Sociology practice: CE2021
 

This thread is solely created for the purpose of keeping all serious aspirants on one page.
[B]You can:[/B][LIST][*]Share views, review others' works[*]post topics for discussion[*]discuss over questions & answers[*]post queries[*]ask anything related to the subject.[/LIST]
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[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113138]This thread is solely created for the purpose of keeping all serious aspirants on one page.
[B]You can:[/B][LIST][*]Share views, review others' works[*]post topics for discussion[*]discuss over questions & answers[*]post queries[*]ask anything related to the subject.[/LIST]
[B]You can't:[/B][LIST][*]post copy-paste material for no specific reason[/LIST][/QUOTE]


[B]Q: How can moral degeneration be scientifically studied? Delineate the entire research process for studying this phenomenon.[/B]

Lets exchange ideas over this!

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113139][B]Q: How can moral degeneration be scientifically studied? Delineate the entire research process for studying this phenomenon.[/B]

Lets exchange ideas over this![/QUOTE]

Looking at it from a purely research based perspective, it is not possible to study the whole concept of moral degeneration via the scientific method. You can select a certain aspect of moral degeneration such as, the reasons for the decline of social mores while interacting with women in an office setting in Pakistan. I was baffled by the very nature of this question when I saw it in the exam. When you set out to scientifically study a topic, you make sure that you pick an aspect that is narrow and focused, not broad and general. Even if you look at it purely as a CSS exam question, it is not feasible to attempt it because there is no way you can satisfactorily cover all aspects of moral degeneration. If sociological commentary on this topic was required, without research centrism, it would have been much more prudent to spend time on this question. The reason is that you can apply sociological theory to answer the different aspects of moral degeneration which not only covers multiple aspects but also provides a theoretical base to discuss those aspects. The scientific research method can only focus on one aspect at a time. For example, if I were to prove scientifically that one reason for moral degeneration is the decline of religion, I would go about choosing a population and a subsequent sample and control group for observation and interviews. However, the decline of religion requires a separate sample, as do other aspects of moral degeneration. Theoretically, however, I would be much better served by Marx's theory of religion, or Weber's and Durkheim's subscriptions of religion to answer the reason of this decline. Moreover, the Theory of Anomie and other relevant theories can also help me explain other aspects of moral degeneration in the time required for me to answer one question in the exam. Therefore, this question is, in my opinion, is put there to lull the student into a false sense of security. Its statement is overly simplistic, and it is a deceptively long question to answer in just 35 minutes.

I would love your views on whether there is a simplified approach to answering this question.

[QUOTE=Muhammadwd;1113144]Looking at it from a purely research based perspective, it is not possible to study the whole concept of moral degeneration via the scientific method. You can select a certain aspect of moral degeneration such as, the reasons for the decline of social mores while interacting with women in an office setting in Pakistan. I was baffled by the very nature of this question when I saw it in the exam. When you set out to scientifically study a topic, you make sure that you pick an aspect that is narrow and focused, not broad and general. Even if you look at it purely as a CSS exam question, it is not feasible to attempt it because there is no way you can satisfactorily cover all aspects of moral degeneration. If sociological commentary on this topic was required, without research centrism, it would have been much more prudent to spend time on this question. The reason is that you can apply sociological theory to answer the different aspects of moral degeneration which not only covers multiple aspects but also provides a theoretical base to discuss those aspects. The scientific research method can only focus on one aspect at a time. For example, if I were to prove scientifically that one reason for moral degeneration is the decline of religion, I would go about choosing a population and a subsequent sample and control group for observation and interviews. However, the decline of religion requires a separate sample, as do other aspects of moral degeneration. Theoretically, however, I would be much better served by Marx's theory of religion, or Weber's and Durkheim's subscriptions of religion to answer the reason of this decline. Moreover, the Theory of Anomie and other relevant theories can also help me explain other aspects of moral degeneration in the time required for me to answer one question in the exam. Therefore, this question is, in my opinion, is put there to lull the student into a false sense of security. Its statement is overly simplistic, and it is a deceptively long question to answer in just 35 minutes.

