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Social Stratification & Major Works of Max Weber

Social Stratification is a concept involving the classification of people into groups based on shared socio-economic condition, a relational set of inequalities with economic lead to greater status, power in privilege for some groups over the other, it is called Social stratification." How do wealth and income cause stratification in society? Unequal Distribution of Resources: Income: Income refers to the money received through wages, salaries, or investments. Disparities in income mean that some individuals and groups have significantly more financial resources than others.  This unequal distribution affects access to essential goods and services, such as housing, healthcare, education, and nutritious food.    Wealth: Wealth encompasses the total value of assets, including property, investments, and savings. Wealth is often inherited, which can perpetuate inequality across generations.    Those with greater wealth have increased opportunities for investment, fu...

Core Sociological Theory & Some important books

Core Sociological Theory

"Sociological Theory" by George Ritzer: A comprehensive overview of major sociological theories, both classical and contemporary. It's known for its clear explanations and in-depth analysis.

"Sociology: Themes and Perspectives" by Haralambos: A classic textbook that covers a wide range of sociological concepts and perspectives. It's helpful for building a strong foundation in the subject.

"The Sociological Imagination" by C. Wright Mills: This book explores the connection between personal experiences and larger social structures. It's a foundational text for understanding the sociological perspective.

Key Thinkers and Their Works

Karl Marx:

  • "The Communist Manifesto" (with Friedrich Engels): A foundational text on class struggle and historical materialism.
  • "Das Kapital": Marx's critique of capitalism and its inner workings.
Emile Durkheim:

  • "The Division of Labor in Society": Examines the development of social cohesion in modern societies.
  • "Suicide": A classic study of social integration and its impact on suicide rates.
Max Weber:

  • "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism": Examines the relationship between religious beliefs and economic development.
  • "Economy and Society": A comprehensive work on Weber's sociological theory, including his concepts of bureaucracy, power, and social stratification.
Talcott Parsons:

  • "The Structure of Social Action": A major work in structural functionalism, focusing on social systems and their components.
Robert K. Merton:

  • "Social Theory and Social Structure": Introduces key concepts like manifest and latent functions, and strain theory.
Indian Sociological Thought

  • "Indian Sociological Thought" by B.K. Nagla: A comprehensive overview of Indian sociologists and their contributions.
  • Works by M.N. Srinivas, S.C. Dube, Andre Beteille, and other prominent Indian sociologists: Focus on their studies of Indian society, caste, village life, and social change.
  • Additional Resources

Tips for Studying

Prioritize key thinkers: Focus on understanding the major contributions of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and other influential sociologists.
Connect theory to real-world examples: Apply sociological concepts and theories to contemporary social issues and events.
Practice with past papers: Solve previous years' UGC NET Sociology question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Stay updated on current social issues: Read newspapers, journals, and online resources to keep abreast of current social trends and debates.
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the most important books and authors for the UGC NET Sociology exam. Focus on understanding the core concepts and theories, and you'll be well on your way to success.

Students preparing for UGC NET are like a honey bee that needs nectar from every flower, meaning every syllabus book is like a flower that must be read.

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