Sociology Mains: IGNOU BA, MA (No registration), Topper Notes, Last 34 years Question papers (1979-2012), NCERT, NIOSNon-sociology candidates can also do selective study of some of these files for GS, Essay, Interview preparation, depending on their time n mood (e.g. MPS 003 Democracy and Development, MSOE-003 Diaspora, ESO-16 Social problems of India).1. Prologue2. Essential (Free) softwares and instructions3. Download links4. INDEX IGNOU BA Sociology 1. ESO-11: The Study of Society2. ESO-12 Society in India3. ESO-13 Sociological Thought4. ESO-14 Society and Stratification5. ESO-15 Society and Religion6. ESO-16 Social Problems in India5. Index IGNOU MA Sociology 1. MPS-003 India Democracy and Development2. MSO-001 Sociological Theories and Concepts3. MSO-002 Research Methodologies and Methods4. MSO-003 Sociology of Development5. MSO-004 Sociology in India6. MSOE-001 Sociology of Education7. MSOE-002 Diaspora and Transnational Communities8. MSOE-003 Sociology of Religion9. MSOE-004 Urban Sociology6. Syllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 17. Syllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 2PrologueInternet contains lot of (legally) free and important study-material for various optional subjects of UPSC. This is my attempt to combine everything at once place for quick convenient download. This article contains download links following:1. IGNOU BA and MA Sociology (Direct download of whole sets/courses, no registration required)2. Last 34 years official UPSC mains question papers for Sociology (1979-2012)3. Topper Kshitij Tyagi (AIR 148/CSE 2011)s handwritten notes for Sociology paper 14. NCERT Sociology class 12 (Two books)5. NIOS study material for SociologyKeep in mind that not everything covered under IGNOU BA/MA would be relevant for the given subject. For example, IGNOU MA Public Administration contains lengthy course on Human Resources, but majority of its chapters are not included in the UPSCs Public Administration syllabus. Therefore, while preparing for optional subjects, whatever you study from IGNOU (or any book), always keep the UPSC syllabus in mind.Essential (Free) softwares and instructions1. Majority of these PDF files provides direct copying of text. => That means you can use Mrunals autonotemaker to quickly make notes and mindmaps out of it, just use mouse curose to highlight a particular line /phrase and my software will copy copy its text in a separate file. for more instructions click me2. Foxit PDF reader. (necessary prerequisite for using Mrunals autonotemaker) click me3. 7-zip (for unzipping the files) click meDownload linksMaterialDownload Link

NCERT Class 11: Introducing SociologyClick ME

NCERT Class 11: Understanding SocietyClick ME

NCERT Class 12 Sociology (Two Books)Click ME

NIOS SociologyClick ME

Kshitij Tyagis Notes for Sociology Paper IClick ME

Last 34 years official UPSC sociology papers (1979-2012)Click ME

IGNOU BA Sociology (English)Click ME

IGNOU MA Sociology (English)Click ME

Note: In case of IGNOU, the material is subdivided into courses, just double click on zip files and theyll start downloading. The index of each course is given below. (That way even non-sociology candidates can also decide if they need any particular file that could help in their GS/Essay/Interview).

