UPSC CSE MAINS SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL PAPER 1

1. SOCIOLOGY: THE DISCIPLINE

(a) Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of sociology.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social
1 2013 Emergence 10 Direct * Comp
reformist orientation in the U.S.A. - Comment.
How did the emergence of industrial society change the family life in
2 2014 Emergence 10 Applied comp
Western Europe?
3 2015 How had Enlightenment Contributed to the emergence of Sociology? Emergence 10 Direct xxx
4 2016 "Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern societies." Discuss. Modernity 10 Direct comp
Explain how sociology has emerged as a distinct discipline based on
5 2017 Emergence 10 Direct comp
rationality and scientific temper.
Does collapse of functionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide
6 2018 Modernity 20 Applied * xxx
with the rupture of modernity? Discuss.
Discuss the historical antecedents of the emergence of Sociology as a
7 2019 Emergence 10 applied comp
discipline.
Modernisation presupposes class society; however, caste, ethnicity and
8 2019 class,caste, ethnicity 20 applied xxx
race are still predominant. Explain.
How did the intellectual forces lead to the emergence of sociology?
9 2020 Emergence 10 Direct comp
Discuss.
Europe was the first and the only place where modernity emerged.
10 2021 Modernity 10 Direct comp
Comment.
What aspects of 'Enlightenment' do you think paved way for the
11 2022 Emergence 20 Direct comp
emergence of sociology? Elaborate.

(b) Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Compare and Contrast Sociology with Anthropology. anthro 10 Direct comp
How is sociological approach to human actions different from that of
2 2014 psycho 10 Direct comp
psychological approach?
Discuss the changing equations of discipline of sociology with other
3 2017 social sciences 20 Applied xxx
social sciences.

"The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography

4 2018 history 20 Direct xxx
and the relationship between the two in a society." - C.W. Mills. Explain.

In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing

5 2020 Globalization 10 Applied *** comp
in India? Comment.
From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinarity, how
6 2021 Multi 20 Direct xxx
do you relate sociology to other social sciences?
7 2022 Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences. social sciences 10 Direct comp

(c) Sociology and common sense.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2016 Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument. common sense 10 Direct xxx
The focal point of Sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish
2 2018 common sense 10 Direct comp
it from common sense?
3 2021 How is sociology related to common sense? common sense 10 Direct xxx

2. SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE.
(a) Science, scientific method and critique.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2015 Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. science 10 Direct comp
Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these
2 2016 scientific method 20 Direct xxx
followed in sociological research?
Does scientific method make Sociology a science? Illustrate your answer
3 2018 scientific method 10 Applied * comp
with Durkheim's method.

(b) Major theoretical strands of research methodology.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Critically examine the functionalist tradition in Sociology. functionalist 20 Direct xxx
The methodology is a system of rules, principles and procedures, which
2 2020 methodology 10 Direct comp
forms scientific investigation. Comment.
 (c) Positivism and its critique.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies. positivism 10 Direct comp
In what way 'interpretative' method is different from 'positivist'
2 2014 positivism 20 Applied xxx
approach in the study of social phenomena?
Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspectives as
3 2017 critique 10 Direct comp
critique of positivism.
4 2017 Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism. positivism 20 Direct xxx
Phenomenological perspectives in sociology reject many of the
5 2020 Phenomenology 20 Direct xxx
assumptions of positivism. Comment.
How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to
6 2021 positivism 20 Applied xxx
understand social reality? Explain with suitable illustrations.
What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-
7 2022 critique 20 Direct xxx
positivist methods of studying social reality?

(d) Fact value and objectivity.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How is objectivity different from value neutrality? Discuss with
1 2014 objectivity 10 Applied xxx
reference to Weber's views on methodology.
Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in
2 2015 objectivity 20 Direct xxx
Social Science research.
3 2016 What is 'value-free sociology'? Clarify. value 10 Direct comp
Examine Max Weber's method of maintaining objectivity in social
4 2016 objectivity 20 Direct xxx
research.
Distinguish between fact and value in Weber's Protestant Ethic and
5 2018 fact and value 10 Applied comp
Spirit of Capitalism.
6 2020 Is sociology a value-free science? Discuss. value 10 Direct comp
7 2022 How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research? objectivity 10 Direct comp

(e) Non- positivist methodologies.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
In what way 'interpretative' method is different from 'positivist'
1 2014 interpretative 20 Applied xxx
approach in the study of social phenomena?
"Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human
2 2015 non-positivist 20 Direct xxx
behaviour." Discuss.
3 2017 Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology. interpretative 10 Direct xxx
The focal point of Sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish
4 2018 interpretative 10 Direct comp
it from common sense?
5 2018 Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate. non-positivist 20 Direct xxx
6 2019 Bring out the significance of Ethnography in social research. ethnography 20 Direct xxx
Discuss the importance of interpretative understanding of social
7 2019 interpretative 20 Direct xxx
phenomena and explain its limitations
Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid
8 2021 Ethnomethodology 10 Direct comp
data? Justify your answer.
9 2021 How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research? interpretative 10 Direct comp

What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-
10 2022 non-positivist 20 Direct xxx
positivist methods of studying social reality?