I would love your views on whether there is a simplified approach to answering this question.[/QUOTE]

Fully agree with your point of view. The term "Moral Degeneration" is far too broad and with far too many factors involved for a single comprehensive study to be created that can ever even hope to study all of it. And then on top of all that "morality" is necessarily subjective and hence any study revolving it can neither be conclusive nor universally accepted. I found this really interesting article which though I can't read as its a paid journal it still raises very valid questions regarding the sociology of morality and ethic theories. ( [url]https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11186-007-9044-y[/url] ) It also seeks to contrast Weber and Durkheim's approaches to Morality which is an interesting contrast in itself.

Personally if I was pressed to attempt this question and couldn't see any other option I'd focus on the first half more. [B]"How can moral degeneration be scientifically studied?"[/B] This question most definitely is doable and you can add in approaches of previous sociologists to illustrate how it has been studied scientifically. I'd also add a portion while attempting which focuses on the WHY is it so difficult as a sociological concept; mainly rooted in how any attempt at studying moral degeneration is based on a baseline concept of "morality" itself which not only changes across time but is not the same even among people living in the same locality. Religion influences it but so do things like economic and social class. This adds layers of complexity to this topic which need to be handled carefully by any researcher.

Also the wording of the second half is really interesting to me; "Delineate the entire research process for studying this phenomenon." I could interpret this as being an extension of what I discussed above and instead of creating a specific research design as an example would simply work out the steps theoretically. So for example step one would be doing some preliminary digging into what has been done before and what theories people have based their researches on. Step two would be maybe to get a basic survey into how people living in the locality/social/economic/professional etc class (aka the people who we are interested in) define morality to begin with so that we have a baseline to go on in order to study the phenomenon of moral degeneration and so on and so forth the steps would continue being more general rather than written around a specific hypothesis.

This approach might make the question appear a tad bit haphazard but I'd avoid committing to a single end all sort of study/research.

Some more interesting questions from CSS past papers;
[LIST=1][*]Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society.[*]Is Max Weber more relevant than Durkheim in today's globalising world? Discuss with reference to their theoretical contributions.[*]Define the term "Social Problem" and discuss Crime (In one year "Smuggling" came instead) as a Social Problem?[*]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.[*]Terrorism has become a real and potential threat to the global peace and stability. What role social scientists can play to combat their problem?[/LIST]

[QUOTE=aishalam;1113147]Fully agree with your point of view. The term "Moral Degeneration" is far too broad and with far too many factors involved for a single comprehensive study to be created that can ever even hope to study all of it. And then on top of all that "morality" is necessarily subjective and hence any study revolving it can neither be conclusive nor universally accepted. I found this really interesting article which though I can't read as its a paid journal it still raises very valid questions regarding the sociology of morality and ethic theories. ( [url]https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11186-007-9044-y[/url] ) It also seeks to contrast Weber and Durkheim's approaches to Morality which is an interesting contrast in itself.

Personally if I was pressed to attempt this question and couldn't see any other option I'd focus on the first half more. [B]"How can moral degeneration be scientifically studied?"[/B] This question most definitely is doable and you can add in approaches of previous sociologists to illustrate how it has been studied scientifically. I'd also add a portion while attempting which focuses on the WHY is it so difficult as a sociological concept; mainly rooted in how any attempt at studying moral degeneration is based on a baseline concept of "morality" itself which not only changes across time but is not the same even among people living in the same locality. Religion influences it but so do things like economic and social class. This adds layers of complexity to this topic which need to be handled carefully by any researcher.