INDEX IGNOU BA SociologyESO11: The Study of Society1. Nature and Scope of Sociology2. Basic Concepts in Sociology3. Simple Societies4. Complex Societies5. Family6. Marriage7. Kinship8. Nature of Socialisation9. Agencies of Socialisation10. Processes of Education11. Educational Institutions12. Economy and Technology13. Production Processes14. Distribution Processes15. Consumption Pattern16. Stateless Societies17. State in Traditional Societies18. State in Modern Societies19. State and Other Institutions20. Religious Beliefs and Practices21. Culture I : Main Characteristics22. Culture II : Diversity and Change23. Values24. Norms25. Concepts of Social Structure26. Social Roles27. Social Networks28. Social Functions29. Social Stratification30. Social Control31. Social Deviance32. Social Conflict33. Social Change34. Social DevelopmentESO-12 Society in India1. Unity and Diversity2. Rural Social Structure3. Village and the Outside World4. Patterns of Urbanisation5. Urban Social Structure6. Family and its Types7. Marriage and its Changing Patterns8. Kinship-I9. Kinship-II10. Rural Economy11. Urban Economy12. Rural and Urban Poverty13. National Politics14. Regional and State Polities15. Hindu Social Organisation16. Muslim Social Organisation17. Christian Social Organisation18. Sikh Social Organization19. Zoroastrian Social Organisation20. Caste Structure and Regional Patterns21. Caste Continuity and Change22. The Scheduled Castes23. Class in India24. Backward Classes25. Tribes Social Structure I26. Tribes Social Structure-II27. Religion in Tribal Societies28. Tribes and Modernization in India29. Status of Women in India30. Women s movements in India31. Women and Work32. Women and Education33. Contemporary Women s Issues Health and Legal Aspects34. Ethnic Relations and Conflicts35. Social Movements36. Development Planning and Change37. Ecology and the Future of SocietyESO-13 Sociological Thought1. Emergence Of Sociology In Europe2. Founding Fathers I3. Founding Fathers-II4. History And Development Of Sociology In India -I5. History And Development Of Sociology In India II6. Historical Materialism7. Forces, Relations and Modes of Production8. Class and Class Conflict9. Dialectics and Social Change10. Sociology as Science11. Comparative Method12. Collective Representations13. Forms of Social Solidarity14. Ideal Types15. Religion And Economy16. Power And Authority17. Rationality18. Methodology Marx, Durkheim And Weber19. Religion Durkheim And Weber20. Division of Labour Durkheim And Marx21. Capitalism Weber & Marx22. Concept of Culture and Function-Malinowski23. Magic, Science and Religion Malinowski24. Concept of Social Structure Radcliffe25. Concept of Function -Radcliffe-Brown26. A Critique of Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown27. The Concept Of Social System Parsons28. Functionalism And Social Change Parsons29. Manifest And Latent Function Merton30. Theory Of Reference Group Merton31. Critique Of Parsons And MertonESO-14 Society and Stratification1. Social Stratification- Meaning and Approaches2. Approaches to Social Stratification3. Caste and Class in India4. Stratification- Implications of Gender and Ethnicity5. Marx and Weber6. Parsons and Davis7. Coser and Dahrendorf on Social Classes8. Theories of Stratification- Towards A Synthesis Lenski, Luhmann, Berghe9. Ethnicity as a Basis of Stratification10. Tribal Ethnicity- The North-East11. Religious Ethnicity- The Case of the Punjab12. Linguistic Ethnicity in India13. Gender as a Basis of Discrimination14. Formation of Gender Identities15. Gender Status and Power16. Womens Empowerment- Some Illustrations17. The Basis of Caste Hierarchy- Purity and Pollution18. Dimensions of Caste- Rituals and Power19. Caste Identity- Attributional and Interactional Approaches20. Caste Dynamics- Economic and Political21. Status of Dalits22. Other Backward Classes23. Scheduled Tribes24. Marginalised Groups and Their Changing Status25. Agrarian Class Structure26. Industrial Classes27. Middle Classes in India28. Class Conflict29. Concepts and Forms of Social Mobility30. Social Mobility in Caste and Class31. Factors and Forces of Social Mobility32. Consequences of Social MobilityESO-15 Society and Religion1. Sociology and the Study of Religion2. Evolutionary Theories of Religion3. Functionalist Theories of Religion4. The Study of Religious Beliefs5. The Study of Religious Symbols6. Comparative Sociological Theories of Ritual7. Ritual-I- A Case Study from Africa8. Ritual-II- A Case Study from South-East Asia9. Civil Religion10. Religion and the Economic Order11. Religion and Politics/State12. Religious Organisations- Sects, Cults and Denominations13. Religious Specialists- Shamans, Priests and Prophets14. Religion- Social Stability and Change15. Fundamentalism- Some Case Studies16. Secularism and Secularisation17. Religious Pluralism in India- As Fact and Value18. Tribal Religion- Two Case Studies19. Hinduism20. Jainism and Buddhism21. Christianity22. Islam23. Sikhism24. Medieval Religious Movements I- Bhakti and Sufism25. Medieval Religious Movements I- Veerashaivism26. Modern Religious Movements II- Arya Samaj27. Modern Religious Movements II- Ramakrishna Mission28. Life Cycle Rituals-I- Birth and Marriage29. Life Cycle Rituals-II- Death30. Social Significance of Pilgrimages31. Social Significance of Religious Festivals32. Fundamentalism, Communalism and SecularismESO-16 Social Problems in India1. Social Transformation and Problems2. Approaches and Paradigms3. Social ProblemsThe Indian Context4. Social Demography5. Migration6. Urbanisation7. Changing Family Structure8. Unemployment9. Labour Industrial10. Labour Rural11. Labour Women12. Labour Children13. Poverty and its Social Dynamics14. Crime and Delinquency15. Drug Addiction and Alcoholism16. Violence and Terrorism17. Children18. Youth Identity And Alienation19. Women20. The Aged21. Scheduled Castes22. Scheduled Tribes23. Minorities24. Ethnicity25. Land Access, Control and Management26. Water Access, Control and Management27. Forests Access, Control and Management28. Role of the State and Other AssociationsINDEX IGNOU MA SociologyMPS-003 India Democracy and Development1. National Movement2. Development Models3. Constitution And Social Transformation4. Diversity5. Inequality6. Political Economy7. Economy-Structure And Growth8. Legislature9. Bureaucracy, Police, Army10. Judiciary11. Federalism12. Self Government13. Political Parties14. Workers And Peasents15. Media16. Interest Groups17. Caste, Regligion, Language18. Civil Society19. Human Development20. Gender21. Regional Imbalances22. Migration23. Environment24. Economic Reforms25. Religious Politics26. Ethnicity27. Democracy And Development-AssessmentMSO-001 Sociological Theories and Concepts1. Social Theory and its Context2. Concept and Theory3. Theory and Paradigm4. Social Construction of Reality5. Concept and Theories of Structure6. Structure and Function7. Structure, Function and Neo-Functionalism8. The Conceptual and Theoretical Issues of Power9. Class and Legitimacy10. Power- Functional Perspective11. Power and Institutions12. Power/Knowledge13. Evolution, Development and Function of Capitalism14. Rationality, Work and Organisation15. Entrepreneurship and Capitalism16. Freedom and Liberty17. Alienation18. Sovereignty19. State; Power as Elaborated by Marx, Weber, Parsons and Others20. Citizenship21. Civil Society and Democracy22. Conceptualising Ethnicity23. Construction of Identities24. Boundaries and Boundary Maintenance25. Concepts of Difference and Inequality26. Class27. Gender and Social Stratification28. Theories of Origin of Caste System29. Theories of Modernisation and Modernity30. Tradition and Modernity31. Post Structuralism and Post ModernismMSO-002 Research Methodologies and Methods1. Logic of Inquiry in Social Research2. Empirical Approach3. Diverse Logic of Theory Building4. Theoretical Analysis5. Issues of Epistemology6. Philosophy of Social Science7. Positivism and its Critique8. Hermeneutics9. Comparative Method10. Feminist Approach11. Participatory Method12. Types of Research13. Methods of Research14. Elements of Research Design15. Sampling Methods and Estimation of Sample Size16. Measures of Central Tendency17. Measures of Dispersion and Variability18. Statistical Inference- Tests of Hypothesis19. Correlation and Regression20. Survey Method21. Survey Design22. Survey Instrumentation23. Survey Execution and Data Analysis24. Field Research I25. Field Research II26. Reliability, Validity and Triangulation27. Qualitative Data Formatting and Processing28. Writing up Qualitative Data29. Using Internet and Word Processor30. Using SPSS for Data Analysis Contents31. Using SPSS in Report Writing32. Tabulation and Graphic Presentation- Case Studies33. Guidelines to Research Project AssignmentMSO-003 Sociology of Development1. Development and Progress-Economic and Social Dimensions2. Change, Modernisation and Development3. Social, Human and Gender Development4. Sustainable Development5. Modernisation6. Liberal Perspective on Development7. Marxian Perspective on Development8. Gandhian Perspective on Development9. Dependency Theory of Underdevelopment10. Social and Human Development11. Gender Perspective on Development12. Micro-Planning13. Ecology, Environment and Development14. Ethno-Development15. Population and Development16. India17. Canada18. Zimbabwe19. Brazil20. Economic, Social and Cultural Dimensions of Globalisation21. Liberalisation and Structural Adjustment Programme22. Globalisation, Privatisation and Indigenous knowledge23. WTO, GATT, GATS- Capital and Human Flows24. Dimensions of Knowledge Society- Issues of Access and Equity25. Critique of Knowledge Society26. Changing Roles of Media and ICTs on Employment27. Dam and Displacement28. Green Peace Movement29. People Science Movement30. Civil Society Movements and Grassroots InitiativesMSO-004 Sociology in India1. Social Background of the Emergence of Sociology in India2. Emergence of the Discipline -Issues and Themes3. Village Studies in India4. The Colonial Perspective5. Brahminical Perspective6. View from the Field7. Ambedkar and Lohia on Caste8. Census Perspective9. The Household and the Family10. The Household as a CooperativeConflicting Unit11. Marriage and Its Changing Patterns12. Descent and Alliance Approaches to the Study of Kinship in India13. Agrarian Classes and Categories14. The Working Class15. The Middle Class16. Gender, Caste and Class17. Tribe, Territory and Common Property Resources18. Tribe and Caste19. Elwin and Ghuryes Perspectives on Tribes20. Social Differentiation among Tribes21. Religion and