BSOG 176
ECONOMY AND SOCIETY
IGNOU BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment July 2024 & Jan 2025
Assignment One
Q 1. Explain substantivist approach to the understanding of economic sociology.
Ans. The substantivist approach in economic sociology provides a unique way of understanding how economies work, especially in non-industrial and traditional societies.
This approach was primarily developed by Karl Polanyi, a Hungarian economic historian and anthropologist.
His key argument was that the economy should not be viewed merely as a separate, isolated sphere driven by rational calculations and profit motives, as seen in mainstream economics.
Instead, the economy is deeply embedded in social relationships, cultural norms, and political institutions.
According to Polanyi, in many societies—particularly pre-capitalist ones—economic activities are not conducted separately from other aspects of life but are intertwined with social life, religious beliefs, kinship, and political structures.
The term “substantivist” itself is derived from the idea that economics should be studied in its “substance,” or actual, lived reality.
This is opposed to the “formal” approach of classical economics, which assumes individuals are always rational and self-interested, seeking to maximize utility or profit. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Polanyi argued that this formalist idea may apply well to market economies, especially in the modern Western world, but it does not help us understand how economies operate in traditional societies where markets may not exist or play a central role.
In these societies, economic transactions are not driven by market principles but by social obligations, religious duties, and kinship ties.
One of the major contributions of the substantivist approach is its focus on different types of economic integration: reciprocity, redistribution, and householding.
Reciprocity refers to the mutual exchange of goods and services among people based on social relationships, often among family, friends, or community members.
This type of exchange is not about profit but about maintaining social ties and mutual support.
For example, in a tribal community, a person may share their harvest with others not in expectation of money, but because it is a cultural norm that ensures collective survival and solidarity. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Redistribution, another form of economic integration, occurs when a central authority, such as a chief, king, or state, collects resources from members of a society and then redistributes them according to custom or need.
This is not market-based but guided by social and political arrangements.
An example would be a tribal leader who collects grain or cattle from various households and then redistributes them during festivals, wars, or famines.
Here, the motive is not individual gain, but social stability and collective well-being.
The third form, householding, refers to the self-sufficient production and consumption within a household or family unit.
In this system, economic activities revolve around fulfilling the needs of the household rather than engaging in trade or profit-making.
This was common in agrarian societies where families grew their own food, made their own clothes, and built their own homes, with little reliance on external markets.
The substantivist approach also emphasizes the embeddedness of the economy. This means that economic behavior cannot be understood separately from the cultural and social context in which it occurs.
In traditional societies, economic decisions are often made based on religious rules, moral values, family obligations, or community expectations.
Even in modern societies, although markets and money dominate, social relationships, trust, and networks still play a vital role in shaping economic outcomes. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For instance, people may prefer to do business with someone they trust, even if another person offers a cheaper deal.
This shows that even in capitalist economies, economic behavior is not entirely governed by logic or profit motives.
Polanyi’s work was also a critique of the idea that markets are natural and universal. He argued that the free market is not a timeless institution but a product of specific historical developments, particularly in Western Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The market economy had to be created through legal reforms, land enclosures, and the commodification of labor and resources.
it did not emerge naturally but was imposed through policies and state intervention. In contrast, in many traditional societies, markets either do not exist or play a minor role, and the economy is organized through other means.
The substantivist approach opened the door for anthropologists and sociologists to study economies in diverse societies without imposing Western economic models on them.
It allowed for a more holistic and culturally sensitive understanding of how people produce, exchange, and distribute goods.
It showed that economic life cannot be separated from social life and that values like sharing, duty, and kinship often matter more than profit and efficiency.
However, the substantivist approach is not without criticism. Some scholars argue that it overly romanticizes traditional societies and underestimates the role of rational calculation in all economic systems.
Others claim that the distinction between formal and substantive economics can be too rigid, ignoring the fact that most societies include a mix of market and non-market exchanges. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For example, even in traditional societies, people may engage in trade and make decisions based on self-interest.