Also the wording of the second half is really interesting to me; "Delineate the entire research process for studying this phenomenon." I could interpret this as being an extension of what I discussed above and instead of creating a specific research design as an example would simply work out the steps theoretically. So for example step one would be doing some preliminary digging into what has been done before and what theories people have based their researches on. Step two would be maybe to get a basic survey into how people living in the locality/social/economic/professional etc class (aka the people who we are interested in) define morality to begin with so that we have a baseline to go on in order to study the phenomenon of moral degeneration and so on and so forth the steps would continue being more general rather than written around a specific hypothesis.

This approach might make the question appear a tad bit haphazard but I'd avoid committing to a single end all sort of study/research.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely right. To your point on the second half of this question, it is really intriguing isn't it? You are right that the delineation of the entire process requires specificity which is not offered by the examiner. The best possible way is to, as you said, be general at the expense of the structure of the answer.

[QUOTE=aishalam;1113148]Some more interesting questions from CSS past papers;
[LIST=1][*]Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society.[*]Is Max Weber more relevant than Durkheim in today's globalising world? Discuss with reference to their theoretical contributions.[*]Define the term "Social Problem" and discuss Crime (In one year "Smuggling" came instead) as a Social Problem?[*]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.[*]Terrorism has become a real and potential threat to the global peace and stability. What role social scientists can play to combat their problem?[/LIST][/QUOTE]

1. How can one go about explaining the status of elderly people in Pakistan? The options in my mind are:
a. to approach the issue from the perspective of Family as a social institution and how it helps support the elderly. Case in point, Pakistan's family system
b. The concept of Religion as a social institution that provides rights to the elderly. Present a reference from Islamic sources of knowledge.
c. A contrasting view with modernity and western influence having an effect on younger generation to pursue materialistic interests at the expense of spending time with their aging parents. This can lead and to some extent has led to a rising trend of more senior centers and adult care centers.
d. Needless to say that some statistical references will be needed to back these arguments.

[QUOTE=Muhammadwd;1113144]Looking at it from a purely research based perspective, it is not possible to study the whole concept of moral degeneration via the scientific method. You can select a certain aspect of moral degeneration such as, the reasons for the decline of social mores while interacting with women in an office setting in Pakistan. I was baffled by the very nature of this question when I saw it in the exam. When you set out to scientifically study a topic, you make sure that you pick an aspect that is narrow and focused, not broad and general. Even if you look at it purely as a CSS exam question, it is not feasible to attempt it because there is no way you can satisfactorily cover all aspects of moral degeneration. If sociological commentary on this topic was required, without research centrism, it would have been much more prudent to spend time on this question. The reason is that you can apply sociological theory to answer the different aspects of moral degeneration which not only covers multiple aspects but also provides a theoretical base to discuss those aspects. The scientific research method can only focus on one aspect at a time. For example, if I were to prove scientifically that one reason for moral degeneration is the decline of religion, I would go about choosing a population and a subsequent sample and control group for observation and interviews. However, the decline of religion requires a separate sample, as do other aspects of moral degeneration. Theoretically, however, I would be much better served by Marx's theory of religion, or Weber's and Durkheim's subscriptions of religion to answer the reason of this decline. Moreover, the Theory of Anomie and other relevant theories can also help me explain other aspects of moral degeneration in the time required for me to answer one question in the exam. Therefore, this question is, in my opinion, is put there to lull the student into a false sense of security. Its statement is overly simplistic, and it is a deceptively long question to answer in just 35 minutes.

I would love your views on whether there is a simplified approach to answering this question.[/QUOTE]


Agreed to an extent! Though the question is vague to be specific and to focus on the way to study the subject is really wide. Right! much of your thoughts are centered around theoretical take on the topic. But, if im pushed to write on it i will try to narrow down the concept of [B]"moral degeneration"[/B] by certain Hypothesis and then delineating the research process as it exist: defining the topic, hypothesis, selecting research method and etc... Because, sticking to theoretical viewpoint as pointed would be risky in exam and im feel one should play safe.

And for the first part of question,[B]"How can moral degeneration be scientifically studied?"[/B],which is equally important. I would focus on how other scientists have studied it. Besides, giving it theoretical touch and then centering on qualitative/quantitative ways to study it.

