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 (2019)
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following question in about 150 Words each : 10×5=50 Marks
(a) Discuss the historical antecedents of the emergence of Sociology as a discipline. 10 Marks
(b) Davis and Moore made it clear that social stratification is a functional necessity and also an unconscious device. Discuss. 10 Marks
(c) What is the Marxist concept of ‘fetishism of commodities’? 10 Marks
(d) Present a sociological review on the ‘new middle class’. 10 Marks
(e) Explain the probability sampling strategies with examples. 10 Marks
2. (a) According to Mead, “We play a key role in our own socialization.” 20 Marks
(b) Bring out the significance of Ethnography in social research. 20 Marks
(c) What is ‘reserve army of labour’ ? Present the position of feminist scholars on this. 10 Marks
3. (a) Discuss the importance of interpretative understanding of social phenomena and explain its limitations. 20 Marks
(b) Are all world religions patriarchal ? Substantiate your answer with examples. 20 Marks
(c) What, according to Merton, is the difference between ‘unanticipated consequences’ and ‘latent functions’ ? Give examples to elaborate. 10 Marks
4. (a) Modernization presupposes class society; however caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain. 20 Marks
(b) Compare and Contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social stratification in capitalist society. 20 Marks
(c) What, according to Irawati Karve, are the Major difference between North Indian and South Indian Kinship system? 10 Marks
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 Marks
(a) Differentiate between ‘Life-chances’ and ‘Life-style’ with suitable examples. 10 Marks
(b) Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. 10 Marks
(c) What is civil society ? Present a note on civil society engagement with science and technology policy in India. 10 Marks
(d) Critique A.G. Frank’s ‘development of underdevelopment’. 10 Marks
(e) How well do you think Tonnies, Durkheim, Weber and Marx predicted the character of Modern society ? Critique. 10 Marks
6. (a) Why is gender dimension of social stratification ? How does gender intersect other dimensions of inequality based on caste, class, race and ethnicity ? 20 Marks
(b) What are the theoretical models of societal power ? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies 20 Marks
(c) What is affirmative action ? Substantiate theoretical positions on affirmative actions with example. 10 Marks
7. (a) What is ‘informal labour’ ? Discuss the need for and challenges in regulating informal labour in the post-industrial society. 20 Marks
(b) Feminist scholars argue that ‘New media’ is masculine and hence reinforces structural hierarchies rather than reconfiguring them. Comment. 20 Marks
(c) Discuss the concept of circulation of elite. 10 Marks
8. (a) In the light of judicial intervention on ‘Live-in relationships’, discuss the future of marriage and family in India. 20 Marks
(b) How, according to Merton, are deviant subcultures generated ? 20 Marks
(c) How is terrorism a new form of asymmetrical warfare ? What are some of the challenges in trying to win the war on terrorism ? 10 Marks
Sociology Optional Question Paper-2 (2019)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective. 10 x 5 Marks
(a) Elaborate Srinivas’s views on religion and society among the Coorgs. 10 Marks
(b) Illustrate the contribution of the Tebhaga Movement to the peasants struggle in India. 10 Marks
(c) Examine the changing initiatives of the land tenure system in India. 10 Marks
(d) Write a note on Ghurye’s conception of caste in India. 10 Marks
(e) Comment on the growing assertion of tribal community for autonomy in India. 10 Marks
2. (a) Critically examine Dube’s contributions to the study of Indian villages. 20 Marks
(b) What is caste politics? Substantiate your answer with examples of how identities are defined by caste dynamics. 20 Marks
(c) Do you think that the Indian saints have brought about social reform and awareness in Indian society? Explain. 10 Marks
3. (a) What is ethno-nationalism? Examine the critical factors responsible for tribal discontent in India. 20 Marks
(b) Is industrial development in India a bane or a born to agrarian class structure ? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20 Marks
(c) Give an account of Ranajit Guha’s approach in studying ‘subaltern class’ 10 Marks
4. (a) Define patriarchy. Does it have bearings on women’s entitlement in Indian family system ? Explain. 20 Marks
(b) How do you understand the ‘minority’ question ? Examine the violence and discrimination against the religious minorities in India. 20 Marks
(c) What do you understand by LGBTQ ? Comment on the issues concerning their marriage rights. 10 Marks
SECTION – B
5. Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective : 10 x 5 = 50 Marks
(a) Comment on the critical issues of commercialization of higher education in India. 10 Marks
(b) Discuss the challenges in Implementing the Rural Development Programmes in India. 10 Marks
(c) Elaborate urbanism as a way of life in India. 10 Marks
(d) Comment on the changing democratic profile of India. 10 Marks
(e) Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamics in India. 10 Marks
6. (a) Examine the importance of Development Planning in India Mixed Economy, and analyze its problems and prospects. 20 Marks
(b) Highlight the main features of the ‘Inter-linking of Rivers’ project in India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture? 20 Marks
(c) Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration. 10 Marks
7. (a) Do you think that ‘demonetization’ has accelerated the economic growth in India? How do you understand the in formalization of labour, underemployment and gender discrimination in this context? 20 Marks
(b) Discuss the implications of ‘Swachha Bharat Abhiyaan’. Do you think that civil society has a role to play here ? Substantiate your answer with an example. 20 Marks
(c) Do you agree that social movements are caused by opportunity structures that are generated by media? Why? 10 Marks
8. (a) Why has ‘Active aging’ become a glocal goal? Do you agree that the role of elderly care-giving is disproportionately gendered in developing countries? Why? 20 Marks
(b) What is POSH Act? “Identification of tormentor by women at workplace does not come easily even today”. Examine the statement with substantive examples from India. 20 Marks
(c) What is ‘social security’? Examine recent security measures adopted by the Government in India. 10 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.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