Similarly, in modern economies, social norms and relationships continue to influence economic choices.
Despite these critiques, the substantivist approach remains valuable for challenging the idea that capitalism and market rationality are the only ways to understand economic behavior.
Q 2. Discuss the sociological concept of rationality and economic behaviour.
Ans. The sociological concept of rationality and economic behavior is deeply rooted in the study of how individuals and groups make decisions in the context of social structures, cultural norms, and historical influences.
Unlike traditional economic theories that often assume people always act logically to maximize profits or utility, sociology takes a broader and more realistic view.
It understands rationality not just as a mental calculation of costs and benefits, but as a socially shaped process. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Sociologists believe that what people consider “rational” depends greatly on their environment, values, relationships, and the larger society they live in.
This perspective opens up a much richer and more human understanding of why people behave the way they do in economic settings.
At the center of this discussion is the idea that economic behavior cannot be separated from its social context. People do not make decisions in a vacuum.
Their choices are influenced by family traditions, religious beliefs, peer pressure, community expectations, and even emotional bonds.
For example, a shopkeeper in a small village might sell goods at lower prices to neighbors not because it makes the most financial sense, but because maintaining good relationships is more important to him than maximizing profit.
In this case, his behavior may not appear economically rational in the narrow sense, but it is deeply rational in a social sense.
He is valuing trust, respect, and long-term cooperation, which are all essential in his social setting. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Sociologist Max Weber made a significant contribution to our understanding of rationality. He distinguished between different types of rationality, particularly formal rationality and substantive rationality.
Formal rationality is based on rules, logic, and efficiency. It is the kind of rationality that drives modern bureaucracies and capitalist economies.
Decisions are made based on measurable outcomes and the goal is often profit or productivity. On the other hand, substantive rationality takes into account the values, ethics, and broader goals of life.
For instance, someone may choose not to invest in a profitable company if it harms the environment or treats workers unfairly. Here, the decision is still rational, but it is guided by moral values rather than economic efficiency.
This distinction helps us see that rational behavior can take many forms depending on what people care about.
In traditional societies, substantive rationality may be more common, where people act in ways that align with their cultural values or religious teachings.
In contrast, modern capitalist societies often promote formal rationality, where success is measured in numbers—sales, profits, and productivity.
However, even in modern societies, people do not always follow the formal rational model. Emotional, moral, and social factors still influence decisions in business, shopping, investments, and everyday spending.
Another important sociological idea related to rationality is the concept of “bounded rationality.” Coined by Herbert Simon, this idea suggests that people do not have perfect knowledge or unlimited time to make decisions.
Instead, they make choices based on limited information and within the constraints of their social environment. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For example, a farmer may not switch to a more profitable crop because he lacks the knowledge, resources, or support to do so.
His decision may not be the most efficient, but it is rational given his circumstances.
This approach respects the complexity of human life and acknowledges that people often do the best they can with what they have.
Sociologists also emphasize the role of norms and institutions in shaping economic behavior.
Norms are unwritten rules that guide behavior, while institutions are established systems and structures like markets, governments, and religious organizations.
These forces shape what people see as appropriate or desirable actions.
For example, in some cultures, saving money is considered a virtue, while in others, spending to display wealth may be more socially acceptable.
Likewise, institutions like the banking system, taxation rules, or labor laws influence how people manage their finances or seek employment.
What looks like an individual decision is often deeply influenced by these broader forces. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Rationality in economic behavior can also be seen in the way people use social networks. Trust and relationships often play a key role in business and trade.
A person might choose to buy from a friend or relative even if it costs more, or lend money to someone in their community without expecting interest, because social ties matter.
These actions may seem irrational from a purely financial perspective, but they are rational when viewed through the lens of social solidarity and mutual support.
Sociologists argue that such behaviors help maintain social order and strengthen communities.
