Sociology Optional (Social Institutions) by Smriti Rao Mishra

Model Answer

Question #1. Religiosity is a double edged sword that can either aid or hamper democracy. Comment in the light of the recent developments.  10 marks (150 words)

Approach 

Briefly introduce with the religiousity

Explain how religiosity is a double edged sword aiding and hampering democracy

Highlight the recent developments in this regard

Conclude with the gist of your answer

Hints

Religiosity denotes strong religious feeling or belief. While democracy denotes the positive accommodation of all irrespective of religion and class/racial bias. In most democratic countries and societies, religion is considered more as personal thing and its influence in public is limited. In country like India, religion occupies very dominant position and at times influence democratic undertones in socio-political sphere.

Religiosity- a double edged sword aiding and hampering democracy. 

Global scenario- In France the religious overtones and religiosity conflicting with democratic values like liberty and equality are strongly opposed on the ground of it occupying common societal and democratic space. At the same time in US we also find an interlinkage of religiosity having influence on democratic notions. There, Religiosity dominates the societal psychology and political considerations in choosing its representatives. 

In democratic countries, as a personal belief system, religiosity contrasts with democratic principles, generating opposition to democracy while increasing ambivalence towards democratic principles among religious people. 

Nevertheless, at the group level, religion also serves as a social institution which increases the homogeneity of one’s social network, leading to lower ambivalence, and makes for an active minority group which benefits from the democratic framework, consequently increasing support overall for a democratic regime. 

The religiosity aids democracy in India as its part of its diversity and add dimensions of mutual cohabitation which makes democracy stronger. With religion comes many activities and traditions which makes diversity enriched and vibrant. It involves accommodation of different voices thus making democracy stronger. 

Recent developments 

In recent times we have seen that religiosity facilitates the accommodation of common ideal and ideas among a religious group and gives them a common platform and space thus making democracy stronger. However when this religiosity getsfundamentalised it poses the threat to common survival and thus defeat the democracy and hamper its growth. 

Recent incidences of Politicisation of religious feelings and religiosity for electoral gains along with notion of one religion occupying the space of others has created fissures in society thus hampering democratic notions and practices in society. 

Further in recent times at political level the religiosity is exploited in the form of religious rallies speeches which impacts the psychology of coexistence and common welfare which are core of democratic ideals. 

Religiosity when goes into extremities acquires the space of other and it thus acted as threat to common ideals of democracy. At times it makes people intolerant towards other religion and views. Rising intolerance in India and considering other religion as threat to its survival is a grave example in this regard. 

eligiosity as amultidimensional phenomenon consisting of three dimensions: belief,behavior, and

belonging. We argue that religious belief, due to its association with conservative-traditional values, engenders opposition to change, desire for order, and intolerance,which are incompatible with democratic norms and values

 eligiosity as amultidimensional phenomenon consisting of three dimensions: belief,behavior, andbelonging. We argue that religious belief, due to its association with conservative-traditional values, engenders opposition to change, desire for order, and intolerance,which are incompatible with democratic norms and values 

eligiosity as amultidimensional phenomenon consisting of three dimensions: belief,behavior, and

belonging. We argue that religious belief, due to its association with conservative-traditional values, engenders opposition to change, desire for order, and intolerance,which are incompatible with democratic norms and values. 

Religiosity is a multidimensional phenomenon consisting of three dimensions: belief, behaviour, and belonging. Due to its association with conservative- traditional values it engenders opposition to change, desire for order, and intolerance, which are incompatible with democratic norms and values however it is also a social phenomenon and Involvement in social religious networks has a positive in?uence on civic skills, leading individuals to actively engage in politics and hold more positive attitudes towards democracy. 

Question #2. Technological innovations are a double edged sword that have led to reforms in education but also widened social inequalities in terms of inclusion and access. Comment. 15 marks (250 words)

Approach 

Question talks about the role of Technology in education sector. Discuss both positive and negative aspect of technology in the education sector. 

Introduce by mentioning the 

Then, mention how technology has brought the reforms in the education sector. Subsequently, also mention the issues created by the technology with specific respect to the social inequalities. For value addition you can mention some government initiatives. 

