UPSC Sociology Previous Year Question Papers holds significant importance within the UPSC examination. Analyzing UPSC Sociology Previous Year Question Papers is important as it offers insights into Exam Pattern, Question trends. It helps candidates understand the weightage of topics, refine their preparation strategy, and identify areas of focus.
With Sociology Optional consisting of two papers worth 500 marks out of a total of 2025 marks, these previous year papers become crucial for achieving success in the UPSC main exams. By comprehending the Sociology Optional Syllabus and actively working through these Previous Year Question papers, aspirants can gain valuable insights into time management and identifying the specific topics to concentrate on.
In this article, you will discover UPSC Sociology Previous Year Question Papers along with a detailed topic-wise analysis.
Sociology Paper 1 Topic-Wise Marks Distribution
| Topic | Sub Topic | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sociology - The Discipline |
Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
30 |
|
Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Sociology and common sense |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
|
|
Sociology as Science |
Science, scientific method and critique |
0 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
|
Major theoretical strands of research methodology |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Positivism and its critique |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Fact value and objectivity |
0 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Non- positivist methodologies |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
30 |
40 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Research Methods and Analysis |
Qualitative and quantitative methods |
20 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
40 |
|
Techniques of data collection |
0 |
30 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity |
0 |
0 |
30 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
30 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Sociological Thinkers |
Karl Marx- Historical materialism, mode of production, |
30 |
40 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
30 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
|
Emile Durkheim- Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion |
20 |
40 |
0 |
20 |
30 |
40 |
0 |
30 |
10 |
40 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Talcolt Parsons- Social system, pattern variables |
10 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, conformity |
0 |
30 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
30 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Max Weber- Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, |
10 |
40 |
30 |
40 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Mead - Self and identity |
20 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Stratification and Mobility |
Concepts- equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty and |
30 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
|
Theories of social stratification- Structural functionalist theory, |
20 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
50 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Dimensions – Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
50 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Social mobility- open and closed systems, types of mobility, |
20 |
0 |
10 |
30 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Works and Economic Life |
Social organization of work in different types of society- slave |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
30 |
|
Formal and informal organization of work |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
40 |
30 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Labour and society |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Politics and Society |
Sociological theories of power |
0 |
40 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
|
Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties |
10 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
0 |
40 |
|
|
Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology |
40 |
10 |
40 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
|
|
Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, |
10 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
40 |
0 |
|
|
Religion and Society |
Sociological theories of religion |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
|
Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, |
0 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
30 |
30 |
|
|
Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularization, |
20 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
|
|
Systems of Kinship |
Family, household, marriage |
0 |
30 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
30 |
40 |
|
Types and forms of family |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Lineage and descent |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Patriarchy and sexual division of labour |
20 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Contemporary trends |
30 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Social Change in Modern Society |
Sociological theories of social change |
40 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
30 |
10 |
0 |
40 |
|
Development and dependency |
10 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
40 |
30 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Agents of social change |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Education and social change |
0 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Science, technology and social change |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
40 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
Sociology PYQ Paper 1 Topic-Wise
| Topic | Sub Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
SOCIOLOGY: THE DISCIPLINE |
Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of sociology |
Q. Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social reformist orientation in the U.S.A. - Comment. 10M (2013)
Q. How did the emergence of industrial society change the family life in Western Europe? 10M (2014)
Q. How had Enlightenment Contributed to the emergence of Sociology? 10M (2015)
Q. How had Enlightenment Contributed to the emergence of Sociology? 10M (2016)
Q. Explain how sociology has emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific temper. 10M (2017)
Q. Does collapse of functionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture of modernity? Discuss. 20M (2018)
Q. Discuss the historical antecedents of the emergence of Sociology as a discipline.10M (2019)
Q. Modernisation presupposes class society; however, caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain. 20M (2019)
Q. How did the intellectual forces lead to the emergence of sociology? Discuss. 10M (2020)
Q. Europe was the first and the only place where modernity emerged. Comment. 10M (2021)
Q. What aspects of 'Enlightenment' do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology? Elaborate. 20M (2022)
Q. Sociology is the product of European enlightenment and renaissance. Critically examine this statement. 20M (2024)
Q. Discuss the nature of sociology. Highlight its relationship with social anthropology. 10M (2024) |
|
Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences. |
Q. Compare and Contrast Sociology with Anthropology. 10M (2013)
Q. How is sociological approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach? 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss the changing equations of discipline of sociology with other social sciences. 20M (2017)
Q. "The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relationship between the two in a society." - C.W. Mills. Explain. 20M (2018)
Q. In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing in India? Comment. 10M (2020)
Q. From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinarity, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences? 20M (2021)
Q. Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences. 10M (2022) |
|
|
Sociology and common sense. |
Q. Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain 20M (2023)
Q. Discuss the relationship between sociology and political science. 10M (2023)
Q. Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument. 10M (2016)
Q. The focal point of Sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense? 10M (2018)
Q. How is sociology related to common sense? 10M (2021) |
|
|
SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE |
Science, scientific method and critique. |
Q. Examine the relevance of corporate social responsibility in a world marked by increasing environmental crises. 10M (2023)
Q. What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof ? Elaborate 20M (2023)
Q. Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. 10M (2015)
Q. Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research? 10M (2016)
Q. Does scientific method make Sociology a science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim's method. 10M (2018) |
|
Major theoretical strands of research methodology. |
Q. Critically examine the functionalist tradition in Sociology. 20M (2013)
Q. The methodology is a system of rules, principles and procedures, which forms scientific investigation. Comment. 10M (2020) |
|
|
Positivism and its critique. |
Q. Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies. 10M (2013)
Q. In what way 'interpretative' method is different from 'positivist' approach in the study of social phenomena? 20M (2014)
Q. Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspectives as critique of positivism. 10M (2017)
Q. Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism. 20M (2017)
Q. Phenomenological perspectives in sociology reject many of the assumptions of positivism. Comment. 20M (2020)
Q. How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to understand social reality? Explain with suitable illustrations. 20M (2021)
Q. What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the nonpositivist methods of studying social reality? 20M (2022) |
|
|
Fact value and objectivity |
Q. How is objectivity different from value neutrality? Discuss with reference to Weber's views on methodology. 10M (2014)
Q. Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in Social Science research. 20M (2015)
Q. What is 'value-free sociology'? Clarify. 10M (2016)
Q. Examine Max Weber's method of maintaining objectivity in social research. 20M (2016)
Q. Distinguish between fact and value in Weber's Protestant Ethic and
Q. Is sociology a value-free science? Discuss. 10M (2020)
Q. How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research? 10M (2022)
Q. Do you think ‘objectivity’ is an over-hyped idea in sociological research? Discuss the merits and demerits of non-positivist methods. 20M (2024) |
|
|
Non- positivist methodologies |
Q. In what way 'interpretative' method is different from 'positivist' approach in the study of social phenomena? 20M (2014)
Q. "Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour." Discuss. 20M (2015)
Q. Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology. 10M (2017)
Q. The focal point of Sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense? 10M (2018)
Q. Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate. 20M (2018)
Q. Bring out the significance of Ethnography in social research. 20M (2019)
Q. Discuss the importance of interpretative understanding of social phenomena and explain its limitations 20M (2019)
Q. Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data? Justify your answer. 10M (2021)
Q. How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research? 10M (2021)
Q. What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the nonpositivist methods of studying social reality? 20M (2022)
|
|
|
Research Methods and Analysis |
Qualitative and quantitative methods |
Q. Analyse the limitations of quantitative methods in social research. 20M (2013)
Q. Analyze the importance of qualitative method in social research. 10M (2016)
Q. Examine epistemological foundations of qualitative methods of social research. 10M (2017)
Q. Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection with suitable examples from Indian society. 10M (2018)
Q. Explain with examples, the explanatory and exploratory designs of social research 10M (2018)
Q. How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in sociological enquiry? 20M (2021)
Q. The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment. 10M (2022)
