UPSC Mains Exam - Sociology

 

UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2020

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-1)

Marks: 250    Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Section-A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words ench. 

(a) How did the intellectual forces lead to the emergence of sociology ?Discuss. 

(b) Is sociology a value-free science ? Discuss. 

(c) Methodology is a system of rules, principles and procedures, which forms. scientific investigation. Comment.

(d) 'Ideal Types of Max Weber are mental constructs, they do not correspond to the reality. Give your views. 

(e) Analyse the relevance of 'Pattern variables' in the study of social change. 

Q2.(a) What are the reactions of R.K. Merton to the functionalism of social anthropologists ? Bring out the limitations of latent functions. 

(b) How are Hierarchy and Exclusion the major impediments in the transformation of societies ? Discuss. 

(c) Explain democracy as an order of society. What are the factors preventing people's participation in politics? 

Q3.(a) Capitalism has brought  increasing informalisation of work in society.Substantiate your answer.

(b) Critically Analyse Durkheim's views on elementary forms of religious life and role of religion Also discuss the consequences of religious revivalism in contemporary society.

(c) Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system in modern Indian society.

Q4.(a) Is humanity at the mercy of Nature, Science and Technology ? Comment in the light of pandemic situation.

(b) According to Durkheim, "The major function of education is the transmission of society's norms and values." Discuss.

(c) Critically assess social mobility in closed and open systems. 

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following Questions in about 150 words each : 

(a) In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing India ? Comment.

(b) Discuss the importance and sources of hypothesis in social research. 

(c)  What are the problems in observing social facts in Durkheim's views?

(d) State the reasons for the various religious beliefs and practices in pre-modern societies.

(e) Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society? Comments.

Q6.(a) Discuss the new labour codes and their impact on formal and informal labour in India.

(b) According to Mills, "Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms." Comment.

(c) Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of social survey method in social research.

Q7.(a) Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss.

(b) Phenomenological perspectives in sociology reject many of the assumptions of positivism. Comment. 

(c) Critically assess the Marxian theory of 'Alienation'." 

Q8.(a) How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? 

(b) What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of society?

(c) Examine how social movements come to an end. Illustrate with examples.

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-2)

Marks: 250    Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Section-A

Q1. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words cach : 

(a) Elaborate A. R. Desai's perspective to the study of Indian society. 

(b) "Banning practice of 'Sati' is attributed to annihilation of a major social evil in colonial India." Comment.

(c) How do you justify Dumont's deliberate stress on ideology that produce intellectualized account of Indian society? 

(d) Explain the definitional problems concerning the tribal communities in India. 

(e) "Secularism was an outcome of 20th century humanistic radicalism." Comment on this statement. 

Q2.(a) "Indian caste system is unique and has been unhealthy for the growth of sociology of India." How far do you agree with this view? 

(b) Discuss Whitehead's contention that caste has potential to displace class and colonial contradiction. 

(c) "Indian rural society is a faction-ridden society." Discuss. 

Q3.(a) Examine the colonial policy of segregation of tribes under the Government of India Act, 1935. 

(b)  Discuss the dynamics of 'migrant workers' in India in the context of Corona pandemic. 

(c) How does Andre Beteille justify 'middle class in India? 

Q4.(a) Discuss the conceptual issues about lineage and descent in India. Give suitable illustrations, 

(b) Analyze household dimensions of family in India. 

(c) Write a note on cultural pluralism in multi-peligious society like India. 

Section-B

Q5. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each : 

(a) Point out the benefits of 'green chemistry' for agrarian transformation in India.

(b) Analyze the issues related to the citizenship in contemporary India. Give suitable illustrations. 

(c) Give an account of the consequences and remedies of chronic malnutrition in India.

(d) How does the New Education Policy, 2020 aim to eradicate disparities in the system of education in India? 

(e) What do you understand by democratic federalism? How does it promote decentralization of power in India? 

