[Download] UPSC Mains-2015: Sociology Optional Subject Question Paper-1 & Paper-2

1. Sociology: Instruction
2. Paper1: Section-A
3. Paper1: Section-B
4. Paper2: Section-A
5. Paper2: Section-B

Sociology: Instruction

1. Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250
2. There are EIGHT questions divided in TWO SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI arid in ENGLISH.
3. Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
4. Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remitting, any THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
5. The number of marks carried by a question part is indicated against it.
6. Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly WI the Miler of this Question-cum-Answer-QC., Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to
7. Attempts of questions shall be counted in sequential order. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off

Paper1: Section-A

Q1.Write short answers of the following in about 150 words each :

1. Is sociology a science?  Give reasons for your answer.
2. Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society.
3. What are variables? Discuss their role in experimental research.
4. Which concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination?
5. “No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.” comment.

Q2. 20+20+10 Marks

1. Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism.
2. Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in social science research.
3. “Self and society are twin-born ” Examine the statement of Mead.

Q3. 20+20+10 Marks

1. Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in research?
2. Differentiate between Maxian and Weberian theories of Social stratification.
3. How had Enlightenment contributed to the emergence of sociology?

Q4 20+20+10 Marks

1. “Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour.” Discuss.
2. How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework?
3. “Anomie is rooted in social structure.” Explain with reference to R.K. Merton’s contribution.

Paper1: Section-B

Q5. Write short answers of the following in about 150 words each : 10*5=50

1. Distinguish between the social organization of work in feudal society and in capitalist society.
2. “Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy.” Discuss.
3. Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations.
4. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss.
5. Explain the relevance of the idea of ‘cultural lag’ in understanding social change.

Q6. 20+20+10 Marks

1. “Education helps in perpetuating social and economic inequalities.” Critically examine the statement.
2. Explain the conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social movement.
3. How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other? Illustrate.

Q7.  20+20+10

1. Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern world?
2. the increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the formal organization of        work in recent times. Examine the statement .
3. Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy .Comment.

Q8. 20+20+10

1. “Globalization involves deterritoriazation .” Examine with reference to the nation-state.”
2. Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the study of social change.
3. Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life”.

Paper2: Section-A

Q1   Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each: 10*5=50

1. Verrier Elwin’s views on freedom for the tribals.
2. Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical.
3. Louis Dumont’s perspective on Indian caste system .
4. How far Gandhi ji was trusted by the untouchables.
5. Feminization of poverty.

Q2.  20+20+10

1. Is caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India?
2. Give some of the important studies relating to the structural changes in the Indian family system.
3. Broadly comapare the kinship system of North and South India.

Q3. 20+20+10

1. Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian tradition in analyzing social change in India.
2. What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization pattern in India?
3. Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different perspectives to solve their problems?

Q4. 20+20+10

1. Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism.
2. What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism?
3. Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India?

Paper2: Section-B

Q5 .  Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each:10 x 5=50

1. Important components of National Education Policy in India.
2. Main objective of Tribal sub plan (TSP)
3. Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless and marginal farmers .
4. Issues relating to the informal labour market in urban India.
5. How far Srinivas’s Sanskritization is modernizing force or traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste system?

Q6. 20+20+10 Marks

1. Discuss the impact of post- 1970 feminist movement on Indian middle class.
2. What are the major concerns of ethic identity and religious identity in India?
3. How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India?

Q7. 20+20+10

1. Discuss B.R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat.
2. Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements in independent India.
3. To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist agenda?

Q8. 20+20+10

1. Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of action through his Hind Swaraj.
2. Human development approach affirms that education and health –care growth are more important than economic growth. Discuss this issue in the light of post-liberalized Indian society.
3. Write a brief note on the Freedom of Press.