3. Research Methods and Analysis:

(a) Qualitative and quantitative methods.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Analyse the limitations of quantitative methods in social research. Quantitative 20 Direct xxx
2 2016 Analyze the importance of qualitative method in social research. Qualitative 10 Direct comp
Examine epistemological foundations of qualitative methods of social
3 2017 Qualitative 10 Applied xxx
research.
Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative techniques of data
4 2018 BOTH 10 Direct *** comp
collection with suitable examples from Indian society.
Explain with examples, the explanatory and exploratory designs of
5 2018 BOTH 10 Direct comp
social research
How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in
6 2021 BOTH 20 Direct xxx
sociological enquiry?
The difference between information and data in social science is subtle.
7 2022 BOTH 10 Direct comp
Comment.

(b) Techniques of data collection.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 In what way biographies could be used to study social life? biography 10 Direct comp
Which research technique would be most suitable for the study of
2 2014 technique 20 Applied xxx
Consumer behaviour and its social correlates? Explain
3 2015 Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society. historical 10 Direct comp
 "Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts."
4 2016 Participant Observation 20 Direct xxx
Comment.
Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of social survey method in social
5 2020 Survey 10 Direct xxx
research.
Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census
6 2021 Census 10 Direct comp
method
Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researcher in the
7 2022 group Discussion 10 Direct** xxx
process of collecting data through focus group discussion.

(c) Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2015 What are variables? Discuss their role in experimental research. variables 10 Direct ** comp
Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in sampling, reliablity,
2 2015 20 Direct xxx
research ? validity.
"Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more
3 2016 hypothesis, variables 10 Contemporary xxx
variables." Elucidate by giving example of poverty and illiteracy.
Illustrate with example the significance of variables in sociological
4 2017 variables 10 Direct comp
research.
How can one resolve the issue of reliability and validity in the Context
5 2017 reliability, validity 10 Direct ** xxx
of sociological research on inequality
6 2019 Explain the probability sampling strategies with examples. sampling. 10 Direct comp
7 2020 Discuss the importance and sources of hypothesis in social research. hypothesis 10 Direct comp
Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid
8 2021 reliability, validity 10 Direct comp
data? Justify your answer.
Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques.
9 2022 Sampling 20 Direct xxx
Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples.
What is reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science
10 2022 Reliability 10 Direct xxx
researcher to establish reliability.

4. Sociological Thinkers:
(a) Karl Marx- Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Analyse the salient features of historical materialism. HM 10 Direct xxx
Compare Karl Marx with. Emile Durkheim with reference to the
2 2013 DOL 20 Applied xxx
framework of 'division oflabour'.
Identify the similarities and differences between Marx's theory of
3 2014 Alienation 20 Applied xxx
'alienation' and Durkheim's theory of 'anomie'.
4 2014 For Marx, class divisions are outcomes of 'exploitation'. Discuss. class struggle 10 Direct comp
According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal
5 2014 relationships between men and women. Critically examine with HM 10 Applied xxx
illustrations from the Contemporary Indian Context.
6 2016 Evaluate Marx's ideas on mode of production. M.O.P 10 Direct comp
Analyse Marxian Conception of historical materialism as a critique of
7 2017 HM 20 Applied xxx
Hegelian dialectics.
According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human
8 2018 Alienation 20 Direct xxx
potential and what does he suggest to change this?
9 2019 What is the Marxist concept of fetishism of commodities"? M.O.P 10 Direct ** comp
10 2020 Critically assess the Marxian theory of 'Alienation'. Alienation 10 Direct xxx
How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social
11 2020 Conflictist 20 Direct xxx
change?
Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as
12 2021 M.O.P 20 Direct xxx
propounded by Karl Marx.
What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according
13 2022 HM 20 Applied xxx
to Marx?

