Question
Who has argued that an empirical sociology of Indian society is not possible ?
The correct answer is
A.K. Saran
Sociology Critique: A.K. Saran on Indian Society
The argument that an empirical sociology of Indian society is not possible was primarily advanced by A.K. Saran.
A.K. Saran's Core Argument
A.K. Saran contended that the prevailing empirical and positivist methodologies, largely derived from Western sociological traditions, were ill-suited to capture the unique essence of Indian society. His reasoning included:
- Indian society possesses a distinct philosophical and spiritual dimension that Western empirical methods, focused on observable phenomena and materialism, cannot adequately address.
- Applying these external frameworks risks distorting or failing to understand the true nature of Indian social reality.
- Saran suggested that a sociology relevant to India should be grounded in its own indigenous philosophical traditions and values, rather than relying solely on Western paradigms.
Therefore, he questioned the feasibility and appropriateness of establishing an empirical sociology for India based on methods developed elsewhere.
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Important Questions from Indian Sociologists
- Who has stressed the term Collective Conscience for studying Society ?
- Who says "Caste forms an institutionalized social stratification in Indian society but principle associated with class also plays an important role" ?
- Among the following who says that Indian nationalism is the outcome of the new material conditions and social forces that had emerged in Indian society by British conquest ?
Match List – I with List – II :
List – I (Approaches) List – II (Authors) a. Dialectical Approach i. S.C. Dube b. Functional Approach ii. G.S. Ghurye c. Indological Approach iii. N.K. Bose d. Civilisational Approach iv. D.P. Mukerji
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :- Who is of the opinion that even for understanding change in Indian society study of its traditions is essential ?
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