[QUOTE=Aishalam;1113147]Fully agree with your point of view. The term "Moral Degeneration" is far too broad and with far too many factors involved for a single comprehensive study to be created that can ever even hope to study all of it. And then on top of all that "morality" is necessarily subjective and hence any study revolving it can neither be conclusive nor universally accepted. I found this really interesting article which though I can't read as its a paid journal it still raises very valid questions regarding the sociology of morality and ethic theories. ( [url]https://link.springer.com/article/10...186-007-9044-y[/url] ) It also seeks to contrast Weber and Durkheim's approaches to Morality which is an interesting contrast in itself.

Personally if I was pressed to attempt this question and couldn't see any other option I'd focus on the first half more. "How can moral degeneration be scientifically studied?" This question most definitely is doable and you can add in approaches of previous sociologists to illustrate how it has been studied scientifically. I'd also add a portion while attempting which focuses on the WHY is it so difficult as a sociological concept; mainly rooted in how any attempt at studying moral degeneration is based on a baseline concept of "morality" itself which not only changes across time but is not the same even among people living in the same locality. Religion influences it but so do things like economic and social class. This adds layers of complexity to this topic which need to be handled carefully by any researcher.

Also the wording of the second half is really interesting to me; "Delineate the entire research process for studying this phenomenon." I could interpret this as being an extension of what I discussed above and instead of creating a specific research design as an example would simply work out the steps theoretically. So for example step one would be doing some preliminary digging into what has been done before and what theories people have based their researches on. Step two would be maybe to get a basic survey into how people living in the locality/social/economic/professional etc class (aka the people who we are interested in) define morality to begin with so that we have a baseline to go on in order to study the phenomenon of moral degeneration and so on and so forth the steps would continue being more general rather than written around a specific hypothesis.

This approach might make the question appear a tad bit haphazard but I'd avoid committing to a single end all sort of study/research.[/QUOTE]

Agreed with your view. Limited theoretical aspect can be added and question can be handled as you mentioned. But, being exam specific, won't (your approach) centering attention to theoretical aspect rather than specific research sail the ship against the winds?

P.S. I didn't attempt the question there for it was broad.

[QUOTE=aishalam;1113148]Some more interesting questions from CSS past papers;
[LIST=1][*]Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society.[*]Is Max Weber more relevant than Durkheim in today's globalising world? Discuss with reference to their theoretical contributions.[*]Define the term "Social Problem" and discuss Crime (In one year "Smuggling" came instead) as a Social Problem?[*]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.[*]Terrorism has become a real and potential threat to the global peace and stability. What role social scientists can play to combat their problem?[/LIST][/QUOTE]

I take up your questions and would express my thoughts subsequently.

[QUOTE=aishalam;1113148]Some more interesting questions from CSS past papers;
[LIST=1][*]Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society.[*]Is Max Weber more relevant than Durkheim in today's globalising world? Discuss with reference to their theoretical contributions.[*]Define the term "Social Problem" and discuss Crime (In one year "Smuggling" came instead) as a Social Problem?[*]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.[*]Terrorism has become a real and potential threat to the global peace and stability. What role social scientists can play to combat their problem?[/LIST][/QUOTE]

[B]1. Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society.[/B]

Looking at the question at first i drew some other picture but then i pondered over this thought.

Status of elderly people in Pakistani society portrays a bleak picture. As the society is deprived of providing social and economic program for them. Therefore, they lack health facilities, face chronic diseases and mental health issues like depression, loneliness, etc. Besides, they also confront lack of resources, for instance, loss of income for their personal sustenance, economic dependency, social problems like loss of social relations, alienation from family and scarcity of elderly care units. Such a poor status of elderly people in Pakistani society is evident from society's reluctance to celebrate International Day for Older People.

Whats your take? Awaiting for views.