Q6.(a) Discuss in detail the main issues of development planning in mixed economy like India 

(b) Do you think MSP (Minimum Support Price) Scheme for ag can help in rural development? Elaborate your response with suitable examples. 

(c) How can skill development programme induce social change? Illustrated 

Q7.(a) Elaborate the causes, consequences and other concerns of growth of urban settlements in India. 

(b) Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on Climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements arising out of it. 

(c) Are the contemporary farmers' movements in India changing their course? Discuss. 

Q8.(a) Colonial administrators helped to construct the very traditionalism which marked the Indian society as "backward'. Comment critically. 

(b) What were the salient features of the India's Population Policy (2000)? How far its goals have been achieved? 

(c) Point out the main causes of child labour' in India. How far the State policies have succeeded in its elimination? 

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UPSC Mains Exam 2019

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-1)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                              Time Allowed: 3 Hours

 

Section-A

Q1 Answer the following question in about 150 Words each : 10x5=50

(a) Discuss the historical antecedents of the emergence of Sociology as a discipline. 10 Marks
(b) Davis and Moore made it clear that social stratification is a functional necessity and also an unconscious device. Discuss. 10 Marks
(c) What is the Marxist concept of ‘fetishism of commodities’? 10 Marks
(d) Present a sociological review on the ‘new middle class’. 10 Marks
(e) Explain the probability sampling strategies with examples. 10 Marks

Q2 (a) According to Mead, “We play a key role in our own socialization.” 20 Marks
(b) Bring out the significance of Ethnography in social research. 20 Marks
(c) What is ‘reserve army of labour’? Present the position of feminist scholars on this. 10 Marks

Q3 (a) Discuss the importance of interpretative understanding of social phenomena and explain its limitations. 20 Marks
(b) Are all world religions patriarchal ? Substantiate your answer with examples. 20 Marks
(c) What, according to Merton, is the difference between ‘unanticipated consequences’ and ‘latent functions’ ? Give examples to elaborate. 10 Marks

Q4(a) Modernization presupposes class society; however caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain. 20 Marks
(b) Compare and Contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social stratification in capitalist society. 20 Marks
(c) What, according to Irawati Karve, are the Major difference between North Indian and South Indian Kinship system? 10 Marks

 

Section-B

Q5 Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50

(a) Differentiate between ‘Life-chances’ and ‘Life-style’ with suitable examples. 10 Marks
(b) Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. 10 Marks
(c) What is civil society ? Present a note on civil society engagement with science and technology policy in India. 10 Marks
(d) Critique A.G. Frank’s ‘development of underdevelopment’. 10 Marks
(e) How well do you think Tonnies, Durkheim, Weber and Marx predicted the character of Modern society ? Critique.  10 Marks

Q6(a) Why is gender a dimension of social stratification ? How does gender intersect other dimensions of inequality based on caste, class, race and ethnicity ? 20 Marks
(b) What are the theoretical models of societal power ? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies ? 20 Marks
(c) What is affirmative action ? Substantiate theoretical positions on affirmative actions with example. 10 Marks

Q7(a) What is ‘informal labour’ ? Discuss the need for and challenges in regulating informal labour in the post-industrial society. 20 Marks
(b) Feminist scholars argue that ‘New media’ is masculine and hence reinforces structural hierarchies rather than reconfiguring them. Comment. 20 Marks
(c) Discuss the concept of circulation of elite. 10 Marks

Q8(a) In the light of judicial intervention on ‘Live-in relationships’, discuss the future of marriage and family in India. 20 Marks
(b) How, according to Merton, are deviant subcultures generated ? 20 Marks
(c) How is terrorism a new form of asymmetrical warfare ? What are some of the challenges in trying to win the war on terrorism ? 10 Marks

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-2)

Marks: 250                                                                                                             Time Allowed: 3 Hours 

Section-A

Q1 Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective :

