 integration
 integrative patterns in Pakistan
 2001 - Discuss briefly the internal and external means of Social control with reference
to Pakistani Society.

6. Social and Cultural Change and Social Policy: Processes of Social and
Cultural Change-discovery, Inhibitions to social and cultural change in
Pakistan, Social planning and directed social and cultural change, Effect of
Industrialization, Urbanization, Modernization and Modern Means of
Communication on Social Change.

Urbanization, Modernization and Modern Means of Communication on Social

Change:
  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)
 Discuss attribution theories with special reference to media portrayals of social issues.
Explain the role of dispositional traits and situational factors for individual actions or
decision taking. (2014)
 Discuss the burgeoning role of social media in Pakistan. Explain the importance of
regulating the mainstream electronic media towards the achievement of national
goals. Illustrate your answer with examples from Pakistan. (2014)
 Discuss in detail “Urbanization as a Process.” (2011)
 Discuss the role of media in social and cultural change in Pakistan. What type of
social planning/ policy is needed to direct this change in the context of our own social
and cultural values. Discuss with examples. (2010)
 Urbanization in Pakistan is increasing day by day. How do you look into the future of
major cities in Pakistan? Discuss in the light of terror and security situation in these
cities. (2010)
 2000 - What do you understand by the term Modernization? Discuss the important
factors associated with modernization of a society with special reference to Pakistani
society.

Processes of Social and Cultural Change-

 Discuss in detail that how unique culture ethos are impediments in the way of social
change. Explain in detail the planned social change. (2019)
 Discuss in brief the socio-cultural factors that may enhance and retard the process of
social and cultural change in societies. (2017)
 Define the term “Social Change” and discuss it as a Social Process. (2015)
 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)
 Discuss attribution theories with special reference to media portrayals of social issues.
Explain the role of dispositional traits and situational factors for individual actions or
decision taking. (2014)
 Discuss the burgeoning role of social media in Pakistan. Explain the importance of
regulating the mainstream electronic media towards the achievement of national
goals. Illustrate your answer with examples from Pakistan. (2014)
 Social Planning (2013)
 Discuss as to how the process of social and cultural change in Pakistan can be
accelerated? Your answer must include theoretically relevant factors in the rate of
change. (2013)
 Define culture invasion? Explain in detail the role of technological innovation and
mass media in the revolution of rising expectations and the disruption of traditional
society of Pakistan. (2012)
  Discuss in detail the accelerating and decelerating factors of social change. How
culture ethnocentrism promotes social change and maintains social order. (2012)
 Culture diffusion and schools of thoughts on culture diffusion. (2012)
 Define the term “Social Change” and discuss the process of social change in group
behaviour. (2011)
 Discuss the role of media in social and cultural change in Pakistan. What type of
social planning/ policy is needed to direct this change in the context of our own social
and cultural values. Discuss with examples. (2010)
 2010 - Discuss the role of media in social and cultural change in Pakistan. What type
of social planning/policy is needed to direct this change in the context of our own
social and cultural values? Discuss with examples.
 2009 – Define the term “Social Change”. How it occurs in a traditional society?
Discuss it in detail.
 2001 - What factors are related to social and cultural change? Give examples of
Pakistan.
 Discuss in detail “Urbanization as a Process.” (2011)
 Urbanization in Pakistan is increasing day by day. How do you look into the future of
major cities in Pakistan? Discuss in the light of terror and security situation in these
cities. (2010)
 2000 - What do you understand by the term Modernization? Discuss the important
factors associated with modernization of a society with special reference to Pakistani
society.

7. Public Opinion: Formation of public opinion, concept of opinion leader,

characteristics of opinion leadership.
 Define the concepts of perception and reality. Discuss how perceptions of people are
manoeuvred to influence public opinion. Explain your answer with an example from
Pakistan. (2014)

 What is mind construction and explain if it can be a planned activity? Discuss the role
of education policy towards the formation of social mind and also show its
importance in a separate paragraph. (2014)

8. Community: The rural community, Traditional Characteristics of rural life,

The urban community, Rural – Urban convergence, Urbanism, Future of cities
in Pakistan.
 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)
 2009 – Define the term “Community” and discuss the important characteristics of a
rural and urban community.
  2006 - There is a thesis that “the development programs/strategies to change the fate
of poor farming community in rural Pakistan are not based upon the evidence-based
policy. Therefore, a failure, in this regard, is being faced for the last several decades.”
How do you support this thesis? Make an evidence-based argument in the light of
different evaluation/assessments made for rural development in Pakistan.