Politics22. Religion and Culture23. Cohesive and Divisive Dimensions of Religion24. Secularisation25. Urbanization26. Migration27. Industrialisation28. Globlisation29. Social Movements- Meanings and Dimensions30. Types of Social Movements31. Peasants Movements32. New Social MovementsMSOE-001 Sociology of Education1. The Concept of Education2. Theoretical Approaches3. Thinkers on Education- I4. Thinkers on Education- II5. Education Knowledge and Power6. Politics of Educational Curriculum7. Education, Nation-building, State and Ideology8. Education and Socialization9. Education and Social Change10. Education and Social Mobility11. Role of Education in Social and Human Development Emerging Perspectives12. Role of Education for Empowerment of the Marginalized13. Education and the Policy of Positive Discrimination and Affirmative Action14. Education Pluralism and Multiculturalism15. Education in SAARC Countries Case Studies-116. Education in Europe Case Studies-217. Education Expansion and Growth18. Constitutional Provisions and Educational Policies in India19. Universalization of Elementarv Education20. Crises in lndian Higher Education21. Expansion of Professional Education and Private Sector22. WTO, GATS, ICTS and Higher Education23. Education Social Commitment vs. Commodification24. Social and Philosophical Foundations of Open and Distance Learning25. Critical Issues in Open and Distance Learning26. ODL Problems and ProspectsMSOE-002 Diaspora and Transnational Communities1. Conceptual Understanding of Indian Diaspora and Transnational Studies2. Approaches to the Study of Indian Diaspora3. Diasporic Communities of the World4. Migration and Settlement of Indians Abroad5. Indian Emigration During Colonial Rule6. Post Independence Patterns of Migration7. Indians in the Carribean8. Indian Diaspora in Africa9. Indian Diaspora in South and South East Asia10. Indian Diaspora in Europe11. Indian Diaspora in the New World North America12. Indians in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji13. Indian Diaspora in West Asia14. Immigration and Emigration Policies and their Implications15. lndian State and Diaspora16. Socio-Cultural Linkages Between lndian Diaspora17. lndian Diaspora-Homeland Linkages18. lndian Diaspora in Cyberspace19. Films20. Indian Diasporic Writing21. Popular Perception22. Identity, Nation-State and Diaspora23. Sub-National Identities and Diaspora24. Globalisation, Nationalism and Transnational CommunitiesMSOE-003 Sociology of Religion1. Religion Sociological Perspectives2. Anthropological Approaches3. Historical and Comparative Approach4. RELIGION- PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES5. Marxian Theory6. Durkheim and Functionalism7. Weber and the Question of Meaning8. M N Srinivas The Coorgs9. Evans Pritchard- The Nuer10. T N Madan- Non- Renunciation11. Sudhir Kakar- Shamans, Mystics and Doctors12. Peter Berger- Phenomenology of Religion13. Clifford Geertz- Cultural Analysis14. Levi-Strauss Totemism15. Sikhism16. Jainism and Buddhism17. Christianity18. Islam19. Hinduism20. Secularism and Secularization21. Communalism and Fundamentalism22. Religious Conversion23. Transcendental Meditation24. Hare Krishna Movement25. Radhasoami Satsang26. Sai baba of shirdiMSOE-004 Urban Sociology1. What is Urban Sociology2. Urban Centre, Urbanisation and Urban Growth3. City and Metropolis4. Rural-Urban Continuum5. Invasion, Succession, Concentration, Centralization and Segregation6. Models of Urban Growth Concentric Zones, Sectors, Multiple Nuclei, Explai tative, Syrn bolic7. Social Area Analysis and Recent Advances8. Ancient, Medieval and Colonial Cities Case Studies9. Typologies of Cities10. Temporal Evolution of Ancient, Modern, Pre-Industrial and Industrial Cities11. Functional Classification of Cities Commercial, Administrative and Pilgrimage Towns12. Trends and Pattern of Urbanisation13. Development of Urban Sociology14. Urban Sociology in lndia15. Level, Trends and Patterns16. Marriage, Family and Kinship17. Traditional Neighbourhoods and Modern Cities18. Urban lnf luences on Rural Areas19. Formal Sector20. Urban Informal Sector21. Changing Occupational Structure and Impact of Economic Liberalization22. Poverty23. Slums24. Environment and Infrastructure25. Local Self Government and the Emergence of Voluntary Organisation26. Urban Planning27. Media and Urban GovernanceSyllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 11. Sociology The Discipline: i. Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of sociology.ii. Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.iii. Sociology and common sense.2. Sociology as Science: i. Science, scientific method and critique.ii. Major theoretical strands of research methodology.iii. Positivism and its critique.iv. Fact value and objectivity.v. Non- positivist methodologies.3. Research Methods and Analysis: i. Qualitative and quantitative methods.ii. Techniques of data collection.iii. Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.4. Sociological Thinkers: i. Karl Marx i. Historical materialismii. mode of productioniii. alienationiv. class struggle.ii. Emile Durkheim i. Division of labourii. social factiii. suicideiv. religionv. Societyiii. Max Weber i. Social actionii. ideal typesiii. authorityiv. bureaucracyv. Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.iv. Talcolt Parsons i. Social systemii. pattern variables.v. Robert K. Merton i. Latent and manifest functionsii. conformity and devianceiii. reference groups.vi. Mead Self and identity.5. Stratification and Mobility: i. Concepts i. equalityii. inequalityiii. hierarchyiv. exclusionv. povertyvi. Deprivationii. Theories of social stratification i. Structural functionalist theoryii. Marxist theoryiii. Weberian theoryiii. Dimensions i. Social stratification of classii. status groupsiii. genderiv. ethnicity and race.iv. Social mobility i. open and closed systemsii. types of mobilityiii. Sources and causes of mobility.6. Works and Economic Life: i. Social organization of work in different types of society i. slave society,ii. feudal society,iii. industrial /capitalist society.iv. Formal and informal organization of work.v. Labour and society.7. Politics and Society: i. Sociological theories of power.ii. Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.iii. Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.iv. Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.8. Religion and Society: i. Sociological theories of religion.ii. Types of religious practices: i. animismii. monismiii. pluralismiv. sectsv. cults.iii. Religion in modern society i. religion and scienceii. secularizationiii. religious revivalismiv. fundamentalism.9. Systems of Kinship: i. Family, household, marriage.ii. Types and forms of family.iii. Lineage and descent.iv. Patriarchy and sexual division of labour.v. Contemporary trends.10. Social Change in Modern Society: i. Sociological theories of social change.ii. Development and dependency.iii. Agents of social change.iv. Education and social change.v. Science, technology and social change.Syllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 2#1: Introducing Indian Society:a. Perspectives on the study of Indian society: i. Indology (GS. Ghurye).ii. Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).iii. Marxist sociology (A R Desai).b. Impact of colonial rule on Indian society : i. Social background of Indian nationalism.ii. Modernization of Indian tradition.iii. Protests and movements during the colonial period.iv. Social reforms.#2: Social Structure1. Rural and Agrarian Social Structure: i. The idea of Indian village and village studies.ii. Agrarian social structure evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.2. Caste System: i. Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GSGhurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.ii. Features of caste system.iii. Untouchability forms and perspectives.3. Tribal communities in India: i. Definitional problems.ii. Geographical spread.iii. Colonial policies and tribes.iv. Issues of integration and autonomy.4. Social Classes in India: i. Agrarian class structure.ii. Industrial class structure.iii. Middle classes in India.5. Systems of Kinship in India: i. Lineage and descent in India.ii. Types of kinship systems.iii. Family and marriage in India.iv. Household dimensions of the family.v. Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour.6. Religion and Society: i. Religious communities in India.ii. Problems of religious minorities.#3: Social Changes in India:1. Visions of Social Change in India: 0. Idea of development planning and mixed economy.0. Constitution, law and social change.0. Education and social change.1. Rural and Agrarian transformation in India: 1. Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation1. schemes.1. Green revolution and social change.1. Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture .1. Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration.1. Industrialization and Urbanisation in India: 2. Evolution of modern industry in India.2. Growth of urban settlements in India.2. Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.2. Informal sector, child labour.2. Slums and deprivation in urban areas.1. Politics and Society: 3. Nation, democracy and citizenship.3. Political parties, pressure groups, social and political elite.3. Regionalism and decentralization of power.3. Secularization.1. Social Movements in Modern India: 4. Peasants and farmers movements.4. Womens movement.4. Backward classes & Dalit movement.4. Environmental movements.4. Ethnicity and Identity movements.1. Population Dynamics: 5. Population size, growth, composition and distribution.5. Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.5. Population policy and family planning.5. Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.1. Challenges of Social Transformation: 6. Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability.6. Poverty, deprivation and inequalities.6. Violence against women.6. Caste conflicts.6. Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.6. Illiteracy and disparities in education.Is sociology a good option for UPSC IAS Mains exam? So, youve decided upon attempting UPSC IAS 2013. Youve already started preparing for Prelims with full vigor. But, hang on! Have you decided upon your mains optional subjects yet? Leaving it to 4 month time period between pre and mains is a blunder no sane candidate should commit. So, from now on, Ill be discussing merits of various optional subjects, so that you get to decide on your optional subjects for Mains as soon as possible.