(b) Emile Durkheim- Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion and society.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Compare Karl Marx with. Emile Durkheim with reference to the
1 2013 DOL 20 Applied xxx
framework of 'division oflabour'.
Identify the similarities and differences between Marx's theory of
2 2014 Anomie 20 Applied xxx
'alienation' and Durkheim's theory of 'anomie'.
"According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the
3 2014 religion 10 Direct comp
same as religion in primitive society." Comment.
Elaborate the views of Durkheim on "The Elementary Forms, of
4 2014 religion 10 Direct xxx
Religious Life".
How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory
5 2016 religion 20 Applied xxx
of religion?
Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by Emile Durkheim in his
6 2017 suicide 20 Direct xxx
study of 'suicide'.
Give an assessment of Durkheimian notion of sacred' and 'profane' in
7 2017 religion 10 Direct comp
sociology of religion.

Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyse high Contemporary
8 2018 suicide 20 xxx
suicide rates of Contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory? ***
 What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim?
9 2018 anomie 10 Applied xxx
Explain.
10 2018 In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as functional to society? religion 10 Direct xxx

Critically analyse Durkheim's views on elementary forms of religious

11 2020 life and role of religion. Also, discuss the consequences of religious religion 20 Contemporary xxx
revivalism in contemporary society.

12 2020 What are the problems in observing social facts in Durkheim's views? Social Fact 10 Direct comp
Explain whether Durkheim's theory of Division of Labour is relevant in
13 2021 DOL 10 Contemporary Comp
the present day context.
Durkheim argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts.
14 2022 Social Fact 10 Direct comp
Discuss.
15 2022 Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie. Anomie 20 Applied xxx
Critically examine the relevance of Durkheim's views on religion in
16 2022 religion 10 Contemporary comp
contemporary society.

(c) Max Weber- Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine the salient features ofWeberian bureaucracy. Bureaucracy 10 Direct xxx
"According to Max Weber, 'class' and 'status' are two different
2 2014 power 20 Direct xxx
dimensions of power." Discuss.
How does Weber use the notion of 'ideal types' in his theory of
3 2014 ideal types 20 Applied xxx
bureaucracy?
Which Concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate
4 2015 authority 10 Direct xxx
domination?
5 2015 Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism. PESC 20 Direct ** xxx
Examine Max Weber's method of maintaining objectivity in social
6 2016 ideal types 20 Direct xxx
research.
How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory
7 2016 PESC 20 Applied xxx
of religion?
Distinguish between fact and value in Weber's Protestant Ethic and
8 2018 PESC 10 Applied comp
Spirit of Capitalism.
What is affirmative action? Substantiate theoretical positions
9 2019 Social Action 10 Direct xxx
affirmative actions with examples.
Ideal Types' of Max Weber are mental constructs, they do correspond to
10 2020 ideal types 10 Direct comp
the reality. Give your views.
Do you agree with Max Weber's idea that bureaucracy has the
11 2021 Bureaucracy 10 Direct xxx
potentialto become an iron cage? Justify your answer.

(d) Talcolt Parsons- Social system, pattern variables.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social System in the present
1 2013 social system 10 Direct xxx
society.
2 2015 How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework? social system 20 Direct xxx
Describe the functional prerequisites of social system as given by
3 2016 Talcott Parsons. Examine in the Context of a university as a social social system 20 Applied xxx
system.

4 2017 Critically analyse Talcott Parsons' Conception of 'Pattern Variables'. Pattern Variables 10 Direct comp
How can Parsons' AGIL framework be used to analyse key problems in a
5 2018 Pattern Variables 20 Applied xxx
society? Discuss.
6 2020 Analyse the relevance of Pattern variables' in the study of social change. Pattern Variables 10 Applied comp
7 2022 Critically analyse Parsons views on society as a social system. social system 20 Direct xxx

(e) Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, Conformity and deviance, reference groups
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How can we use reference group theory to understand fashion in
1 2014 reference group 10 Contemporary comp
society?
How could one use Merton's Concept of deviance to understand the
2 2014 deviance 10 Applied xxx
traffic problem in urban India?
Using Merton's Concepts of 'manifest' and 1atent' functions, explain the
3 2014 L & M function 10 Applied xxx
persistence of corruption in Indian society.
"Anomie is rooted in social structure." Explain with reference to
4 2015 deviance 10 Direct ** xxx
R.K. Merton's Contribution.

Analyze the manifest and latent functions of 'security of the tenure of

5 2016 L & M function 20 Applied ** xxx
bureaucrats' in the light of Merton's theory.

What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim?