9. Social Institutions: The nature and genesis of institutions, The process of

institutionalization, Functions of Social Institutions: Family, Religion,
Education, Economy and Politics.
 The roles religious leaders in the integration of Pakistani society. (2019)sht
 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)
 What is trained incapacity? Write two examples about two institutions in Pakistan
where trained incapacity is promoted and where empowerment is encouraged. (2014)
 Education as a factor of development (2014)
 Discuss the nature and genesis of institutions along with the change taking place in
Pakistani family. (2013)
 Role of mosques in the integration of Pakistani society. (2012)
 Changing family pattern, its causes and consequences. (2012)
 How do you perceive the future of family institution/system in Pakistan? Discuss with
examples especially keeping in view marriage, elderly and youth problems in the
families. (2010)
 2006 - Define Social Institution. What is significance of family, religion, and
education as institutions in the process of socialization? Explain your answer with
examples from Pakistani society.
 2002 - Discuss in detail how social institutions/organizations have been helpful in
social and economic development of society?
 2004 - Define social institution and how can religion hold in check the explosive
social tensions produced by inequality and injustice?

10.Social Problems in Pakistan: High population growth rate, Rural –urban

migration. Issues of technical/vocational training, Deviance and street crime,
Unemployment, illiteracy and School dropout, Smuggling, Prostitution, Poverty
Drug Addiction, Child Labour and Abuse, Bonded Labour, Social customs and
Traditions affecting Women in Pakistan, Violence Against Women and
Domestic Violence, Issues concerning the Elderly in Pakistan.
 Research proposal on Afghan-war syndrome and its impact on Pakistan’s economy.
(2019)
 (ii) Deviance and street crime in Pakistan. (2018)
  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)
 Define the term “Social Problem” and discuss Crime as a Social Problem? (2015)
 Define urban sprawling. Explain in detail the socioeconomic impacts of peripheral
areas on crime rate of urban society of Pakistan. (2012)
 Define the term “Social Problem” and discuss the causes of drug abuse in Pakistan.
(2011)
 Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society. (2011)
 Drug abuse in Pakistan. (2010)
 2009 – Define the term ‘Social Problem’. Discuss smuggling as a social problem in a
society.
 2004 - How can you define poverty and what strategies the Government of Pakistan
has adopted to alleviate poverty and also discuss the role of NGOs to address the issue
of poverty.
 2004 - What are the social effects of deviance and do Crime-fighting programmes
including imprisonment work in Pakistan.
 2003 - The young criminals have been on the increase in Pakistan for the last many
years in jail. Write down critically the main factors associated with Juvenile
delinquency.
 2002 - Explain social, environmental and psychological factors associated with young
criminals. Answer the question with special reference to Pakistani society.

Migration:
 Regional migration. (2017)
 Discuss Migration as a Social Phenomenon. (2015)
 2009 – Discuss migration as a Social Phenomenon.
 2008 – Migration from rural to urban area is on the rise in Pakistan. Discuss all the
positive and negative points at the origin and destination keeping theory of migration
into consideration.
 2006 - Rural-Urban migration is causing labour-drain from rural communities. What
problems this situation is creating in the labour market of rural communities. As a
subject scholar, what solutions do you suggest to minimize these problems? Discuss
with examples.

II. Sociological Theory:

Three sociological perspectives: Structural Functionalism, Symbolic
interactions and Conflict. Theorists: Ibn-i-Khaldun, Spencer, August Comte,
Emile Dukheim, Max Weber, Karl Marx, Parson.
Ibn-i-Khaldun:
 Ibn-e-Khaldun but not August Comte is the founder of Sociology? Make your
argument in favor or against this thought with logic and examples from the
historical development of sociology. (2018)
 Write a note in detail on “Evolutionary Theory” given by Ibn-i-Khaldun. (2015)
 Write a note in detail on “Evolutionary Theory” given by Ibn-i-Khaldun. (2011)
 2004 - What major contributions did Karl Marx and Ibn-i-Khaldun make to our
understanding of the social experience?
 2001 - Ibne-Khaldoon is known as “Father of Sociology”. Briefly discuss his
contributions to sociology.

Max Weber:
 Discuss the major contributions of Max Weber in understanding the society
theoretically. (2015)
 Discuss critically the theories of social action and bureaucracy presented by Max
Weber. How the theory of bureaucracy is relevant to situation in Pakistan?
Discuss with logic and evidence. (2010)
 2009 – Discuss the major contributions of Max Weber in understanding the
society theoretically.
 2008 – Why does dissatisfaction with Bureaucracy arises? What is the major
obstacle in eliminating bureaucratic features which cause resentment? Discuss
in detail.
 2002 - Max Weber is a strong advocate of bureaucratic form of government.
Explain in detail what lead Max Weber to write in favour of bureaucracy.

