1 triumph ias 2 dear aspirants, in sociology optional, there are limited number of theories &...

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Triumph IAS

SOCIOLOGY-MAINS’2019

Trend Analysis Important Topics for CSE Mains 2019

By, Vikash Ranjan Educator, Mentor & Author

(Fundamentals of Sociology & Applied Sociology)

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Dear Aspirants,

In SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL, there are LIMITED NUMBER of THEORIES & ONLY SIX THINKERS.

There are LIMITED NUMBER OF CONCEPTS & FACTS. UPSC-IAS ASPIRANTS should understand

CONCEPTS, THINKERS & SOCIAL FACTS and REGULARLY do BRAINSTORMING ON PREVIOUS

YEAR QUESTIONS. Every individual has Sociological imaginations. While preparing for this subject and

writing Answers you should simply colour your Sociological Imaginations with Concepts & Theories of the

Sociological Thinkers.

Application of Theory and Concepts with reference to CURRENT SOCIAL FCTS are common type of

analytical writing assigned in SOCIOLOGY CLASSES and TESTS @ TRIUMPH IAS. UPSC

Evaluators expect you to apply SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES (sometimes called "perspectives" or

"arguments") to empirical phenomena called SOCIAL FACTS.

All The Best!

Good Luck !

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SOCIOLOGY - PAPER I

TOPICS CSE MAINS-2018 CSE MAINS 2013-2017

1. SOCIOLOGY - THE DISCIPLINE: 1. SOCIOLOGY - THE DISCIPLINE:

(a) Modernity and

social changes in

Europe and

emergence of

sociology.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

1. Sociology Emerged in Europe and flourished to

begin with on social reformist orientation in the

USA. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. How had Enlightenment contributed to the

emergence of Sociology? (CSE 2015/10M)

3. “Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern

societies.” Discuss. (CSE 2016/10M)

4. Explain how sociology has emerged as distinct disciplines

based on rationality and scientific tamper. (CSE 2017/10M)

(b) Scope of the

subject and

comparison with other

social sciences.

Q.8 . (a) “The sociological imagination enables us

to grasp history and biography and the relationship

between the two in a society.” C.W. Mills. Explain.

(20 M)

1. Compare and Contrast Sociology with

Anthropology. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. How is sociological approach to human actions

different from that of psychological approach?

(CSE 2014/10M)

3. Discuss the changing equation of discipline of sociology

with other social sciences. (CSE 2017/20M)

(c) Sociology and

common sense.

(a) The focal point of Sociology rests on

interaction. How do you distinguish it from

common sense? (10 M)

1. Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in

support of your argument. (CSE 2016/10M)

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2. SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE: 2. SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE:

(a) Science, scientific

method and critique.

Q.5. (c) Does scientific method make Sociology a

science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim’s

method. (10 M)

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019

1. Is Sociology a Science ? Give reasons for your

answer. (CSE 2015/10M)

2. Describe the basic postulates of scientific method.

How far are these followed in sociological

research? (CSE 2016/20 M)

(b) Major theoretical

strands of research

methodology.

Q.3. (a) Does collapse of functionalism and

bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture

of modernity? Discuss. (20 M)


1. Critically examine the functionalist tradition in

sociology. (CSE 2013/20M)

(c) Positivism and its

critique.


1. Critically examine positivistic approach in

sociological studies. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. Examine the basic postulates of positivism and

post-positivism. (CSE 2017/20M)

(d) Fact value and

objectivity.

Q.1. (b) Distinguish between fact and value in

Weber’s Protestant Ethic and Spirit of

Capitalism. (10 M)


1. How is objectivity different from value neutrality?

Discuss with reference to Weber’s views on

methodology. (CSE 2014/10M)

2. Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity

and value neutrality in Social Science research.

(CSE 2015/20M)

3. What is ‘value-free sociology’? Clarify.

(CSE 2016/10M)

(e) Non- positivist

methodologies.

Q.2.(a) Is non-Positivistic methodology scientific?

Illustrate. (20 M)

1. In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different

from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social

phenomena? (CSE 2014/20M)

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2. “Non-positivistic methodology is essential for

understanding human behaviour.” Discuss.

(CSE 2015/10M)

3. Examine ethnomethod ological and

phenomenological perspective as critique of

positivism. (CSE 2017/10M)

4. Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative

perspective in sociology. (CSE 2017/10M)

3. RESEARCH METHODS & ANALYSIS: 3. RESEARCH METHODS & ANALYSIS:

(a) Qualitative and

quantitative methods.

Q.5. (d) Distinguish between quantitative and

qualitative techniques of data collection with

suitable examples from Indian society. (10 M)

Q.6. (c) Explain with examples, the explanatory

and exploratory design of social research.

