MANE-006 IGNOU Solved Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for MANE-006: Social Stratification

MANE-006: Social Stratification is a core component of IGNOU’s Master’s in Anthropology (MAAN) curriculum, designed to critically examine the structural inequalities embedded in societies. This course explores the theoretical foundations, empirical manifestations, and socio-political implications of stratification across dimensions such as caste, class, gender, ethnicity, and race. Through interdisciplinary lenses—drawing from sociology, political science, and anthropology—students analyze how stratification systems shape access to resources, power, and social mobility. The solved assignment for this course ensures students master the nuanced application of frameworks like Marxist, Weberian, and postcolonial theories while adhering to IGNOU’s academic rigor, thereby preparing them to engage rigorously with real-world policy debates on equity and inclusion.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: Introduction to Social Stratification: Defines stratification as a systemic hierarchy, contrasting it with social inequality, and introduces key concepts like status, power, and privilege within anthropological and sociological paradigms.
• Block-2: Bases of Social Stratification: Dissects the functionalist and conflict theories of stratification, emphasizing how economic, political, and cultural capital reinforce social divisions across historical periods.
• Block-4: Caste and Class: Compares caste systems (e.g., Indian hierarchies) with class structures (e.g., Marxist models), analyzing their interplay in shaping mobility, discrimination, and institutional exclusion.
• Block-6: Gender and Stratification: Examines gendered stratification through intersectional lenses, critiquing patriarchal structures, labor disparities, and the role of cultural norms in perpetuating inequality.
• Block-8: Towards Equity and Equality: Evaluates global and local policies addressing stratification, including affirmative action, social welfare programs, and participatory governance models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the word limit for Section A (theoretical questions) in MANE-006’s TMA for the 2026-27 session?
A: Section A requires a strict 500-word response per question, while Section B (case studies/practicals) adheres to 250 words per question—both must be cited with IGNOU-approved references.

Q: How many marks are allocated to the TMA in the final grade for MANE-006, and what is the passing criterion?
A: The TMA carries 30% weightage in the final grade card, and a minimum of 40% marks across all sections are required to pass the assignment component for the 2026-27 session.