Here Ive gathered information on merits of taking sociology as an optional subject in UPSC IAS mains exam:

1. First and foremost, you dont need to have any background in this subject. Students from various fields like doctors & engineers have successfully cleared IAS mains by taking sociology as an optional.2. Sociology is about society you live in. It examines role of a human being as a social being. For those of you interested in understanding social relations and interactions, sociology comes out as an easy subject to opt for.3. Comprising of limited syllabus, sociology has become a favorite choice among candidates. Once youve understood and grasped the basics in sociology, it is just about practicing writing and enlarging your vocabulary.

Important No candidate should decide upon taking sociology as an optional subject merely on the basis of the above mentioned grounds.

A genuine interest in understanding the society we live in should be the only deciding criteria.

Recommended book list for UPSC IAS Mains: Sociology as an optional subject:

1. Sociology by T B Bottomore2. Society in India by Ram Ahuja3. Modern Sociological Theory by Abraham and Francis4. Sociology by Anthony Giddens5. IGNOU notes (especially for thinkers & Indian society)How to prepare Sociology Optional for IAS ExamSociology has ever been popular optional subject in Civil Services (Prelims and mains) Examination and during previous years its popularity has even increased substantially with the tremendous performance shown by scores of candidates.Nonetheless some deserving candidates fail To perform better to make their names appear in the list. This does not happen due to their lack of knowledge or understanding of the subject but primarily it is so because they lack proper guidance to tackle the subject in a right direction.Here my endeavour shall be to make the subject intelligible, easier and tricky so that even an average candidate may have the honour to reach the prestigious score of 350.Sociology: A safer optional subjectNo special knowledge or academic background is required for the preparation of Sociology as an optional subject. Numerous evidences show that candidates without any special skill in Sociology have obtained high scores. The basic requirement of high scoring is actually the understanding of different elements of Sociology in right direction and making their use in a well-arranged and well-organised way. In other words, it can be said that Sociology is made up of different elements and all the elements are inter-related with each other in one or other way. How do we take up or understand these inter-relations, all depends on our personal ability. We develop this ability with the help of standard books and notes but sharpen it only under appropriate guidance, because books and notes are equally available to everyone, however, extraction of needful material from them varies from person to person. Here an appropriate guidance makes it easier even to an average student. A real guidance, through some novel approaches, makes any subject so much acceptable that a curiosity of reading and understanding the subject is easily born in us and that further paves the way for securing high marks.Sociology 1st paper is commonly known as Thinkers paper. There are six thinkers namely Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, R.K. Merton and Mead mentioned herein. So, the candidates are required to focus heavily on thinkers and that almost completes the 1st paper. In this context, I wrote a book on thinkers in Hindi entitled with ( ) earlier; the English version of which is on the verge of its completion. It will solve most of thinker's related problems.Thinkers part is scaled as nearly 10 percent of the total syllabus of first paper but from the examination point of view, its corresponding weightage is almost 70 percent. In this way 90 percent of the syllabus covers only 30 percent of questions. Therefore, your focus on the syllabus should be in the same ratio ie, 70:30 and not 10:90. It can be summarized in the following formula: T : O :: 70 : 30 Here, T stands for Thinkers part O stands for other parts and f stands for focus.Still the very question how to write better answer remains unanswered. I will not leave this burden on your head. So, apart from giving you sufficient and appropriate notes, I will discuss each and every question on the related topic in the class-room (the question so far asked and expected to be asked) and provide you their better answers.To make you expert in answer-writing I will discuss some new approaches which you are required to insert in your answers. That, while giving you an extra edge in comparison to others, will created a right impression before the examiner which, in turn, will fetch you good marks.The aforesaid approaches I will discuss in the coming sections.Gifted advantages of Sociology:1. In General studies (1st paper): Questions varying from 20 marks to 50 marks are asked from social problems, do not require any special effort to deal with. The preparation of sociology will complete this portion.The topics covered in this section are: Demography and Human Resources and related issues. Behavioural and social issues and social welfare problems, such as child labour, gender equality, adult literacy, rehabilitation of the handicapped and other deprived segments on the society, drug abuse, public health, corruption in public life, communal harmony etc.2. In Essay paper: There are two to four topics directly based on social problems, which would be arranged in a very systematic and logical manner. Sociology students always remain in comfort zone in making a better presentation and obtaining good marks. 3. In Interview: Most of the current-based and situation-based questions have direct link with social problems. A Sociology student has already been groomed for such questions. He has built-in platform to tackle social problems. His updated knowledge makes him a perfect interviewee and interviewers seek no boundation in awarding him marks.Role of Case studies in SociologySociology 2nd paper is basically a practical paper. Its facts are required to be proved with the help of solid reasons. The reasons are found in the form of case studies, which make our answers authentically powerful, if used appropriately. Altogether our analysis matching with these case studies put the answer at its perfection.Case studies and analysis are greatly inter-related. Both are complementary to each other. Ones existence is incomplete and worthless with others absence.Some Myths about case studies:1. Addition of many more case studies pleases the examiner and he gives plenty of marks.Truth: This kind of thinking is completely baseless and wrong. Case studies are no doubt very essential but be careful, each case study has the ability to render a big truth and that requires sufficient analysis. There are two facts in this context.(a) When we write the answer in limited words and time constraint, we can not take the support of too many studies also because most parts of our answer are covered by analysis. Therefore, some studies and their analysis make the answer complete.(b) If within word-limitation we focus mostly on case studies, we do not get time and words to analyse them, then our answer will appear as incomplete and unorganized.2. The nature of case studies is not as important as their number.Truth: The nature of studies is very important. Along with some old studies you must try to give some new studies. That effort is highly appreciated. The reason behind is that most of the studies have been conducted in 60s and 70s. The 21st century society has met with a drastic change vis--vis the decade of 60s and 70s. The level of change has gone to such an extent that if both the societies are brought face to face, it would be quite difficult to tell that they have a difference of only 30-40 years.So it is advisable here to manoeuvre some new studies for which appropriate journals and magazines are recommended. Moreover, one thing needs to be disclosed here that examiners feel bored finding same case studies in everyones answer-sheets, they want some new version and your effort in this direction may create miracle.We will see in the following examples what mistakes are generally done by candidates in the use of case studies.Example (1): Explain the traditional power structure in rural India. Discuss the factors that have contributed to its changing pattern in recent years.General Answer: The abolition of privileges and economic rights of the intermediaries like the Zamindars and feudal has though not succeeded in introducing an egalitarian class-structure in villages, yet it has made a great social psychological impact on ex-tenant groups and motivates them now for competition with traditional power groups for access to positions of power and social status. Village leadership has now increasingly become more conciliatory and pragmatic in orientation. With the traditional bases of power for the older village elite having been removed, the leadership, which is now emerging, has to reconcile with factions and opposite interest groups to stay in power.In order to be effective, leaders now have to be pragmatic; exercise contract through informal relations and integrate bureaucratic innovations.Comment: A very impressive introduction but still there is no mention of decentralistion process and empowerment of women. This addition will make it highly impressive. Now candidates give plenty of studies to prove it.Orenstein reports that informal leaders are more effective in the village he studied (a village in Bombay) than formal leaders.Alan Beals found the village leadership in Namhalli (Mysore) faction-ridden and villagers prone to rely on a leader who had the capacity of successful action. Factional basis leadership also seems to be the case in the village of Morsalli in Banglore district studied by William Mc Cormack.R. Bachenheimer finds in the Andhra village Padu, that leadership is in the hand of economically dominant families within each caste and wealth plus high caste status determine leadership.Edward and L.G. harper find the continuity of traditional form of leadership in village Totagadde in Karnataka.According to Oscar Lewis traditional dominant Jats hold leadership in Rampur village in North India. He observes four characteristics of Jat leadership: (a) the tendency to minimize the status difference between the leader and the led within the caste,(b) resistance to delegate the authority to leaders permanently without consultation with the appropriate faction,(c) Complete absence of youth leadership, (d) Lack of direct note of women in leadership. This pattern may not be typical of all northern villages.According to a survey conducted by Planning Commission, the structure of rural leadership seems still dominated by rich and upper caste groups but there is a tendency towards recruitment of younger members to the leadership role in villages and a majority of leaders are literate. Change in economic field also led to a change in leadership. It was proved by F.G. Bailey in his study of Bisipara village. Bailey found that Boad and Ganjam distillers left their traditional work and village and went to the town for better employment. They improved their economic strength and after returning back to their village, showed interest in leadership.Andre Beteille, in Sripuram village, found that there has been a change in the power structure of village without the traditional land-owning groups having lost their land to any substantial extent. He observes that today political power, whether in the village or outside it, is not as closely tied to ownership of land as it was in past. New bases of power have emerged which are, to some extent, independent of both caste and class. Perhaps most important among these is the strength of numerical power.The findings of Beteille shows an instance of regional variation. In this context, an evaluation of twelve villages of India from different regions by B.S. Cohn is very conclusive. In six villages land control also compensates for lack of numerical dominance.Conclusion: Generally speaking, there has been a break in the centripetal world view of castes and classes in most villages in India. A great level of change has come as a result