(10 M)

1. Analyze the limitations of quantitative methods in

social research. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. In what way biographies could be used to study

social life? (CSE 2014/10M)

3. Which research technique would be most suitable

for the study of consumer behaviour and its social

correlates? Explain. (CSE 2014/10M)

4. Discuss the relevance of historical method in the

study of society. (CSE 2015/10M)

5. Analyze the importance of qualitative method in

social research. (CSE 2016/10M)

6. Examine epistemological foundation of qualitative

methods of social research. (CSE 2017/10M)

(b) Techniques of data

collection.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. “Participant observation is the most effective tool

for collecting facts.” Comment. (CSE 2016/20M)

(c) Variables, sampling,

hypothesis, reliability

and validity.


1. What are variables? Discuss their role in

experimental research. (CSE 2015/10M)

2. Why is random sampling said to have more

reliability and validity in research?

(CSE 2015/20M)

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3. “Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship

between two or more variables.” Elucidate by

giving example of poverty and illiteracy.

(CSE 2016/10M)

4. Illustrate with example the significance of variable

in sociology research. (CSE 2017/10M) 5. How can one resolve the issue of reliability and

validity in the context of sociological research on

inequality? (CSE 2017/10M)

4. SOCIOLOGICAL THINKERS 4. SOCIOLOGICAL THINKERS

KARL MARX-

(a) Historical

Materialism


1. Analyse Salient Features of Historical Materialism.

(CSE 2013/10M)

2. Analyse Marxian conception of historical

materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics.

(CSE 2017/20M)

(b) Mode of Production Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 3. Evaluate Marx’s ideas on mode of production.

(CSE 2016/10M)

(c) Alienation Q.4 (a) According to Marx, how are human beings

alienated from their human potential and what

does he suggest to change this? (20 M)

Important Topic for Mains 2019

1. According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the

personal relationships between men and women.

Critically examine with illustrations from the

contemporary Indian context. (CSE 2014/10M)

(d) Class struggle Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. For Marx, class divisions are outcomes of

‘exploitation’. Discuss. (CSE 2014/10M)

EMILE DURKHEIM:


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(a) Division of labour

(b)Social Fact Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

(c)Suicide Q.2. (b) Explain Durkheim’s basic arguments on

suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of

contemporary INDIAN SOCIETY with

Durkheim’s theory? (20 M)

1. Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by

Emile Durkheim in his study of ‘suicide’. (CSE 2017/20M)

(d)Religion and society. Q.8. (c) In what way did Durkheim perceive

religion as functional to society? (10 M)

1. “According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in

modern society is the same as religion in primitive

society.” Comment. (CSE 2014/10M)

2. Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The

Elementary Forms of Religious Life”. (CSE 2015)

3. How is Durkheim’s theory of religion different

from Max Weber’s theory of religion?

(CSE 2016/20M)

4. Give an assessment of Durkheimian notion of

‘scared’ and ‘profane’ in sociology of religion.

(CSE 2017/10M)

MAX WEBER:

(a)Social action


(b)Ideal Types,

1. How does Weber use the notion of ‘ideal types’ in

his theory of bureaucracy? (CSE 2014/20M)

2. Examine Max Weber’s method of maintaining

objectivity in social research. (CSE 2016/20M)

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(c)Authority


1. “According to Max Weber, ‘class’ and ‘status’ are

two different dimensions of power.” Discuss.

(CSE 2014/20M)

2. Which concepts did Weber use to analyse the

forms of legitimate domination? (CSE 2015/10M)

(d)Bureaucracy Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Examine the salient features of Weberian

bureaucracy. (CSE 2013/10M)

(e)Protestant Ethic and

the Spirit of Capitalism.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 3. Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the

development of Capitalism. (CSE 2015/20M)

TALCOLT PARSONS

(a)Social system,

Q.7. (a) How can Parsons’ AGIL framework be

used to analyse key problems in a society? Discuss.

(20 M)


1. Examine the relevance of Parson an Social System

in the present society. (CSE2013/ 10M)

2. How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian

framework? (CSE 2015/20M)

3. Describe the functional prerequisites of social

system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examine in the

context of a university as a social system.

(CSE 2016/20M)

(b)Pattern Variables. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Critically analyse Talcott Parsons conception of pattern

variable’. (CSE 2017/10M)

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ROBERT K.

MERTON

(a)Latent and manifest

Functions,


1. Using Merton’s concepts of ‘manifest’ and ‘latent’

functions, explain the persistence of corruption in

Indian society. (CSE 2014/10M)

2. Analyze the manifest and latent function of

‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’ in the light

of Merton’s theory. (CSE 2016/20M)

(b)Conformity and

Deviance,


3. How could one use Merton’s concept of deviance

to understand the traffic problem in urban India?

(CSE 2014/10M)

4. “Anomie is rooted in social structure.” Explain

with reference to R.K. Merton’s contribution.

(CSE 2015/10M)

(c)Reference Groups. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 5. How can we use reference group theory to

understand fashion in society? (CSE 2014/10M)

(f) GH Mead - Self and

identity.

