Sociology Optional (Agents of Social Change) by Smriti Rao

Model Answer

Question #1. Examine to what extent technological changes such as Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence can advance social change.

Approach:

• Introduction – role of technology in change
• Views on technology and change
• What is AI and VR?
• Benefits of modern technologies
• Issues related to modern technologies

Hints:

Every technological progress alters the course of our lives. The division of labour, trade unionism, and specialisation that are so popular these days are the result of technological innovation, which is fast impacting and transforming the social order. According to Ogburn, technology alters society by altering our surroundings, which we then embrace. Modern day technologies like A I and VR had the potential to transform human lives but various challenges are also associated with new technologies.

Views on technology and change 

Technological determinists, such as Karl Marx, W.G. Ogburn, and T. Veblen, think that society evolves only when technology changes form.

• Karl Marx, although being an economic determinist, argues that the mode of production changes the relationship of production. The mode of production comprises of the means and technologies that shift one economic system to another, ultimately resulting in social transformation.
• W.G. Obgurn distinguished two sorts of culture in his idea of “Cultural Lag,” namely material culture (technology) and non-material culture (habit). He argues that material culture moves quicker than non-material culture, thus habits must accept technology to bring about change in society.
• T. Veblen argued in his book “The Instinct of Workmanship” that technical changes drive 99% of social changes. With the development of radio, Ogburn listed 150 societal changes. Veblen stated that if a radio can cause this many changes, it is easy to see how much technology in general may impact society.

What is AI and VR?

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-simulated environment that allows one or more users to move and react. Various gadgets enable users to perceive and handle virtual items in the same way as they would actual objects. This natural interaction style offers participants the impression that they are involved in the virtual environment. Mathematical models and computer algorithms are used to build virtual worlds.

Coppin describes artificial intelligence (AI) as “the study of systems that function in ways that look intelligent to any observer”. It is used to answer both basic and complicated problems in a shorter amount of time. It successfully assists the computer system in improving via data and experience. The most exciting part of AI is that it allows the electronic vehicle to learn from its faults and work on correcting them through the proper implementation of efficient ways.

How modern technologies can promote social change

• AI can aid in the identification of mental health illnesses and made psychotherapy more accessible and less difficult for both treatment seekers and therapists. People typically avoid seeing a therapist because of the stigmas and taboos associated with mental health.
• These technologies are capable of presenting complicated info to pupils in a way that is both enjoyable and simple to understand. Astronomy students, for example, can study about the solar system. This is excellent for pupils with a certain learning style, such as those who learn best through symbols, colours, etc.
• Modern technology can supply cities with critical data to help them establish climate resilience, good infrastructure, and public safety-driven city-specific growth models.

Issues with technologies

• As these technologies are data driven and algorithm based- the misuse of data can promote hatred and animosity in the society. E.g. biased views based on data and same data is used by artificial intelligence.
• While AI may aid in the economic advancement of a country to a significant extent, it will also exacerbate the inequalities between social classes and result in negative social mobility. This argument can be used by dependency theorist.
• As machines become workhorses of humankind, more and more people become vulnerable to losing their livelihoods
• Users may grow lonely and reliant on the usage of virtual reality. They may become antisocial and lose fundamental social skills, leading to social anxiety and other mental health issues. This can result into anomie in the society.

Modern technologies have the ability to enhance the lives of billions of people - but only if they produce and distribute value directly to those in need, rather than fattening the bottom lines of firms that already serve the privileged. By using these technologies for social good, today’s new generation of entrepreneurs may effect long-term, transformative change.

Question #2. Examine the dialectical nature between social change and constitutional amendments in India. Support the answer with examples. 

Approach:

• Introduction explaining how social change leads to change in laws/Constitution and how law serves as an agent to bring about social change
• Illustrations
• Conclusion

Hints:

It is a well-established fact that the law is one of the most powerful agents of social change since time immemorial. Even in Indian history, prior to establishing of a formal legal system, customary laws have governed social norms, practices and even social change. The law allows for a fixed code of norms, ethics, morals to drive social behavior. Thus, when any change has to be introduced in society, it is the law that is amended from time to time to introduce social change. Accordingly, the relationship between social change and legal changes is a dialectical one as the law also needs to account for change and address emerging requirements of society. This phenomenon is best understood with a few illustrations.

One instance where the law had to be amended to account for material changes in society is in case of medical technology for sex determination. In the Indian context, social structure is highly patriarchal with a strong preference for a male child. With introduction of this technology, rampant misuse was seen with implications such as female foeticide, sex selective abortion and a declining sex ratio. This led to the introduction of PC-PNDT Act of 1994 to address this issue. Similarly, the POCSO Act, 2012 was introduced to protect children from all sorts of sexual abuse. Another instance is the article 14 and article 21 of the Constitution aim to ensure equality of sexes and life with dignity. In addition, the Indian Penal Code has several provisions to protect and punish violence against women. The Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Act, 2013 was also passed preceded by the Vishakha Guidelines promulgated by the Supreme Court. 

The promulgation of the Indian Constitution itself witnessed several fundamental values institutionalized to create a society and state driven by values of equality, freedom of speech, freedom to practice any religion, justice between all irrespective of caste/creed/sex/gender etc It not only ensures fundamental rights for it’s citizens but also lays down fundamental duties for all the citizens to abide by in the interest of society and the state in general. The Directive Principles of State Policy also ensures that the state is obligated to it’s citizens and serve as guidelines for framing laws and policies for the government. 

While the Constitution has set the tone for the state in India, that is, democratic based on sovereignty, fraternity, liberty and equality, the Constitution has also been amended from time to time. For instance, the 42nd Amendment of 1976 added the words socialist and secular to the Preamble to address for the socio-political context at the time. Thus, it is evident that the relationship between the law, the Constitution and social change is a dialectical one influencing while being influenced by the other.