of politicization of villages through the contemporary political reforms. It has also been motivated by community development schemes which now cover almost all the villages in India.Comment: Case studies have been very beautifully presented and simultaneously there is no proper analysis. The complete answer is full of studies but is not looking focused, because the facts have not been analysed appropriately. Sometimes it seems as if some contradictory statements have been given. So, do tell and discuss the right causes responsible for the faction (if you are so talking about) in villages and also how they are supporting to change the power-structure.Improvement: 1. Give greater emphasis on 73rd Amendment Act.2. Discuss the reservations given to SC/ST, women and backward class.3. How did it bring changes in power-structure, corroborate with a few studies(one or two)4. Discuss different programmes for the upliftment of poor sections and women empowerment/emphasis on female participation in politics/impact of womens Reservation Bill.5. After giving all studies in a paragraph, discuss mainly about empowerment, democratic decentralization, mass participation in administration, awareness among people, etc.6. More than a decade have gone after the implementation of Panchayati Raj, we have enormous studies on it, place a few of them rightly.7. Give the views of Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen.8. Give the opinion of World Bank in the very age of Globalisation in this context.Generally candidates do not mention about Panchayati Raj because they think there is no substantial impact of it on masses.Your View point: Do tell that the level of changes is not upto the mark, why? Corroborate it by studies, but keep telling that the change is taking place-though dimensions are varying, like, there is caste-based faction, Dalit consciousness has increased Reason? The influence of Dalit leaders at rural level (Politicisation of power in the name of Dalit Class) etc. After such analysis, give a powerful conclusion.Example (2): Joint family is dissociating into nuclear family. Analyse the statement.General Answer: Definition of joint family- Its characteristics/Definition of nuclear family-its characteristics/Nuclear Families in two different sovietise (In western countries and in Indias poor Dalit class)-externally both look alike but internally they are quite different. Nuclear family has been defined on the basis of western countrys structure and so that is the real nuclear family. In western countries, nuclear family is a part of their system while that of in India is due to economic crunch situation.Now, in India, it is no more limited upto lower caste poor people but has been institutionalized universally. Many sociologists have analysed it and0 have admitted not only its disintegration but also attempted to give the factors responsible for this disintegration. In this regard, they told one more important thing that in western countries that separation was both physical and mental while in India it was only physical. People in India are always mentally joint. This is the finding of I.P Desai which was later on approved by K.M. Kapadia.Comment: Introduction of the answer is excellent but there is one thing lacking here. The analysis of physical and mental separation should be socio-psychological ie, there should be stress on socialization process. Discuss briefly the socialization-pattern of both the countries and its impact on the child being socialized as to why at one place he becomes emotionless while at the other place he is emotionally attached to his family members.Now candidates describe so many case studies like the analysis and conclusion of I.P Desai/ the analysis and conclusion of K.M. Kapadia / the opinion poll conducted by Indian Institute of Public opinion conclusion/ study of Delhis Agrawal families by M.S. Gore Conclusion/ the study, analysis and conclusion of P.M. Kolenda, apart from it, three main causes for integration divorce and remarriage, payment of bride wealth and dowry and uxori laterality vs. virilaterality study and analysis of Banglore by Aileen Ross, etc.Then candidates write the conclusion that the outcome of all these studies is that the joint family is disintegrating into nuclear family. Though the direction of change is unlike western countries but still the smaller form of family is universal phenomena.Improvement:1. The aim of most of the sociologists is to find the percentage of jointness and nuclearity in the concerned society. Their studies and conclusions are mostly alike. So try to give them in one or two paragraphs.2. Among all these studies, the study of Ross is very important. Because she has focused on those issues which are useful for even todays families and in which the issue of childrens freedom is most important.3. Discuss the impact of different Acts or laws related to family or marriage ie, the impact in thinking process, behaviour, freedom of children and also its negative impact.4. Impact of Globalisation, Privatisation and liberalization on society, also the impact of Panchayati Raj, etc.5. The impact of communication system and media on society and so on family system Awareness level of people has tremendously raised, it paved the way to understand and analyse the world and in this way a complete change in their world-view.6. Empowerment emancipated women their decision making capacity increased they can no more carry the traditional Purdah system consequences of all these in the form of a big generation-gap and that leads to change in family-system.7. Lastly give an emphatic conclusion. Discussion on the Tail-Words of the questionsEvery tail-word has a specific meaning and its understanding is quite essential for a candidate to make his answer perfect. Here I am describing some important tail-words to resolve your problem related with the understanding of the question. Explain: To simplify the given statement. To write about the statement (may be based on theory) in such a way that its meaning becomes clear and unequivocal. Describe: It means general writing about the subject, is, giving straight forward discussion on different aspects of the given subject. In a simple language it can be said that whatever your know about the subject, write it systematically. No special approach is needed. Discuss: Like Describe Elaborate: To describe elaborately. Analyse: First break the statement in different parts, then describe them separately and then give a systhesis. Examine: Highlight different aspects of the given subject and then throw light on relevancy and fruitfullnes of each aspect. Criticise : Here both positive and negative aspects should be taken into account but still the emphasis should be on negative aspect. Review: Like criticise Evaluate: Writing a conclusion after discussing different aspects of the statement. Here, conclusion has special importance. Elucidate: Describing with appropriate examples. Critically Evaluate: Criticism in the approach of evaluation. Critically Review: Criticism in the approach of review i.e., after giving criticism of the theory, criticise the critiques. Critically examine: First describe - Its positive + negative then criticise - Its positive + negative. Now make a balance between the two. Short Notes Type Questions In both the papers, question number 1 and 5 are compulsory and are in the form of short notes. For each such question, three out of four short notes are required to be written for which the word limit is 200. As a convenience, you have 13 minutes of time for each short notes from which you can allot 1-1 min. for framing the answer. This is the area which gives you the apportunity to score 75 percent of marks easily, for which you need to be conscious at certain points, like :1. Write your answer straight forward without any introduction. 2. Your word-limit should not cross 220 mark. 3. Use an easy and free flow language to make your description easily understandable. 4. Try to ascertain the points on which more emphasis is given. Your answer should revolve around that point. For example if you have to write short notes on value-free sociology, So first tell its meaning and then quote some sociologists who have tried to establish sociology as value neutral. Now discuss some problems which restrict sociology to be value free and the contradictions in the thoughts of sociologists at this concept like Max Weber, a main proponent of value free sociology, has adopted subjective meaning and verstehen approach similarly Emile Durkheim advocated to consider social facts as things and simultaneously for collective conscience. Finally give a conclusion in form of a practical solution. 5. If the topic so requires, you may finish the short notes abruptly is, without giving any conclusion. For example, short notes on Mode of production do not require any conclusion and criticism. 6. Your knowledge of strong vocabulary is always appreciated. Writing more in limited words is an art and does not come suddenly. It requires a continuous effort and a right feedback. 7. In short notes, your accuracy and exactness and not your wide knowledge is praised. Though knowledge of the subject is indispensable but the arrangement of elements at right place is the measurement of exactness. 8. If required, you can mention one or two case studies briefly. Classroom TechniqueAny topic which is to be studied, should not be studied straight-forword but rather should be broken in different possible dimensions having any kind of connection with the topic in answer writing, select related dimensions according to the nature of the question. This technique will help you complete your answer. An illustration of this technique is given as follows:Kark Marx : Theory of class-struggle 1. Introduction2. Definition of class3. Different classes in different ages : Role of mode of production (a) Meaning of MOP - Its two aspects : (i) Material (Forces of Production) (ii) Social (Relations of Production) (b) Concept of substructure (Economic structure) and infrastructure/superstructure.(c) Changing form of MOP - A special characteristic.(d) Change in MOP - Beginning of a new age (Primitive communism-Ancient-feudal - Capitalistic)(e) In capitalism : 'Class-in-itself' changes into 'class-for-itself' : full consciousness (f) Emergence of communism - A new MOP where change stops.4. Beginning and development of capitalism-two different classes.(i) Bourgeoisie (ii) Proletariat5. Forced labourers : Sale-purchase of their labour power 6. Emergence of false-consciousness in Proletariat - Role of Religion7. Surplus value & Profit - Maximisation8. (a) Automation and Problem of unemployment among workers.(b) Overproduction and end of Petty Bourgeoisie.9. Alienation in Proletariat(a) Meaning of Alienation(b) Meaning - elaboration : (i) Economic aspect (ii) Social aspect(c) Dominance of Specializaion - Alienation at its zenith.(d) Religious explanation of Alienation(e) Relevancy of Alienation(f) Criticism10. Polarisation of two classes - Due to some processes like Homogenisation, Pauperization, Monopolisation.11. Change of 'class-in-itself' into 'class-for-itself'(a) Meaning of 'class-in-itself'(b) 'Class-in-itself' : Objective Reality (c) Position of labourers -from slaves of Ancient age till alienated Proletariat of capitalistic age - 'class-in-itself'(d) 'Class-for-itself' : Subjective perception (e) Polarisation of two classes and role of Petty Bourgeoisie responsible for change of class-in-itself into class-for-itself - A situation of full consciousness of Proletariat12. Historical Revolution13. Establishment of Communism14. Criticism: (a) Functionalist: (i) Parsons (ii) Davis & Moore (iii) M.M. Tumin (iv) Eva Rosenfeld (v) Michael Young(b) Conflict theorists: (i) Max Weber (ii) Ralf Dahrendorf15 Relevancy of Marx's theoryRecommended Books (For Mains)1. Thinkers - Abraham Morgan2. Sociology : Themes and Perspectives - Haralambos | Buy Online3. IGNOU material4. Modernization of Indian Tradition - Y. Singh | Buy Online5. Social change and stratification - Y. Singh6. Social change in Modern India - M.N. Sriniwas | Buy Online7. Social Background of Indian Nationalism - A. R. Desai | Buy Online8. Household Dimensions of the Family - A. M. Shah9. A Hand book of Sociology - Veena Das | Buy OnlineIs Sociology a good optional?