Q.1.(C) Do you think ‘I’ and ‘Me’ are central

terms in Mead’s work? (10 M)


1. Critically analyse the contributions of G. H. Mead

to ‘symbolic interactionism’. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. Using Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism,

discuss the stages in the formation of gender

identity. (CSE 2014/10M)

3. “Self and Society are twin-born.” Examine the

statement of Mead. (CSE 2015/10M)

COMPARATIVE QNS. Q.3.(c) What is the difference anomie in Merton

and Durkheim? (10 M)

1. Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with

reference to the frame work of Division of Labour.

(CSE 2013/20M)

2. Identify the similarities and differences between

Marx’s theory of ‘alienation’ and Durkheim’s

theory of ‘anomie’. (CSE 2014/20M)

5. STRATIFICATION & MOBILITY: 5. STRATIFICATION & MOBILITY:

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(a) Concepts- equality,

inequality, hierarchy,

exclusion, poverty and

deprivation.

Q.1. (d) What is the difference between natural

and social inequality? Give examples from caste

and class dimensions. (10 M)

1. Distinguish between people being socially

excluded and people excluding themselves

socially in societies. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. Elucidate the basic premises of Davis’ structural-

function theory of social stratification. How far is

its relevant in understing contempory India

society? (CSE 2016/20M)

3. Discuss the relationship between poverty and

social exclusion. (CSE 2016/10M)

4. Can we equate ‘poverty’ with ‘poor living’ ?

Elaborate your answer. (CSE 2017/10M)

(b) Theories of social

stratification-

Structural

functionalist theory,

Marxist theory,

Weberian theory.

Q.2. (c) Evaluate if social stratification is

functional for society. (10 M)


1. How do Karl Marx and Max Weber differ in terms

of their analysis of social stratification?

(CSE2013/20M)

2. Differentiate between Marxian and Weberian

theories of Social Stratification. (CSE 2015/20M)

3. What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of

social stratification? (CSE 2017/20M)

(c) Dimensions – Social

stratification of class,

status groups, gender,

ethnicity and race.


1. What do you understand by gender? How does it

shape ‘male ‘identity? (CSE 2017/20M)

2. Examine gender. Ethnicity and race as major

dimensions of social stratification. (CSE 2017/20M)

(d) Social mobility-

open and closed

systems, types of

mobility, sources and

causes of mobility.

Q.4.(b) Schooling does not ensure upward

mobility of all members of the society. Discuss

with reference to class societies. (20 M)

1. How are open and closed systems of stratification

undergoing transformation in the emergence of

new hierarchical social order in societies?

(CSE 2013/20M)

2. “No society can either be absolutely open or

absolutely closed.” Comment. (CSE 2015/10M)

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Q.5. (e) Is social mobility possible in closed system

of stratification? Illustrate from research work.

(10 M)

3. “Vertical mobility brings structural change even in

a closed social system.” Comment.

(CSE 2016/10M)

4. “Education is a major source of social mobility in

contemporary society.” Explain. (CSE 2016/10M)

6. WORKS AND ECONOMIC LIFE 6. WORKS AND ECONOMIC LIFE

(a) Social organization

of work in different

types of society- slave

society, feudal society,

industrial /capitalist

society.

Q.6. (a) Discuss the nature of social organization

of work in capitalist society with reference to the

‘Limits of the working day’. (20 M)


1. Distinguish between the social organization of

work in feudal society and in capitalist, society.

(CSE 2015/20M)

2. Describe the nature of social organization of work

in industrial society. (CSE 2016/20M)

3. Trace the changing nature of organisation of work

in capitalist society over the years.

(CSE 2017/20 M)

(b) Formal and informal

organization of work.


1. The increasing importance of the tertiary sector has

weakened the formal organization of work in

recent times. Examine the statement.

(CSE 2015/20M)

2. What do you understand by informalisation of

labour? Write your answer with special reference

to INDIA. (CSE 2017/10M)

(c) Labour and society. Q.7. (b) What is labour commitment? Discuss it

with reference t studies of manufacturing

industry. (20 M)

1. “Globalization has pushed the labour into informal

organization of work.” Substantiate your answer

with suitable examples. (CSE 2016/20M)

7. POLITICS AND SOCIETY 7. POLITICS AND SOCIETY

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(a)Sociological

theories of power.

Q.7.(c) What according to Pareto, are the basic

characteristics of elites? (10 M)


1. “Power is not a zero-sum game”. Discuss with

reference to Weber’s and Parsons’s views.

(CSE 2014/20M)

(b) Power elite,

bureaucracy, pressure

groups, and political

parties.


1. Examine the role of pressure group in

parliamentary Democracy. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure

groups. (CSE 2014/10M)

3. Discuss the importance of ‘Power elite’ in

democracy. (CSE 2016/20M)

4. Examine the dynamics of pressure group in multi-

party political system. (CSE 2017/10M)

(c) Nation, state,

citizenship,

democracy, civil

society, ideology.


1. Evaluate how do civil Society and democracy

mutually reinforce each other. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. Critically examine society the role of civil Society.