Q. What do you understand be ‘Mixed method’? Discuss its strengths and limitations in Social research. 20M (2024)
Q. How do you view and assess the increasing trend of digital ethnography and use of visual culture in sociological research? 20M (2024)
Q. What are the different dimensions of qualitative method? Do you think that qualitative methods help to gain a deeper sociological insight? Give reasons for your answer. 20M (2023) |
|
Techniques of data collection |
Q. In what way biographies could be used to study social life? 10M (2014)
Q. Which research technique would be most suitable for the study of Consumer behaviour and its social correlates? Explain 20M (2014)
Q. Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society. 10M (2015)
Q. "Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts." Comment. 20M (2016)
Q. Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of social survey method in social research. 10M (2020)
Q. Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census method 10M (2021)
Q. Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researcher in the process of collecting data through focus group discussion. 10M (2022)
Q. What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain. 10M (2023) |
|
|
Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity |
Q. What are variables? Discuss their role in experimental research. 10M (2015)
Q. Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in
Q. "Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more
Q. Illustrate with example the significance of variables in sociological
Q. How can one resolve the issue of reliability and validity in the Context
Q. Explain the probability sampling strategies with examples. 10M (2019)
Q. Discuss the importance and sources of hypothesis in social research. 10M (2020)
Q. Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data? Justify your answer. 10M (2021)
Q. Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. 20M (2022)
Q. What is reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science researcher to establish reliability. 10M (2022)
Q. What are variables? How do they facilitate research? 10M (2023)
Q. How does the dramaturgical perspective enable our understanding of everyday life? 10M (2023) |
|
|
Sociological Thinkers |
Karl Marx- Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle |
Q. Analyse the salient features of historical materialism. 10M (2013)
Q. Compare Karl Marx with. Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of 'division of labour'. 20M (2013)
Q. Identify the similarities and differences between Marx's theory of 'alienation' and Durkheim's theory of 'anomie'. 20M (2014)
Q. For Marx, class divisions are outcomes of 'exploitation'. Discuss. 10M (2014)
Q. According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal relationships between men and women. Critically examine with illustrations from the Contemporary Indian Context. 10M (2014)
Q. Evaluate Marx's ideas on mode of production. 10M (2016)
Q. Analyse Marxian Conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics. 20M (2017)
Q. According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this? 20M (2018)
Q. What is the Marxist concept of fetishism of commodities"? 10M (2019)
Q. Critically assess the Marxian theory of 'Alienation'. 10M (2020)
Q. How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? 20M (2020)
Q. Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx. 20M (2021)
Q. What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx? 20M (2022)
Q. Critically explain the salient features of ‘alienation’ as propounded by Karl Marx. 10M (2024)
Q. What is historical materialism? Examine its relevance in understanding contemporary societies. 20M (2023) |
|
Emile Durkheim- Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion and society. |
Q. Compare Karl Marx with. Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of 'division of labour'. 20M (2013)
Q. Identify the similarities and differences between Marx's theory of 'alienation' and Durkheim's theory of 'anomie'. 20M (2014)
Q. "According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the same as religion in primitive society." Comment. 10M (2014)
Q. Elaborate the views of Durkheim on "The Elementary Forms, of Religious Life". 10M (2014)
Q. How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory of religion? 20M (2016)
Q. Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by Emile Durkheim in his study of 'suicide'. 20M (2017)
Q. Give an assessment of Durkheimian notion of sacred' and 'profane' in sociology of religion. 10M (2017)
Q. Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of Contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory? 20M (2018)
Q. What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim? Explain. 10M (2018)
Q. In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as functional to society? 10M (2018)
Q. 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. 20M (2020)
Q. What are the problems in observing social facts in Durkheim's views? 10M (2020)
Q. Explain whether Durkheim's theory of Division of Labour is relevant in the present day context. 10M (2021)
Q. Durkheim argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts. Discuss. 10M (2022)
Q. Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie. 20M (2022)
Q. Critically examine the relevance of Durkheim's views on religion in contemporary society. 10M (2022)
Q. Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact’. How is rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim? 10M (2024) |
|
|
Max Weber- Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism |
Q. Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy. 10M (2013)
Q. "According to Max Weber, 'class' and 'status' are two different dimensions of power." Discuss. 20M (2014)
Q. How does Weber use the notion of 'ideal types' in his theory of bureaucracy? 20M (2014)
Q. Which Concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination? 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism. 20M (2015)
Q. Examine Max Weber's method of maintaining objectivity in social research. 20M (2016)
Q. How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory of religion? 20M (2016)
Q. Distinguish between fact and value in Weber's Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism. 10M (2018)
Q. What is affirmative action? Substantiate theoretical positions affirmative actions with examples. 10M (2019)
Q. Ideal Types' of Max Weber are mental constructs, they do correspond to the reality. Give your views. 10M (2020)
Q. Do you agree with Max Weber's idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage? Justify your answer. 10M (2021)
Q. Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ as a critique of Marxism 20M (2024) |
|
|
Talcolt Parsons- Social system, pattern variables |
Q. Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social System in the present society. 10M (2013)
Q. How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework? 20M (2015)
Q. Describe the functional prerequisites of social system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examine in the Context of a university as a social system. 20M (2016)
Q. Critically analyse Talcott Parsons' Conception of 'Pattern Variables'. 10M (2017)
Q. How can Parsons' AGIL framework be used to analyse key problems in a society? Discuss. 20M (2018)
Q. Analyse the relevance of Pattern variables' in the study of social change. 10M (2020)
Q. Critically analyse Parsons views on society as a social system. 20M (2022) |
|
|
Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, Conformity and deviance, reference groups |
Q. How can we use reference group theory to understand fashion in society? 10M (2014)
Q. How could one use Merton's Concept of deviance to understand the traffic problem in urban India? 10M (2014)
Q. Using Merton's Concepts of 'manifest' and 1atent' functions, explain the persistence of corruption in Indian society. 10M (2014)
Q. "Anomie is rooted in social structure." Explain with reference to R.K. Merton's Contribution. 10M (2015)
Q. Analyze the manifest and latent functions of 'security of the tenure of bureaucrats' in the light of Merton's theory. 20M (2016)
Q. What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim? Explain. 10M (2018)
Q. What, according to Merton, is the difference between unanticipated consequences and latent functions? Give examples to elaborate. 10M (2019)
Q. How, according to Merton, are deviant subcultures generated? 20M (2019)
Q. What are the reactions of R.K. Merton to the functionalism of social anthropologists? Bring out the limitations of latent functions. 20M (2020)
Q. With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton. 10M (2021)
Q. Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie. 20M (2022)
Q. Is reference group theory a universally applicable model? Elucidate. 10M (2023) |
|
|
Mead - Self and identity |
Q. Critically analyse the Contributions of G.H. Mead to 'symbolic interactionism'. 20M (2013)
Q. Using Mead's theory of symbolic interactionism, discuss the stages in the formation of gender identity. 10M (2014)
Q. "Self and Society are twin-born." Examine the statement of Mead. 10M (2015)
Q. Do you think I and 'Me' are central terms in Mead's work? 10M (2018)
Q. According to Mead, "We play a key role in our own socialisation". Explain 20M (2019)
Q. According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self-conscious. Explain. 20M (2022)
Q. . Explain G.H. Mead's idea of development of ‘self’ through the ‘generalised other’ 10M (2024) |
|
|
Stratification and Mobility |
Concepts- equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty and deprivation |
Q. How are open and closed systems of stratification undergoing· transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social order in societies ? 20M (2013)
Q. Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves socially in societies. 10M (2013)
Q. Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion. 10M (2016)
Q. Can we equate 'poverty' with 'poor living'? Elaborate your answer. 10M (2017)
Q. What is the difference between natural and social inequality? Give examples from caste and class dimensions 10M (2018)
Q. Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. 10M (2019)
Q. How are Hierarchy and Exclusion the major impediments in the transformation of societies? Discuss. 20M (2020)
Q. How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality? 10M (2022)
Q. Discuss the dimensions of power the construction and maintenance of social hierarchies in a society. 10M (2024)
Q. Analyse the changing nature of caste as a status group. 10M (2024) |
|
Theories of social stratification- Structural functionalist theory, Marxist theory, Weberian theory. |
Q. How do Karl Marx and Max Weber differ in terms of their analysis of social stratification ? 20M (2013)
Q. Differentiate between Marxian and Weberian theories of Social Stratification. 20M (2015)
Q. Elucidate the basic premises of Davis' structural-functional theory of social stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding Contemporary Indian society? 20M (2016)
Q. What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of social' stratification? 20M (2017)
Q. Davis and Moore made it clear that social stratification is a functional necessity and also an unconscious device. Discuss. 10M (2019)
Q. Compare and contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social stratification in capitalist society. 20M (2019)
Q. How well do you think Tonnies, Durkheim, Weber and Marx predicted the character of modern society? Critique. 10M (2019)
Q. Feminist scholars argue that 'New media' is masculine and hence reinforces structural hierarchies rather than reconfiguring them. Comment. 20M (2019)
Q. Critically examine Max Weber's theory of Social Stratification. 10M (2021)
Q. Social stratification is claimed to contribute to the maintenance of social order and stability in society. Critically assess. 20M (2022)
Q. Explain Max Weber's theory of social stratification. How does Weber's idea of class differ from that of Marx? 20M (2023) |
|
|
Dimensions – Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, ethnicity and race |
Q. Analyse the gender bias in the present society with examples. 10M (2013)
Q. What do you understand by gender? How does it shape 'male' identity? 20M (2014)
Q. Examine gender, ethnicity and race as major dimensions of social stratification. 20M (2017)
Q. What is the difference between natural and social inequality? Give examples from caste and class dimensions. 10M (2018)