5 2018 Anomie 10 Applied xxx
Explain.
What, according to Merton, is the difference between unanticipated
6 2019 L & M function 10 direct xxx
consequences and latent functions? Give examples to elaborate.
7 2019 How, according to Merton, are deviant subcultures generated? deviance 20 Direct xxx
What are the reactions of R.K. Merton to the functionalism of social
8 2020 Theory 20 Applied ** xxx
anthropologists? Bring out the limitations of latent functions.
 With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in
9 2021 deviance 10 Contemporary xxx
a society as propounded by R.K. Merton.
10 2022 Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie. Anomie 20 Applied xxx

(f) Mead - Self and identity.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Critically analyse the Contributions of G.H. Mead to 'symbolic
1 2013 Symbolic interaction 20 Direct xxx
interactionism'.
Using Mead's theory of symbolic interactionism, discuss the stages in
2 2014 the Symbolic interaction 10 adp xxx
formation of gender identity.
3 2015 "Self and Society are twin-born." Examine the statement of Mead. self 10 Direct xxx
4 2018 Do you think I and 'Me' are central terms in Mead's work? self 10 Direct comp
According to Mead, "We play a key role in our own socialisation"
5 2019 self 20 Direct xxx
Explain.
According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual
6 2022 self 20 Direct xxx
becomes self-conscious. Explain.

5. Stratification and Mobility:

(a) Concepts- equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty and deprivation
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How are open and closed systems of stratification undergoing·
1 2013 transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social order in heirarchy 20 Applied xxx
societies ?
Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people
2 2013 excluding exclusion 10 Direct comp
themselves socially in societies
3 2016 Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion. exclusion 10 Applied xxx
4 2017 Can we equate 'poverty' with 'poor living'? Elaborate your answer. poverty 10 Applied comp
What is the difference between natural and social inequality? Give
5 2018 inequality 10 Direct comp
examples from caste and class dimensions.
6 2019 Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. exclusion 10 Contemporary comp
How are Hierarchy and Exclusion the major impediments in the
7 2020 heirarchy, Exclusion 20 Applied xxx
transformation of societies? Discuss.
How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social
8 2022 inequality 10 Applied comp
inequality.?

(b) Theories of social stratification- Structural functionalist theory, Marxist theory, Weberian theory.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How do Karl Marx and Max Weber differ in terms of their analysis of
1 2013 M+W 20 Applied xxx
social stratification ?
Differentiate between Marxian and Weberian theories of Social
2 2015 M+W 20 Direct xxx
Stratification.
Elucidate the basic premises of Davis' structural-functional theory of
Contemporary
3 2016 social stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding SFT 20 xxx
***
Contemporary Indian society?
4 2017 What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of social' stratification? M+W 20 Direct xxx
Davis and Moore made it clear that social stratification is a functional
6 2019 Davis and Moore 10 Direct comp
necessity and also an unconscious device. Discuss.
Compare and contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social
5 2019 M+W 20 Applied xxx
stratification in capitalist society.
How well do you think Tonnies, Durkheim, Weber and Marx predicted
6 2019 M+W+T+D 10 Direct ** comp
the character of modern society? Critique.
Feminist scholars argue that 'New media' is masculine and hence
7 2019 reinforces structural hierarchies rather than reconfiguring them. feminists 20 Contemporary xxx
Comment.
8 2021 Critically examine Max Weber's theory of Social Stratification. Weber 10 Direct comp
Social stratification is claimed to contribute to the maintenance of
9 2022 SFT 20 Direct xxx
social order and stability in society. Critically assess.

(c) Dimensions – Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, ethnicity and race.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Analyse the gender bias in the present society with examples. gender 10 Contemporary comp
2 2014 What do you understand by gender? How does it shape 'male' identity? gender 20 Direct xxx
Examine gender, ethnicity and race as major dimensions of social
3 2017 gender, ethnicity. 20 Direct xxx
stratification.
What is the difference between natural and social inequality? Give
4 2018 class, caste 10 Direct xxx
examples from caste and class dimensions.
5 2019 Present a sociological review on the 'new middle-class class 10 direct ** comp
 Modernisation presupposes class society; however, caste, ethnicity and
6 2019 class,caste, ethnicity 20 applied xxx
race are still predominant. Explain.
Why is gender a dimension of social stratification? How does gender
GENDER,CLASS,CASTE,E
7 2019 intersect other dimensions of inequality based on caste, class, race and 20 applied xxx
THNICITY
ethnicity?
Explain the growing salience of ethnicity in the contemporary world
8 2021 Ehnicity 10 Contemporary Comp
with illustrations.
How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social
9 2022 Gender 10 applied Comp
inequality.?