(CSE 2013/10M)

3. Discuss T. H. Marshall’s views on citizenship.

(CSE 2014/10M)

4. “Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a

democracy.” Discuss. (CSE 2015/10M)

5. Caste ideology appears to have strengthened

democracy. Comment. (CSE 2015/10M)

6. “Globalization involves deterritorialization.”

Examine with reference to the nation-state.

(CSE 2015/ 20M)

7. Discuss the changing interface between state and

civil society in post-independent India.

(CSE 2017/10M)

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(d) Protest, agitation,

social movements,

collective action,

revolution.

Q.5. (b) Are social movements primordial in

means and progressive in agenda? (10 M)


1. Define Social Movement. Elucidate the role of

reformist movement in social change.

(CSE 2013/10M)

2. What do you understand by social movement?

How has the mobilization by Scheduled Castes

helped them in constructing a new identity?

(CSE 2014/20M)

3. Explain the conditions under which a collective

action transforms into a social movement.

(CSE 2015/20 M)

4. Examine the role of protest movements in

changing the status of Dalits in India.

(CSE 2016/10M)

5. To what extent revolution replaces the existing

order of society? Discuss. (CSE 2016/10M)

6. What is new in ‘new social movement ‘? Elaborate

your answer with special reference to India. (CSE2017/20M)

8. RELIGION AND SOCIETY 8. RELIGION AND SOCIETY

(a) Sociological

theories of

religion.


(b) Types of religious

practices: animism,

monism, pluralism,

sects, cults.

Q.8. (b) What are sects? Discuss their role in

multi-religious societies with empirical

examples.(20 M)

1. Distinguish between sects and cults with

illustrations. (CSE 2015/10M)

2. “Religious pluralism is the order of present day

societies.” Explain by giving suitable examples.

(CSE 2016/20M)

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(c) Religion in modern

society: religion and

science, secularization,

religious revivalism,

fundamentalism.

Q.4. (c) Discuss the challenges thrown by religious

revivalism to a secular nation-state. (10 M)


1. “Science has empirical means to logical ends and

religion has non-empirical means to logical ends.”

Comment. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. Is religion antithetical to science? Comment.

(CSE 2013/10M)

3. How is religious revivalism different from

communalism? Elaborate with suitable examples

from the Indian context. (CSE 2014/20M)

4. Define Secularization. What are its major

dimensions in the modern world?

(CSE 2015/20M)

5. Is religion playing and important role in increasing

fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer.

(CSE 2016/10M)

6. Problematize the concept if secularism in the

present context. (CSE 2017/10M)

9. SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP: 9. SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP:

(a) Family, household,

marriage

Q.1. (e) What are the new forms of family in

development societies? Discuss. (10 M)

Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

Q.1. (b) Distinguish between family and household

with reference to the concept of development of

the households. (20 M)

1. Examine the emerging trends in marriage and

family as a response to the changes in economic

and social order. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. How did the emergence of industrial society

change the family life in Western Europe?

(CSE 2014/10M)

3. Critically examine the functionalist views on the

institution of family. How do those help us in

understanding family in the present times?

(CSE 2014/20M)

4. Distinguish between family and household as

sociological concepts. (CSE 2016/10M)

5. Discuss the regional variations of kinship system

in Indian society. (CSE 2017/20 M)

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(b) Types and forms of

family.

(c) Lineage and

descent.


1. How do the-’ rules of descent and alliance in

kinship differ from each other? Illustrate.

(CSE 2015/10M)

(d) Patriarchy and

sexual division of

labour.

Q.3. (b) Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy

manifest in interpersonal relations? (20 M)

1. Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically

examine how patriarchy affects sexual division of

Labour in Societies. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. Analyse the gender bias in the present society with

examples. (CSE 2013/10M)

3. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society?

Discuss. (CSE 2015/10M)

4. Examine ‘patirarchal bargain ‘ as gendered

division of work in contemporary India. (CSE 2017/10M)

(e) Contemporary

trends.


1. What do you understand by institutionalization of

‘live-in-relationship? (CSE 2014/10M)

2. Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a

response to social change in modern society.

(CSE 2016/10M)

3. Examine the relationship between the

contemporary trends in marriage and changing

from of family. (CSE 2017/10M)

10. SOCIAL CHANGE IN MODERN SOCIETY 10.SOCIAL CHANGE IN MODERNSOCIETY

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(a) Sociological

theories of social

change.


1. Illustrate the confl icts and tensions experienced by

societies undergoing social change.

(CSE 2013/20 M)

2. Critically examine the cultural theories of social

change with suitable examples. (CSE 2013/20)

3. Explain the relevance of the idea of ‘cultural lag’ in

understanding social change. (CSE 2015/10M)

(b) Development and

dependency.


1. Write a short essay on the Latin American

perspective on ‘dependency’. (CSE 2014/20M)

2. “Social change can be brought about through

development.” Illustrate from the contemporary

situation of India. (CSE 2016/20M)

(c) Agents of social

change.


1. Examine the dialectical relation between tradition

and modernity in the study of social change.

