UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam: Sociology Optional 2018 Paper-I
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UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam: Sociology Optional 2018 Paper-I
Marks-250 Time: Three Hours
Question Paper Specific Instructions:
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions.
- There are EIGHT questions divided into two sections.
- A 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.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified should be adhered to.
- 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.
SECTION- A
Q 1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5= 50 marks
(a) The focal point of sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense? 10 marks
(b) Distinguish between fact and value in Weber's Protestant Ethic ad Spirit of Capitalism. 10 marks
(c) Do you think T and Me are central terms in Mead's work. 10 marks
(d) What is the difference between natural and social inequality examples from caste and class dimensions. 10 marks
(e) What are the new forms of family in developed societies? Discuss. 10 marks
Q 2. (a) Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate. 20 marks
(b) Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory? 20 marks
(c) Evaluate if social stratification is functional for society.
Q 3. (a) Does collapse of functionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture of modernity? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations? 20 marks
(c) What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim? Explain. 10 marks
Q 4. (a) According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this? 20 marks
(b) Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of this society. Discuss with reference in class societies. 20 marks
(c) Discuss the challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular nation-state. 10 marks
SECTION- B
Q 5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Is the theory of cultural lag valid in present times? Discuss. 10 marks
(b) Are social movements primordial in means and progressive in agenda? Explain. 10 marks
(c) Does scientific method make Sociology a Science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim's method. 10 marks
(d) Distinguish between qualitative techniques of data collection with suitable examples from Indian society. 10 marks
(e) In social mobility possible in closed systems of stratification? Illustrate from research work. 10 marks
Q 6. (a) Discuss the nature of social organization of work in capitalist society with reference to the Limits of the working day. 20 marks
(b) Distinguish between family and household with reference to the concept of development of the household. 20 marks
(c) Explain with examples, the explanatory and exploratory designs of social research. 10 marks
Q 7. (a) How can Parsons' AGIL framework be used to analyse key problems is a society? Discuss. 20 marks
(b) What is labour commitment? Discuss it with reference to studies of manufacturing industry. 20 marks
(c) What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites? Discuss 10 marks
Q 8. (a) “The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relationship between the two in a society.” – C.W.Mills. Explain. 20 marks
(b) What is sects? Discuss their role in multi-religious societies with empirical examples. 20 marks
(c) In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as functional to society? 10 marks