(a) Elaborate Srinivas’s views on religion and society among the Coorgs. 10 Marks
(b) Illustrate the contribution of the Tebhaga Movement to the peasants struggle in India. 10 Marks
(c) Examine the changing initiatives of the land tenure system in India. 10 Marks
(d) Write a note on Ghurye’s conception of caste in India. 10 Marks
(e) Comment on the growing assertion of tribal community for autonomy in India. 10 Marks

Q2(a) Critically examine Dube’s contributions to the study of Indian villages. 20 Marks
(b) What is caste politics? Substantiate your answer with examples of how identities are defined by caste dynamics. 20 Marks
(c) Do you think that the Indian saints have brought about social reform and awareness in Indian society? Explain. 10 Marks

Q3(a) What is ethno-nationalism? Examine the critical factors responsible for tribal discontent in India. 20 Marks
(b) Is industrial development in India a bane or a born to agrarian class structure ? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20 Marks
(c) Give an account of Ranajit Guha’s approach in studying ‘subaltern class’ 10 Marks

Q4(a) Define patriarchy. Does it have bearings on women’s entitlement in Indian family system ? Explain. 20 Marks
(b) How do you understand the ‘minority’ question ? Examine the violence and discrimination against the religious minorities in India. 20 Marks
(c) What do you understand by LGBTQ ? Comment on the issues concerning their marriage rights. 10 Marks

 

Section-B

Q5 Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective :

(a) Comment on the critical issues of commercialization of higher education in India. 10 Marks
(b) Discuss the challenges in Implementing the Rural Development Programmes in India. 10 Marks
(c) Elaborate urbanism as a way of life in India. 10 Marks
(d) Comment on the changing democratic profile of India. 10 Marks
(e) Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamics in India. 10 Marks

Q6(a) Examine the importance of Development Planning in India Mixed Economy, and analyze its problems and prospects. 20 Marks
(b) Highlight the main features of the ‘Inter-linking of Rivers’ project in India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture?  20 Marks
(c) Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration. 10 Marks

Q7(a) Do you think that ‘demonetization’ has accelerated the economic growth in India? How do you understand the in formalization of labour, underemployment and gender discrimination in this context? 20 Marks
(b) Discuss the implications of ‘Swachha Bharat Abhiyaan’. Do you think that civil society has a role to play here ? Substantiate your answer with example. 20 Marks
(c) Do you agree that social movements are caused by opportunity structures that are generated by media? Why? 10 Marks

Q8(a) Why has ‘Active aging’ become a global goal? Do you agree that the role of elderly care-giving is disproportionately gendered in developing countries? Why? 20 Marks
(b) What is POSH Act? “Identification of tormentor by women at workplace does not come easily even today”. Examine the statement with substantive examples from India. 20 Marks
(c) What is ‘social security’? Examine recent security measures adopted by the Government in India. 10 Marks

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2018

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-1)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                            Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q 1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) The focal point of sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense?
(b) Distinguish between fact and value in Weber's Protestant Ethic ad Spirit of Capitalism.
(c) Do you think T and Me are central terms in Mead's work?
(d) What is the difference between natural and social inequality examples from caste and class dimensions.
(e) What are the new forms of family in developed societies? Discuss.

Q 2. (a) Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate.
(b) Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory?
(c) Evaluate if social stratification is functional for society.

Q 3. (a) Does collapse of functionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture of modernity? Discuss.
(b) Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations?
(c) What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim? Explain.

Q 4. (a) According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this?
(b) Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of this society. Discuss with reference in class societies.
(c) Discuss the challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular nation-state.

SECTION "B"

Q 5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) Is the theory of cultural lag valid in present times? Discuss.
(b) Are social movements primordial in means and progressive in agenda? Explain.
(c) Does scientific method make Sociology a Science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim's method.
(d) Distinguish between qualitative techniques of data collection with suitable examples from Indian society.
(e) In social mobility possible in closed systems of stratification? Illustrate from research work.