(CSE 2015/20M)

2. “Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence

of social change.” Explain. (CSE 2016/20M)

3. Assess the role of mass media as an agent of social

change. (CSE 2017/10M)

(d) Education and

social change.


1. Education is often viewed as an agency of social

change. However in reality it could also reinforce

inequalities and conservatism. Discuss.

(CSE 2014/20M)

2. “Education helps in perpetuating social and

economic inequalities.” Critically examine the

statement. (CSE 2015/20M) (e) Science, technology

and social change.

Q.5.(a) Is the theory of cultural lag valid in

present times? Discuss (10 M)

1. How is the increasing use of technology changing

the status of women in Indian society?

(CSE 2014/20M)

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SOCIOLOGY - PAPER II

TOPICS CSE MAINS 2018 CSE MAINS 2013-2017

INTRODUCING INDIAN SOCIETY INTRODUCING INDIAN SOCIETY

(I) PERSPECTIVES ON THE STUDY OF INDIAN

SOCIETY:

(I) PERSPECTIVES ON THE STUDY OF INDIAN

SOCIETY:

(a) Indology (GS.

Ghurye). Q.1. (a)Write a note on G.S. Ghurye’s Indological

perspective of understanding Indian Society. (10 M)

1. G.S. Ghurye’s Indological approach to understand

society in India. (CSE 2014/10M)

2. Write a critique of the structural and functional

perspective used by M.N. Srinivas in the

understanding of Indian Society. (CSE 2014/20M)

(b) Structural

functionalism (M N

Srinivas).

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 3. M. N. Srinivas’s Concept of Westernization.

(CSE 2013/10M)

(c) Marxist sociology

(A R Desai). Q.2. (a) Analyze A.R. Desai’s views on India’s path

of development. (20 M)

1. Salient features of A.R Desai’s Marxist Sociology.

(CSE 2016/10M)

2. Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian

nationalism. (CSE 2015/20M)

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(II) IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON

INDIAN SOCIETY:

(II) IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON

INDIAN SOCIETY:

(a) Social background

of Indian nationalism. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Discuss the social background of Indian

nationalism. (CSE 2014/20M)

(b) Modernization of

Indian tradition.


1. Modernisation of Indian traditions.

(CSE 2014/10M)

2. Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian

tradition in analyzing social change in India.

(CSE 2015/20M)

3. Discuss Yogendra singh’s thesis on Modernization

of Indian Tradition. And evaluate its applicability in

the present day context. (CSE 2017/20M) (c) Protests and

movements during the

colonial period.

Q.2. (b) Examine sociological dynamics of

Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India.

(20 M)

1. Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba

Phule. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial

period. (CSE 2016/10M)

(d) Social reforms.


1. Describe the impact of land reforms on the

peasants of Indian society. (CSE 2014/20M)

2. Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical.

(CSE 2015/20M)

3. The main objective of socio- religious movement

during the colonial rule in India were reforming and

synthesizing Hinduism. Write an any two such

important movement. (CSE 2017/20 M) SOCIAL STRUCTURE SOCIAL STRUCTURE

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(i) RURAL AND AGRARIAN-SOCIAL

STRUCTURE:

(i) RURAL AND AGRARIAN-SOCIAL

STRUCTURE:

(a) The idea of Indian

village and village

studies.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. What is the idea of ‘Indian village’? Explain.

(CSE 2015/10M)

2. Significance of Village Studies in Indian

Sociology. (CSE 2016/10M)

(b) Agrarian social

structure - evolution

of land tenure system,

land reforms.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Analyse the major components of Land Reform

acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural

inequality. (CSE 2016/10)

2. Bring out the impact of the declining significance

of the agrarian economy. (CSE 2016/20M)

(II) CASTE SYSTEM: (II) CASTE SYSTEM:

(a) Perspectives on the

study of caste systems:

GS Ghurye, M N

Srinivas, Louis

Dumont, Andre

Beteille.

Q.1. (b) Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille’s

study of Tanjore village. (10 M)


1. Critically evaluate Louis Dumont’s Homo

Hierarchies. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. What are the features of M. N. Srinivas’s concept

of dominant caste? How effective is it in

understanding today’s reality? (CSE 2013/10 M)

3. Louis Dumont’s perspective on Indian caste system

(CSE 2015/10M)

4. Discuss Andre Beteill’s account of the relationship

between caste, class and power as a change from

symmetrical to asymmetrical one.

(CSE 2016/20M)

5. Which is more significant, the principal of

‘hierarchy’ or the principal of ‘difference’ in inter-

caste relations in the present day. (CSE2017/10M)

6. Explain the concepts of dominant caste’ and ‘ vote

‘ bank giving examples from specific regions.

20

(CSE 2017/20 M)

(b) Features of caste

system.

Q.3. (a) What do you understand by discrete caste

and muddled hierarchies? (20 M)

1. Features of caste system. (CSE 2014/10M)

2. Is caste system changing, weakening or

disintegrating in India? (CSE 2015/20M)

3. What are the changes in the cultural and structural

aspects of the caste system since independence?