Furthermore, the rise of consumer culture has added another layer to how rationality is understood in economic behavior.
People today often buy goods not just for their use, but to express identity, gain social status, or experience pleasure.
Advertising and media play a huge role in shaping desires and influencing choices. A teenager buying an expensive brand of shoes may be acting rationally if her goal is to fit in or gain respect among peers.
Her decision is not irrational—it simply follows a different logic, one rooted in social meaning rather than pure utility. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
In addition, sociological studies have shown how economic behavior is shaped by inequality and access to resources.
Poorer individuals may make different choices not because they lack rationality, but because they face different constraints.
A low-income family might choose a payday loan with high interest not out of ignorance, but because it is the only available option.
Sociologists stress the importance of understanding these structural factors instead of blaming individuals for their choices.
In this way, economic behavior is not just about personal rationality but also about the opportunities and limitations shaped by society.
Assignment Two
Q 3. Discuss the concept of gift.
Ans. The concept of a gift may seem simple at first—a thing given without expecting anything in return—but when examined closely, especially through a sociological and anthropological lens, it carries deep meaning and complexity.
A gift is not just about the object exchanged, but also about the relationship between the giver and the receiver. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
In many cultures, giving a gift is a way of building social bonds, expressing emotions, showing respect, or fulfilling a duty.
It’s not always about generosity in a material sense; often, it’s a symbol of trust, connection, or even obligation.
Sociologists and anthropologists have studied gift-giving not just as a personal gesture but as a powerful social practice that binds communities together.
One of the most influential thinkers on the topic of gifts was Marcel Mauss, a French sociologist, who in his famous essay The Gift, argued that gifts are never truly free.
According to Mauss, gift-giving in traditional societies involves a cycle of giving, receiving, and repaying. This cycle creates a social relationship that obligates the receiver to respond in some way.
Not returning a gift can harm relationships or signal disrespect. In this sense, gifts create a kind of moral contract, even if nothing is written or spoken.
Mauss observed this practice in tribal societies, where exchanges were not only about goods but also about honor, reputation, and social ties.
Gift-giving also plays an important role in modern societies. We give gifts during birthdays, weddings, festivals, or even just as a gesture of love or friendship.
These acts may seem personal, but they are often shaped by cultural expectations.
For example, not bringing a gift to a wedding might be seen as rude.
At the same time, the act of giving can also carry emotional meaning.
A handmade gift may show more thought and effort than an expensive one, which means the value of a gift isn’t always material—it can be emotional, symbolic, or social. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
In some cases, gifts can even be used to gain power or influence. For example, in business or politics, gift-giving can sometimes blur the line between generosity and bribery.
This shows that gifts are not always innocent; they can have hidden intentions or consequences.
Overall, the concept of the gift is deeply human—it reflects how we connect, share, and express ourselves in the social world.
Q 4. Examine the relationship between economics and sociology.
Ans. The relationship between economics and sociology is both close and complex, as both disciplines deal with human behavior, society, and the ways people interact with each other.
Economics mainly focuses on how people produce, distribute, and consume goods and services, often based on the idea that individuals act rationally to maximize their personal benefit.
Sociology, on the other hand, looks at the social structures, cultural norms, and group behaviors that shape human actions.
While economics often uses models and numbers to understand choices, sociology tries to understand the deeper social reasons behind those choices.
Despite their different approaches, both fields are deeply connected and can offer valuable insights when studied together.
One of the most important connections between economics and sociology is the way both try to understand human decision-making.
Economists may say that people make decisions based on logic and self-interest, but sociologists show that many decisions are also influenced by social relationships, traditions, values, and community expectations.
For example, someone may choose a job not just for salary, but because of family expectations, job security, or social respect.
In this case, sociology helps us see that economic behavior is not always purely individual or profit-driven—it’s also shaped by society.