Q 6. (a) Discuss the nature of social organization of work in capitalist society with reference to the Limits of the working day.
(b) Distinguish between family and household with reference to the concept of development of the household.
(c) Explain with examples, the explanatory and exploratory designs of social research.

Q 7. (a) How can Parsons' AGIL framework be used to analyse key problems is a society? Discuss.
(b) What is labour commitment? Discuss it with reference to studies of manufacturing industry.
(c) What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites? Discuss

Q 8. (a) “The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relationship between the two in a society.” – C.W.Mills . Explain.
(b) What is sects? Discuss their role in multi-religious societies with empirical examples.
(c) In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as functional to society?

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2018

SOCIOLOGY (Paper-2)

Marks: 250                                                                                                             Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q 1. Write short answers with a sociological perspective of the following questions in about 150 words each.

(a) Write a note on G.S.Ghurye’s Indological perspective of understanding Indian society.
(b) Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille’s study of Tanjore village.
(c) Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Discuss.
(d) Write a note on the changing roles of middle-class women in India.
(e) Discuss the growth of religious sects in India.

Q 2. (a) Analyse A.R. Desai’s views on India’s path of development.
(b) Examine sociological dynamics of Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India.
(c) How do the recommendations of Swaminathan Commissions (2004-2006) ensure food and nutrition security for the Indian masses?

Q 3. (a) What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies? Substantiate your answer with suitable illustrations.
(b) Discuss development induced displacement in the context of tribal uprising in India. Substantiate your answer with any one detailed illustration from India.
(c) Illustrate the importance of ‘Kanyadan’ and ‘Kulabadhu’ in changing institution of marriage and family.

Q 4. (a) How has the New Economic Policy (1991) affected the lifestyle and life changed in new middle class in India.
(b) Write a critical narrative on the concerns of religious minorities in India.
(c) Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in Indian society.

SECTION "B"

Q 5. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective of the following questions in about 150 words each.

(a) Elaborate the concept of constitutional morality as given by B.R.Ambedkar.
(b) Construct a sociological narrative on the increasing trend of child abuse in India.
(c) Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers movement in contemporary India.
(d) Assess the role of the State in promoting education of girl child.
(e) Elaborate the ‘Me Too’ Movement and its impact in India.

Q 6. (a) How do you relate the growth of development of metropoles and its impact on the mental and social life of people in India.
(b) Has Green Revolution led to the formation of new power elite in rural India? Elaborate your answer.
(c) Write a note on Basic Services to Urban Poet (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development (IHSD) programme provided for the urban poor.

Q 7. (a) Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India. Discuss.
(b) Elaborate various forms of Dalit assertions in contemporary India? Discuss.
(c) With increase in education and economic development is Indian society becoming more secular.

Q 8. (a) What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio?
(b) Western patriarchy which surrenders feminine principles is the development project in India. Do you agree with this view? Why?
(c) Assess the impact of ban on ‘Triple Talak’ on marriage and divorce among the Muslim community in India.

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2017
           
SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL (Paper-1)

Marks: 250                                                                                                                               Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION A

Q1.

(a) Explain how sociology has emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific tamper. (10 Marks)
(b) Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspective as critique of positivism. (10 Marks)
(c) Illustrate with example the significance of variable in sociology research. (10 Marks)
(d) Critically analyse Talcott Parsons conception of pattern variable’. (10 Marks)
(e) Can we equate ‘poverty’ with ‘poor living’ ? Elaborate your answer. (10 Marks)

Q2.

(a) Discuss the changing equation of discipline of sociology with other social sciences. (20 Marks)
(b) Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism. (20 Marks)
(c) Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology. (10 Marsk)

Q3.

(a) Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by Emile Durkheim in his study of ‘suicide’. (20 Marks)
(b) Analyse Marxian conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics. (20 Marks)
(c) Examine epistemological foundation of qualitative methods of social research. (10 Marks)

Q4.