(CSE 2017/10 M)

4. Give an account of the problems relating to the

“creamy layer”. (CSE 2017/10M)

(c) Untouchability -

forms and

perspectives-

Mahatma Gandhi

Dr. B R Ambedkar

Q.5. (a) Elaborate the concept of constitutional

morality as given by B.R. Ambedkar. (10 M)


1. What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s

views on annihilation of caste? (CSE 2013/20M)

2. Write some of the important social reforms in India

for the removal of untouchability.

(CSE 2014/10M)

3. How far Gandhi was trusted by the untouchables?

(CSE 2015/10M)

4. How has B.R Ambedkar identified the features of

caste system? How is it different from the

mainstream treatment of caste featurs?

(CSE 2016/20M)

5. Different forms of Dalit asseration.

(CSE 2016/10M)

6. How have the struggles against untouchability

changed their forms and perspective from

Gandhian to Ambedkarite Positions?

(CSE 2017/10M)

(III) TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA: (III) TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA:

21

(a) Definitional

problems. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. What are the features that distinguish tribes from

the rest of the population?

(CSE 2013/ 20M)

2. Tribal conflicts based on ethnic differences often

camouflage a struggle for political and economic

advantage.’ Substantiate with examples.

(CSE 2014/20M)

3. Why have we started using another category of

tribes called the Particularly Vulnerable Groups

(PVTGs). Why are they so called?

(CSE 2017/10M)

(b) Geographical

spread.

(c) Colonial policies

and tribes. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. ‘Isolationism’ as a dominant feature of colonial

tribal policy. (CSE 2016/10M)

(d) Issues of

integration and

autonomy.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Write a Note on ethnicity and integration in the

context of tribes. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. How does the new forest act affect tribals?

(CSE 2013/10M)

3. Analyse the different views on integration and

autonomy of tribes in India. (CSE 2015/10M)

4. Verrier Elwin’s views on freedom for the tribals.

(CSE 2015/10M)

5. Main objectives of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP).

(CSE 2015/10M)

6. How is the tribal question related with the issues of

integration and autonomy in modern India?

(CSE 2016/210M)

22

7. What is the nature of religious change among tribal

communities ? Illustrate with two examples from

colonial and post independence times.

(CSE 2017/20 M)

(IV) SOCIAL CLASSES IN INDIA: (IV) SOCIAL CLASSES IN INDIA:

(a) Agrarian class

structure. 1. Andre Beteille’s definition of class.

(CSE 2013/10M)

2. Classes in agrarian society in India.

(CSE 2013/10M)

3. Other Backward Class. (CSE 2013/10M)

4. How do caste and class come together in creating

the category of extreme poor? (CSE 2014/10M)

(b) Industrial class

structure.

(c) Middle classes in

India.

Q.1. (d) Write a note on the changing roles of

middle-class women in India. (10 M)

Q. 4. (a) How has the new Economic Policy (1991)

affected the lifestyle and life changes of new

middle class in India? (20 marks)

1. Discuss the Salient features of Indian Middle

Class. (CSE 2013/10M)

2. Discuss the status of women among the emerging

urban middle class. (CSE 2014/20M).

3. What accounts for the growth and consolidation of

the middle classes in modern India?

(CSE 2016/10M)

(V) SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP IN INDIA: (V) SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP IN INDIA:

23

(a) Lineage and

descent in India.

(b) Types of kinship

systems.

Q.3. (c) Illustrate the importance of ‘Kanyadan’

and ‘kulabadhu’ in changing institutions of

marriage and family. (10 M)

1. Types of kinship systems in India.

(CSE 2015/10M)

2. Broadly compare the kinship system of North and

South India. (CSE 2015/1OM)

3. Compare the north Indian kinship System with the

South Indian kinship system. (CSE 2017/10M)

(c) Family and

marriage in India.

Q.8. (c) Asses the impact of ban on ‘Triple Talak’

on marriage and divorce among the Muslim

community in India. (10 M)


1. Give some of the important studies relating to the

structural changes in the Indian family system.

(CSE 2014/20M)

2. Bring out the significance of the difference

between family and household. (CSE 2016/20M)

3. Examine the impact of industrialization and

urbanization on family structure. (20

Marks)(2016)

(d) Household

dimensions of the

family.

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 1. Clarify the distinction between “household” and

“family” and evaluate Whether joint families have

completely disintegrated.(2017/20M)

(e) Patriarchy,

entitlements and

sexual division of

labour.

Q.4. (c) Discuss the issues relation to the

entitlement of transgender in Indian society.

(10 M)

1. What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child

socialization pattern in India? (CSE 2015/20M)

2. Patriarchy as a form of dominance.

(CSE 2016/10M)

24

Q.8. (b) Western patriarchy which surrenders

feminine principles is the new development

project in India. Do you agree with this view?

Why? (20 M)

(VI) RELIGION AND SOCIETY: (VI) RELIGION AND SOCIETY:

(a) Religious

communities in India. Q.1. (e) Discuss the growth of religious sects in

India. (10 M)

1. What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is

Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism?

