Sociology Optional Previous Year Papers hold immense value for candidates preparing for competitive exams, especially the Civil Services Examination. These papers, curated from past years’ question papers, offer aspirants a profound understanding of the exam’s structure, question types, and complexity level. They serve as a practical tool for refining one’s sociological knowledge, critical analysis, and time management abilities. By solving these papers, candidates can acquaint themselves with the intricacies of sociology as a subject and cultivate the assurance necessary to excel in the examination. Moreover, the scrutiny and examination of previous year papers aid aspirants in identifying pertinent topics, prioritizing their study material, and customizing their preparation to align with the specific demands of the Sociology Optional paper.
Question Paper Specific Instructions
- Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
- There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
- Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
- The number of marks carried by a question / part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) 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.
- Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
- Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological 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 answer book must be clearly struck off.
Sociology Optional Question Paper-1 (2013)
SECTION – A
1. Write short notes on the following: (Each note should not exceed 150 words) 10 × 5 = 50 marks
(a) “Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social reformist orientation in the U.S.A.” — Comment. 10 marks
(b) Compare and contrast Sociology with Anthropology. 10 marks
(c) Critically science and technology as agents of social studies. 10 marks
(d) Examine science and technology as agents of social change. 10 marks
(e) Analyse the contemporary trends in family with examples. 10 marks
2. (a) Analyse the limitation of quantitative methods in social research. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine the functionalist tradition in Sociology. 20 marks
(c) Analyse the salient features of historical materialism. 20 marks
3. (a) Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of ‘division of labour’. 20 marks
(b) Critically analyse the contribution of G.H. Mead to ‘symbolic interactionism’. 10 marks
(c) Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy. 10 marks
4. (a) How are open and closed system of stratification undergoing transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social order in societies? 20 marks
(b) Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically examine how does patriarchy affect sexual division of labour in societies. 20 marks
(c) Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy. 10 marks
SECTION – B
5. Write short notes on the following: (Each note should not exceed 150 words) 10 × 5 = 50 marks
(a) Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves socially in societies. 10 marks
(b) Define social movement. Elucidate the role of reformist movements in social change. 10 marks
(c) “Science has empirical means to logical ends a religion has non-empirical means to logical ends”.— Comment. 10 marks
(d) Examine the social dimensions of displacement induced by development. 10 marks
(e) Analyse the gender bias in the present society with examples. 10 marks
6. (a) How do Karl Marx and Max Weber differ in terms of their analysis of social stratification? 20 marks
(b) Examine the social impact of globalisation on labour and society. 20 marks
(c) Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social System in the present society. 10 marks
7. (a) Evaluate how do civil society and democracy mutually reinforce each other. 20 marks
(b) Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to the change in economic and social order. 20 marks
(c) Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy. 10 marks
8. (a) Illustrate the conflict and tensions experienced by societies undergoing social change. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples. 20 marks
(c) It religion antithetical to science? Comment 10 marks
Sociology Optional Question Paper-2 (2013)
SECTION – A
1. Write short notes with sociological perspective on the following in not more than 150 words each:- 10 × 5 = 50 marks
(a) Andre Beteille definition of class. 10
(b) M.N. Srinivas’s concept of westernization. 10
(c) Satyashodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. 10
(d) Classes in agrarian society in India. 10
(e) Other Backward Classes. 10
2. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20 + 20 + 10 = 50 marks
(a) What are the features that distinguish tribes from the rest of the population? 20 marks
(b) Write a note on ethnicity and integration in the context of tribes. 20 marks
(c) How does the new Forest Act affect tribals? 10 marks
3. Write short notes with sociological perspective on the following in not more than 200 words each: 20 + 20 + 10 = 50 marks
(a) What are the main features of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s views on annihilation of caste? 20 marks
(b) Critically evaluate Louis Dumont’s Homo Hierarchicus. 20 marks
(c) What are the features of M.N. Srinivas’ concept of dominant caste? How effective is it in understanding today’s reality? 10 marks
4. Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each: 20 + 15 + 15 = 50 marks
(a) Distinguish between formal and informal sectors in India. 20 marks
(b) Examine the influence of industrialization on caste. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the salient features of Indian middle class. 15 marks
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following. Your answer should have a sociological perspective. (Maximum length of answers: 100 words each):- 10 × 5 = 50 marks
(a) Five year Plans. 10 marks
(b) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. 10 marks
(c) Green Revolution. 10 marks
(d) Child Labour 10 marks
(e) Sex Ratio 10 marks
6. Answer the following question in not more than 200 words each: – 20 + 15 + 15 = 50 marks
(a) Bring out the main features of farmers’ movement in Modern India. 15 marks
(b) Discuss the sociological aspects of movements for separate States. 20 marks
(c) Explain the inter-linkages between poverty, deprivation and inequality. 15 marks
7. Answer the following question in not more than 200 words each: – 20 + 15 + 15 = 50 marks
(a) Write an analytical note on slums in cities. 15 marks
(b) Discuss the problems of working in India. 20 marks
(c) What are the main causes of female mortality in India? 15 marks
8. Answer the following question in not more than 200 words each: – 20 + 15 + 15 = 50 mark
(a) Analyse the role of communalism in undermining democracy in India. 15 marks
(b) What is the Dalit Movement? Examine the issues highlighted by it. 20 marks
(c) Discuss the salient features of the right to education. 15 marks
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the sociology optional paper in UPSC examinations?
Ans. The sociology optional paper in the UPSC examinations allows candidates to showcase their understanding of societal structures, dynamics, and changes, thereby enabling them to demonstrate their analytical and critical thinking skills.
Q: How can one prepare effectively for the sociology optional paper?
Ans. Effective preparation for the sociology optional paper involves a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental sociological theories, concepts, and their practical application. It is also essential to practice answer writing and analyze previous year question papers.
Q: What are the key components of the sociology optional syllabus for the UPSC examination?
Ans. The sociology optional syllabus for the UPSC examination generally covers topics such as the sociological thinkers, social structure, social change, and contemporary social issues. It includes various theories and perspectives related to sociology.
Q: Is it necessary to cover the entire sociology optional syllabus for the UPSC examination?
Ans. While it is beneficial to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus, focusing on core topics, key thinkers, and contemporary social issues is crucial to scoring well in the sociology optional paper of the UPSC examination.
Q: What are the advantages of choosing sociology as an optional subject for the UPSC examination?
Ans. Opting for sociology as an optional subject can provide candidates with a deeper understanding of societal dynamics, which can be beneficial in comprehending the various socio-political issues that are often a part of the UPSC examination.
Q: How can one utilize sociology as an optional subject to enhance overall UPSC preparation?
Ans. Integrating sociological perspectives and theories with current affairs and general studies can help candidates develop a holistic approach to analyzing and understanding complex socio-political issues, thereby enhancing their overall UPSC preparation.
Q: What are some recommended books for sociology optional in the UPSC examination?
Ans. Some recommended books for sociology optional in the UPSC examination include “Sociology: Themes and Perspectives” by Haralambos and Holborn, “Sociology: Principles of Sociology with an Introduction to Social Thoughts” by C.N. Shankar Rao, and “Indian Society: Themes and Social Issues” by Nadeem Hasnain.
Q: Are there any specific resources or study materials that can complement the recommended books for sociology optional in the UPSC examination?
Ans. Utilizing additional study materials such as UPSC-specific sociology optional guides, question banks, and contemporary sociological journals can provide candidates with a more comprehensive understanding of the subject, thereby enhancing their preparation.
Q: How can previous year question papers for sociology optional benefit candidates preparing for the UPSC examination?
Ans. Previous year question papers for sociology optional can provide candidates with insights into the examination pattern, important topics, and the level of depth required in their answers, thereby helping them tailor their preparation strategies accordingly.
Q: Where can candidates access sociology optional previous year question papers for the UPSC examination?
Ans. Sociology optional previous year question papers for the UPSC examination are often available on various online platforms, UPSC-related forums, and educational websites. Candidates can also find them in certain comprehensive UPSC preparation books and materials.
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