(a) What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of social stratification. (20 Marks)
(b) Examine gender. Ethnicity and race as major dimensions of social stratification. (20 Marks)
(c) How can one resolve the issue of reliability and validity in the context of sociological research on inequality ? (10 Marks)

 

SECTION ‘B’

Q5.

(a) What do you understand by informalisation of labour ‘? Write your answer with special reference to India. (10 Marks)
(b) Discuss the changing interface between state and civil society in post-independent India. (10 Marks)
(c) Give an assessment of Durkheimian notion of ‘scared’ and ‘profane’ in sociology of religion. (10 Marks)
(d) Examine ‘patirarchal bargain ‘ as gendered division of work in contemporary India. (10 Marks)
(e) Assess the role of mass media as an agent of social change. (10 Marks)

Q6.

(a) Trace the changing nature of organisation of work in capitalist society over the years. (20 Marks)
(b) What is new in ‘new social movement ‘? Elaborate your answer with special reference to India. (20 Marks)
(c) Examine the dynamics of pressure group in multi-party political system. (10 Marks)

Q7.

(a) Examine the relationship between the contemporary trends in marriage and changing from of family. (10 Marks)
(b) Discuss the regional variations of kinship system in Indian society. (20 Marks)
(c) Problematise the concept if secularism in the present context. (10 Marks)

Q8.

(a) Examine any two theories of social change in detail society. (20 Marks)
(b) Critically analyse the role of science and technology in bringing about social change. (20 Marks)
(c) Elaborate on various types of religious practices prevalent in India society. (10 Marks)

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2017

SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL (Paper-2)

 

Marks: 250                                                                                                                    Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION A

Q1. Write short answers with a sociological perspective on the following, in about 150 words each: (10x5=50)

(a) Write a critique of the structural and functional perspective used by M.N. Srinivas in the understanding of Indian society.
(b) Which is more significant, the principal of ‘hierarchy’ or the principal of difference; in intercaste relations in the present day ?
(c) What are the distinct features of islam as practised in India, and how have they changed over time ?
(d) How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms and perspective from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions?
(e) Write a short note an changing means of production and increased rural poverty.

Q2.

(a) The main objective of socio- religious movement during the colonial rule in India were reforming and synthesizing Hinduism. Write an any two such important movement. (20 Marks)
(b) Discuss Yogendra singh’s thesis on Modernization of Indian Tradition. And evaluate its applicability in the present day context. (20 Marks)
(c) What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the caste system since independence ? (10 Marks)

Q3.

(a) Indebtedness is one of the serious issue leading to farmers suicides Discuss reasons and suggest solutions. (20 Marks)
(b) Clarify the distinction between “household” and “family” and evaluate Whether joint families have completely disintegrated. (20 Marks)
(c) Compare the north Indian kinship System with the South Indian kinship system. (10 Marks)

Q4.

(a) Explain the concepts of dominant caste’ and ‘ vote ‘ bank giving examples from specific regions. (20 Marks)
(b) What is the nature of religious change among tribal communities ? Illustrate with two examples from colonial and post independence times. (20 Marks)
(c) Compare the pressing problems of a dalit poor family living in an urban slum with a similar type of family living in a rural setting . (10 Marks)

 

SECTION B

Q5. Write short answers with a sociological perspective on the following, in about 150 words each: (10x5=50)

(a) What are the reason for the escalation of violence against women in the public domain ?
(b) Write a note on Education and equality in India.
(c) Give an account of the problems relating to the “creamy layer”.
(d) Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises questions about and beyond the informal sector ? Give reasons.
(e) What are the Emerging concerns on women’s reproductive health ?

Q6.

(a) Discuss some of the striking issues of development induced imbalances that need urgent attention. (20 Marks)
(b) Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban socio-spatial patterns in India. (20 Marks)
(c) What are the causes and solutions for the low female sex-ratio in the DEMARU States of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, and Gujrat ? (10 Marks)

Q7.