Q. What is the difference between natural and social inequality? Give examples from caste and class dimensions.
Q. Present a sociological review on the 'new middle-class. 10M (2019)
Q. Modernisation presupposes class society; however, caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain. 20M (2019)
Q. Why is gender a dimension of social stratification? How does gender intersect other dimensions of inequality based on caste, class, race and ethnicity? 20M (2019)
Q. Explain the growing salience of ethnicity in the contemporary world with illustrations. 10M (2021)
Q. How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality? 10M (2022)
Q. Do you think that the boundary line between ethnicity and race is blurred? Justify your answer. 10M (2023) |
|
|
Social mobility- open and closed systems, types of mobility, sources and causes of mobility |
Q. How are open and closed systems of stratification undergoing transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social order in societies ? 20M (2013)
Q. "No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed." Comment. 10M (2015)
Q. "Vertical mobility brings structural change even in a closed social system." Comment. 10M (2016)
Q. "Education is a major source of social mobility in Contemporary society." Explain 20M (2016)
Q. Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of the society. Discuss with reference to class societies. 20M (2018)
Q. Is social mobility possible in closed systems of stratification? Illustrate from research work. 10M (2018)
Q. Critically assess social mobility in closed and open systems. 10M (2020)
Q. Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each other. 20M (2021)
Q. Discuss social mobility in open and closed system. 10M (2022)
Q. What is social mobility? Critically examine the classification of ‘closed’ and ‘open’ models of social stratification 10M (2024) |
|
|
Works and Economic Life |
Social organization of work in different types of society- slave society, feudal society, industrial /capitalist society |
Q. What are the distinctive features of social organization of work in slave society? How is it different from feudal society? 10M (2014)
Q. Distinguish between the social organization of work in feudal society and in capitalist society. 10M (2015)
Q. Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society. 10M (2016)
Q. Trace the changing nature of organisation of work in capitalist society over the years. 20M (2017)
Q. Discuss the nature of social organisation of work in capitalist society with reference to the Limits of the working day. 20M (2018)
Q. Define the concept of ‘gig’ economy and discuss its impact on labour market and workers social security net. 20M (2024)
Q. Describe the differing principles of work organization in feudal and capitalist societies. 10M (2024)
Q. Explain how economic globalization has brought changes in the patterns of employment in the 21st century. 20M (2023) |
|
Formal and informal organization of work |
Q. The increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the formal organization of work in recent times. Examine the statement. 20M (2015)
Q. "Globalization has pushed the labour into informal organization of work." Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20M (2016)
Q. What do you understand by 'informalisation of labour'? Write your answer with special reference to India. 10M (2017)
Q. What is 'informal labour? Discuss the need for and challenges in regulating informal labour in the post-industrial society. 20M (2019)
Q. Capitalism has brought increasing informalisation of work in society. Substantiate your answer. 20M (2020)
Q. Discuss the new labour codes and their impact on formal and informal labour in India. 20M (2020)
Q. How has the idea of 'Work From Home' forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work? 20M (2021)
Q. Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector. 10M (2021)
Q. What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx? 20M (2022)
Q. Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies. 20M (2022) |
|
|
Labour and society |
Q. Examine the social impact of globalization on labour and society. 20M (2013)
Q. What do you understand by 'informalisation of labour'? Write your answer with special reference to India. 10M (2017)
Q. What is labour commitment? Discuss it with reference to studies of manufacturing industry. 20M (2018)
Q. What is reserve army of labour? Present the position of feminist scholars on this. 10M (2019) |
|
|
Politics and Society |
Sociological theories of power |
Q. "Power is not a zero-sum game." Discuss with reference to Weber's and Parsons' views. 20M (2014)
Q. "According to Max Weber, 'class' and 'status' are two different dimensions of power." Discuss. 20M (2014)
Q. Which Concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination? 10M (2015)
Q. What are the theoretical models of societal power? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies? 20M (2019)
Q. How is ‘power’ different from ‘authority’? Discuss various types of authorities as theorized by Max Weber. 10M (2024) |
|
Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties |
Q. Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy. 10M (2013)
Q. Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure Groups. 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss the importance of 'power elite' in democracy. 10M (2016)
Q. Examine the dynamics of pressure groups in multi-party political system. 10M (2017)
Q. What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites? Discuss. 10M (2018)
Q. Discuss the concept of circulation of elite. 10M (2019)
Q. According to Mills, "Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms." Comment. 20M (2020)
Q. Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically related to each other in terms of achieving their goals. 20M (2021)
Q. Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation of social policies. 20M (2022)
Q. Is Weber's idea of bureaucracy a product of the historical experiences of Europe? Comment. 20M (2023)
Q. 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. 20M (2023) |
|
|
Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology |
Q. Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy. 10M (2013)
Q. Evaluate how . do civil society and democracy mutually reinforce each other. 20M (2013)
Q. Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy. 10M (2013)
Q. "Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy." Discuss. 10M (2015)
Q. Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy. Comment. 10M (2015)
Q. "Globalization involves deterritorialization." Examine with reference to the nation-state. 20M (2015)
Q. Discuss the changing interface between state and civil society in post independent India. 10M (2017)
Q. What is civil society? Present a note on civil society engagement with science and technology policy in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Explain democracy as an order of society. What are the factors preventing people's participation in politics? 10M (2020)
Q. Highlight the roles and functions of civil society in a democratic system. 10M (2021)
Q. Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identity politics in India. 20M (2022)
Q. How is civil society used in deepening the roots of democracy? 20M (2023)
Q. Democracy needs a vibrant culture of civil society in order to strengthen its foundation of citizenship. Comment. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution |
Q. Define social movement. Elucidate the role of reformist movements in social change. 10M (2013)
Q. What do you understand by social movement? How has the mobilization by Scheduled Castes helped them in Contemporary structing a new identity? 10M (2014)
Q. Explain the Conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social movement. 20M (2015)
Q. Examine the role of protest movements in changing the status of Dalits in India. 10M (2016)
Q. To what extent revolution replaces the existing order of society? Discuss. 10M (2016)
Q. What is new in 'new social movements? Elaborate your answer with special reference to India. 20M (2017)
Q. Are social movements primordial in means and progressive in agenda? Explain. 10M (2018)
Q. How is terrorism a new form of asymmetrical warfare? What are some of the challenges in trying to win the war on terrorism? 10M (2019)
Q. Examine how social movements come to an end. Illustrate with examples. 10M (2020)
Q. Discuss how 'environmentalism' can be explained with new social movements approach. 20M (2022)
Q. Underline the role of social media in contemporary social movements and describe its challenges 20M (2023)
Q. Do you think that the social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case. 20M (2023) |
|
|
Religion and Society |
Sociological theories of religion |
Q. How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory of religion? 20M (2016)
Q. Critically compare the views of E.B. Tylor and Max Muller on Religion. 10M (2021)
Q. What is Taylorism? Analyze its merits and demerits. 20M (2023)
Q. How does a multicultural society accommodate diversities of all kinds- ethnic, linguistic and religious? Discuss its major challenges. 20M (2024) |
|
Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults |
Q. Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations. 10M (2015)
Q. "Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies." Explain by giving suitable examples. 20M (2016)
Q. Elaborate on various types of religious practices prevalent in Indian society. 10M (2017)
Q. What are sects? Discuss their role in multi-religious societies with empirical examples. 20M (2018)
Q. State the reasons for the various religious beliefs and practices premodern societies. 10M (2020)
Q. What is cult? Explain the growth of cults in the contemporary world. 10M (2021)
Q. Highlight the differences and similarities between totemism and animism. 10M (2023)
Q. What are new religious movements? Elaborate emphasizing their forms and orientations. 20M (2023)
Q. Discuss the concept of animism and differentiate it from naturism. 10M (2024)
Q. How do you understand the phenomena of the mushrooming of sects and cults in contemporary society? Discuss the factors responsible for the trend. 20M (2024) |
|
|
Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularization, religious revivalism, fundamentalism |
Q. "Science has empirical means to logical ends and religion has non-empirical means to logical ends." - Comment. 10M (2013)
Q. Is religion antithetical to science? Comment. 10M (2013)
Q. How is religious revivalism different from communalism? Elaborate with suitable examples from the Indian Context. 20M (2014)
Q. Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern world? 20M (2015)
