Question

Identify any personal problems that you or your friends or relatives are facing. Attempt a sociological understanding.

Answer 1

Note: Any answer supported with argument or explanation would solve the purpose.

One sample answer has been provided to you:

My uncle and aunt are looking for a groom for my cousin. They are looking for a boy who is well-qualified, government officer, decent and has a good family background.

However, my cousin wants a well-natured husband who might not be a government officer. She is looking for someone who would provide her freedom to pursue her career and allow her to live the way she wants to. Her family wants a government officer who can make them feel socially and financially strong. They also want the boy to be of the same community because of social pressure, but my cousin wants a loving husband irrespective of his community background.

In the above example, it is clear that personal choice is often affected by one’s individual needs and thoughts.

The girl holds modern thinking and does not believe in the barrier of caste or community to find a soul mate. Her views are shaped by the changing environment of her workplace and peer group. On the other hand, her parents are affected by their community and feel the pressure from society to find a son-in-law who belongs to their own social group. The views/opinions of the parents mentioned above are formed by the pressure of society and the wish to have a government officer as their son-in-law arises from their own need. Therefore, we can say that our needs and opinions or views are formed by the various institutions of society, such as work places, peer groups, etc.