(a) Despite gains from the women’s gender movement and states policy of women empowerment, gender equality is far from achieved. Identify two major challenges the the prevent this goal form being reached. (20 Marks)
(b) To what extent does nation building depends on strengthening of pluralities in Indian society? (20 Marks)
(c) Explain the issue relating to ethnicity and sub-ethnicity. (10 Marks)

Q8.

(a) What is cultural Revivalism ? Give some examples from performing arts , language dissemination and arts crafts in recent times. (20 Marks)
(b) What, according to you are the two fundamental axes of social discrimination in Indian society ? Are they changing ? (20 Marks)
(c) Why have we started using another category of tribes called the Particularly Vulnerable Groups (PVTGs) Why are they so called ? (10 Marks)

UPSC Mains Optional Sociology  

Paper -1

Section-A

1. Write short answers of the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

(a) "Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern societies." Discuss.
(b) What is 'value-free sociology"? Clarify.
(c) Analyze the importance of qualitative method in social research.
(d) Evaluate Marx's ideas on mode of production.
(e) "Vertical mobility brings structural change even in a closed social system." Comment.

2.(a) Elucidate the basic premises of Davis' structural-functional theory of social stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding contemporary Indian society? 20 marks
(b) Describe the functional prerequisites of social system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examine in the context of a university as a social system. 20 marks
(c) Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument. 10 marks

3.(a) Analyze the manifest and latent functions of security of the tenure of bureaucrats' in the light of Merton's theory. 20 marks
(b) Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research? 20 marks
(c) "Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables." Elucidate by giving example of poverty and illiteracy. 10 marks

4.(a) Examine Max Weber's method of maintaining objectivity in social research. 20 marks
(b) "Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts." Comment. 20 marks
(c) Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion. 10 marks

SECTION-B

5. Write short answers of the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

(a) Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society.
(b) Discuss the importance of power elite' in democracy,
(c) Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer.
(d) To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women? Discuss.
(e) “Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence of social change." Explain,

6.(a) "Globalization has pushed the labour into informal organization of work." Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20 marks
(b) "Social change can be brought about through development." Illustrate from the contemporary situation of India.  20 marks
(c) Examine the role of protest movements in changing the status of Dalits in India. 10 marks

7.(a) "Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies." Explain by giving suitable examples.  20 marks
(b) Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a response to social change in modern society. 20 marks
(c) To what extent revolution replaces the existing order of society? Discuss. 10 marks

8.(a) "Education is a major source of social mobility in contemporary society." Explain. 20 marks
(b) How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory of religion? 20 marks
(c) Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts. 10 marks

 

Sociology (Paper -2)

Section-A

1. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following, in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

(a) Salient features of A.R. Desai's Marxist Sociology  10 marks
(b) Significance of Village Studies in Indian Sociology 10 marks
(c) Isolationism' as a dominant feature of colonial tribal policy  10 marks
(d) Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period  10 marks
(e) Patriarchy as a form of dominance 10 marks

2.(a) How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features ? 20 marks
(b) Discuss Andre Beteille's account of the relationship between caste, class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one. 20 marks
(c) Analyse the major components of Land Reform Acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural inequality. 10 marks

3.(a) Bring out the significance of the difference between family and household. 20 marks
(b) Elucidate the concepts of majoritarianism' and 'minoritarianism' in accentuating communal tensions in India.  20 marks
(c) Comment on the increasing significance of caste in politics. 10 marks

4.(a) How is the tribal question related with the issues of integration and autonomy in modern India ? 20 marks
(b) Comment on the factors behind the changing status of women in urban India. 20 marks
(c) What accounts for the growth and consolidation of the middle classes in modern India ? 10 marks

SECTION B

5. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following, in about 150 words each : 10x5=50  marks

(a) Privatization of education and increasing inequalities  10 marks
(b) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for rural development  10 marks
(c) Different forms of Dalit assertion  10 marks
(d) Empowerment through 'Right to Education  10 marks
(e) Differential sex-ratio and its implications 10 marks

