Question

Which of the following statement is FALSE?

• A. Contraceptive methods which may be quite suitable for one group may be unsuitable for another, because of different cultural patterns.
• B. The social obstetric problems in India, differ from the social obstetric problems in the developed countries, because of cultural factors.
• C. Studying the cultural patterns relating to child-bearing might be useful in promoting acceptance and utilization of obstetric and paediatric services by the community.
• D. The traditions affecting habits related to cleanliness, eating, clothing, and child care are unaffected by cultural factors.

Hint:

In social sciences, be wary of absolute statements using words like "all," "none," or "unaffected." Human behavior and culture are complex and rarely fit into such rigid categories. The false statement is often the one that makes the strongest, most inflexible claim.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Analyze each statement for its validity in the context of sociology and public health. Step 1:

(A) True. Cultural and religious beliefs heavily influence the acceptance and suitability of contraceptive methods (e.g., natural family planning vs. artificial methods).
(B) True. Social issues related to childbirth in India (e.g., early marriage, preference for male child, role of family) differ significantly from those in developed countries due to cultural, social, and economic factors.
(C) True. Understanding cultural beliefs about pregnancy and childbirth is essential for designing effective maternal and child health programs that are acceptable to the community.
(D) False. This statement is a sweeping generalization. Traditions and culture are powerful forces that profoundly affect daily habits, including hygiene practices (cleanliness), dietary rules (eating), traditional attire (clothing), and child-rearing practices (child care).
Step 2: Identify the false statement.
Step 2: Statement (D) makes the absolute claim that traditions are "unaffected by cultural factors," which is incorrect. Culture is the very source of these traditions. The statement likely meant to say these habits are unaffected *by modern medicine* or some other factor, but as written, it claims they are unaffected by culture itself, which is a contradiction. The core assertion is false.