Q. Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer. 10M (2016)
Q. Problematise the Concept of secularism in the present Context. 10M (2017)
Q. Discuss the challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular nation-state. 10M (2018)
Q. 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. 20M (2020)
Q. Give your comments on the growth of religious revivalism in the present day context. 10M (2021)
Q. Write a note on global trends of secularization. 10M (2022)
Q. What functions does religion perform in a pluralistic society? 10M (2023)
Q. Do modernization and secularization necessarily go together? Give your views. 20M (2024) |
|
|
Systems of Kinship |
Family, household, marriage |
Q. Critically examine the functionalist views on the institution of family. How do those help us in understanding family in the present times? 20M (2014)
Q. What do you understand by institutionalization of 'live-in relationship'? 10M (2014)
Q. Distinguish between family and household as sociological Concepts 10M (2016)
Q. Discuss the regional variations of kinship system in Indian society. 20M (2017)
Q. Distinguish between family and household with reference to the Concept of development of the household. 20M (2018)
Q. In the light of judicial intervention on Live-in relationships', discuss the future of marriage and family in India. 20M (2019)
Q. Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system in modern Indian society. 10M (2020)
Q. Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society?Comment. 10M (2020)
Q. Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family. 10M (2022)
Q. How do you assess the changing patterns in kinship relations in societies today? 20M (2023)
Q. Analyze critically David Morgan's views on family practices. 10M (2023)
Q. Marriage as an institution has undergone a radical transformation from 'ritual' to 'commercial' in its outlook. Explain the factors behind this change. 10M (2024)
Q. What are the 'basic and irreducible' functions of the family as proposed by Talcott Parsons ? Explain. 10M (2024)
Q. . Modern families have not just become nuclear and neo-local, but also filiocentric. How do you explain this trend? 20M (2024) |
|
Types and forms of family |
Q. What are the new forms of family in developed societies Discuss. 10M (2018)
Q. What, according to Irawati Karve, are the major differences between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems? 10M (2019)
Q. Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary 20M (2021)
Q. Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family. 20M (2022) |
|
|
Lineage and descent |
Q. How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other ? Illustrate. 10M (2015) |
|
|
Patriarchy and sexual division of labour |
Q. Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon ? Critically examine how does patriarchy affect sexual division of labour in societies. 20M (2013)
Q. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss. 10M (2015)
Q. To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women? Discuss. 10M (2016)
Q. Examine patriarchal bargain' as gendered division of work in Contemporary India. 10M (2017)
Q. Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations? 20M (2018)
Q. Are all world religions patriarchal? Substantiate your answer with examples. 20M (2019)
Q. What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of society? 20M (2020)
Q. Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector. 10M (2021)
Q. Explain how the pattern of patriarchy is being altered in a family and at the workplace in the present context. 20M (2021)
Q. Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies. 10M (2022)
Q. How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development? 10M (2022)
Q. Does women's education help to eradicate patriarchal discriminations? Reflect with illustrations. 10M (2023) |
|
|
Contemporary trends |
Q. Analyse the Contemporary trends in family with examples. 10M (2013)
Q. Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to the changes in economic and social order . 20M (2013)
Q. Discuss the Contemporary trends in family as a response to social change in modern society. 20M (2016)
Q. Examine the relationship between the Contemporary trends in marriage and changing forms of family. 20M (2017) |
|
|
Social Change in Modern Society |
Sociological theories of social change. |
Q. Illustrate the Conflicts and tensions experienced by societies undergoing social change. 20M (2013)
Q. Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples. 20M (2013)
Q. According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal relationships between men and women. Critically examine with illustrations from the Contemporary Indian Context. 10M (2014)
Q. "Social Contemporaryflict is both a cause and a Consequence of social change." Explain. 10M (2016)
Q. Examine any two theories of social change in detail. 20M (2017)
Q. How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? 20M (2020)
Q. Do you think Talcott Parsons gave an adequate theory of social change? Justify your answer. 10M (2021)
Q. Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in understanding the present global scenario. 20M (2021)
Q. How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society? 10M (2022)
Q. Critically examine the roles of science and technology in social change. What is your opinion on their increasing trend in ‘online’ education and teaching? 10M (2024)
Q. Discuss various theories of social change. Explain the limitations of unilinear theory of social change. 20M (2024)
Q. Critically examine the World-Systems theory Of Immanuel Wallerstein in terms of development and dependency of various nations. 10M (2024) |
|
Development and dependency |
Q. Examine the social dimensions of displacement induced by development. 10M (2013)
Q. Write a short essay on the Latin American perspective on 'dependency'. 20M (2014)
Q. Explain the relevance of the idea of 'cultural lag' in understanding social change. 10M (2015)
Q. "Social change can be brought about through development." Illustrate from the Contemporary situation of India. 20M (2016)
Q. Is the theory of cultural lag valid in present times? Discuss. 10M (2018)
Q. Differentiate between Life-chances' and Life-style' with suitable examples. 10M (2019)
Q. Critique A.G. Frank's 'development of underdevelopment. 10M (2019)
Q. Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss. 20M (2020)
Q. Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the recent Lockdown period'. 20M (2021)
Q. Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in understanding the present global scenario. 20M (2021)
Q. Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies. 10M (2022)
Q. Trace the trajectory of development perspectives on social change. 10M (2022)
Q. How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development? 10M (2022)
Q. Assess critically A. G. Frank's theory of development of underdevelopment'. 10M (2023) |
|
|
Agents of social change |
Q. Examine science and technology as agents of social change. 10M (2013)
Q. Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the study of social change. 20M (2015)
Q. Assess the role of mass media as an agent of social change. 10M (2017)
Q. Are traditional social institutions getting weakened as agents of social change in the contemporary society? Substantiate. 20M (2022) |
|
|
Education and social change |
Q. Education is often viewed as an agency of social change. However in
Q. "Education helps in perpetuating social and econmic inequalities." Critically examine the statement. 20M (2015)
Q. "Education is a major source of social mobility in Contemporary society." Explain. 20M (2016)
Q. Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of the society. Discuss with reference to class societies. 20M (2018)
Q. Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. 10M (2019)
Q. According to Durkheim, "The major function of education is the transmission of society's norms and values." Discuss. 20M (2020)
Q. Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each other. 20M (2021) |
|
|
Science, technology and social change |
Q. Examine science and technology as agents of social change. 10M (2013)
Q. How is the increasing use of technology changing the status of women in Indian society? 20M (2014)
Q. Critically analyse the role of science and technology in bringing about social change. 20M (2017)
Q. What is civil society? Present a note on civil society engagement with science and technology policy in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Is humanity at the mercy of Nature, Science and Technology? Comment
Q. Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss 20M (2020)
Q. Describe the role of Science and Technology in enabling us to face the challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic 20M (2021)
Q. Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. Comment. 20M (2022)
Q. Examine the role of science and technology in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions. 10M (2023)
Q. Critically assess the impact of technological advancement and automation on the nature of work and employment. 10M (2024) |
Sociology Paper 2 Topic-Wise Marks Distribution
| Topic | Sub Topic | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Perspectives on the study of Indian society |
Indology (GS. Ghurye) |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
|
Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas) |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Marxist sociology ( A R Desai) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Impact of colonial rule on Indian society |
Social background of Indian nationalism |
0 |
30 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
Modernization of Indian tradition |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Protests and movements during the colonial period |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Social reforms |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Rural and Agrarian Social Structure |
The idea of Indian village and village studies |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
|
Agrarian social structure -evolution of land tenure system, land reforms |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Caste System |
Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GS Ghurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille |
50 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
30 |
50 |
20 |
10 |
30 |
0 |
|
Features of caste system |
15 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
|
|
Untouchability - forms and perspectives |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
30 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Tribal communities in India |