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113232][B]1. Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society.[/B]

Looking at the question at first i drew some other picture but then i pondered over this thought.

Status of elderly people in Pakistani society portrays a bleak picture. As the society is deprived of providing social and economic program for them. Therefore, they lack health facilities, face chronic diseases and mental health issues like depression, loneliness, etc. Besides, they also confront lack of resources, for instance, loss of income for their personal sustenance, economic dependency, social problems like loss of social relations, alienation from family and scarcity of elderly care units. Such a poor status of elderly people in Pakistani society is evident from society's reluctance to celebrate International Day for Older People.

Whats your take? Awaiting for views.[/QUOTE]

I had shared my views on this questions earlier on this thread. In my opinion, issues such as loneliness, and economic dependency, and personal sustenance don't hold much weight in Pakistan's society. Yes, there are increasing cases of neglect, but the answer can be structured with a top down approach that highlights the status of elderly people in our society with respect to social institutions such as family and religion, and then proceeds to present a modern take on the social standing of elderly people with our society leaning more towards the modern, materialistic world view. This can help explain the trend towards striving for financial independence from an early age, how that leads one away from his/her family, and how the care of the elderly is thus neglected. This point can be further elaborated by the need of elder care centers and the role of the state in ensuring basic human rights. However, one can also make a point of propagating the need of keeping the family unit strong, as it has historically been a stronghold of social relations with multiple actors involved in caring for each other. We can further add that religion as a social institution adds to our responsibility to our elders (Quran, 4:36, 17:23, 2:177). In my view, involving certain sociological aspects to our answer can help build strong arguments, whether positive or negative.

[QUOTE=Muhammadwd;1113260]I had shared my views on this questions earlier on this thread. In my opinion, issues such as loneliness, and economic dependency, and personal sustenance don't hold much weight in Pakistan's society. Yes, there are increasing cases of neglect, but the answer can be structured with a top down approach that highlights the status of elderly people in our society with respect to social institutions such as family and religion, and then proceeds to present a modern take on the social standing of elderly people with our society leaning more towards the modern, materialistic world view. This can help explain the trend towards striving for financial independence from an early age, how that leads one away from his/her family, and how the care of the elderly is thus neglected. This point can be further elaborated by the need of elder care centers and the role of the state in ensuring basic human rights. However, one can also make a point of propagating the need of keeping the family unit strong, as it has historically been a stronghold of social relations with multiple actors involved in caring for each other. We can further add that religion as a social institution adds to our responsibility to our elders (Quran, 4:36, 17:23, 2:177). In my view, involving certain sociological aspects to our answer can help build strong arguments, whether positive or negative.[/QUOTE]
I agree with your opinion although the approach of The Dream of Rain is also correct regarding a certain segment in our society. This segment of population is small but will get bigger with the time as we are heading in a wrong direction. The glorification of working 10-12 hours a day in the name of financial independence (which is a fraud actually) is worsening the issue of elderly (along with many other problems but those are not in the scope of this question) in Pakistan. The elderly will remain dependent economically and socially just like a child in young age. This reality can't be avoided. Approaches to reach at this issue must be more than one as Pakistan is diverse but all of them should eventually require a same solution, a solution which doesn't create two more problems by solving one which happens in most of the societies.
In my opinion the solution will make a difference in this question, not approaches because owing to cultural diversity of Pakistan no matter how do you discuss this issue, it will be admissible up to some extent.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113262]I agree with your opinion although the approach of The Dream of Rain is also correct regarding a certain segment in our society. This segment of population is small but will get bigger with the time as we are heading in a wrong direction. The glorification of working 10-12 hours a day in the name of financial independence (which is a fraud actually) is worsening the issue of elderly (along with many other problems but those are not in the scope of this question) in Pakistan. The elderly will remain dependent economically and socially just like a child in young age. This reality can't be avoided. Approaches to reach at this issue must be more than one as Pakistan is diverse but all of them should eventually require a same solution, a solution which doesn't create two more problems by solving one which happens in most of the societies.
In my opinion the solution will make a difference in this question, not approaches because owing to cultural diversity of Pakistan no matter how do you discuss this issue, it will be admissible up to some extent.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. However, I do wonder about the possible steps that can be taken. State intervention in cases of neglect with the state providing stipends to
needy families for the care of the elderly, can be one solution.
A bill addressing the rights of the elderly and duties of the young towards them can also be presented with neglect being a punishable offence, giving the elderly the right to invoke state help through hotline etc., much like the Zainab Alert Bill.
Like you said, this issue needs to be addressed first at the micro level (the family), and then the macro level (the government). There is only so much that the state can do to protect the hordes of elderly people that can possibly flood the streets as homeless people if the family structure is destroyed.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113262]I agree with your opinion although the approach of The Dream of Rain is also correct regarding a certain segment in our society. This segment of population is small but will get bigger with the time as we are heading in a wrong direction. The glorification of working 10-12 hours a day in the name of financial independence (which is a fraud actually) is worsening the issue of elderly (along with many other problems but those are not in the scope of this question) in Pakistan. The elderly will remain dependent economically and socially just like a child in young age. This reality can't be avoided. Approaches to reach at this issue must be more than one as Pakistan is diverse but all of them should eventually require a same solution, a solution which doesn't create two more problems by solving one which happens in most of the societies.
In my opinion the solution will make a difference in this question, not approaches because owing to cultural diversity of Pakistan no matter how do you discuss this issue, it will be admissible up to some extent.[/QUOTE]


