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 (2021)
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Europe was the first and the only place where modernity emerged. Comment. 10
(b) Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data ? Justify your answer.10
(c) Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census method.10
(d) Explain whether Durkheim’s theory of Division of Labour is relevant in the present day context. 10
(e) Critically examine Max Weber’s theory of Social Stratification.
2. (a) From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinarity, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences ? 20
(b) How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to understand social reality ? Explain with suitable illustrations. 20
(c) How is sociology related to common sense ? 10
3. (a) How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in sociological enquiry? 20
(b) Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx. 20
(c) Do you agree with Max Weber’s idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage ? Justify your answer. 10
4. (a) Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each other. 20
(b) How has the idea of Work From Home’ forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work ? 20
(c) With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton. 10
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector. 10
(b) Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto’s theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario. 10
(c) Critically compare the views of E.B. Tylor and Max Muller on Religion. 10
(d) What is cult ? Explain the growth of cults in the contemporary world. 10
(e) Do you think Talcott Parsons gave an adequate theory of social change? Justify your 15 answer. 10
6.(a) Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the recent ‘Lockdown period’. 20
(b) Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically related to each other in terms of achieving their goals. 20
(c) Give your comments on the growth of religious revivalism in the present day context.
7. (a) Explain how the pattern of patriarchy is being altered in a family and at the workplace in the present context.
(b) Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in understanding the present global scenario.
(c) Explain the growing salience of ethnicity in the contemporary world with illustrations.
8.(a) Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary world.
(b) Describe the role of Science and Technology in enabling us to face the challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(c) Highlight the roles and functions of civil society in a democratic system.
Sociology Optional Question Paper-2 (2021)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the “book-view” initially, How did the entry of “field-view” bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss. 10
(b) What does Dr. B. R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of “Annihilation of caste” ? 10
(c) Discuss different forms of kinship system in India. 10
(d) Critically examine briefly the phrase “Little ‘Republics” as used to denote India’s villages. 10
(e) Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious communities as well. Discuss with examples. 10
2.(a) What is identity politics? Discuss the main trends in Dalit movements in India. 20
(b) Is Indian society moving from “Hierarchy” towards “differentiation” ? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 20
(c) Discuss the salient features of ‘new middle class’ in India. 10
3.(a) Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in theorizing 16 India’s modernization. 20
(b) Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India.20
(c) Discuss the changing dimensions of family structure in urban India. 10
4.(a) What are the sociological reasons and implication of “reverse migration” during the recent pandemic in India ? 20
(b) Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development. 20
(c) What are the various forms of untouchability in India ? Critically examine. 10
SECTION – B
5. Write short answers, with sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Analyze the idea of developmental planning in India. 10
(b) Comment on the role of co-operatives in rural development. 10
(c) Urban slums are sites of social exclusion – explain. 10
(d) Does regionalism essentially lead to decentralization of power? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. 10
(e) Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. 10
6.(a) Explain the sociological significance of the New Education Policy and its thrust on vocationalization and skill development. 20
(b) Is ‘ageing an emerging issue in Indian society ? Discuss the major problems of the old age people in India. 20
(c) Underline the socio-cultural factors) responsible for India’s skewed sex-ratio 10
7.(a) The problem of displacement is inherent in the idea of development. Analyze the statement critically. 20
(b) Rising ‘ethnocentricism’ is leading to conflict in our society. Assess this statement with appropriate reasons. 20
(c) Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy ? Comment. 10
8.(a) Discuss the role of social media in communal polarisation. Suggest ways to combat it. 20
(b) Urban settlements in India tend to replicate its rural caste-kinship imprints. Discuss the main reasons. 20
(c) Does “economic empowerment” automatically bring about “substantive empowerment” for women ? Briefly describe the main issues in women empowerment in India. 10
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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