Paper-1

SECTION ‘A’

1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
   a). Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences.
   b). How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative resarch?
   c). The difference between information and data in social science in subtle. Comment.
   d). Durkheim argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts. Discuss.
   e). How do sociololgists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality?
2. Answer the following:
   a). What aspects of 'Enlightment do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology? Elaboarate.
   b). Explain the different types of non-probability sasmpling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples.
   c). Discuss social mobility in open and closed system.
3. Answer the following:
   a). What are the shorfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-positivist methods of studying social reality?
   b). Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie.
   c). Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the resarcher in the process of collecting data through focus group discussion.
4. Answer the following:
   a). What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx?
   b). Social stratification is claimed to contribute to the maintenance of social order and stability in society. Critically assess.
   c). What is reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science researcher to establish reliability.

SECTION ‘B’

5. Write short answers of the following questions in about 150 words:
   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. Answer the following:
   a). According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self-conscious. Explain.
   b). Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identify politics in India.
   c). How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society?
7. Answer the following:
   a). Critically analyze the views of Parsons related to society as a social system.
   b). Discuss how 'environmentalism' can be explained with new social movements approach.
   c). Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation of social policies.
8. Answer the following:
   a). Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. Comment.
   b). Are traditional social institutions getting weakened as agents of social change in the contemporary society? Substantiate.
   c). How do you understand the realtionship between patriarchy and social development?

Paper-2

SECTION ‘A’

1. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each:
   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 integrations for tribal communities in India.
   d). In the context of the changing Indian society, how do you view Andre Beteille's conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social structures?
   e). Expalin Leela Dube's concept of ‘Seed and Earth’.
2. Answer the following:
   a). Critically examine G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to the understanding of Indian society.
   b). Elaborate on the changing nature of caste system with suitable illustrations.
   c). Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India and suggest measures to solve them.
3. Answer the following:
   a). Critically examine Yogendra Singh's thesis on ‘Modernisation of Indian Tradition’.
   b). Discuss the material basis of patriarchy as an ideological system.
   c). Explain different forms of untouchability in India.
4. Answer the following:
   a). Examine the social background of growth of Indian nationalism.
   b). Explain how land reforms brought about desired agrarian transformation.
   c). Discuss the challenges during village studies in India.

SECTION ‘B’

5. Write short answers of the following questions in about 150 words:
   a). Discuss law as an important instrument for women's empowerment.
   b). Examine different understandings of secularisation 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. Answer the following:
   a). Examine whether rural bondage still continues to be a social reality. Give your argument.
   b). Define ethnicity. Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of ethnic movements in India.
   c). Discuss the changing nature of structure of political elites.
7. Answer the following:
   a). "Instead of promoting equality in society, the present system of education itself has contributed to increased socio-economic disparities.” Comment.
   b). Discuss recent trends in the structure of migration.
   c). Discuss different forms of deprivation associated with slums.
8. Answer the following:
   a). Bring out the various issues involved in Dalit movements in India.
   b). Critically examine the dialectics between development and environment'.
   c). Discuss the changing nature of Industrial working class.

Paper-1

SECTION ‘A’

1. Answer the following:
   a). Europe was the first and the only place where modernity emerged. Comment.
   b). Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data? Justify your answer.
   c). Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census method.
   d). Explain whether Durkheim's theory of Division of Labour is relevant in the present-day context.
   e). Critically examine Max Weber's theory of Social Stratification.
2. Answer the following:
   a). From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinary, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences?
   b). How far are sociologists justified in using a positivist approach to understand social reality? Explain with suitable illustrations.
   c). How is sociology related to common sense?
3. Answer the following:
   a). How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in sociological enquiry?
   b). Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx.
   c). Do you agree with Max Weber's idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage? Justify your answer.
4. Answer the following:
   a). Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each other.
   b). How has the idea of Work from Home' forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work?
   c). With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as proposed by R.K. Merton.

SECTION ‘B’

5. Answer the following:
   a). Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector.
   b). Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto's theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario.
   c). Critically compare the views of E.B. Tylor and Max Muller on Religion.
   d). What is cult? Explain the growth of cults in the contemporary world.
   e). Do you think Talcott Parsons gave an adequate theory of social change? Justify your answer.
6. Answer the following:
   a). Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the recent 'Lockdown period'.
   b). Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically related to each other in terms of achieving their goals.
   c). Give your comments on the growth of religious revivalism in the present-day context.
7. Answer the following:
   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. Answer the following:
   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.