(CSE 2015/20M)

2. What extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in

agreement with Islamic feminist agenda?

(CSE 2015/10M)

3. What the distinct features of Islam are as practiced

in India, and how have they changed over time?

(CSE 2017/10M)

(b) Problems of

religious minorities. Q.1. (b) Write a critical narrative on the concerns

of religious minorities in India. (20 M)


4. Discuss the problems of religious minorities in

India. (CSE 2014/20M)

SOC. CHANGES IN INDIA SOC. CHANGES IN INDIA

(I) VISIONS OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN INDIA: (I) VISIONS OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN

INDIA:

25

(a) Idea of

development planning

and mixed economy.

1. Five Year Plans. (CSE 2013/10M)

(b) Constitution, law

and social change. Important Topic for Mains 2019

(c) Education and

social change.

Q.5. (d) Assess the role of the State in promoting

education of girl child. (10 )


1. Discuss the Salient features of Right to Education.

(CSE 2013/10M)

2. Empowerment through “Right to Education”.

(CSE 2016/10M)

(II) RURAL AND AGRARIAN TRANSFO-

RMATION IN INDIA: (II) RURAL AND AGRARIAN TRANSFO-

RMATION IN INDIA: (a) Programmes of

rural development,

Community

Development

Programme,

cooperatives, poverty

alleviation schemes.

Q.2. (c) How do the recommendations of

Swaminathan Commission (2004-2006) ensure food

and nutrition security for the Indian masses?

(10 M)

Q.6. (c) Write a note on Basic Services to Urban

Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum

Development (IHSD) programmes provided for the

urban poor. (10 M)

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment

Guarantee Scheme for rural development.

(CSE 2016/10M)

(b) Green revolution

and social change.

Q.6. (b) Has ‘Green Revolution’ led to the

formation of new power elite in rural India?

Elaborate your answer. (20 M)

1. Write a note on the uneven impact of ‘Green

Revolution’ on rural society. (CSE 2016/20M)

26

(c) Changing modes of

production in Indian

agriculture.

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 1. Write a short note an changing means of production

and increased rural poverty. (CSE 2017/10M)

(d) Problems of rural

labour, bondage,

migration.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Indebtedness is one of the serious issue leading to

farmers suicides Discuss reasons and suggest

solutions. (CSE 2017/10M) 2. 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. (CSE 2017/10 M) (III)INDUSTRIALIZATION & URBANISATION

IN INDIA:

(III)INDUSTRIALIZATION &

URBANISATION IN INDIA:

(a) Evolution of

modern industry in

India.

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 1. Examine the influence of Industrialization on caste.

(CSE 2013/ 20M)

(b) Growth of urban

settlements in India.

Q.6. (a) How do you relate the growth of

development of metropolis and its impact on the

mental and social life of people in India? (20 M)

1. Give a sociological analysis of the problems of

migrant urban poor. (CSE 2014/20M) 2. Comment on the factors behind the changing status

of women in urban India. (CSE 2016/20M) 3. Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban

socio-spatial patterns in India. (CSE 2017/20M) (c) Working class:

structure, growth,

class mobilization.

27

(d) Informal sector,

child labour.

Q.5. (b) Construct a sociological narrative on the

increasing trend of child abuse in India. (10M)

1. Child Labour (CSE 2013/10 M)

2. Discuss the impact of globalisation on the workers

in the Informal sector. (CSE 2014/10M)

3. Issues relating to the informal labour market in

urban India. (CSE 2015/10M)

4. Discuss the changing nature of the problems of

working class in the informal sector of the

economy. (CSE 2016/20M)

5. Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises

questions about and beyond the informal sector ?

Give reasons. (CSE 2017/10 M) (e) Slums and

deprivation in urban

areas.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Write an analytical note on Slums in cities. (10 M)

(IV) POLITICS AND SOCIETY (IV) POLITICS AND SOCIETY

(a) Nation;

Democracy and

Citizenship.

Q.1. (c) Media is the fourth pillar of democracy.

Discuss (10 M)

Q.7. (a) Has Caste system hindered democracy

and adult franchise in India? Discuss (20 M)

1. Analyze the role of communalism in undermining

democracy in India. (CSE 2013/20M)

2. Comment on the increasing significance of caste in

politics. (CSE 2016/10M)

3. To what extent does nation building depends on

strengthening of pluralities in Indian society?

(CSE2017/20M)

(b) Political parties;

Pressure Groups;

Social and Political

elite.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 4. Discuss B. R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat.

(CSE 2015/20M)

5. Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of

action through his Hind Swaraj. (CSE 2015/20M)

28

(c) Regionalism and

Decentralization of

Power.


(d) Secularization Q.7. (c) With increase in education and economic

development Is Indian society becoming more

secular? (10 M)


6. Gandhi’s efforts on communal harmony.

(CSE 2014/10M)

(V) SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN MODERN

INDIA (V) SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN MODERN

INDIA

(a) Peasants and

farmers movements.