Definitional problems |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
|
Geographical spread |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Colonial policies and tribes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Issues of integration and autonomy |
20 |
40 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Social Classes in India |
Agrarian class structure |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
|
Industrial class structure |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Middle classes in India |
15 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Systems of Kinship in India |
Lineage and descent in India |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
|
Types of kinship systems |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Family and marriage in India |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
|
|
Household dimensions of the family |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour |
20 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
0 |
30 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Religion and Society |
Religious communities in India |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
|
Problems of religious minorities |
0 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
30 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Visions of Social Change in India |
Idea of development planning and mixed economy |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
Constitution, law and social change |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Education and social change |
15 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
|
|
Rural and Agrarian transformation in India |
Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
|
Green revolution and social change |
10 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
|
|
Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
30 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
|
|
Industrialization and Urbanisation in India |
Evolution of modern industry in India |
15 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Growth of urban settlements in India |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
|
|
Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Informal sector, child labour |
30 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
|
Slums and deprivation in urban areas |
15 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
Politics and Society |
Nation, democracy and citizenship |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
30 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Political parties, pressure groups , social and political elite |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
|
|
Regionalism and decentralization of power |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Secularization |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Social Movements in Modern India |
Peasants and farmers movements |
20 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
Women’s movement |
10 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Backward classes & Dalit movement |
30 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
|
|
Environmental movements |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Ethnicity and Identity movements |
0 |
0 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Population Dynamics |
Population size, growth, composition and distribution |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Components of population growth: birth, death, migration |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Population policy and family planning |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive |
25 |
30 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
0 |
30 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
|
|
Challenges of Social Transformation |
Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
10 |
20 |
|
Poverty, deprivation and inequalities |
15 |
10 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Violence against women |
0 |
30 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
|
|
Caste conflicts |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism |
15 |
20 |
20 |
0 |
30 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Illiteracy and disparities in education |
0 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
Sociology PYQ Paper 2 Topic-Wise
| Topic | Sub Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
|
Perspectives on the study of Indian society |
Indology (GS. Ghurye) |
Q. G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to understand society in India. 10M (2014)
Q. Write a note on G. S. Ghurye's Indological perspective of understanding Indian society 10M (2018)
Q. Critically examine G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to the understanding of Indian society. 20M (2022)
Q. Differentiate between ‘Western’ and ‘Indological’ perspectives on the study of Indian society. Bring out the major aspects of G. S. Ghurye's contribution to ‘Indological’ approach. 20M (2024) |
|
Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas) |
Q. M.N. Srinivas's concept of westernisation. 10M (2013)
Q. Write a critique of the structural and functional perspective used by M.N. Srinivas in the understanding of Indian society. 10M (2017)
Q. Elaborate on MN. Srinivas's structural-functionalist approach to the study of Indian society. 10M (2022) |
|
|
Marxist sociology (A R Desai) |
Q. Salient features of A.R. Desai's Marxist Sociology. 10M (2016)
Q. Analyze A. R. Desai's views on India's path of development. 20M (2018)
Q. Elaborate A. R. Desai's perspective to the study of Indian society. 10M (2020)
Q. Highlight the significant features of A.R Desai's 'Dialectical Perspective' to study Indian Society. 10M (2023) |
|
|
Impact of colonial rule on Indian society |
Social background of Indian nationalism |
Q. Gandhi's efforts on communal harmony 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss the social background of lndian nationalism. 20M (2014)
Q. Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism. 20M (2015)
Q. Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of action through his Hind Swaraj. 20M (2015)
Q. Colonial administrators helped to construct the very traditionalism which marked the Indian society as backwards. Comment critically. 20M (2020)
Q. Examine the social background of growth of Indian nationalism. 20M (2022) |
|
Modernization of Indian tradition |
Q. Modernization of Indian tradition. 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian tradition in analyzing the social change in India. 20M (2015)
Q. Discuss Yogendra Singh's thesis on Modernisation of Indian Tradition, and evaluate its applicability in the present day context. 20M (2016)
Q. Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in theorizing India's modernization. 20M (2021)
Q. Critically examine Yogendra Singh's thesis on 'Modernisation of Indian Tradition'. 20M (2022) |
|
|
Protests and movements during the colonial period |
Q. Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period 10M (2016)
Q. The main objectives of socio-religious movements during the colonial rule in India were reforming and synthesizing Hinduism. Write on any two such important movements. 20M (2017)
Q. Examine sociological dynamics of Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India. 20M (2018)
Q. Illustrate the contributions of the Tebhaga Movement to the peasants struggle in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Highlight the major contributions of the reform movements in pre-independent India. 20M (2024) |
|
|
Social reforms |
Q. Write some of the important social reforms in India for the removal of untouchability. 10M (2014)
Q. Do you think that the Indian saints have brought about social reform and awareness in Indian society? Explain. 10M (2019)
Q. "Banning practice of 'Sati' is attributed to annihilation of a major social evil in colonial India." Comment. 10M (2020) |
|
|
Rural and Agrarian Social Structure |
The idea of Indian village and village studies |
Q. What is the idea of 'Indian village' ? Explain. 10M (2014)
Q. Significance of Village Studies in Indian Sociology. 10M (2016)
Q. Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille's study of Tanjore village. 10M (2018)
Q. Critically examine Dube's contributions to the study of Indian villages. 20M (2019)
Q. "Indian rural society is a faction-ridden society." Discuss. 10M (2020)
Q. Critically examine briefly the phrase "Little 'Republics" as used to denote India's villages. 10M (2021)
Q. Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. 10M (2022)
Q. “The decade of 1950 was the golden period of village studies in Indian Sociology.” Explain the statement. 10M (2023)
Q. . Do you agree with the view of Andre Beteille that India's villages are representative of Indian society's basic civilizational values? Present a sociological overview. 10M (2023) |
|
Agrarian social structure -evolution of land tenure system, land reforms |
Q. Describe the impact of land reforms on the peasants of Indian Society. 20M (2014)
Q. Analyse the major components of Land Reform Acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural inequality. 10M (2016)
Q. Examine the changing initiatives of the land tenure system in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Explain how land reforms brought about desired
Q. Identify different forms of inequalities associated with agrarian social structure in India. 20M (2024) |
|
|
Caste System |
Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GS Ghurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille |
Q. What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's views on annihilation of caste ? 20M (2013)
Q. Critically evaluate Louis Dumont's Homo Hierarchicus. 20M (2013)
Q. What are the features of M.N. Srinivas' concept of dominant caste ? How effective is it in understanding to day's reality ? 10M (2013)
Q. Louis Dumont's perspective on Indian caste system? 10M (2015)
Q. How far Srinivas' Sanskritization is modernizing force or traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste system? 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss Andre Beteille's account of the relationship between caste, class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one. 20 M (2016)
Q. What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies? Substantiate your answer with suitable illustrations. 20M (2018)
Q. Write a note on Ghurye's conception of caste in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Give an account of Ranajit Guha's approach in studying 'subaltern class'. 20M (2019)
Q. How do you justify Dumont's deliberate stress on ideology that produced intellectualized account of Indian society? 10M (2020)