(d) Social mobility- open and closed systems, types of mobility, sources and causes of mobility.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How are open and closed systems of stratification undergoing·
1 2013 transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social order in open and closed system 20 Applied xxx
societies ?
"No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed."
2 2015 open and closed system 10 Direct comp
Comment.
"Vertical mobility brings structural change even in a closed social
3 2016 mobility 10 Direct ** comp
system." Comment.
"Education is a major source of social mobility in Contemporary
4 2016 mobility 20 Contemporary xxx
society." Explain.
Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of the
5 2018 mobility 20 Direct xxx
society. Discuss with reference to class societies.
Is social mobility possible in closed systems of stratification? Illustrate
6 2018 closed 10 Direct comp
from research work.
open and closed system,
7 2020 Critically assess social mobility in closed and open systems. 10 Direct xxx
Mobility
Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable
8 2021 illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each mobility 20 Applied xxx
other.
open and closed system,
9 2022 Discuss social mobility in open and closed system. 10 Direct xxx
Mobility

6. Works and EContemporaryomic Life:

(a) Social organization of work in different types of society- slave society, feudal society, industrial /capitalist society.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What are the distinctive features of social organization of work in slave
1 2014 slave-feudal 10 Direct comp
society? How is it different from feudal society?
Distinguish between the social organization of work in feudal society
2 2015 feudal - capital 10 Direct comp
and in capitalist society.
3 2016 Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society. industrial 10 Direct comp
Trace the changing nature of organisation of work in capitalist society
4 2017 capitalist 20 Direct xxx
over the years.
Discuss the nature of social organisation of work in capitalist society
5 2018 capitalist 20 Applied xxx
with reference to the Limits of the working day.

(b) Formal and informal organization of work

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
The increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the
1 2015 formal 20 Contemporary xxx
formal organization of work in recent times. Examine the statement.

"Globalization has pushed the labour into informal organization of

2 2016 informal 20 Contemporary xxx
work." Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.
What do you understand by 'informalisation of labour'? Write your
3 2017 informal 10 Direct *** comp
answer with special reference to India.
What is 'informal labour? Discuss the need for and challenges in
4 2019 informal 20 Direct xxx
regulating informal labour in the post-industrial society.
Capitalism has brought increasing informalisation of work in society.
5 2020 informal 20 Direct xxx
Substantiate your answer.
Discuss the new labour codes and their impact on formal and informal
6 2020 Both 20 Contemporary xxx
labour in India.
How has the idea of 'Work From Home' forced us to redefine the formal
7 2021 Both 20 Applied xxx
and informal organisation of work?
Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in
16 2021 informal 10 Contemporary comp
theinformal sector.

(c) Labour and society.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine the social impact of globalization on labour and society. globalization 20 Applied xxx
What do you understand by 'informalisation of labour'? Write your
2 2017 informal 10 Direct *** comp
answer with special reference to India.
 What is labour commitment? Discuss it with reference to studies of
3 2018 labour 20 Contemporary xxx
manufacturing industry.
What is reserve army of labour? Present the position of feminist
4 2019 labour 10 Applied ** xxx
scholars on this.

7. Politics and Society.

(a) Sociological theories of power
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
"Power is not a zero-sum game." Discuss with reference to Weber's and
1 2014 weber 20 Direct ** xxx
Parsons' views.
"According to Max Weber, 'class' and 'status' are two different
2 2014 weber 20 Direct ** xxx
dimensions of power." Discuss.
Which Concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate
3 2015 weber 10 Direct ** xxx
domination?
What are the theoretical models of societal power? Which one of them is
4 2019 THEORY 20 Applied xxx
most applicable in advanced industrial societies?

(b) Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy. pressure group 10 Direct xxx
parties and pressure
2 2014 Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure Groups. 10 Direct comp
group
3 2016 Discuss the importance of 'power elite' in democracy. power elite 10 Direct comp
Examine the dynamics of pressure groups in multi-party political parties and pressure
4 2017 10 Direct xxx
system. group
What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites?
5 2018 power elite 10 Direct ** xxx
Discuss.
6 2019 Discuss the concept of circulation of elite. power elite 10 Direct xxx
According to Mills, "Elites rule in institutional terms rather than
7 2020 power elite 20 Applied ** xxx
psychological terms." Comment.
Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto's theory of
8 2021 power elite 10 Direct ** comp
Circulation of Elites in the present scenario.
Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically parties and pressure
9 2021 20 Applied xxx
related to each other in terms of achieving their goals. group
Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation
10 2022 pressure group 20 Direct xxx
of social policies.