I do not disagree with you both.
I agree Direwolf that they will be economically and socially depended at this age. But, certain extent of economic independence is required for them to support their livelihood and health expenditures. After all, they depend on their kids due to lack of social security programs for them by govt. Socially there is alienation for them, mostly because of immobility, death of a partner, friends and being left out by children somewhat.

This question though argumentative can be explained by everyone differently. Even when i saw the question two ideas sprung out of my mind.
first approach correlates to the position (status) they enjoy with respect to the class, caste and by profession etc... which is exalted. But, this approach does not appease to my exposition of the question.

Second view i already defined as in the status they hold in our society at micro (family and community) and macro (government and different institutions) levels, which are problems, issues and challenges they face at that age. Specifying social care, economic alienation, moral challenges mental health issues and shortness of (nearly none) institutional care units/centers. (I consider this to be safe and it is mere reiteration of my prior thoughts).
Though, these problems are not only creation of families or communities but also at large institutional and involve government. Being concise i just hold "solutions" are not required we just need to focus on status they hold in society as addressed in "second" view.

[QUOTE=Muhammadwd;1113265]Agreed. However, I do wonder about the possible steps that can be taken. State intervention in cases of neglect with the state providing stipends to
needy families for the care of the elderly, can be one solution.
A bill addressing the rights of the elderly and duties of the young towards them can also be presented with neglect being a punishable offence, giving the elderly the right to invoke state help through hotline etc., much like the Zainab Alert Bill.
Like you said, this issue needs to be addressed first at the micro level (the family), and then the macro level (the government). There is only so much that the state can do to protect the hordes of elderly people that can possibly flood the streets as homeless people if the family structure is destroyed.[/QUOTE]
Along with what you have mentioned (state stipend and due rights in Islam) I will add two things.
1. Reforming economic policies so that the burden on working class can be lowered, which will give them time to take care of elderly. Currently they are working 10-12 hours and now even their women are working outside but still they are struggling for basic needs.As a result they don't have any time neither for themselves nor for the elderly.

2. Providing basic provisions to all of the citizens in Pakistan. This will benefit two age groups the most; one is children and second is of course the elderly.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113270]Along with what you have mentioned (state stipend and due rights in Islam) I will add two things.
1. Reforming economic policies so that the burden on working class can be lowered, which will give them time to take care of elderly. Currently they are working 10-12 hours and now even their women are working outside but still they are struggling for basic needs.As a result they don't have any time neither for themselves nor for the elderly.

