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 (2016)
SECTION – A
1.Write short answers of the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 x 5=50 marks
(a) “Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern societies.” Discuss 10 marks
(b) What is ‘value-free sociology’? Clarify. 10 marks
(c) Analyze the importance of qualitative methods in social research. 10 marks
(d) Evaluate Marx’s ideas on mode of production 10 marks
(e) “Vertical mobility brings structural change even in a closed social system.” Comment. 10 marks
2. (a) Elucidate the basic premises of Davis’ structural-functional theory of social stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding contemporary Indian society
(b) Describe the functional prerequisites of social system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examined in the context of a university as a social system.
(c) Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument.
3. (a) Analyze the manifest and latent functions of ‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’ in the light of Merton’s theory.
(b) Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research?
(c) “Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables.”Elucidate by giving example of poverty and illiteracy
4. (a) Examine Max Weber’s method of maintaining objectivity in social research.
(b) “Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts.” Comment.
(c) Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion
SECTION – B
5. Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each
(a) Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society.
(b) Discuss the importance of ‘power elite’ in democracy.
(c) is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer.
(d) To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women? Discuss
(e) “Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence of social change.” Explain.
6. (a) “Globalization has pushed the labour into informal organization of work.” Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.
(b) “Social change can be brought about through development.” Illustrate. from the contemporary situation of India.
(c) Examine the role of protest movements in changing the status of Dalits in India.
7. (a) “Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies.” Explain by giving suitable examples.
(b) Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a response to social change in modern society.
(c) To what extent revolution replaces the existing order of society? Discuss.
8. (a) “Education is a major source of social mobility in contemporary society.” Explain.
(b) How is Durkheim’s theory of religion different from Max Weber’s theory of religion?
(c) Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts.
Sociology Optional Question Paper-2 (2016)
SECTION – A
1. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following, in about 150 words each:
(a) Salient features of A.R. Desai’s Marxist Sociology
(b) Significance of Village Studies in Indian Sociology
(c) ‘Isolationism’ as a dominant feature of colonial tribal policy
(d) Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period
(e) Patriarchy as a form of dominance
2. (a) How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features ?
(b) Discuss Andre Beteille account of the relationship between caste, class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one.
(c) Analyse the major components of Land Reform Acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural inequality.
3. (a) Bring out the significance of the difference between family and household.
(b) Elucidate the concepts of ‘majoritarianism’ and ‘minoritarianism’ in accentuating communal tensions in India.
(c) Comment on the increasing significance of caste in politics.
4. (a) How is the tribal question related with the issues of integration and autonomy in modern India ?
(b) Comment on the factors behind the changing status of women in urban India.
(c) What accounts for the growth and consolidation of the middle classes in modern India ?
SECTION – B
5. Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each
(a) Privatization of education and increasing inequalities
(b) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for rural development
(c) Different forms of Dalit assertion
(d) Empowerment through ‘Right to Education’
(e) Differential sex-ratio and its implications
6. (a) Write a note on the uneven impact of ‘Green Revolution’ on rural society.
(b) Discuss the emerging forms of ‘inequalities’ and ‘acute poverty’ as major challenges of social transformation in India.
(c) Discuss the various forms of environmental movements waged in india. ·
7. (a) Write a detailed note on the effects of growing slums in urban areas.
(b) Discuss the changing nature of the problems of working class in the informal sector of the economy.
(c) What are the factors accounting for the resurgence of ethnic identity movements in India?
8. (a) Bring out the impact of the declining significance of the agrarian economy.
(b) Examine the impact of industrialization and urbanization on family structure.
(c) How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in Indian society ?
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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