(c) Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy. democracy 10 Direct xxx
Evaluate how . do civil society and democracy mutually reinforce
2 2013 Civil society 20 Applied xxx
each other.
3 2013 Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy. Civil society 10 Direct
4 2015 Discuss T. H. Marshall's views on citizenship. comp
5 2015 "Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy." Discuss. democracy, ideology 10 Direct comp
6 2015 Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy. Comment. democracy, ideology 10 Applied xxx
"Globalization involves deterritorialization." Examine with reference to
7 2015 nation-state 20 Applied xxx
the nation-state.
Discuss the changing interface between state and civil society in post
8 2017 Civil society , State. 10 Direct *** comp
independent India.
What is civil society? Present a note on civil society engagement with Contemporary
9 2019 Civil society 10 comp
science and technology policy in India. ***
Explain democracy as an order of society. What are the factors
10 2020 democracy 10 Applied xxx
preventing people's participation in politics?
11 2021 Highlight the roles and functions of civil society in a democratic system. Civil society, Democracy 10 Direct xxx

Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identity politics in

12 2022 Ideology 20 Direct xxx
India.

(d) Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Define social movement. Elucidate the role of reformist movements in
1 2013 social movment 10 Direct comp
social change.

What do you understand by social movement? How has the mobilization

2 2014 by Scheduled Castes helped them in Contemporary structing a new social movment 10 Direct xxx
identity?
Explain the Conditions under which a collective action transforms into social movment, collevtive
3 2015 20 Direct xxx
a social movement. action
Examine the role of protest movements in changing the status of Dalits
4 2016 protest 10 Applied *** xxx
in India.
 To what extent revolution replaces the existing order of society?
5 2016 revolution 10 Applied xxx
Discuss.
What is new in 'new social movements? Elaborate your answer with
6 2017 social movement 20 Contemporary xxx
special reference to India.
Are social movements primordial in means and progressive in agenda?
7 2018 social movement 10 Applied xxx
Explain.
How is terrorism a new form of asymmetrical warfare? What are some of
8 2019 Agitation, revolution. 10 Contemporary xxx
the challenges in trying to win the war on terrorism?
Examine how social movements come to an end. Illustrate with
9 2020 Social Movements 10 Direct xxx
examples.
Discuss how 'environmentalism' can be explained with new social
10 2022 Social Movements 20 Applied xxx
movements approach.

8. Religion and Society:

(a) Sociological theories of religion.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory
1 2016 durkheim, weber 20 Applied xxx
of religion?
2 2021 Critically compare the views of E.B. Tylor and Max Muller on Religion. Tylor, Muller 10 Direct ** comp

(b) Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2015 Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations. sects and cults 10 Direct comp
"Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies." Explain by
2 2016 pluralism 20 Contemporary xxx
giving suitable examples.
Elaborate on various types of religious practices prevalent in Indian
3 2017 types 10 Direct xxx
society.
What are sects? Discuss their role in multi-religious societies with
4 2018 sects 20 Contemporary xxx
empirical examples.
State the reasons for the various religious beliefs and practices pre-
5 2020 Practice 10 Direct Comp
modern societies.

6 2021 What is cult? Explain the growth of cults in the contemporary world. Cult 10 Contemporary comp

(c) Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularization, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
"Science has empirical means to logical ends and religion has
1 2013 Science 10 Direct comp
non-empirical means to logical ends." - Comment.
2 2013 Is religion antithetical to science? Comment. Science 10 Direct xxx
How is religious revivalism different from communalism? Elaborate
3 2014 religious revivalism 20 Direct *** xxx
with suitable examples from the Indian Context.
Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern
4 2015 secularisation 20 Contemporary xxx
world?
Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism?
5 2016 fundamentalism 10 Applied comp
Give reasons for your answe
6 2017 Problematise the Concept of secularism in the present Context. secularisation 10 Contemporary xxx
Discuss the challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular
7 2018 religious revivalism 10 Applied xxx
nation-state.
Critically analyse Durkheim's views on elementary forms of religious
8 2020 life and role of religion. Also, discuss the consequences of religious religious revivalism 20 Contemporary xxx
revivalism in contemporary society.
Give your comments on the growth of religious revivalism in the present
9 2021 religious revivalism 10 Contemporary xxx
day context.
10 2022 Write a note on global trends of secularization. secularisation 10 Contemporary comp

9. Systems of Kinship:
(a) Family, household, marriage.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Critically examine the functionalist views on the institution of family. Contemporary
1 2014 family 20 xxx
How do those help us in understanding family in the present times? **