What is Sociology? Sociology is a detailed study of society. Society is seen consisting of various systems: political system, economic system, social system (caste, gender), religious system and educational system. Sociology throws light on each system and its relationship with other systems. It studies inter-dependence across the systems. It focuses on why things change in these systems as well as why there is resistance to change. What methods does it follow in its study of society? Primarily, it introduces how certain thinkers viewed the society. These thinkers are grouped on the basis of the similarity of their orientation. Karl Marx is one major thinker. His perspective is called conflict perspective looking at many aspects of society in terms of conflict. In contrast, Talcott Parsons provided a totally different perspective. His perspective is called functionalist perspective. It assumes that various aspects of society are more or less in harmony with one another. If they are not they will be modified or weeded out. Within a perspective many issues of the society are studied and commented on. Various research methods are employed to arrive at conclusions and to contest those conclusions. Issues are debated within a perspective and it is also debated whether a particular issue can be better explained with an alternative perspective. These perspectives differ in terms of the research methods too. Extremely useful for GSThe main advantage in taking Sociology is that it provides perspective on many contemporary issues that a student has to anyway study in General Studies. A huge part of General Studies is information oriented, though a part of it is analytical. General Studies is vast. Because of its vastness, a student doesnt have time to do any issue in depth. So General Studies preparation tends be in the nature of acquiring as much information as possible, with little time for reflection. General Studies is normally not the subject in which contemporary issues are discussed at a fundamental level. This inadequacy can be rectified by Sociology. Sociology studies beyond the immediate. At the same time, it gives insights into the ways of studying the immediate. What is the extent of poverty according to most recent estimate? is a General Studies question, but what structural factors in society perpetuate poverty is a question in Sociology. In General Studies they may ask recent legislation passed in the sphere of education, in Sociology they will ask, whether education is reproducing inequalities. To conclude, Sociology gives depth to what a student is anyway forced to study, though superficially, in General Studies. Sociology makes General Studies preparation more interesting. With the help of Sociology, analytical questions in GS can be answered easily. In addition to this, social issues mentioned in General Studies syllabus come directly under Sociology. Closest to General Essay The optional that is closest to General Essay is Sociology. There are Geography-oriented essays, they are Administration-oriented essays, but if we consider the totality of questions asked in Essay, we can say Sociology is closer to Essay than any other optional is. In Essay, the questions are asked on economy, polity, gender, inequalities, religion, education, and media. Sociology studies them all in detail. Doing little more in addition to what is elaborately done in Sociology completes Essay preparation on many topics. Good for Viva During Viva a student is tested not on the amount of information he has, but what he thinks of the world and also about his role in it. Sociology equips a student to arrive at his own way of looking at the world. He can be a better judge of the opinions expressed in the media. In fact he can be free from the propaganda and ill-informed public opinion. Sociology is not just analysis. It has a soul. In every topic it investigates, it is primarily focused on why people are unequal, whether these inequalities are justified, how the institutions perpetuate the social order. Its concern is creation of a just society at the same debating what is a just society and whether creation of it is ever possible. Its concerns match with that of a student who wants to bring about change towards a better society. Thus Sociology offers material on social change for the purpose of reflection. Recent changes By removing 60-marks questions, UPSC increased the number of questions. There is also some difference in the nature of questions. The questions are more analytical and more application-oriented. And they call for critical reading of contemporary issues. However, these changes are introduced in other social science optional papers also. Sociology and CSAT Out of 80 questions more than 35 questions are based on the passages taken from diverse areas like economy, society, gender, philosophy. Exposure to Sociology makes you familiar with these diverse areas, improving your performance in Prelims.Posted by Venkata Mohan at 8:59 PM Sociology Paper - 1

Here is how I approached Sociology paper-1. I began with the old edition of Haralambos. It is a fantastic book for understanding the subject and its scope. I did not read the book from cover to cover and confined myself strictly to the syllabus. This initiated me into the realm of sociology. I then moved on to IGNOUs BA notes which are an extremely useful compilation of sociological knowledge. I also scanned through a few chapters of Giddens to get a hang of the subject. Before Prelims, I had made some notes for the first 3 chapters of paper 1 and had read some of the thinkers. I had by then acclimatized myself with the subject and also understood that the old edition of Haralambos was necessary but insufficient. After prelims, I started filling the gaps and expanding my notes.I began referring to the new updated version of Haralambos, internet, etc. (The topic-wise sources are given below). Though my notes were pretty extensive, I remained alive to the problems associated with inclusion of every topic in the notes. Therefore, at certain places, I left flags - page nos. or references in my notes so that the topics best read whole from the book could be referred in a logical and sequential manner during revision (For example, Talcott Parsons pattern variables to be read from new Haralambos, pg.xxx). The end result was that by the end of my preparation, I had a bunch of notes that could be revised in a single day It consisted of my notes of around 200 pages, old and new Haralambos (for referred pages), and a couple of booklets of IGNOU BA (out of many). I must have revised this bunch 4-5 times. I must also emphasize the importance of keeping a copy of previous 10 years questions handy, along with the syllabus. I made sure that there wasnt a question asked in previous 10 years that I couldnt answer.

