UPSC MAINS SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL PAPER-2013

Sociology Paper I Section A

Q1. 150 words x 10 marks x 5 Qs

1. Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social
2. reformist orientation in the USA.” — Comment.
3. Compare and contrast Sociology with Anthropology.
4. Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies.
5. Examine science and technolo as agents of social change.
6. Analyse the contemporary trends in family with examples.

Q2. 20+20+10

1. Analyse the limitions of quantitative methods in social research.
2. Critically examine the functionalist tradition in Sociology
3. Analyse the salient features of historical rationalism.

Q3. 20+20+10

1. Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durldieim with reference to the framework of ‘division of labour’.
2. Critically analyse the contributions of G.H. Mead to ‘symbolic interactionism’.
3. Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy.

Q4. 20+20+10

1. How open and closed systems of stratification undergoing transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social order in Societies?
2. Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically examine how does patriarchy affect sexual division of labour in societies?
3. Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy.

Sociology Paper 1 Section B

Q5.150 words x 10 marks x 5 qs

1. Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves socially in societies.
2. Define social movement. Elucidate the role of reformist movements in social change.
3. “Science has empirical means to logical ends and religion has non-empirical means to logical ends.” — Comment.
4. Examine the social dimensions of displacement induced by development.
5. Analyse the gender bias in the present society with examples.

Q6. 20+20+10

1. How do Karl Marx and Weber differ in terms of their analysis of social stratification
2. Examine the social impact of globalization on labour and society.
3. Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social System in the present society.

Q7. 20+20+10

1. Evaluate how do civil society and democracy mutually reinforce each other.
2. Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to the changes in economic and social order.
3. Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy.

Q8. 20+20+10

1. Illustrate the conflicts and tensions experienced by societies undergoing social change.
2. Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples.
3. Is religion antithetical to science Comment.

Sociology Paper 2: Section A

Q1. Write short notes with sociological perspective on the following in not more than 150 words each (10 x 5=50)

1. Andre Beteille’s definition of class.
2. M.N. Srinivas’s concept of westernization.
3. Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.
4. Classes in agrarian society in India.
5. Other Backward Classes.

Q2. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20+20+10

1. What are the features that distinguish tribes from the rest of the population
2. Write a note on ethnicity and integration in the context of tribes.
3. How does the new Forest Act affect tribals?

Q3. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20+20+10

1. What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s views on annihilation of caste
2. Critically evaluate Louis Dumont’s Homo Hierarchicus.
3. What are the features of M.N. Srinivas’ concept of dominant caste How effective is it in understanding today’s reality

Q4. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each:20+15+15

1. Distinguish between formal and informal sectors in India.
2. Examine the influence of industrialization on caste.
3. Discuss the salient features of Indian middle class.

Sociology Paper II: Section B

Q5. Write notes on the following. Your answer should have a sociological perspective, 100 words each, 10 marks each.

1. Five Year Plans.
2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
3. Green Revolution.
4. Child Labour.
5. Sex Ratio.

Q6. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20+15+15

1. Bring out the main features of farmers’ movements in Modern India.
2. Discuss the sociological aspects of movements for separate States.
3. Explain the inter-linkages between poverty, deprivation and inequality.

Q7. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each:15+20+15

1. Write an analytical note on slums in cities.
2. Discuss the problems of working women in India.
3. What are the main causes of female mortality in India

Q8. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each:15+20+15

1. Analyse the role of communalism in undermining democracy in India.
2. What is the Dalit movement Examine the issues highlighted by it.
3. Discuss the salient features of right to education.