2 2014 What do you understand by institutionalization of 'live-in relationship'? marriage 10 Contemporary xxx
3 2016 Distinguish between family and household as sociological Concepts family, household 10 Direct xxx
4 2017 Discuss the regional variations of kinship system in Indian society. kinship 20 Applied *** xxx
Distinguish between family and household with reference to the
5 2018 family, household 20 Direct xxx
Concept of development of the household.
In the light of judicial intervention on Live-in relationships', discuss the
6 2019 Marriage, Family 20 Contemporary xxx
future of marriage and family in India.
 Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system
7 2020 Family 10 Applied *** xxx
in modern Indian society.
Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian
8 2020 Marriage 10 Applied *** Comp
society?Comment.
9 2022 Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family. Family Theory 10 Direct Comp

(b) Types and forms of family.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What are the new forms of family in developed societies Discuss.
1 2018 forms 10 Contemporary comp

What, according to Irawati Karve, are the major differences between

2 2019 kinship 10 direct *** xxx
North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems?

3 2021 Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary kinship 20 Contemporary xxx

(c) Lineage and descent

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each
1 2015 descent 10 Applied comp
other ? Illustrate.

(d) Patriarchy and sexual division of labour

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon ? Critically examine how does
1 2013 patriarchy & DOL 20 Direct xxx
patriarchy affect sexual division of labour in societies.
2 2015 Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss. matriarchy 10 Applied comp
To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women?
3 2016 patriarchy , women 10 Direct comp
Discuss.
Examine patriarchal bargain' as gendered division of work in
4 2017 patriarchy & DOL 10 Contemporary comp
Contemporary India.
Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal
5 2018 patriarchy 20 Direct xxx
relations?
Are all world religions patriarchal? Substantiate your answer with
6 2019 patriarchy 20 Applied xxx
examples.
What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of
7 2020 DOL 20 Direct xxx
society?
Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the
8 2021 DOL 10 Contemporary comp
informal sector.
Explain how the pattern of patriarchy is being altered in a family and at
9 2021 Patriarchy, Family 20 Contemporary xxx
the workplace in the present context.
Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing
10 2022 Feminization 10 Applied comp
societies.
How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social
11 2022 Patriarchy 10 Applied xxx
development?

(e) Contemporarytemporary trends.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Analyse the Contemporary trends in family with examples. family 10 Contemporary comp
Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to
2 2013 marriage and family 20 Contemporary xxx
the changes in economic and social order
Discuss the Contemporary trends in family as a response to social
3 2016 family 20 Contemporary xxx
change in modern society.
Examine the relationship between the Contemporary trends in
4 2017 marriage and family 20 Contemporary xxx
marriage and changing forms of family.

10. Social Change in Modern Society:

(a) Sociological theories of social change.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Illustrate the Conflicts and tensions experienced by societies
1 2013 Conflicts 20 Applied xxx
undergoing social change.
Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable
2 2013 cultural 20 Direct xxx
examples.
According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal
3 2014 relationships between men and women. Critically examine with marx 10 Applied xxx
illustrations from the Contemporary Indian Context.
"Social Contemporaryflict is both a cause and a Consequence of social
4 2016 Conflicts 10 Direct comp
change." Explain.
 5 2017 Examine any two theories of social change in detail. theories 20 Direct xxx
How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social
6 2020 marx 20 Direct xxx
change?
Do you think Talcott Parsons gave an adequate theory of social change?
7 2021 Parsons 10 Direct comp
Justify your answer.
Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in
8 2021 Dependency Theories 20 Contemporary xxx
understanding the present global scenario.
How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary
9 2022 Traditions 10 Contemporary xxx
Indian society?

(b) Development and dependency.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Examine the social dimensions of displacement induced by
1 2013 development 10 Applied xxx
development.
2 2014 Write a short essay on the Latin American perspective on 'dependency'. dependency 20 Direct ** xxx
Explain the relevance of the idea of 'cultural lag' in understanding
3 2015 development 10 Direct ** comp
social change.
"Social change can be brought about through development." Illustrate
4 2016 development 20 Contemporary xxx
from the Contemporary situation of India.
5 2018 Is the theory of cultural lag valid in present times? Discuss. development 10 Contemporary xxx
Differentiate between Life-chances' and Life-style' with suitable
6 2019 development 10 Direct comp
examples.
7 2019 Critique A.G. Frank's 'development of underdevelopment. development 10 Direct ** comp
Technology has accelerated the process of development and
8 2020 Both 20 Direct xxx
dependency. Discuss.
Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant
9 2021 dependency 20 Applied xxx
labourers in the recent Lockdown period'.
Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in
10 2021 dependency 20 Contemporary xxx
understanding the present global scenario.
Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing
11 2022 development 10 Applied comp
societies.
12 2022 Trace the trajectory of development perspectives on social change. development 10 Direct comp
How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social
13 2022 Development 10 Applied xxx
development?

