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Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, was the first social scientist t
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14 Oct 2025, 01:33
14 Oct 2025, 01:33
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Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, was the first social scientist to introduce and to use the concept of sociological realism. Of course, the idea of sociological realism was present in the writings of many of his predecessors. But, Durkheim used it not only as a conceptual tool but also as a perspective. His analysis of this concept bolstered the foundations of positivistic and functionalist traditions in sociology. What does Durkheim mean by sociological realism? When members of a society enter into a definite relationship, something more than an aggregate comes into existence. And, this reality, in due course of time, becomes independent of its constituent parts - the individual members. Thus, this perspective of social reality has been termed as sociological realism.
1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
(A) Social scientists understood the idea of sociological realism.
(B) Emile Durkheim's predecessors did not have a holistic approach to sociological realism.
(C) Durkheim is the proponent of sociological realism.
(D) Earlier, there was no positive approach to sociology.
(E) Members of a society have a clear picture about their roles in society.
2. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
(A) Sociological Realism: A Modern Perspective.
(B) Positivism: A Tested Concept in Sociology.
(C) Definite Relationship: A Strong Social Bond.
(D) Emilie Durkheim: A Pioneer Sociologist.
(E) Sociology: A Tool to Study Society.
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Re: Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, was the first social scientist t
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14 Oct 2025, 22:41
14 Oct 2025, 22:41
On behalf of Career Launcher, we would like to suggest:-
For Q.1 Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
Correct Answer: (C) Durkheim is the proponent of sociological realism.
Let's understand it better why?
Because:
The passage clearly says Durkheim “was the first social scientist to introduce and to use the concept of sociological realism.”
That means he wasn’t just repeating others’ ideas — he established and developed the concept in a systematic, scientific manner.
Hence, he is rightly called the proponent of sociological realism.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Social scientists understood the idea of sociological realism.
→ The passage never says all social scientists understood it. It only says the idea existed in the works of Durkheim’s predecessors — not that they clearly understood or formalized it.
(B) Emile Durkheim's predecessors did not have a holistic approach to sociological realism.
→ The passage doesn’t comment on whether their approach was holistic or partial. It only says Durkheim used the concept more systematically.
(D) Earlier, there was no positive approach to sociology.
→ Incorrect because the passage says Durkheim strengthened positivism — not that it didn’t exist earlier.
(E) Members of a society have a clear picture about their roles in society.
→ The passage is about sociological realism, not about individual role clarity. This is outside the scope of what’s discussed.
For Q2. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
Correct Answer: (D) Emile Durkheim: A Pioneer Sociologist.
Let's understand it better why?
Because:
The passage mainly revolves around Durkheim’s contribution — how he introduced and applied the concept of sociological realism, and how his work supported key traditions in sociology.
So, the best title highlights Durkheim himself as the central figure.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Sociological Realism: A Modern Perspective.
→ The passage doesn’t discuss modern perspectives; it’s historical and conceptual. So “modern” is misleading.
(B) Positivism: A Tested Concept in Sociology.
→ Positivism is only mentioned briefly as one of the traditions strengthened by Durkheim — it’s not the main focus.
(C) Definite Relationship: A Strong Social Bond.
→ This refers to one example from the passage, but it’s too narrow and doesn’t capture the main theme of Durkheim’s theoretical contribution.
(E) Sociology: A Tool to Study Society.
→ Too broad and generic. The passage is about a specific sociological idea, not sociology as a whole.
For Q.1 Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
Correct Answer: (C) Durkheim is the proponent of sociological realism.
Let's understand it better why?
Because:
The passage clearly says Durkheim “was the first social scientist to introduce and to use the concept of sociological realism.”
That means he wasn’t just repeating others’ ideas — he established and developed the concept in a systematic, scientific manner.
Hence, he is rightly called the proponent of sociological realism.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Social scientists understood the idea of sociological realism.
→ The passage never says all social scientists understood it. It only says the idea existed in the works of Durkheim’s predecessors — not that they clearly understood or formalized it.
(B) Emile Durkheim's predecessors did not have a holistic approach to sociological realism.
→ The passage doesn’t comment on whether their approach was holistic or partial. It only says Durkheim used the concept more systematically.
(D) Earlier, there was no positive approach to sociology.
→ Incorrect because the passage says Durkheim strengthened positivism — not that it didn’t exist earlier.
(E) Members of a society have a clear picture about their roles in society.
→ The passage is about sociological realism, not about individual role clarity. This is outside the scope of what’s discussed.
For Q2. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
Correct Answer: (D) Emile Durkheim: A Pioneer Sociologist.
Let's understand it better why?
Because:
The passage mainly revolves around Durkheim’s contribution — how he introduced and applied the concept of sociological realism, and how his work supported key traditions in sociology.
So, the best title highlights Durkheim himself as the central figure.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Sociological Realism: A Modern Perspective.
→ The passage doesn’t discuss modern perspectives; it’s historical and conceptual. So “modern” is misleading.
(B) Positivism: A Tested Concept in Sociology.
→ Positivism is only mentioned briefly as one of the traditions strengthened by Durkheim — it’s not the main focus.
(C) Definite Relationship: A Strong Social Bond.
→ This refers to one example from the passage, but it’s too narrow and doesn’t capture the main theme of Durkheim’s theoretical contribution.
(E) Sociology: A Tool to Study Society.
→ Too broad and generic. The passage is about a specific sociological idea, not sociology as a whole.
gmatclubot
Re: Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, was the first social scientist t [#permalink]
14 Oct 2025, 22:41
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