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 (2020)
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words ench.
(a) How did the intellectual forces lead to the emergence of sociology ?Discuss.
(b) Is sociology a value-free science ? Discuss.
(c) Methodology is a system of rules, principles and procedures, which forms. scientific investigation. Comment.
(d) ‘Ideal Types of Max Weber are mental constructs, they do not correspond to the reality. Give your views.
(e) Analyse the relevance of ‘Pattern variables’ in the study of social change.
2.(a) What are the reactions of R.K. Merton to the functionalism of social anthropologists ? Bring out the limitations of latent functions.
(b) How are Hierarchy and Exclusion the major impediments in the transformation of societies ? Discuss.
(c) Explain democracy as an order of society. What are the factors preventing people’s participation in politics?
3.(a) Capitalism has brought increasing informalisation of work in society. Substantiate your answer.
(b) Critically Analyse Durkheim’s views on elementary forms of religious life and role of religion Also discuss the consequences of religious revivalism in contemporary society.
(c) Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system in modern Indian society.
4.(a) Is humanity at the mercy of Nature, Science and Technology ? Comment in the light of pandemic situation.
(b) According to Durkheim, “The major function of education is the transmission of society’s norms and values.” Discuss.
(c) Critically assess social mobility in closed and open systems.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following Questions in about 150 words each :
(a) In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing India ? Comment.
(b) Discuss the importance and sources of hypothesis in social research.
(c) What are the problems in observing social facts in Durkheim’s views?
(d) State the reasons for the various religious beliefs and practices in pre-modern societies.
(e) Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society? Comments.
6.(a) Discuss the new labour codes and their impact on formal and informal labour in India.
(b) According to Mills, “Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms.” Comment.
(c) Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of social survey method in social research.
7.(a) Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss.
(b) Phenomenological perspectives in sociology reject many of the assumptions of positivism. Comment.
(c) Critically assess the Marxian theory of ‘Alienation’.”
8.(a) How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change?
(b) What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of society?
(c) Examine how social movements come to an end. Illustrate with examples.
Sociology Optional Question Paper-2 (2020)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words cach :
(a) Elaborate A. R. Desai’s perspective to the study of Indian society.
(b) “Banning practice of ‘Sati’ is attributed to annihilation of a major social evil in colonial India.” Comment.
(c) How do you justify Dumont’s deliberate stress on ideology that produce intellectualized account of Indian society?
(d) Explain the definitional problems concerning the tribal communities in India.
(e) “Secularism was an outcome of 20th century humanistic radicalism.” Comment on this statement.
2. (a) “Indian caste system is unique and has been unhealthy for the growth of sociology of India.” How far do you agree with this view?
(b) Discuss Whitehead’s contention that caste has potential to displace class and colonial contradiction.
(c) “Indian rural society is a faction-ridden society.” Discuss.
3. (a) Examine the colonial policy of segregation of tribes under the Government of India Act, 1935.
(b) Discuss the dynamics of ‘migrant workers’ in India in the context of Corona 19 pandemic.
(c) How does Andre Beteille justify ‘middle class in India?
4. (a) Discuss the conceptual issues about lineage and descent in India. Give suitable illustrations,
(b) Analyze household dimensions of family in India.
(c) Write a note on cultural pluralism in multi-peligious society like India.
SECTION – B
5. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) Point out the benefits of ‘green chemistry’ for agrarian transformation in India.
(b) Analyze the issues related to the citizenship in contemporary India. Give suitable illustrations.
(c) Give an account of the consequences and remedies of chronic malnutrition in India.
(d) How does the New Education Policy, 2020 aim to eradicate disparities in the system of education in India?
(e) What do you understand by democratic federalism? How does it promote decentralization of power in India?
6. (a) Discuss in detail the main issues of development planning in mixed economy like India
(b) Do you think MSP (Minimum Support Price) Scheme for ag can help in rural development? Elaborate your response with suitable examples.
(c) How can skill development programme induce social change? Illustrated
7. (a) Elaborate the causes, consequences and other concerns of growth of urban settlements in India.
(b) Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on Climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements arising out of it.
(c) Are the contemporary farmers’ movements in India changing their course? Discuss.
8.(a) Colonial administrators helped to construct the very traditionalism which marked the Indian society as “backward’. Comment critically.
(b) What were the salient features of the India’s Population Policy (2000)? How far its goals have been achieved?
(c) Point out the main causes of child labour’ in India. How far the State policies have succeeded in its elimination?
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