Here is what I could manage for Sociology Paper-1

1. Sociology - The Discipline:-------IGNOU BA, old NCERT, old Haralambos, internet

2. Sociology as Science:------old & new Haralambos

3. Research Methods and Analysis:-----New Haralambos, dictionary of sociology by WP Scott / oxford dictionary of sociology

4. Sociological Thinkers:--------Old & New Haralambos, some comparative analyses and remaining topics from IGNOU BA (only what is not covered by Haralambos)

5. Stratification and Mobility: Old Haralambos, IGNOU BA

6. Works and Economic Life: IGNOU BA, Giddens, internet.

7. Politics and Society: Old Haralambos, Giddens, IGNOU BA

8. Religion and Society: Old Haralambos, IGNOU BA, internet

9. Systems of Kinship: IGNOU BA, dictionaries, (minor portions from Giddens and Haralambos)

10. Social Change in Modern Society: IGNOU BA, previous years questions, internetSociology Paper II by Tanvi Sundriyal (AIR 6/ CSE 2009)Introduction1. Before reading any notes or chaalu copy paste books I should be thorough with the original books (mentioned later)2. Thinkers and Theories(say Theories of social change,of power etc.) should be done in great detail with elaborate notes,rest of the topics can be done via a single book(you could pull out/photocopy relevant chapters and put them alongwith your notes so that everything is in one place when you revise) or mere pointers can do (say for topics like Child Labour).3. Warning: No notes should be made before a third reading of the chapter/book/source material especially for those who were, till they decided to plunge into cse preparation completely alien to the subject and its nuances.4. These notes/pointers were to be made in the format of:First Page-The Syllabus with the newly added topics (info for the newbeeies, the syllabus changed from 2008 Mains) highlighted (you can expect increased importance to be allotted to the newer topics in the exam)and sources referred to for the various sub-topics written alongwith a mention of whether you have written notes on it or not.This will help you in cross referring the source books when you feel that there is something missing in your notes when you revise after a long time,or to ask doubts/search for new material 'cos you would know what you don't know very important since this would guide you in selecting which questions to answer in the final exam hour ( no one is allowed to askis there a choice in the question paper or even worsehow will it guide one in question selection!)Second Page-All old questions including the 1980's ones(according to syllabus of course!)if you notice some of the really old questions pertain to the newly added topicsbringing the changes made to a full circle! :)Also, its important to know which sub topic can be interlinked with which other sub topic , which sub-topic requires more elaborate reading and note-making and which topics you cant afford to miss(some questions have been repeatedly asked indirectly or directly)All of this can only be gathered by a thorough analysis of the questions asked (preferably on your own) in the previous years so pay attention to the second page too !Third Page- Now your note making startsthe elaborate notes and even pointers should follow this format :a.Theory/Concept-Who said,What was said and in Which context was it saidb.Criticism-Every theoretician/perspective has a critique which points out the lacunae in the same and at the same time takes it forwardone should be very clear with this aspect.c.Application-Paper I and II : Emphasis ?1. In paper 1: Emphasise on case studies usa,uk('cos many studies are available from there!) or any other foreign country if you have a relevant case study but , at the same time do not forget to connect it to Indian examples.2. In paper 2 : Emphasis should be placed on Indian Sociologists and application to Indian context, though here too works of important sociologists(from paper 1) can be applied .Hence, studying , note making and then answer writing (in the same chronological order for very obvious reasons!) should be done keeping in mind that paper 1 and paper 2 are not exclusive of each other but are in fact interlinked and at times even draw sustenance from each other. The notes would be made preferably in the same format as the answer sheets given in the upsc mains exam ie A4 blank sheets with space left at both sides(instead of wasting time making margins with scale and pencil just fold the paper on both sides to give the impression of a margin) and punched to be put into well organised folders. This organisation of notes may sound like a very very childlike suggestion but it has great bearing on your revisionremember you are not writing notes to publish them for the benefit of mankind (which is not a bad idea but not your primary goal!) but to apply them in the examination, so please revise revise revise(this is not a typo error :) bad jokestill) I would share resources like advice/coaching material/your own notes with another serious studentits a personal belief that petty competitiveness pulls you down as well. Internet resources (some books have a few pages put out for reading online) and library(D School,Arts Faculty-Delhi University) resources (through a student) would be used appropriately. Note :If you get hold of an amazing book for a very small sub-topic and don't have time to go through it just read the Introduction+Prefaceit usually encapsulates the whole argument This was the "how to read" bit now lets come down now to the "what to read" part :The "How to start" dilemna plagues most of the cse aspirants esp those who did not have a humanities background.The solution is simple-How to start Sociology Preparation?Start with NCERT XI and XII (old and new editions both)Then for :Paper 1- Refer (in accordance with the syllabusif time permits you could read the whole book as wellif nothing else it may help you in the essay or later on in the interview stage):Anthony Giddens-Sociology(I believe the 5th edition is available in India in a paperback formatexpensive book but its usefulness justifies its expense)MacIonis-Sociology(brought to India by Pearsons publications)These books give a basic understanding and at the same time an analysis of more contemporary topics.Now you could go onto the basic book for Thinkers which is:Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan-Sociological ThoughtYou should also elaborate upon Thinkers by referring to Ritzer selectively(a must)Some of my friends picked up tit-bits from Lewis Coser and some referred to Raymond Aron too(optional)For Paper 2- Start with IGNOU BA course material and stick to it! Take care to mention the case studies considered in the IGNOU booklets in your examination.You should also read:1. M.N.Srinivas-Social Change in India2. Yogendra Singh-Modernisation of Indian Tradition3. Handbook of Indian Sociology-edited by Veena Das (selective reading of the book )4. J.C.Verma (a NBT publication on Tribals) for the portion on problems faced by tribalsI found books like Madan and Mazumdar- Social Anthropology and Horton and Hunt relevant for prelims onlyThough one could pick up meaning of terms like culture etc from the Horton and Hunt book to understand its usage and maybe, apply it in the Essay paper (if it so demands)Now the question ariseshow to supplement this basic material ?1. In paper 2 the theory portion should be connected to/updated by egs drawn from real life /recent case studies covered in magazines like Yojana and Economic and Political Weekly . You could become an online member of these magazines and avail the benefit of browsing through their archives.2. I was too lazy to do this and consequently suffered(thankfully not too badly!) in paper 2.3. In paper 1 there is an excellent reference book by the name of Haralombos and Halborn,its detailed,comprehensive and contemporary.unfortunately, reading it is a time consuming exercise so do it only as a last resort and/or to add value to selective topics(to avoid meandering away from relevant topics always keep the syllabus by your side)4. These are the books/resources which I found relevant ..if I later on recall more(not that you would want me to, once you see the content of some of these books!) I would add on to this post5. Hopefully all of you would come to enjoy Sociology as much as I did (and also get good marksvery imp! )IMPORTANT POINTS- -first and foremost,try memorising or atleast thoroughly going through the syllabus.it helps to put the study material in right perspective.it also helps inknowing which topics hav not been covered yet.a descent score demands completion of syllabus.-Thinkers are the backbone of sociology,so understanding is very important rather than only specific terms.infact,after studying individual thinker try comparing it with the views of other thinkers.-use these basics understanding of thinkers in paper1 long questions,short questions. whenever a question in paper2 permits,try using the basic thinkers name and concepts,it makes answers more holistic.(the usual question asked to me is where to get these notes,if one is not doing coaching-best source are friends who hav done coaching there...get the class notes...best idea would b to get them from current batch undergoing coaching recently,as u will hav most updated notes...undoubtedly,since new things r added to notes by sir with time...some people do say notes r also available in photostat shops in mukherjee nagar,but personally i have no idea...)mohopatra sir's notes are excellent mains material and are holistic.his collections of views of contemporary and indiasn sociologist helps enrich answers esp.paper2. since i joined the oct 2007 batch for socio and gave mains in oct 2009,i did made additions from june 2008and 2009 batch,when i met my friends from these batches in test series of mohopatra sir in 2009 sept. what i i want to convey is,some topics in the syllabus were not so thoroughly covered in my notes,so i searched those specific topics from others to complete my notes and left no topic uncovered. with increasing unpredictable nature of paper this is impotant.-wel,the test series of mohopatra sir is fantastic as it gives answer writing paractice,true feedback,scope to improve see score improve in next exam .more because the discussion is good,it helps churn the whole syllabus,interlink it and understand how to write answer specific to minor variatipn in wordings of questions.and it does add some latest opinions appearing n newspapers about current issues,which we may hav missed ourselves. here,i hav to mention that i am not sure if it is opened for students who hav not done his mains classes,but u can always inquire at vajiram for this.yes,recently i talked to mohopatra sir,n he said he may not b able to conduct testseries for all students except his old n present batch students for want of time.....but told that if someone is interested in attending discussions of tests only(which is quite rich too) may do so...he plans to start test series from 10 th sept...n if u want to attend discussions...pls contact sir for this...as he is the final word to allow u to attend the same..DURING PREPARATION: -sociological concepts if clear,most questions can be easily understood and written.thus,get concepts clear with basic quality books or teachers.-YOJANA and KURUKSHETRA should be read by socio students,as it gives case studies as well as rural touch to the answers.i used to collect all issues,though may not read it straight away. whenever comfortable i used to giv one full day for yojana and kurukshetra.and friends, still in that whole day u cant completely finish all articles thoroughly,so try to pick and choose relevant topics,make side notes on book itself or a notebook as u prefer for value addition in the socio answers.( CASE STUDIES- basically means any specific study of an particular village or community n evaluating it on a specific criteria...eg:recent yojana on water management,gives a case study on traditional methods of water conservation in rajasthan....ignoring the data,u can put it as an example of how modernity has lead to neglect of these systems n may b need to adapt to climate change may force us to revive the same...hence the social change is not unidirectional n many factors influence the same- the point i want to emphasise is that mould that case study to hav a sociological perspective...)-socio as an optional can help improve score in gs, essay and interview too.just while studying socio,try interlinking with ur gs and essay material too.few people have asked me,whether this will make their answer in gs and essay very technical.i feel if u write in gs ,relevant sociological arguments without mentioning scholars(unless very contemporary like amartya sen or jean derze),it can help in better answers-while reading hindu,do giv a thought from sociological point of view like gender,disadvantage sections,capitalism,changing indian society etc.eg:khap panchayat concept can very well used to enrich answer on changing pattern of indian marriage.my prepn experience- after my firstprelims debacle basically due to unprepared socio optional,my focus of improvement was sociology. i had already did coaching,but my knowledge was raw n shallow,for the want of time n self study.i had no knowledge of which books to study except few prescribed by mohopatra sir,nor any friends else than in my coaching of this optional,who had same knowledge as mine.so,i made list of all socio books prescribed by toppers intw in chronicle with socio optional n on internet n went to book store buying all that i can get from that list...(thus i know value of gud advices n knw passion to improve can overcome any hurdle)i had a basic book in IGNOU M n M series,i read 10 chapters a day n finished its 2 parts in around 20-25 days(it was a painful to realise that i knew so less,even after having given pre in this optional) n this made me realise that i hav to study so much more.......so got to knw my weakness,hence the improvement started...then i read lots of books,as i hav mentioned n still others which were not enough to b prescribed to others. i read even pcs books of raj n haryana for their socio ten yrs as i gav their pre also(and found answers to their ques too-no stone unturned coz its my weak area)in civils pre i marked around 94 ques correct for sure.actually in starting i marked 108 ques n rubbed of all those answers in which i had slightest of doubt,thus 94 ques sure shot clear n i know i making it this time,atleast thru socio part(thiswas the passion to make it to civils,i had...so focussed,so committed,so mad of clearing it somehow,anyhow)so,the question i was asked in guestbook which i had to answer here-how i prepared for socio mains....the base was prepared,thinkers,basic topics clear n strong....what was left was indian additions for paper2...i read mohopatra sirs notes n they were really gud,then his written printed materials and also added extra points to paper1 material.so after pre, first was prepn on paper2 n then paper1 esp. thinkers ,stratification n social change...-i did scan thru msa rao,ram ahuja(it gives pretty old data though),but except for few points ,i didnt add much as sir's notes had gist from these books in his notes n it was not needed to put extra time into it.i feel the most comprehensive collection for paper2 is mohopatra sirs notes,esp if u can get from current running batch,so that his latest additions r also there.-IGNOU+mohopatra sir's notes+hindu+magzines are gud enough material to giv quality answers. also u can add from social issues-wizard+ harlombus esp;family,stratification(in socialist countries),education,alienation(search from index at back),gender...i hav been asked to giv source of studying following topics;-IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON INDIA-mohopatra sir's notes+modern history ncert-few initial chapters may giv u points here...n even can add something contemporary here eg:the mindset of seeing everything western as gud n indigenous as inferior is the hangover of colonial rule-this explains OGBURN'S concepts too as physical things changes easily than culture n attitudes..RURAL AND AGRARIAN SOCIAL STRUCTURE-ya ofcourse,sir's notes ,kurukshetra n something contemporary as studies on NREGA showing how this struc is changing n also can include point of reverse migration due to NREGA.SOCIAL CLASSES IN INDIA-this topic is an open one-include upper,middle(IGNOU PART2 IS GUD)n lower class concepts,compare with caste struc, add concepts of embourgeisement,how these classes r changing, middle class apathy towards politics,n ya how lower class is using politics for empowerment n realising importance of investment of educn for improving their class position....so-WHICH BOOK TO PRESCRIBE,ALMOST ALL U HAVE READ CAN B RELATED HERE.SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA-mohopatra sirs notes,vidhya bhushans's movements,also from history n recent movements using social media(eg: earth hour campaign across countries),climate change movements etc.....also,here u can giv contemporary touch.ANSWER WRITING: -socio is most comfortable optional in this,lots of material is available in notes,hindu,yojana,kurukshetra,daily news and experiences. we all hav some basic understanding of society at large. all this should be incorporated in a balanced manner and a good answer is ready.