2. Providing basic provisions to all of the citizens in Pakistan. This will benefit two age groups the most; one is children and second is of course the elderly.[/QUOTE]

Seconded.

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113269]I do not disagree with you both.
I agree Direwolf that they will be economically and socially depended at this age. But, certain extent of economic independence is required for them to support their livelihood and health expenditures. After all, they depend on their kids due to lack of social security programs for them by govt. Socially there is alienation for them, mostly because of immobility, death of a partner, friends and being left out by children somewhat.

This question though argumentative can be explained by everyone differently. Even when i saw the question two ideas sprung out of my mind.
first approach correlates to the position (status) they enjoy with respect to the class, caste and by profession etc... which is exalted. But, this approach does not appease to my exposition of the question.

Second view i already defined as in the status they hold in our society at micro (family and community) and macro (government and different institutions) levels, which are problems, issues and challenges they face at that age. Specifying social care, economic alienation, moral challenges mental health issues and shortness of (nearly none) institutional care units/centers. (I consider this to be safe and it is mere reiteration of my prior thoughts).
Though, these problems are not only creation of families or communities but also at large institutional and involve government. Being concise i just hold "solutions" are not required we just need to focus on status they hold in society as addressed in "second" view.[/QUOTE]
Social security programs are also
for economically dependent. They will be dependent on state like they will get some monthly stipend or facilities.

But you summed it up in your last words. Your focus is on the present status of elderly while mine is on the causes and solution. I do not know for sure which one is right but it is just that if I had been present in that paper I would have attempted like this with my current level of understanding.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113272]Social security programs are also
for economically dependent. They will be dependent on state like they will get some monthly stipend or facilities.

But you summed it up in your last words. Your focus is on the present status of elderly while mine is on the causes and solution. I do not know for sure which one is right but it is just that if I had been present in that paper I would have attempted like this with my current level of understanding.[/QUOTE]

I don't think "causes and solutions" are demanded by the question. Anyways, you can write what you feel to.

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113280]I don't think "causes and solutions" are demanded by the question. Anyways, you can write what you feel to.[/QUOTE]
Hi,
I am really sorry to intrude in this discussion, but I believe that this thread might actually be one of the most insightful places on this whole forum.

I have a query, and hope you could help me out. I would like to inquire from which books/resources are you preparing for the examination? If you could just briefly describe the resources that you are consulting, it would help me immensely. Thanks

[QUOTE=WallsOfStone;1113297]Hi,
I am really sorry to intrude in this discussion, but I believe that this thread might actually be one of the most insightful places on this whole forum.

I have a query, and hope you could help me out. I would like to inquire from which books/resources are you preparing for the examination? If you could just briefly describe the resources that you are consulting, it would help me immensely. Thanks[/QUOTE]

There's nothing to be sorry about. This thread is created for the purpose to help each other out. We all are learner here!

Now for the sources that are used for preparing this subject are different for every member. I use certain book like Horton and hunt's Sociology and Internet. Other will have different sources too.

Hope it helps!

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113316]There's nothing to be sorry about. This thread is created for the purpose to help each other out. We all are learner here!

Now for the sources that are used for preparing this subject are different for every member. I use certain book like Horton and hunt's Sociology and Internet. Other will have different sources too.

Hope it helps![/QUOTE]

In my humble opinion, Sociology by John J. Macionis is the best book for complete preparation of this subject. The reasons are:
a. The book covers 90-95% of the syllabus.
b. Every topic is covered through the theoretical base of Sociology. You will need no reference from any other source because this book covers it all.
c. There are lots of researches that can be quoted in the exam.
d. The book is easy to read and concise.

e. There is one flaw, however. The book does not cover the sociological theorists in detail. They have been discussed but not enough to get you a 4-5 page answer in the exam. For this, I would recommend George Ritzer's Sociological Theory. It's a little dry, but it covers all theorists. You can always use the internet as well, like The Dream of Rain said. The internet will get you out of trouble whenever you feel that you just can't stare at a book any longer.