(c) Agents of social change.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine science and technology as agents of social change. agent 10 Direct xxx
Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the
2 2015 agent 20 Direct xxx
study of social change.
3 2017 Assess the role of mass media as an agent of social change. mass media 10 Contemporary xxx
Are traditional social institutions getting weakened as agents of social
4 2022 agent 20 Contemporary xxx
change in the contemporary society? Substantiate.

(d) Education and social change.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Education is often viewed as an agency of social change. However in
1 2014 inequalities 20 Applied xxx
reality it could also reinforce inequalities and Conservatism. Discuss.

"Education helps in perpetuating social and econmic inequalities."

2 2015 inequalities 20 Applied xxx
Critically examine the statement.
"Education is a major source of social mobility in Contemporary
3 2016 mobility 20 Contemporary xxx
society." Explain.
Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of the
4 2018 mobility 20 Direct xxx
society. Discuss with reference to class societies.
5 2019 Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. exclusion 10 Contemporary comp
According to Durkheim, "The major function of education is the
6 2020 Theory 20 Applied xxx
transmission of society's norms and values." Discuss.
Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable
7 2021 illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each mobility 20 Applied xxx
other.

(e) Science, technology and social change.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine science and technology as agents of social change. agent 10 Direct comp
How is the increasing use of technology changing the status of women Contemporary
2 2014 women 20 xxx
in Indian society? ***
Critically analyse the role of science and technology in bringing about
3 2017 Role 20 Direct xxx
social change.
What is civil society? Present a note on civil society engagement with Contemporary
4 2019 Civil society 10 comp
science and technology policy in India. ***
 Is humanity at the mercy of Nature, Science and Technology? Comment
5 2020 Situation 20 Applied** xxx
in the light of pandemic situation.
Technology has accelerated the process of development and
6 2020 Development 20 Direct xxx
dependency. Discuss.
Describe the role of Science and Technology in enabling us to face the
7 2021 Challenges 20 Applied** xxx
challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for
8 2022 Development 20 Applied xxx
inclusive development. Comment.

Sociology 1. Answer the following questions in about 250 words each:

Sociology 1a. What is the distinctiveness of the feminist method of social research? Comment. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 1b. Discuss the relationship between sociology and political science. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 1c. How does the dramaturgical perspective enable our understanding of everyday life? UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 1d. Is reference group theory a universally applicable model? Elucidate. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 1e. Do you think that the boundary line between ethnicity and race is blurred? Justify your answer. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 2a. What, according to Robert Michels, is the iron law of oligarchy? Do lions and foxes in Vilfredo Pareto's theory, essentially differ from each other? Substantiate. UPSC 2023, 20

Sociology 2b. What is historical materialism? Examine its relevance in understanding contemporary societies. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 2c. What are variables? How do they facilitate research? UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 3a. What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 3b. How do you assess the changing patterns in kinship relations in societies today? UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 3c. Is Weber's idea of bureaucracy a product of the historical experiences of Europe? Comment. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 4a. Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 4b. How is poverty a form of social exclusion? Illustrate in this connection the different dimensions of poverty and social exclusion. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 4c. Highlight the differences and similarities between totemism and animism. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

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

Sociology 5a. Examine the relevance of corporate social responsibility in a world marked by increasing environmental crises. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 5b. How is civil society useful in deepening the roots of democracy? UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 5c. What functions does religion perform in a pluralistic society? UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 5d. Analyze critically David Morgan's views on family practices. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 5e. Does women's education help to eradicate patriarchal discriminations? Reflect with illustrations. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 6a. What are the different dimensions of qualitative method? Do you think that qualitative method helps to gain a deeper sociological insight? Give reasons for your answer. UPSC 2
Marks

Sociology 6b. Explain Max Weber's theory of social stratification. How does Weber's idea of class differ from that of Marx? UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 6c. What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain. UPSC 2023. 10 Marks

Sociology 7a. Explain how economic globalization has brought changes in the patterns of employment in the 21st century. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 7b. Do you think that the social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 7c. Assess critically A. G. Frank's 'theory of development of underdevelopment'. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks

Sociology 8a. What is Taylorism? Analyze its merits and demerits. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 8b. What are new religious movements? Elaborate emphasizing their forms and orientations. UPSC 2023, 20 Marks

Sociology 8c. Examine the role of science and technology in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions. UPSC 2023, 10 Marks