Conclude with some solution oriented lines. 

Hints

Education is a fundamental pillar of human development, and the use of technology has greatly influenced the way education is delivered and received. Technological innovations have transformed the way we teach and learn, making education more accessible, flexible, and efficient.

Technological innovations have had a profound impact on education. While they have brought about many positive changes, they have also contributed to the widening of social inequalities.

Reforms in education.

Interactive and Innovative Learning: Use of technology, like multimedia graphics, and interactive elements, in education makes learning easy and more engaging and reinforces learning concepts with a visual approach.

Capacity building of the teachers: Technology can better leverage for the capacity building of the teachers.

Increased access: Educational Technology has made education more accessible to people who previously had limited access to formal education. For example, online courses have enabled people in remote areas or those with physical disabilities to access education that was previously out of reach.

Personalized learning: Educational technology has created new opportunities for personalized learning, which can cater to individual learning styles and needs.Students receive personalized recommendations based on data on their previous learning patterns and performance.

Online learning management system: Many colleges and universities in India are integrating online Learning Management System or LMS platform into their web portal. Students can remotely login to access course material and also attend live classes with teachers. Pre-recorded lectures, videos can be uploaded on the LMS platform making it easy for students to go through it multiple times.

Low cost education: Indian edutech is providing very low cost quality education to the masses. The cost-effectiveness of edtech allows students to overcome the paywall between them and premium educators, and the virtual nature of this learning erases geographical constraints.

Widened social inequalities

Lack of Digital Infrastructure: While India enjoys a wide geographic and cultural diversity, it also suffers from a huge socio-economic divide, including non-uniformity of digital infrastructure facilities

Interrupted power supply and weak or non-existent internet connectivity are major challenges hindering the percolation of online education at the grassroot.

Rural Urban divide: Services such as online classroomsrequire access to the internet as well as the ability to operate internet-enabled devices like phones, tablets and computers. However, access to such connection is poor in rural areas when compared to urban regions.

According to the NSSO conducted between July 2017 and June 2018, just 4.4 rural households have a computer, against 14.4 per cent in an urban area.

Gender Gap: India has among the world’s highest gender gap in access to technology. This restricts the access of education to the women. Only 21 per cent of women in India are mobile internet users, according to GSMA’s 2020 mobile gender gap report, while 42 per cent of men have access. The report says that while 79 per cent of men own a mobile phone in the country, the number for women is 63 per cent.

Some other issues 

Limited Practical Attachment to Learning: In addition to theoretical study, science and technology courses often incorporate practical laboratory sessions, dissertation projects, and field trips. Online education has major limitations in this area of learning.

Limited Social Skill Enhancement: Education is not just about subject knowledge but also about developing social skills and sportsmanship among the students. Relying solely on online education may hinder the holistic development of children.

Educator-Learner Adaptability Concern: Using the internet for entertainment is common, but for online lessons is a big challenge.

Teachers may not be well-versed with creating digital content, and conveying it effectively online.

Similarly, a sudden expectation from them to upgrade, and from students to adapt, is unfair.

Government Steps. 

DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing): As part of PM eVidya announced under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat programme, DIKSHA is the ‘one nation; one digital platform’ for school education in India.It is a national platform available for schools in all states.

SwayamPrabha: This mode of education is for people who do not have access to education.High quality educational programmes are telecasted.There are a total of 32 channels to meet the requirements.

e-Pathshala mobile app and web portal can be used to access e-textbooks. It can be accessed by students, teachers and parents. 3,500 pieces of audio and video content of NCERT are available.

NPTEL , initiative by IIT’s and IISC has been very helpful for all those college graduates who have not been able to attain education in IIT’s , plus it has enhanced the knowledge skills, plus made IIT level education affordable.

While technological innovations have led to some significant reforms in education, they have also widened social inequalities in terms of inclusion and access. To mitigate these challenges, it is essential to ensure that technology is used in a way that promotes equity and access for all students. Policymakers and educators need to be mindful of the potential negative impacts of technology and work towards creating an education system that is inclusive, equitable, and accessible for all.