Sociology PYQs

Every question UPSC has set in Sociology since 2000, 1,157 in all. Open one to see how to tackle it, or write an answer and have it checked.

1,157 questions

202656 questions

Paper ISection A10 marks

In what ways do class and caste intersect and overlap in shaping social structure?

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Paper ISection A10 marks

Critically examine the position of women in the informal economy.

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Paper ISection A10 marks

Discuss the role of geographical factors in social change and development.

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Paper ISection A10 marks

Although sociology, as a subject of study, overarches all disciplines in social sciences yet it maintains its distinctiveness. Comment.

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Paper ISection A10 marks

Explain in brief the relationship between social movement, collective action and revolution in bringing about social and political changes.

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Paper ISection A20 marks

Describe the impact of capitalist mode of production on society.

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Paper ISection A20 marks

Differentiate between social hierarchy and social exclusion and substantiate your answer with reference to the caste system.

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Paper ISection A10 marks

“Data without theory is blind and theory without data is empty.” Comment.

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Paper ISection A20 marks

Discuss the relationship between religion and science in modern society. Do they necessarily remain in conflict?

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Paper ISection A20 marks

Is ‘interpretativism’ more effective than ‘positivism’ in analysing social reality? Discuss.

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Paper ISection A10 marks

How does Emile Durkheim conceptualize religion as a ‘social fact’? Explain.

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Paper ISection A20 marks

Elaborate major sociological theories of power. How do power elite shape the political process in modern societies?

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Paper ISection A20 marks

Evaluate the socio-economic impacts of migration on rural households.

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Paper ISection A10 marks

‘The methods of sociology are inadequate in understanding the complex social phenomena’. Discuss.

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Paper ISection B10 marks

The major challenge for sociology researchers is to analyze social reality objectively. Critically analyze.

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Paper ISection B10 marks

Explain the concept of ‘definition of the situation’ and its significance in sociology.

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Paper ISection B10 marks

In what way the concept of ‘patriarchal bargain’ be applied to the institution of marriage? Comment.

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Paper ISection B10 marks

How does Max Weber’s ‘theory of authority’ shape bureaucracy? Analyse.

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Paper ISection B10 marks

How do different theories explain social dimensions of social movements? Discuss.

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Paper ISection B20 marks

Discuss the intellectual origins of sociology and the historical antecedents of its evolution as a distinct field of study.

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Paper ISection B20 marks

Critically analyse the mode of production debate from different perspectives.

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Paper ISection B10 marks

How does the rise of new ‘cults’ and ‘sects’ influence intercaste relations?

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Paper ISection B20 marks

Compare and critically assess ‘the grounded theory’ with ‘theory-driven research method’ in sociology.

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Paper ISection B20 marks

According to Weber how do class, status and power interact to produce and sustain social inequality?

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Paper ISection B10 marks

Compare the social organisation of work in industrial capitalism and platform capitalism.

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Paper ISection B20 marks

How are the concepts of nation, state and citizenship interrelated in a democracy? Elaborate.

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Paper ISection B20 marks

Critically evaluate the relevance of the cyclical theory of social change in understanding contemporary societies.

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Paper ISection B10 marks

Discuss the significance and limitations of ‘intersectionality’ in social research.

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Paper IISection A10 marks

In what respect is M. N. Srinivas’ study of Indian village society based on structural and functional perspective? Analyse.

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Paper IISection A10 marks

According to you, which social reform had long-lasting impact on a specific section of society? Support your answer with suitable example.

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Paper IISection A10 marks

In the context of women’s movements and laws do you think that matriarchy is the need of the hour? Discuss in detail.

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Paper IISection A10 marks

Discuss the debates on the concepts ‘duty’ and ‘worship’ while understanding religion in India.

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Paper IISection A10 marks

How does the concept ‘secular’ go beyond any religion in plural society like India? Analyse.

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Paper IISection A20 marks

Indological approach, advocated by G. S. Ghurye, focuses on the study of Indian society through Indian texts. How can Indological approach be useful in the study of other society? Comment in detail.

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Paper IISection A20 marks

Examine how Indian Nationalism was a result of ‘Akhand Bharat’/Indian Subcontinent’s socio-cultural and political consciousness.

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Paper IISection A10 marks

How does A. R. Desai argue that Indian social classes must be studied through the colonial mode of production? Elucidate.

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Paper IISection A20 marks

Examine the challenges of applying micro-level village studies to macro-level village structure of Indian society.

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Paper IISection A20 marks

Explain the emergence of middle class in agrarian society in India. What have been the socio-structural implications of the emergence of this middle class?

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Paper IISection A10 marks

When land reform was a paradigm shift, then what type of land reforms would you recommend to make India a more equitable society?

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Paper IISection A20 marks

How does the Constitution of India promote education? Do you think that education can be a major instrument of social change? Clarify.

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