Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Joking relationship may be indicative of natural reciprocity and equality. Reason (R): Joking relationship cannot be indicative of potential sexual relationship. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Joking relationships help maintain social harmony and equality, but in some societies they may also involve symbolic sexual references or marriage-related implications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: A joking relationship is a special social relationship recognized in anthropology where two individuals or groups are permitted to tease, joke, mock, or behave informally with one another without causing offense. Such relationships:
• Reduce social tension,
• Promote social harmony,
• Express familiarity and equality,
• Regulate interpersonal behavior. Anthropologists such as A.R. Radcliffe-Brown studied joking relationships extensively.

Step 1: Analyzing Assertion (A). Assertion (A) states: \[ \text{Joking relationship may be indicative of natural reciprocity and equality.} \] This statement is correct. In many societies:
• Joking relationships occur between relatives,
• Mutual teasing indicates closeness,
• Informality reflects social equality and reciprocity. Such relationships reduce tension and strengthen solidarity. Therefore: \[ \text{Assertion (A) is correct.} \]

Step 2: Analyzing Reason (R). Reason (R) states: \[ \text{Joking relationship cannot be indicative of potential sexual relationship.} \] This statement is incorrect. Anthropological studies show that in some societies joking relationships may actually contain:
• Sexual symbolism,
• Marriage implications,
• Potential sexual references,
• Courtship-related interaction. Therefore, it is wrong to say joking relationships can never indicate potential sexual relationships. Hence: \[ \text{Reason (R) is incorrect.} \]

Step 3: Determining the correct logical relationship. We found: \[ (A) = \text{Correct} \] \[ (R) = \text{Incorrect} \] Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) (A) is correct but (R) is not correct}} \]

Step 4: Final conclusion. Thus, the correct answer becomes: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) (A) is correct but (R) is not correct}} \]