6.(a) Write a note on the uneven impact of "Green Revolution' on rural society. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the emerging forms of 'inequalities' and 'acute poverty' as major challenges of social transformation in India. 20 marks
(c) Discuss the various forms of environmental movements waged in India. 10 marks

7.(a) Write a detailed note on the effects of growing slums in urban areas.
(b) Discuss the changing nature of the problems of working class in the informal sector of the economy.  20 marks
(c) What are the factors accounting for the resurgence of ethnic identity movements in India ? 10 marks

8.(a) Bring out the impact of the declining significance of the agrarian economy.  20 marks
(b) Examine the impact of industrialization and urbanization on family structure.  20 marks
(c) How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in Indian society? 10 marks

 

UPSC Mains 2015: Sociology

Section-A

Q1.Write short answers of the following in about 150 words each :
A. Is sociology a science? Give reasons for your answer.
B. Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society.
C. What are variables? Discuss their role in experimental research.
D. Which concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination?
E. “No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.” comment.

Q2. 20+20+10 Marks

A. Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism.
B. Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in social science research.
C. “Self and society are twin-born ” Examine the statement of Mead.

Q3. 20+20+10 Marks

A. Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in research?
B. Differentiate between Maxian and Weberian theories of Social stratification.
C. How had Enlightenment contributed to the emergence of sociology?

Q4 20+20+10 Marks

A. “Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour.” Discuss.
B. How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework?
C. “Anomie is rooted in social structure.” Explain with reference to R.K. Merton’s contribution.

 

Section-B

Q5. Write short answers of the following in about 150 words each : 10*5=50
A. Distinguish between the social organization of work in feudal society and in capitalist society.
B. “Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy.” Discuss.
C. Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations.
D. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss.
E. Explain the relevance of the idea of ‘cultural lag’ in understanding social change.

Q6. 20+20+10 Marks

A. “Education helps in perpetuating social and economic inequalities.” Critically examine the statement.
B. Explain the conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social movement.
C. How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other? Illustrate.

Q7. 20+20+10

A. Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern world?
B. the increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the formal organization of work in recent times. Examine the statement .
C. Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy .Comment.

Q8. 20+20+10

A. “Globalization involves deterritoriazation .” Examine with reference to the nation-state.”
B. Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the study of social change.
C. Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life”.

Paper 2

Section-A

Q1 Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each: 10*5=50
A. SVerrier Elwin’s views on freedom for the tribals.
B. Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical.
C. Louis Dumont’s perspective on Indian caste system .
D. How far Gandhi ji was trusted by the untouchables.
E. Feminization of poverty.

Q2. 20+20+10

A. Is caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India?
B. Give some of the important studies relating to the structural changes in the Indian family system.
C. Broadly comapare the kinship system of North and South India.

Q3. 20+20+10

A. Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian tradition in analyzing social change in India.
B. What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization pattern in India?
C. Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different perspectives to solve their problems?\

Q4. 20+20+10

A. Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism.
B. What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism?
C. Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India?

Section-B

Q5 . Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each:10 x 5=50

A. Important components of National Education Policy in India.
B. Main objective of Tribal sub plan (TSP)
C. Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless and marginal farmers .
D. Issues relating to the informal labour market in urban India.
E. How far Srinivas’s Sanskritization is modernizing force or traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste system?

Q6. 20+20+10 Marks

A. Discuss the impact of post- 1970 feminist movement on Indian middle class.
B. What are the major concerns of ethic identity and religious identity in India?
C. How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India?

Q7. 20+20+10

A. Discuss B.R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat.
B. Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements in independent India.
C. To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist agenda?

Q8. 20+20+10

A. Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of action through his Hind Swaraj.
B. Human development approach affirms that education and health –care growth are more important than economic growth. Discuss this issue in the light of post-liberalized Indian society.
C. Write a brief note on the Freedom of Press.