Q. "Indian caste system is unique and has been unhealthy for the growth of sociology of India." How far do you agree with this view? 20M (2020)
Q. Discuss Whitehead's contention that caste has potential to displace class and colonial contradiction. 20M (2020)
Q. Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the "bookview" initially.How did the entry of "field-view" bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss. 10M (2021)
Q. What does Dr B. R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of "Annihilation of caste"? 10M (2021)
Q. In the context of the changing Indian society, how do you view Andre Beteille's conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social structures? 10M (2022)
Q. Are Tradition and Modernity antithetical to each other? Comment 10M (2023)
Q. Contextualize Louis Dumont's concept of ‘binary opposition’ with reference to caste system in India. 20M (2023) |
|
Features of caste system |
Q. Examine the influence of industrialisation on caste. 15M (2013)
Q. Features of caste system. 10M (2014)
Q. Is the caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India? 20M (2015)
Q. How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features ? 20M (2016)
Q. Which is more significant, the principle of 'hierarchy' or the principle of 'difference', in intercaste relations in the present day? 10M (2017)
Q. What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the caste system since independence? 10M (2017)
Q. What is caste politics? Substantiate your answer with examples of how identities are defined by caste dynamics. 20M (2019)
Q. Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious communities as well. Discuss with examples. 10M (2021)
Q. Is Indian society moving from "Hierarchy" towards "differentiation"? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 20M (2021)
Q. Elaborate on the changing nature of caste system with suitable illustrations. 20M (2022)
Q. Critically examine the concept of Sanskritization with suitable illustrations. 10M (2023)
Q. What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Untouchability - forms and perspectives |
Q. Write some of the important social reforms in India for the removal of untouchability. 10M (2014)
Q. How far Gandhi was trusted by the untouchables? 10M (2015)
Q. Different forms of Dalit assertion. 10M (2016)
Q. How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms and perspectives from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions? 10M (2017)
Q. What, according to you, are the two fundamental axes of social discrimination in Indian society? Are they changing? 20M (2017)
Q. Elaborate various forms of Dalit assertions in contemporary India. What are its implications on the Indian political system? 20M (2018)
Q. What are the various forms of untouchability in India? Critically examine. 10M (2021)
Q. Explain different forms of untouchability in India. 10M (2022)
Q. What are the different formus untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Tribal communities in India |
Definitional problems |
Q. What are the features that distinguish tribes from the rest of the population ? 20M (2013)
Q. What is the nature of religious change among tribal communities? Illustrate with two examples from colonial and post independence times. 20M (2017)
Q. Explain the definitional problems concerning the tribal communities in India. 10M (2020)
Q. Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development. 20M (2021)
Q. What are the definitional problems involved in identifying tribes in India? Discuss the main obstacles to tribal development in India. 20M (2024) |
|
Geographical spread |
|
|
|
Colonial policies and tribes |
Q. Isolationism' as a dominant feature of colonial tribal policy. 10M (2016)
Q. Examine the colonial policy of segregation of tribes under the
Q. Analyse the perspectives of Isolation. Assimilation and integration in understanding the trajectories of India Tribal Development. 20M (2023) |
|
|
Issues of integration and autonomy |
Q. Write a note on ethnicity and integration in the context of tribes. 20M (2013)
Q. Analyse the different views on integration and autonomy of tribes in India. 20M (2014)
Q. Tribal conflicts based on ethnic' differences often camouflage a struggle for political and economic advantage.' Substantiate with examples. 20M (2014)
Q. Verrier Elwin's views on freedom for the tribals. 10M (2015)
Q. Main objectives of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). 10M (2015)
Q. How is the tribal question related with the issues of integration and autonomy in modern India ? 20M (2016)
Q. Why have we started using another category of tribes called the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) ? Why are they so called? 10M (2017)
Q. Comment on the growing assertion of tribal community for autonomy in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Elucidate the challenges of integration for tribal communities in India. 10M (2021) |
|
|
Social Classes in India |
Agrarian class structure |
Q. Agrarian class structure. 10M (2013)
Q. Classes in agrarian society in India. 10M (2013)
Q. Explain the and the implication and the impact of globalization in situating the changing agrarian class structure in India. 20M (2023)
Q. . What, according to Andre Beteille, are the bases of agrarian class structure in India? Analyse. 10M (2024) |
|
Industrial class structure |
Q. Discuss the changes taking place in the industrial class structure in India. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Middle classes in India |
Q. Discuss the salient features of Indian middle class. 15M (2013)
Q. Discuss the status of women among the emerging urban middle class. 20M (2014)
Q. What accounts for the growth and consolidation of the middle classes in modern India ? 10M (2016)
Q. Write a note on the changing roles of middle-class women in India. 10M (2018)
Q. How has the New Economic Policy (1991) affected the lifestyle and life-chances of new middle class in India? 20M (2018)
Q. How does Andre Beteille justify 'middle class in India'? 10M (2020)
Q. Discuss the salient features of 'new middle class' in India. 10M (2021)
Q. Elaborate the salient features and the role of middle class in India's democracy and development. 20M (2023) |
|
|
Systems of Kinship in India |
Lineage and descent in India |
Q. Discuss the conceptual issues about lineage and descent in India. Give suitable illustrations. 20M (2020)
Q. Define the concepts of ‘Descent’ and ‘Alliance’. Differentiate between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems with examples. 20M (2023) |
|
Types of kinship systems |
Q. Types of kinship systems in India 10M (2014)
Q. Broadly compare the kinship system of North and South India. 20M (2015)
Q. Compare the North Indian Kinship System with the South Indian Kinship System. 10M (2017)
Q. Discuss different forms of kinship system in India. 10M (2021)
Q. Urban settlements in India tend to replicate its rural caste-kinship imprints. Discuss the main reasons. 20M (2021)
Q. Do you think that family bondings are being affected by the changing kinship patterns in India? Comment 10M (2024) |
|
|
Family and marriage in India |
Q. Give some of the important studies relating to the structural
Q. Illustrate the importance of 'Kanyadan' and 'Kulabadhu' in
Q. What do you understand by LGBTQ? Comment on the issues
Q. Analyse the role of market and modern forces in understanding the changing trends in marriage systems in India. 10M (2023)
Q. . Why is the study of marriage important in Sociology'? Analyse the implications of changing marriage patterns for Indian society. 20M (2024) |
|
|
Household dimensions of the family |
Q. Bring out the significance of the difference between family and household. 20M (2016)
Q. Clarify the distinction between household' and 'family' and evaluate whether joint families have completely disintegrated. 20M (2017)
Q. Analyze household dimensions of family in India. 20M (2020)
Q. Examine the concept of 'Cultural Pluralism’ in the context of India's Unity in Diversity. 20M (2023) |
|
|
Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour |
Q. Discuss the problems of working women in India. 20M (2013)
Q. Define Patriarchy. How does it impact the overall entitlement of a girl child in India? 10M (2014)
Q. What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization pattern in India? 20M (2015)
Q. Patriarchy as a form of dominance. 10M (2016)
Q. Comment on the factors behind the changing status of women in urban India. 20M (2016)
Q. Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in Indian society. 10M (2018)
Q. Western patriarchy which surrenders feminine principles is the new development project in India. Do you agree with this view? Why? 20M (2018)
Q. Define patriarchy. Does it have bearings on women's entitlement in Indian family system? Explain. 20M (2019)
Q. Discuss the material basis of patriarchy as an ideological system. 20M (2022)
Q. Is patriarchy a key to understanding different forms of inequalities in Indian society? Elaborate. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Religion and Society |
Religious communities in India |
Q. What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism? 20M (2015)
Q. What are the distinct features of Islam as practised in India, and how have they changed over time? 10M (2017)
Q. Discuss the growth of religious sects in India. 10M (2018)
Q. Elaborate Srinivas's views on religion and society among the Coorgs. 10M (2019)
Q. Write a note on 'cultural pluralism' in multi-religious society like India. 10M (2020)
Q. How do religious communities contribute to the cultural diversity of India? 20M (2024) |
|
Problems of religious minorities |
Q. Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India. 20M (2014)
Q. To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist agenda? 10M (2015)
Q. Give an account of the problems relating to the "creamy layer". 10M (2017)
Q. Write a critical narrative on the concerns of religious minorities in India. 20M (2018)
Q. Assess the impact of ban on Triple Talak' on marriage and divorce among the Muslim community in India. 10M (2018)
Q. How do you understand the 'minority' question? Examine the violence and discrimination against the religious minorities in India. 20M (2019)
Q. Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India and suggest measures to solve them. 10M (2022) |
|
|
Visions of Social Change in India |
Idea of development planning and mixed economy |
Q. Five Year Plans 10M (2013)
Q. Human development approach affirms that education and healthcare growth are more important than economic growth. Discuss this issue in the light of post-liberalized Indian society. 20M (2015)