Another key point of connection is the idea of inequality. Both economists and sociologists study poverty, wealth distribution, and class differences, but their methods and focus may differ. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Economists might look at income levels, employment rates, or market forces. Sociologists, meanwhile, explore how gender, race, caste, education, and social background affect a person’s opportunities.
Sociology helps us understand the hidden social factors behind economic outcomes.
This combination of perspectives gives us a fuller, more human understanding of inequality and its impact on people’s lives.
Moreover, economic systems themselves are social institutions. Capitalism, socialism, and other systems don’t just function through money and markets—they are shaped by laws, culture, historical developments, and political forces.
Sociology helps us see how these systems evolve and how they affect different groups in society.
For example, labor relations, consumer behavior, and even advertising are influenced by social factors as much as economic ones.
Q 5. Examine the dimensions of capitalism.
Ans. Capitalism is an economic system that has shaped much of the modern world, and it comes with several important dimensions that go beyond just buying and selling. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
At its core, capitalism is based on private ownership of resources and the means of production, where individuals or companies produce goods and services to make a profit.
But capitalism is not just about economics—it also involves social, political, and cultural aspects that influence how people live and interact.
Understanding the dimensions of capitalism helps us see how deeply it affects our daily lives and society as a whole.
The first and most obvious dimension of capitalism is economic. This includes features like the free market, competition, private property, wage labor, and the profit motive.
In a capitalist economy, goods and services are produced for exchange in markets, and prices are determined by supply and demand.
Individuals and companies compete with one another to earn profits, and people work for wages to earn a living.
The goal for most businesses is to increase productivity and profits, which often drives innovation and economic growth.
The second dimension is social. Capitalism influences social relationships, class structures, and lifestyles. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
It creates a division between those who own the means of production (like factories, land, or capital) and those who sell their labor to survive.
This creates classes such as capitalists, workers, and the middle class.
Over time, capitalism has changed how people relate to each other—workplaces, consumer habits, and even family life are shaped by economic pressures and values.
Social mobility is often seen as possible in capitalist societies, but inequality is also a major concern.
The third dimension is political. Capitalism is usually associated with democratic systems and individual freedoms, but it also raises questions about power and control.
Wealth can influence political decisions, as businesses and wealthy individuals often have a strong say in government policies. Issues like lobbying, campaign funding, and privatization show how capitalism and politics are connected.
At the same time, governments often intervene in capitalist economies through regulations, taxes, or welfare programs to correct imbalances and protect public interests.
Assignment Three
Q 6. What is the medium of exchange in agricultural societies?
Ans. In agricultural societies, the medium of exchange was often very different from what we see in modern economies today.
Before the invention of money, people in agricultural communities mainly relied on the barter system. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
This meant they exchanged goods and services directly—like trading a basket of wheat for a jug of milk or offering farming labor in return for a share of the harvest.
The value of goods was usually determined by their usefulness and necessity in everyday life.
Items such as grains, cattle, salt, and tools sometimes acted as early forms of currency because they were widely needed and easily traded.
As agricultural societies grew more complex and began to specialize in different kinds of work, barter became harder, especially when people couldn’t find a perfect match for what they wanted and what they had to offer.
This problem led to the gradual use of specific items that held recognized value—these could be cowrie shells, metal pieces, or even weights of grain—which started to act as a more standard medium of exchange.
These early “currencies” helped make trade more flexible and efficient.
Overall, the medium of exchange in agricultural societies evolved from simple, direct barter to more organized systems, laying the foundation for the use of money in later civilizations.
Q 7. What is pomology?
Ans. Pomology is the branch of botany that deals with the study and cultivation of fruit. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
It focuses on the science behind fruit trees and plants, including their growth, development, classification, and the methods used to improve fruit quality and production.
The word “pomology” comes from the Latin word pomum, which means fruit.
Pomologists work to understand different varieties of fruits, their nutritional values, how they adapt to different climates, and how to protect them from diseases and pests.
This field plays an important role in agriculture, especially in regions where fruit farming is a major part of the economy.