Karl Marx:
 Evaluate Karl Max’s contributions to the concept of alienation. Discuss different
types of alienation given by him. (2019)
 Discuss in detail the Karl Marx’s “Theory of Labor”. (2015)
 Marxist influence on sociological theory. (2013)
 Explain in detail the analysis of social conflict in capitalist society shown by the
prominent sociologist and economist Karl Marx. (2012)
 Discuss in detail “Theory of Labour” given by Karl Marx. (2011)
 2009 – Karl Max “Theory of Labour” discuss in detail.
 2008 – Karl Marx has discussed labour theory of value in detail. What do you
understand by that theory? Write your answer in detail.

Emile Dukheim:
 ‘Suicide varies inversely with the degree of integration of social group of which
the individual forms a part.’ In the light of this statement discuss Emile Durkheim
Theory of egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic suicide. (2019)
 Suicide by Durkheim. (2016)
  Define suicide and its type. Explain in detail the theory of anomy presented by
Emile-Durkheim. In what way the theory would be helpful in the solution of
current involvement of Pakistani youth in suicidal attempts. (2012)
 2003 - Durkheim wrote extensively on suicide. Critically examine his views about
suicide.

August Comte:
 August Comte gives three evolutionary dimensions of society; theologian,
metaphysic and positivistic. Explain each step with cogent examples. (2019)
 Law of three stages by Comte. (2016)

Marx/Weber/Durkheim
 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)
 Is Max Weber more relevant than Durkheim in today’s globalizing world?
Discuss with reference to their theoretical contributions. (2013)
 Heredity versus group influence has given birth to controversy in explaining
socialization process. Where do you locate yourself in the theoretical debate?
(2013)
 2007 - In the light of theoretical perspectives (Hegel, Marx, Coser, Mills) explain
the true nature of conflict. Discuss the various forms of pervasive conflict in
Pakistani Society.
 2007 - What major contributions were made by Emile Durkheim and Max Weber
to the understanding of society theoretically? How far the two theorists can be
taken relevant today?
 2002 - Division of labour has been discussed by various sociological theorists.
Discuss in detail the point of view taken about division of labour by Karl Marx
and Emile Durkheim.

Miscellaneous:
 2006 - What is the role of C.W Mills in the development of Frankfurt school of
conflict society? Where and how he differs from his contemporaries? Discuss with
evidence.
 2005 - What are different theories about origin of society? Discuss them in detail.
 2003 - Describe the idea philosophy of money as presented by George Simmel.
How and in what ways other scholars have presented their views to describe the
idea of philosophy of money.

III. Methods of Sociological Research:

Scientific Method, Steps in research, Types of Questionnaire Research Design,
Surveys, Observation and Case Studies.
 (i) Research process in sociology. (2018)
 What are core elements which lead to develop rigorous research design in social
research? (2017)
 Which types of research by objective are commonly being used by NGOs and
explain these types of research with suitable examples? (2016)
 Define ethnomethodology. Explain in detail Garfinkel views regarding
ethnomethodology. How he used ethnomethodology in the field of sociological
research and inquiry? (2012)
 Define the term “Social Research” and discuss the procedure “How to conduct a
Research?” (2011)
 What is internal validity that influences social science research design? What are
different threats to internal validity? Discuss with examples (2010)
 2009 – Define the term Sociological Research and explain the important steps of
conducting the Social Research.
 2008 – What type of survey research do you use to study young criminals? Defend
the logic of your choice in detail.
 2007 - A research design is a roadmap for investigation. Discuss the major
decisions a researcher makes in designing a study. While discussing decision,
identify a research problem with reference to which the designing has been
envisaged.
 2006 - What is a research design? What type of research design can be used for
studying the problems of drug addiction/HIV/AIDS in Pakistani Society? Discuss
with examples.
 2005 - Discuss the importance of Social research for the study of Sociology.
Explain the steps to be taken in social Research Process.
 2004 - Why is research essential to the scientific enterprise and what are the
principal theoretical methods available to Sociologists in the study of social life?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
 2003 - When is survey research appropriate? What type of survey research would
you use to study heroin users? Define the logic of your choice.
 2002 - What do you understand by experimental method used in data collection?
Explain why some researchers preferred it over other data collection methods in
social sciences and for kind of studies experimental method is used by
researchers.
 2001 - Discuss briefly the method of sociological research. Formulate three
hypothesis indicating variables of each.

Miscellaneous
 Political economy of globalization. (2017)
 What key characteristics distinguish capitalism from socialism? Compare these
two systems in terms of productivity, economic inequality and personal freedom.
(2017)
 Describe the major work of Robert king Merton in Sociology. Explain his work
with suitable examples. (2016)
 Security as a social construct. (2014)
 2005 - Define the terms ‘Race and Racism’. Discuss the causes responsible for
Race Prejudices, and how these can be eradicated?

O LORD! INCREASE MY KNOWLEDGE!