Hope it helps!!

Hi, I read a Question somewhere and would like your opinion about it.

[B]What kind of social control measures would one have to adopt in areas which are in the midst of an insurgency?[/B]

I would be thankful if people who share their opinion about it.

[QUOTE=WallsOfStone;1113493]Hi, I read a Question somewhere and would like your opinion about it.

[B]What kind of social control measures would one have to adopt in areas which are in the midst of an insurgency?[/B]

I would be thankful if people who share their opinion about it.[/QUOTE]

This is a tricky question, as there are some variables that must be considered here. First of all, the concept of insurgency has been widely used in Pakistan's media outlets to explain militancy in Balochistan. If we are to accept the premise that what was, and to some extent is, happening in Balochistan can be classified as insurgency, we need to be clear on how this word is defined. Insurgency is micro and macro, with micro level insurgency aimed at creating disturbances for a government through the use of fire arms. Macro level insurgency is out and out revolt aimed at overthrowing a government. Either way, insurgency is aimed at causing distress by one party towards another.
After this initial classification, we must look at the circumstances surrounding an insurgency because they too create a fork in the road we need to take to explain social control. Micro level insurgency that is initiated by violent nonstate actors solely for the purpose of promoting their anti state agenda is generally met with more disdain from the general public. The reason is that the people can discern the visible distress in the law and order situation and life in general in their area. They actively seek out a state centered solution to the problem.
The case is slightly different for micro or macro level insurgency where the people are the main actors in the uprising against the state. Social control in such cases becomes difficult to achieve. The recent example of protests in the USA after the death of George Floyd can be a case study here. The protests were staged against a key player in the state's quest for social control: the police. With the people in a state of deeply ingrained distrust, it becomes difficult to create incentives (positive reinforcement) or project punishment (negative reinforcement) to achieve social control.
The case of Balochistan also serves as an example. The lack of transparency from the Army and the State caused enough doubts in the minds of international organizations and local actors to incite a subdued and on many occasions vocal protest for the rights of people in the province.
With the concept of insurgence in mind, the question of social control in such a situation can be answered.
Theoretically, sociologists have tried to ascertain causes of deviant behavior (insurgence).Merton's Strain Theory, Durkheim's Theory of Anomie, Theory of Suicide all try to explain why the bond of an individual gets so weak with the society that he has to pick up weapons to make his voice heard. With these theories in mind, we can start to develop some responses.
1. In an area of insurgency or an area prone to insurgency, the state must make social integration a priority. The youth and adult susceptible to revolt must be educated about the causes of the issues and how they- the people are an asset for the country rather than in the hands of the militants.
2. In case of macro level insurgency, little or no social control is possible because it often arises as a result of failed or hostile state policies. While the protests in USA can not be categorized as an insurgency, there are some lessons to be learned. The first lesson is that in times of revolt against state, social control is the prerogative of the people as much as the state. Control over emotions and limits to protest must be exercised. However in cases of armed insurgency, it is difficult to attain control. The second lesson is that the use of public private partnerships can help develop healthy relationship between public and state. This can help create trust that can ultimately lead to public cooperation in times of unrest.
3. The media must be used as a tool to promote tolerance and pragmatism in the people. The aim is to create a wall between the public and harmful actors.
4. The best form of social control is effective governance. Transparency and rule of law are two of the major factors of good governance. No amount of media campaigns or education will work if the people clearly understand that their lives are miserable because of state policies. State policies must be centered around people not selfish interests. This creates a class of people (as is the case in Pakistan) who are constantly oppressed and only a few get their voices heard.
5. The police and justice system must have a humane response towards people. Even criminals must be treated justly not like they are treated in Pakistan.

This was a humble attempt to explain your query. I hope it helps!!