-aim is to write quality answers,with basics,analysis of different thinkers,international and rural orientation,currents related,some relevant facts to strengthen an argument,some self opinionsetc.all these this may not b there in all answers but can be included if question allows.what help one score better than other is SOMETHING EXTRA that examiner dont find in others answers.socio gives lot of freedom to add this extra part.-long ques should be around 600-650 words,short question around 200-250 words.i tried making diagrams.this should be done only if u hav time.long ques takes around 30 min and short one around12-15 min.with practice this speed can be attained.IMPORTANT POINTS: need is-simple english-small sentences-preferrably one point of view and its analysisin one paragraph-interlinking various point of view as balanced view in end-try include max points from different angles and dimensions-conclusion optimistic and potraying hope.-key words to keep in mind while writing answers-ANALYSIS,INTERLINKING,BALANCED VIEW.-dont bluff in facts and analysis as examiner is experinced enough to make out..be genuine.-one's own opinion can be included towards end.-facts should not be forced into answers but should be inserted to strengthen a point of view.-YOJANA and KURUKSHETRA gives rationale of govts policies and analysis from govts mouth and are dependable and economical study material.-STRATEGY IN EXAM/ANXIETY MANAGEMENT/WHICH QUESTION TO ANSWER WHEN: -changing and unexpected pattern demands on the spot decisions in exam.first thing is to keep initial five minutes for reading question paper and stricking out ques u hav no idea at all. selecting the questions best prepared and write them first.at this moment one will be anxious,no doubt,but this is when u have to keep moving,without wasting time inrepenting or seeing around.-when i opened gs 1,i too had no idea of history questions and was sure that most others will also not know them,thus i planned to write it last.i started with polity which i knew well and this helped me gain momentum in paper without getting struck on the tough question.-psycho also had tough unpredictable research based questions.i simply struck them off in my initial five minutes and attempted rest of questions which i had idea about. i mean that let not tough questions disturb u n shake ur confidence,simply ignore them and move on to one u know.-another impotant aspect is to keep ur energies till second optional paper2.this paper also checks ones stamina.since,i had socio and psycho back to back,i was very worried about my energy levels in psycho paper2.i went home directly after socio 2,without discussing with anyone and took gods name and slept. next day morning i was fresh after sound night sleep.when i entered to write paper2 of psycho,my mind was focussed to write best answers and fight the tiredness which was accumulating. the reward was 182 in psycho paper2,highest among all my optional marks.TIME MANAGEMENT: see, target is 180 marks in 3 hours,i.e. 180 marks in 180 minutes.so,one minute means one mark. this calculation comes handy when subtle changes happen in marking scheme as happened in paper2 gs last time.if new ques comes for 4 marks,u know that max time for it is 4 minutes only.-with practice,try writing 30 marks ques in 25-30 minutes,15 marks in 12-15 minuts and 2 marker in one minute each.initally it seems tough but later it becomes a habit almost.-i wrote 15 marks first,as they r scoring and mind is fresh in starting.after 1 hour i started with 2 markers ,all of them together(around 30 r there in gs paper each) in 30 minutes.i preferred pointwise writing in them with a bit analytical touch than stuffing bare facts.thereafter long ques with 30 minutes alloted to each. -exam means managing three things- TIME ,WORDS AND MARKS.from marks i mean,if u are not scoring in a particular question,move on to another question in which u may score better,hence best utilising time.i had practice on upsc like answer booklet in test series and had a mental idea that 1 page of that means 120 words in my writing with my kind of spacing. start new answer from new page only.BREAK UP OF QUESTIONS/CONTENT: most of my answer followed this psttern :-20% answer having basics,very expected part ofanswer that almost everyone will be writing. the direct demand of question.eg. in optional,the basic thinkers n their arguments20% value addition from notes,a bit more richer part.20% multiple dimensions,egs n case studies.20% from magzines,hindu n interlinking of gs n optional20% can be something new,innovative and different that will not be found in other candidates paper.this something extra gives that 2-3 extra marks. a bit by bit addition of these marks,give u extra 20-50 marks,this makes all the difference while determining ur rank,service n cadre.-this propotion may vary acc to demand of question,eg paper2 being applied may demand more interlinking,egs n case studies,indian n contemporary touch.-all throughout the answer the FOCUS and FLOW should be maintained.by that i mean,the question has a particular focus,something specific that has been asked,that needs to be answered throughout the answer.infact,even while writing different dimensions,link it well to focus of question.-by FLOW,it means different paragraphs should be in a flow ie:interlinked ,when someone reads the answer the different parts should not look disconnected.like an argument may follow with a fact to strengthen,then counter argument, then other dimensions being balanced towards end.-personal views ,if included can be preferrably towards end;the conclusion should be optimistic n balanced.ANSWER WRITING PRACTICE; -the booklet is unruled with right and left side margins...right side margins we can write the question number n left margin is meant to b left empty by students..(this type of booklet is usually available in book stores before mains exam,so hav a look...if u want write a paper in these for practice...infact,testseries exam r usually conduced in similar booklets...) ..so we hav to manage the spacing on our own..as for improving handwriting,try writing a bit bigger in size as examiner may b old with poor eyesight..proper spacing between words,lines n paragraphs..this may b troublesome in starting but soon becomes habit.try writing in straight lines...u can use blue or black pens...can keep one for headings n other for writing answers(but time may b limited to use two pens)...so i preferred underlining mostly to highlight...u can use capital letters or double underlining for something very important in answer,but dont do it often...say,at max once in an answer u go for capitals or double underlining...start new answer in new page only...as gives a neater look n also UPSC demands it that way as in ending we hav to fill an index(on front page) where against every question number we hav to mention the page in answer booklet...pointwise answers should b avoided in gs ,essay or humanities based optionals....instead try putting points as one in one para n para starting with words like firstly,secondly,thirdly,lastly,also etc....in long questions,we may put points in a part of answer,but never whole answer should b in points....the practice is important,the aim is to develop capacity high quality answer consistently in limited time,with limited words. also to decide which question to write first,then which n which last. another important focus has to b time management in exam,not to spend too much time on one question at the cost of another.-answer writing is most useful when done in exam simulated situations ie with time limit n similar difficulty level of questions.SOCIOLOGY LONG ANSWER: Pluralism is basically defined as the existence of multi-lingual,multi-religious and multi -ethnic groups peacefully in the society.it has been possible,due to mutual respect and acceptance of groups towards different communities.In such a society the religious,ethnic or lingual identity is not exploited for the political,economic or social gains.thus,this identity does not form the central focus of any group's self identity.Montesque had studied pluralism and explained it as peaceful existence of various groups of different identities in a society.sociologists have tried to explain the emergence of pluralism as a consequence of history as :-1)Emergence of Modern state-was due to territorial invasion of various communities and emergence of the new state led to recognition of presence of identity of different communities.2) colonialism-led to the increased contact between the people of different religious faith,identities and cultures to come closer.3)wars-had enevitably led to mixing of different communities and the acceptance of their way of life to ensure the territorial integrity of newly acquired area to the conquerer's nation.In the indian context, the pluralism had been seen as being present from ancient times. the Composite culture of the society,with mutual respect and liking for other's customs,festivals and ways of life fostered the feeling of pluralism.sociologist have also tried to place pluralism as an evolutionary stage in the growth of the society.the initial one-religion state slowly evolved into multi-religious state which in course of time which in course of time with the development of toleration and respect for each other grow into plural societies.The contemporary Indian society from this view point,can only be placed in the multi-religious category as the regular incidences of communal tension,riots have marred the development of plural character in recent times.The controversy over Burqua,the Sikh turban or Bangle in the west european countries have also made one question `their plural character. The sociologists are of the opinion that this plural character is developed as a result of scientific,logical and rational nature of modernity.At best, it can be stated that plural character in these societies is also in evolution,despite well established modernity.Undoubtedly,the last few decades have seen the growth of fundamentalism resulting in the terrorist attacks and formation of organisations to this effect. it is the reflection of growing intolerance in the individuals in the name of religion.also, the religious revitalisation and revivalism has been on rise.The reasons for its emergence has been evaluated by many scholars as it was seen as an unexpected phenomenon.Most of the positivist and evolutionary theorist had predicted the demise of the institution of religion with the growth of science and technology,but in reality, the reversal is being witnessed.Few causes have been postulated-Malcom Turf had emphasised on the following causes :-1) Trans-border Nationalism-the religious community today is not confined to only one nation,rather is diffused over multiple nations. Thus in case of any crisis involving community members,the transborder nationalism is witnessed. EG: the plight of indian muslims discussed by various muslim countries leaders, the problems of Tamils in Sri lanka has become a national issue in India,though it could have been considered as the internal matter of Sri lanka.2)Failure of capitalism- capitalism promised prosperity and happiness for all and having failed in the delivery of the same,has caused the vaccum where the individuals are searching happiness in religion.3) Decline of the West-excessive materialism has made the yputh search for the means to assert their identity and search for values. in this,the ethnic and religious identities are glorified.Since,the above mentioned causes have been prevalent in our contemporary societies on a large scale, thus the religious revitalism has become the reality.This revivalism,results in excessive assertion of one's exclusive identity and potrayal of other community's interest as antagonistic to other communities,thus breeding intolerance.this will,in turn,affect the plural fabric of the society with increasing distrust and decreased respect.The formation of political parties on the basis of religion,ethnic,linguistic identities is also corroding the plural fabric.Recently,comments by few politicians that north indians are responsible for the slow development of maharashtra,clearly demonstrates how the ethnic identities can be exploited to get political mileage.Another aspect of growing tendency of revivalism has been Saffronisation ,which even was manifested in the trial to alter the syllabus of N.C.E.R.T books. such moves,will breed insecurity in the minorties and further deteorating the situation.The inclusive development of all communities,emphasis of mutual co-existence and respect will only help in peaceful presence of various linguistic,ethnic or religious communities in a single society. with the multi-cultural nature of indian society, pluralism as a tool to tackle growing religious fundamentalism and revivalism is a necessity.(I SCORED 58% IN THIS ANSWER IN MOHOPATRA SIR'S TEST SERIES.THERE HAS BEEN SOCIOLOGICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO TOPIC AND ALSO CONTEMPORARY EGS TO STRENGTHEN ARGUMENTS. THE ANALYSIS,ARGUMENT,COUNTER-ARGUMENT AND BALANCE TOWARDS END IS EMPHASISED IN THIS ANSWER.)interview preparation: the mains result came on 4 th march 2010....n being general candidate from delhi,i expected my interview date to b on first or second day ,when the interview commences...interviews started on 22 march n mine was on 23 rd....(i got to knw exact date around 14 th march)...so clearly ,i had around 15 days to go....basically,we cant call it an interview...in right perspective,it should be called PERSONALITY TEST....actually seeing it this way answers lot of queries about intw ,-WHEN TO START PREPARATION?-by the time we write this exam,our basic personality would hav been formed...-so from prepration we can expect only touch-ups...or fine tuning....-.also,i feel,while reading gs for pre n mains,we form many self opinions simultaneously....these r also part of preparation,informally...-formally,one can start after mains exam...(actually,jus after mains ,u can take a break of a month or so...coz by this time u will be mentally exhausted...n this time is safe too as prelims is far n u must hav cracked it atleast once by now....n interview preparation can also wait)....basically,focus should be on mains form's details....every entry by you,should be researched well n expected questions prepared(like d meaning of ur name?ur hobbies? ur extracurriculars?ur home state/education etc....)- last year,vajiram conducted an orientation class for their students ,free of cost around 20 th jan....the problem here is not everyone gets the information when is the class...so b in touch with their administrative staff ,if u r keen to attend it...-after mains result,within 3-4 days many coaching starts classes...this is time of confusion,esp. if u r delhi based (caution:-just b careful as what u fill as ur address) because it means u hav least time...-vajiram is gud n so is samkalp....i got to know from my friends that many from vajiram ,also joins samkalp....(there r some classes n mock interviews in both of them)...the time management again becomes crucial here,so hav ur mains form details,hobbies etc worked out on ur own.before mains resultis announced...n approach mock interviews as if it is the real upsc one...infact do get fully dressed up for atleast one of them...as a practice.(after mains exams is over,focus should be to prepare for both interview n prelims...coz after intw is over ,very less time is left forprelims preparation...thus initial few months like dec,jan ,n feb..should have both being prepared simultaneously)WHAT TO PREPARE?again,since itsur personality test....its about ur opinions,ur thinking,ur biodata etc....(yes,factual questions r asked but ur analysis n opinions matters the most.)basically it is subject matter n interview skills...subject matter is ur bio-data,background-educational n residential,national issues n international ones,some practical aspects of ur optionals...interview skills are about speaking with confidence,being brief n crisp in answers,be polite but still taking a stand,having ability to convince,maintaining eye contact...etc...HOW TO P