Q.5. (c) Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers

movement in contemporary India. (10 M) 1. Bring out main features of farmer’s movement in

Modern India. (CSE 2013/20 M)

(b) Women’s

movement. Q.5. (e) Elaborate the ‘Me Too’ Movement and its

impact in India. (10 M)

1. What are the main features of the second wave of

Women’s movement in the Indian context?

(CSE 2014/20 M)

2. Discuss the ‘Chipko movement’ as an example of

eco-feminism. (CSE 2014/20M)

3. Discuss the impact of post-1970 feminist

movement on Indian middle class,

(CSE 2015/20M) 4. Despite gains from the women’s gender movement

and states policy of women empowerment, gender

equality is far from achieved. Identify two major

challenges that prevent this goal form being

reached. (20 Marks)

29

(c) Backward classes

& Dalit movement.

Q.7. (b) Elaborate various forms of Dalit

assertions in contemporary India. What are its

implications on the Indian political system? 20 M

1. What is the Dalit Movement? Examine the Issues

highlighted by it. (CSE 2013/20 M)

2. Dynamics of Contemporary Dalit movements.

(CSE 2014/10M)

(d) Environmental

movements. Important Topic for Mains 2019

(e) Ethnicity and

Identity movements. Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Discuss the sociological aspect of movements for

separate states. (CSE 2013/20 M)

2. What are the major concerns of ethnic identity and

religious identity in India? (CSE 2015/20M)

3. Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements

in Independent India. (CSE 2015/20M)

4. Discuss the various forms of environmental

movements waged in India. (CSE 2016/10M)

5. What is the factor accounting for the resurgence of

ethnic identity movements in India?

6. (CSE 2016/10M) 7. Explain the issue relating to ethnicity and sub-

ethnicity. (CSE 2017/10 M) (VI) POPULATION DYNAMICS (VI) POPULATION DYNAMICS

(a) Population size,

growth, composition

and distribution.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Discuss some social and cultural determinants of

infant mortality rate. Give your suggestions to

prevent. (CSE 2013/20 M)

(b) Components of

population growth:

birth, death,

migration.

Q.8. (a) What are the issues relating to male

migration and its impact on birthrate? Does it

necessarily result in skewed sex ratio? (20 M)

2. Trends of Infant Mortality Rate among females

(CSE 2014/10M)

30

(c) Population policy

and family planning. Important Topic for Mains 2019

(d) Emerging issues:

ageing, sex ratios,

child and infant

mortality,

reproductive health.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. What are the demographic projections for the

ageing population (60+) for the next decade? What

are the implications for formulating policy for

them? (CSE 2014/20M)

2. Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are

the different perspectives to solve their problems?

(CSE 2015/10M)

3. Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in

India? (CSE 2015/10M)

4. Differential sex-ratio and its implications.

(CSE 2016/10M)

5. How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in

Indian society? (CSE 2016/10M) 6. What are the Emerging concerns on women’s

reproductive health? (CSE 2017/10M) 7. (c) What are the causes and solutions for the low

female sex-ratio in the DEMARU States of Punjab,

Haryana, Himachal, and Gujrat ? (CSE 2017/10M) (VII) CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL

TRANSFORMATION

(VII) CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL

TRANSFORMATION

(a) Crisis of

development:

displacement,

environmental

Q.3.(b) Discuss development-induced

displacement in the context of tribal uprising in

India. Substantiate your answer with any one

detailed illustration from India. (20 M)

1. Effect of displacement through development

on the rural landless and marginal farmers.

(CSE 2015/10M)

2. Rural landless labourers and development

induced Displacement . (CSE 2014/10M)

31

problems and

sustainability.


(b) Poverty,

deprivation and

inequalities.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Feminization of poverty. (CSE 2015/10M) 2. What, according to you are the two fundamental

axes of social discrimination in Indian society? Are

they changing? (CSE 2017/20M)

(b) Violene Aainst

women Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. What are the possible underlying causes of the

spurt of increased violence against women in

public spaces in the last decade ? (CSE 2014/20M)

1. Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (CSE 2014/10M)

2. What are the reasons for the escalation of violence

against women in the public domain? (CSE 2017/10M)

(d) Caste conflicts,

Ethnic conflicts,

communalism,

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Many caste conflicts are between castes which are

close to each other on the hierarchical scale.’ Give

a sociological explanation for this phenomenon.

(CSE 2014/10M)

(e) Religious

revivalism. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. What is cultural Revivalism ? Give some examples

from performing arts , language dissemination and

arts crafts in recent times. (CSE 2017/20M) (f) Illiteracy and

disparities in

education.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Impact of privatisation on educational disparities.

(CSE 2014/10M)

2. Write a note on Education and equality in India.

(CSE 2017/10M)

3. Discuss some of the striking issues of development

induced imbalances that need urgent attention.

(CSE2017/20 M)

1 triumph ias 2 dear aspirants, in sociology optional, there are limited number of theories &...

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