Sociology IAS Mains Question Paper 2022

Sociology IAS Mains Question Paper 2022:

There are Eight questions divided into Two Sections. Candidate has to attempt Five questions in all. Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, any Three are to be attempted choosing at least One question from each section.

Section- A:

1:- Answer the following in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences.

(b) How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research? 

(c) The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment.

(d) Durkheim argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts. Discuss.

(e) How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality?

2:- (a) What aspects of ‘Enlightenment’ do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology? Elaborate. (20)

(b) Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. (20)

(c) Discuss social mobility in open and closed system. (10)

3:- (a) What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-positivist methods of studying social reality? (20)

(b) Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie. (20)

(c) Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researchers in process of collecting data through focus group discussion. (10)

4:- (a) What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx? (20)

(b)  Social stratification is claimed to contribute to the maintenance of social order and stability in society. Critically assess. (20)

(c) What is reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science researcher to establish reliability. (10)

Section- B:

5:- Write short answers of the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) Critically examine the relevance of Durkheim’s views on religion in contemporary society.

(b) Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family.

(c) Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies.

(d) Write a note on global trends of secularization.

(e) Trace the trajectory of development perspectives on social change.

6:- (a) According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self-conscious. Explain. (20)

(b) Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identity politics in India. (20)

(c) How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society? (10)

7:- (a) Critically analyse Parsons views on society as a social system. (20)

(b) Discuss how “environmentalism” can be explained with new social movements approach. (20)

(c) Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation of social policies. (10)

8:- (a) Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. Comment. (20)

(b) Are traditional social institutions getting weakened as agents of social change in the contemporary society? Substantiate. (20)

(c) How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development? (10)

Section- A:

1:- Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) Elaborate on M.N. Srinivas’s structural functionalist approach to the study of Indian society.

(b) Do you agree that the agrarian class structure in India is changing? Justify your answer with illustrations.

(c) Elucidate the challenges of integration for tribal communities in India.

(d) In the context of changing Indian society, how do you view Andre Beteille’s conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social structures ?

(e) Explain Leela Dube’s concept of “Seed and Earth”.

2:- (a) Critically examine GS Ghurye’s Indological approach to the understanding of Indian society. (20)

(b) Elaborate on the changing nature of caste system with suitable illustrations. (20)

(c) Discuss the problem of religious minorities in India and suggest measures to solve them. (10)

3:- (a) Critically examine Yogendra Singh’s thesis on ‘Modernisation of Indian Tradition’. (20)

(b) Discuss the material basis of patriarchy as an ideological system. (20)

(c) Explain different forms of untouchability in India. (10)

4:- (a) Examine the social background of growth of Indian nationalism. (20)

(b) Explain how land reforms brought about desired agrarian transformation. (20)

(c) Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. (10)

Section- B:

5:- Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 x 5 = 50)

(a) Discuss Law as an important instrument for women’s empowerment.

(b) Examine different understandings of secularization in India?

(c) How do you view the growth of informal sector in India?

(d) Discuss the role of pressure groups in strengthening democracy.

(e) What role do co-operatives play in poverty alleviation in rural India?

6:- (a) Examine whether rural bondage still continues to be a social reality. Give your argument. (20)

(b) Define ethnicity. Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of ethnic movements in India. (20)

(c) Discuss the changing nature of structure of political elites. (10)

7:- (a) “Instead of promoting equality in society, the present system of education itself has contributed to increased socio-economic disparities” Comment. (20)

(b) Discuss recent trends in the structure of migration. (20)

(c) Discuss different forms of deprivation associated with slums. (10)

8:- (a) Bring out the various issues involved in Dalit movements in India. (20)

(b) Critically examine the dialectics between ‘development and environment’. (20)

(c) Discuss the changing nature of Industrial working class. (10)