Q. Analyze A. R. Desai's views on India's path of development. 20M (2018)
Q. Examine the importance of Development Planning in Indian Mixed Economy, and analyze its problems and prospects. 20M (2019)
Q. What is 'social security? Examine recent security measures adopted by the Government in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Discuss in detail the main issues of development planning in mixed economy like India. 20M (2020)
Q. Analyze the idea of developmental planning in India. 10M (2021)
Q. Critically examine the relevance of development planning in India 10M (2024) |
|
Constitution, law and social change |
Q. How does the new Forest Act affect tribals ? 10M (2013)
Q. Domestic Violence Act, 2005. 10M (2014)
Q. Discuss law as an important instrument for women's empowerment. 10M (2022)
Q. Do you the constitutional provisions for women have led to their uplift? Give reasons for your answer. 20M (2024) |
|
|
Education and social change |
Q. Discuss the salient features of right to education. 15M (2013)
Q. Important components of National Education Policy in India. 10M (2015)
Q. Privatization of education and increasing inequalities. 10M (2016)
Q. Empowerment through 'Right to Education' 10M (2016)
Q. With increase in education and economic development is Indian society becoming more secular? 10M (2018)
Q. Explain the sociological significance of the New Education Policy and its thrust on vocationalization and skill development. 20M (2021)
Q. Highlight the salient features of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 10M (2023)
Q. Education is a key to social development. Elucidate. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Rural and Agrarian transformation in India |
Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation schemes. |
Q. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. 10M (2013)
Q. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for rural development . 10M (2016)
Q. How do the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission (2004- 2006) ensure food and nutrition security for the Indian masses? 10M (2018)
Q. Highlight the main features of the Inter-linking of Rivers project in India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture? 20M (2019)
Q. Do you think MSP (Minimum Support Price) Scheme for agricultural produce can help in rural development? Elaborate your response with suitable examples 20M (2020)
Q. How can skill development programme induce social change? Illustrate. 10M (2020)
Q. Comment on the role of co-operatives in rural development. 10M (2021)
Q. What role do co-operatives play in poverty alleviation in rural India? 10M (2022)
Q. Discuss the challenges faced by the cooperative movements in India. Suggest measures to strengthen the movement at the grass-roots level. 20M (2023) |
|
Green revolution and social change |
Q. Green Revolution. 10M (2013)
Q. Write a note on the uneven impact of 'Green Revolution' on rural society. 20M (2016)
Q. Has 'Green Revolution' led to the formation of new power elite in rural India? Elaborate your answer. 20M (2018)
Q. Point out the benefits of 'green chemistry' for agrarian transformation in India. 10M (2020)
Q. Critique the victory narratives of Green Revolution in the context of Indian society. 10M (2023) |
|
|
Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture |
Q. Bring out the impact of the declining significance of the agrarian economy. 20M (2016)
Q. Write a short note on 'changing means of production and increased rural poverty.' 10M (2017)
Q. Is industrial development in India a bane or a boon to agrarian class structure? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20M (2019)
Q. Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India. 20M (2021)
Q. Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. 10M (2021)
Q. Do you agree that the agrarian class structure in India is changing? Justify your answer with illustrations. 10M (2022) |
|
|
Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration |
Q. Give a sociological analysis of the problems of migrant urban poor. 20M (2014)
Q. Indebtedness is one of the serious issues leading to farmers'
Q. What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio? 20M (2018)
Q. Discuss the dynamics of 'migrant workers in India in the context of Corona pandemic 20M (2020)
Q. Examine whether rural bondage still continues to be a social reality. Give your argument. 20M (2022)
Q. Discuss recent trends in the structure of migration. 20M (2022)
Q. What is 'reverse migration'? Discuss its features, causes and consequences in India. 20M (2023)
Q. Despite the efforts of the government, bonded labour still continues in India. Discuss. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Industrialization and Urbanisation in India |
Evolution of modern industry in India. |
Q. Examine the influence of industrialisation on caste. 15M (2013)
Q. Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban socio-spatial |
|
Growth of urban settlements in India |
Q. How do you relate the growth of development of metropolis and its impact on the mental and social life of people in India? 20M (2018)
Q. Elaborate urbanism as a way of life in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamics in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Elaborate the causes, consequences and other concerns of growth of urban settlements in India. 20M (2020)
Q. Discuss the phenomenon of rural-urban continuum with suitable examples. 10M (2023)
Q. Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the growth of urban settlements in India. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization |
Q. Examine the impact of industrialization and urbanization on family structure. 20M (2016)
Q. Discuss the changing dimensions of family structure in urban India. 10M (2021)
Q. Discuss the changing nature of Industrial working class. 10M (2022) |
|
|
Informal sector, child labour |
Q. Distinguish between formal and informal sectors in India. 20M (2013)
Q. Child Labour. 10M (2013)
Q. Discuss the impact of globalisation on the workers in the Informal sector. 10M (2014)
Q. Issues relating to the informal labour market in urban India. 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss the changing nature of the problems of working class in the informal sector of the economy. 20M (2016)
Q. Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises questions about and beyond the informal sector? Give reasons. 10M (2017)
Q. Do you think that 'demonetization' has accelerated the economic growth in India? How do you understand the informalization of labour, underemployment and gender discrimination in this context? 20M (2019)
Q. Point out the main causes of 'child labour in India. How far the State policies have succeeded in its elimination? 10M (2020)
Q. How do you view the growth of informal sector in India? 10M (2022)
Q. What actionable measures would you suggest to curb the recurrent child labour menace in India? 10M (2023)
Q. Is there a connection between labour migration and informal sector? Justify your answer with reference to Indian context. 10M (2024) |
|
|
Slums and deprivation in urban areas |
Q. Write an analytical note on slums in cities. 15M (2013)
Q. Write a detailed note on the effects of growing slums in urban areas. 20M (2016)
Q. 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. 10M (2017)
Q. Write a note on Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development (IHSD) programmes provided for the urban poor. 10M (2018)
Q. Urban slums are sites of social exclusion - Explain. 10M (2021)
Q. Discuss different forms of deprivation associated with slums. 10M (2022)
Q. Are slum the manifestations of industrialisation and urbanisation in India? 10M (2024) |
|
|
Politics and Society |
Nation, democracy and citizenship |
Q. Discuss B. R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat 20M (2015)
Q. Comment on the increasing significance of caste in politics. 10M (2016)
Q. To what extent does nation building depend on strengthening of pluralities in Indian society? 20M (2017)
Q. Elaborate the concept of constitutional morality as given by B. R. Ambedkar. 10M (2018)
Q. Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India? Discuss. 20M (2018)
Q. What is ethno-nationalism? Examine the critical factors responsible for tribal discontent in India. 20M (2019)
Q. Comment on the changing democratic profile of India. 10M (2019)
Q. Analyze the issues related to the citizenship in contemporary India. Give suitable illustrations. 10M (2020)
Q. Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy? Comment. 10M (2021) |
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Political parties, pressure groups , social and political elite. |
Q. Who are the elites ? Discuss their roles in bringing social transformation. 10M (2014)
Q. Write a brief note on the Freedom of Press. 10M (2015)
Q. Explain the concepts of 'dominant caste and 'vote bank', giving examples from specific regions. 20M (2017)
Q. Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Discuss. 10M (2018)
Q. Has 'Green Revolution' led to the formation of new power elite in rural India? Elaborate your answer. 20M (2018)
Q. Discuss the implications of Swachha Bharat Abhiyan'. Do you think that civil society has a role to play here? Substantiate your answer with examples. 20M (2019)
Q. Discuss the role of pressure groups in strengthening democracy. 10M (2022)
Q. Discuss the changing nature of structure of political elites. 10M (2022)
Q. Discuss the changing nature of political elites in India. 10M (2024)
Q. What are pressure groups? Discuss their role in decision-making in democracy. 10M (2024)
Q. Analyse the sociological interconnections between Social Media and Mass Mobilization in India. 10M (2023) |
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Regionalism and decentralization of power |
Q. What do you understand by democratic federalism? How does it promote decentralization of power in India? 10M (2020)
Q. Does regionalism essentially lead to decentralization of power? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. 10M (2021)
Q. What do you understand by decentralisation of power? What is its role in strengthening the roots of democracy in India? Elaborate. 20M (2024) |
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Secularization |
Q. With increase in education and economic development is Indian society becoming more secular? 10M (2018)
Q. "Secularism was an outcome of 20th century humanistic radicalism." Comment on this statement. 10M (2020)
Q. Examine different understandings of secularisation in India. 10M (2022)
Q. How do you account for the increasing significance of religion in public and personal spheres in the context of secularization thesis in India? Explain. 20M (2023) |