Pomology also involves researching new techniques to increase yield, enhance taste, extend shelf life, and improve resistance to environmental stress or disease.
Through this research, pomologists help farmers grow better fruit crops and meet the needs of consumers and markets.
They also focus on sustainable practices that protect the soil and environment while producing healthy and high-quality fruits.
Fruits like apples, oranges, mangoes, grapes, and bananas are just a few examples of what pomologists study. Their work supports both small-scale farmers and large agricultural industries.
In short, pomology is not just about growing fruit—it is about understanding the science behind it to ensure better harvests, healthier produce, and a more sustainable future. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Q 8. What is Asiatic mode of production?
Ans. The Asiatic Mode of Production is a concept used in Marxist theory to describe a specific form of social and economic organization that was believed to exist in ancient Asian societies.
This idea was introduced by Karl Marx and later developed by other thinkers. According to Marx, the Asiatic mode of production was different from the feudal or capitalist systems seen in Europe.
It was mainly found in societies like ancient India, China, and parts of the Middle East.
In this system, land was typically owned by the state or the ruler, not by individual farmers.
The peasants worked the land and paid taxes or tributes to the ruling class, often in the form of grain or labor.
There was usually a centralized state authority, such as a king or emperor, who controlled irrigation systems, land distribution, and law and order.
Because the economy heavily depended on agriculture and irrigation, the state played a crucial role in managing water resources, especially in river valley civilizations. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
One key feature of the Asiatic mode of production is that it limited social mobility and change.
Since the state controlled most of the resources, there was little room for the development of private property or a strong capitalist class. Overall, it was a stable but rigid system that lasted for centuries in many parts of Asia.
Q 9. Describe the demerits of globalization.
Ans. Globalization, while bringing many benefits like faster communication, economic growth, and cultural exchange, also has several demerits that affect different sections of society in various ways.
One major disadvantage is the widening gap between rich and poor.
While multinational companies and wealthy nations benefit the most from global trade and investment, poorer countries and underprivileged communities often struggle to compete, leading to increased economic inequality.
Another major concern is the loss of local culture and identity.
As global media, fashion, and consumer habits spread, traditional customs, languages, and lifestyles can slowly disappear.
This cultural homogenization often favors Western values and products, making local cultures feel less important or outdated. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Globalization also encourages exploitation of labor. In the rush to cut costs and increase profits, many companies shift their factories to countries with cheap labor, weak labor laws, and poor working conditions.
Workers, including children, are often underpaid and overworked, with limited rights or protections.
Additionally, globalization leads to environmental damage. As industries grow and global transportation increases, so do pollution, deforestation, and carbon emissions.
Developing countries, in particular, bear the brunt of this environmental burden due to weak regulations.
Lastly, globalization can make economies more vulnerable to global crises, like financial crashes or pandemics, which spread quickly and affect nations worldwide, especially the weaker ones.
Q 10. What is Olericulture?
Ans. Olericulture is a branch of horticulture that deals with the cultivation, production, storage, and marketing of vegetables.
The word comes from the Latin oleris, meaning vegetables.
It focuses on all types of vegetable crops, including leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, root crops like carrots and radishes, and fruit vegetables like tomatoes, brinjals, and cucumbers. BSOG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Olericulture covers every stage of vegetable farming—from selecting the right seeds and preparing the soil to planting, irrigating, protecting against pests and diseases, harvesting, and even packaging the vegetables for sale.
It also includes studying how to improve vegetable quality, increase yield, extend shelf life, and make production more sustainable.
This field is very important because vegetables are a key part of a healthy diet and provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Olericulture helps ensure that vegetables are grown efficiently and safely, meeting the needs of both farmers and consumers.
In modern times, with the growing demand for fresh, organic, and local produce, olericulture has gained more attention.
It also supports rural employment and contributes to the agricultural economy. In short, olericulture is the science and practice behind the vegetables we eat every day, helping to put nutritious food on our plates.
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