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Social Movements in Modern India |
Peasants and farmers movements |
Q. Bring out the main features of farmers' movements in Modem India. 20M (2013)
Q. Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical. 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss the main features of farmers' movements in Independent India. 20M (2015)
Q. Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers' movement in contemporary India. 10M (2018)
Q. Illustrate the contributions of the Tebhaga Movement to the peasants struggle in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Are the contemporary farmers' movements in India changing their course? Discuss. 10M (2020)
Q. What is your assessment about the recent farmers' movement in India? Elaborate 10M (2024) |
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Women’s movement |
Q. Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. 10M (2013)
Q. What are the main features of the second wave of Women's movement in the Indian context ? 20M (2014)
Q. Discuss the impact of post-1970 feminist movement on Indian middle class. 20M (2015)
Q. Despite gains from the women's movement and state policy of women empowerment, gender equality is far from achieved. Identify two major challenges that prevent this goal from being reached. 20M (2017)
Q. Elaborate the 'Me Too' Movement and its impact in India. 10M (2018)
Q. Do you agree that social movements are caused by opportunity structures that are generated by media? Why? 10M (2019)
Q. Does "economic empowerment" automatically bring about "substantive empowerment" for women? Briefly describe the main issues in women empowerment in India. 10M (2021) |
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Backward classes & Dalit movement |
Q. Other Backward Classes. 10M (2013)
Q. What is the Dalit movement ? Examine the issues highlighted by it. 20M (2013)
Q. Dynamics of Contemporary Dalit movements. 10M (2014)
Q. What is identity politics? Discuss the main trends in Dalit movements in India. 20M (2021)
Q. Bring out the various issues involved in Dalit movements in India. 20M (2022)
Q. Do you think that the decodes of Dalit political mobilizations and movements have helped in strengthening India’s democracy? Substantiate your arguments with facts. 20M (2023)
Q. Trace the social and historical origins of Dalit movements in modern India. 10M (2024) |
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Environmental movements |
Q. Discuss the 'Chipko movement' as an example of eco-feminism. 20M (2014)
Q. Discuss the 'Chipko movement' as an example of eco-feminism. 10M (2016)
Q. Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements arising out of it. 20M (2020)
Q. In the face of rising global climatic concerns. how do you contextualize the relevance of Chipko Movement and its Gandhian tone? Answer analytically. 20M (2023) |
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Ethnicity and Identity movements |
Q. What are the major concerns of ethnic identity and religious identity in India? 20M (2015)
Q. What are the factors accounting for the resurgence of ethnic identity movements in India ? 10M (2016)
Q. Define ethnicity. Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of ethnic movements in India. 20M (2022) |
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Population Dynamics |
Population size, growth, composition and distribution |
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Components of population growth: birth, death, migration |
Q. What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio? 20M (2018)
Q. What are the sociological reasons and implication of "reverse migration" during the recent pandemic in India? 20M (2021) |
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Population policy and family planning |
Q. What were the salient features of the India's Population Policy (2000)? How far its goals have been achieved? 20M (2020) |
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Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health |
Q. Sex Ratio. 10M (2013)
Q. What are the main causes of female mortality in India ? 15M (2013)
Q. Trends of Infant Mortality Rate among females. 10M (2014)
Q. What are the demographic projection for the ageing population (60+) for the next decade ? What are the implications for formulating policy for them? 20M (2014)
Q. Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different perspectives to solve their problems? 10M (2015)
Q. Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India? 10M (2015)
Q. Differential sex-ratio and its implications 10M (2016)
Q. How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in Indian society ? 10M (2016)
Q. What are the emerging concerns on women's reproductive health? 10M (2017)
Q. What are the causes and solutions for the low female sex-ratio in the DEMARU States of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Gujarat? 10M (2017)
Q. Construct a sociological narrative on the increasing trend of child abuse in India. 10M (2018)
Q. What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio? 20M (2018)
Q. Why has 'active aging' become a global goal? Do you agree that the role of elderly care-giving is disproportionately gendered in developing countries? 20M (2019)
Q. Is 'ageing' an emerging issue in Indian society? Discuss the major problems of the old age people in India. 20M (2021)
Q. Underline the socio-cultural factors responsible for India's skewed sex-ratio. 10M (2021)
Q. Explain Leela Dube's concept of "Seed and Earth". 10M (2022)
Q. Discuss the nature of regional variations in sex ratio in India. Stating reasons thereof. 10M (2023)
Q. What is 'Ageing'? Discuss the major problems of aged people in India. 10M (2023)
Q. Discuss the major challenges related to women's reproductive health in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome these challenges? 20M (2024) |
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Challenges of Social Transformation |
Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability |
Q. Rural landless labourers and development induced displacement. 10M (2014)
Q. Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless and marginal farmers. 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss some of the striking issues of development induced imbalances that need urgent attention. 20M (2017)
Q. Discuss development-induced displacement in the context of tribal uprising in India. Substantiate your answer with any one detailed illustration from India. 20M (2018)
Q. Discuss the challenges in implementing the Rural Development Programmes in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamics in India. 10M (2019)
Q. Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration. 10M (2019)
Q. Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements arising out of it. 20M (2020)
Q. The problem of displacement is inherent in the idea of development. Analyze the statement critically. 20M (2021)
Q. Critically examine the dialectics between 'development and environment'. 20M (2022)
Q. Citing some case studies, expand the concept of 'Development-induced Displacement’. 10M (2023)
Q. What is sustainable development? How can sustainability be achieved in India where livelihood needs conflict with environmental protection? 20M (2024) |
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Poverty, deprivation and inequalities |
Q. Explain the inter-linkages between poverty, deprivation and inequality. 15M (2013)
Q. How do caste and class come together in creatirig the category of extreme poor ? 10M (2014)
Q. Feminization of poverty. 10M (2015)
Q. Discuss the emerging forms of 'inequalities' and 'acute poverty' as major challenges of social transformation in India. 20M (2016)
Q. Write a short note on 'changing means of production and increased rural poverty.' 10M (2017)
Q. Give an account of the consequences and remedies of chronic malnutrition in India. 10M (2020) |
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Violence against women |
Q. Domestic Violence Act, 2005. 10M (2014)
Q. What are the possible underlying causes of the spurt of increased violence against women in public spaces in the last decade? 20M (2014)
Q. How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India? 10M (2015)
Q. What are the reasons for the escalation of violence against women in the public domain? 10M (2017)
Q. 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. 20M (2019)
Q. To what extent have the legal provisions been effective in curbing violence against women in India? Give your argument. 20M (2024) |
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Caste conflicts |
Q. Many caste conflicts are between castes which are close to each other on the hierarchical scale.' Give a sociological explanation for this phenomenon. 20M (2014)
Q. Explain the thematic linkages between 'Patriarchy' and 'Honour killing' in India. citing some recent cases. 20M (2023) |
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Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism |
Q. Analyse the role of communalism in undermining democracy in ·India. 15M (2013)
Q. Tribal conflicts based on ethnic' differences often camouflage a struggle for political and economic advantage.' Substantiate with examples. 20M (2014)
Q. Elucidate the concepts of 'majoritarianism' and 'minoritarianism' in accentuating communal tensions in India. 20M (2015)
Q. Explain the issues relating to ethnicity and sub-ethnicity. 10M (2017)
Q. What is Cultural Revivalism? Give some examples from performing arts, language dissemination and arts and craits in recent times. 20M (2017)
Q. Rising 'ethnocentricism' is leading to conflict in our society. Assess this statement with appropriate reasons. 20M (2021)
Q. Discuss the role of social media in communal polarization. Suggest ways to combat it. 20M (2021)
Q. Analyse the trilogy between environmental movement, development and tribal identity. 20M (2024) |
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Illiteracy and disparities in education |
Q. Impact of privatisation on educational disparities 10M (2014)
Q. Privatization of education and increasing inequalities 10M (2016)
Q. Write a note on Education and Equality in India. 10M (2017)
Q. Assess the role of the State in promoting education of girl child. 10M (2018)
Q. Comment on the critical issues of commercialization of higher education in India 10M (2019)
Q. How does the New Education Policy, 2020 aim to eradicate disparities in the system of education in India? 10M (2020)
Q. "Instead of promoting equality in society, the present system of education itself has contributed to increased socio-economic disparities." Comment. 10M (2022) |