Paper-2

SECTION ‘A’

1. Answer the following:
   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.
   b). What does Dr. B. R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of “Annihilation of caste"?
   c). Discuss different forms of kinship system in India.
   d). Critically examine briefly the phrase "Little 'Republics” as used to denote India's villages.
   e). Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious communities as well. Discuss with examples.
2. Answer the following:
   a). What is identity politics? Discuss the main trends in Dalit movements in India.
   b). Is Indian society moving from "Hierarchy" towards "differentiation"? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
   c). Discuss the salient features of 'new middle class' in India.
3. Answer the following:
   a). Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in theorizing India's modernization.
   b). Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India.
   c). Discuss the changing dimensions of family structure in urban India.
4. Answer the following:
   a). What are the sociological reasons and implication of “reverse migration" during the recent pandemic in India?
   b). Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development.
   c). What are the various forms of untouchability in India? Critically examine.

SECTION ‘B’

5. Answer the following:
   a). Analyze the idea of developmental planning in India.
   b). Comment on the role of co-operatives in rural development.
   c). Urban slums are sites of social exclusion - explain.
   d). Does regionalism essentially lead to decentralization of power? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples.
   e). Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India.
6. Answer the following:
   a). Explain the sociological significance of the New Education Policy and its thrust on vocationalization and skill development.
   b). Is 'ageing an emerging issue in Indian society? Discuss the major problems of the old age people in India.
   c). Underline the socio-cultural factors) responsible for India's skewed sex-ratio.
7. Answer the following:
   a). The problem of displacement is inherent in the idea of development. Analyze the statement critically.
   b). Rising 'ethnocentricism' is leading to conflict in our society. Assess this statement with appropriate reasons.
   c). Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy? Comment.
8. Answer the following:
   a). Discuss the role of social media in communal polarization. Suggest ways to combat it.
   b). Urban settlements in India tend to replicate its rural caste-kinship imprints. Discuss the main reasons.
   c). Does "economic empowerment" automatically bring about "substantive empowerment" for women? Briefly describe the main issues in women empowerment in India.

SOCIOLOGY PAPER 1 2023

SECTION A

Question 1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10-5-50)

1. What is the distinctiveness of the feminist method of social research? Comment.
2. Discuss the relationship between (sociology and political science.
3. How does the dramaturgical perspective enable our understanding of everyday life? Go
4. Is reference group theory a universally applicable model? Elucidate.
5. Do you think that the boundary line between ethnicity and race is blurred? Justify your answer.

Question 2.  

1. What, according to Robert Michels, is the iron law of oligarchy? Do lions and foxes in Vilfredo Pareto’s theory, essentially differ from each other? Substantiate. (20)
2. What is historical materialism? Examine its relevance in understanding contemporary societies. (20)
3. What are variables? How do they facilitate research? (10)

Question 3. 

1. What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate. (20)
2. How do you assess the changing patterns in kinship relations in societies today? (20)
3. Is Weber’s idea of bureaucracy a product of the historical experiences of Europe? Comment. (10)

Question 4. 

1. Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain. 20
2. How is poverty a form of social exclusion? Illustrate in this connection the different dimensions of poverty and social exclusion. 20
3. Highlight the differences and similarities between totemism and animism. 10

SECTION B

Question 5.  Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5-50

1. Examine the relevance of corporate social responsibility in a world marked by increasing environmental crises.
2. How is civil society useful in deepening the roots of democracy?
3. What functions does religion perform in a pluralistic society?
4. Analyze critically David Morgan’s views on family practices.
5. Does women’s education help to eradicate patriarchal discriminations? Reflect with illustrations.

Question 6. 

1. What are the different dimensions of qualitative method? Do you think that qualitative method helps to gain a deeper sociological insight? Give reasons for your answer. 20
2. Explain Max Weber’s theory of social stratification. How does Weber’s idea of class differ from that of Marx? 20
3. What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain. 10

Question 7.

1. Explain how economic globalization has brought changes in the patterns of employment in the 21st century. 20
2. Do you think that the social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case. 20
3. Assess critically A. G. Frank’s ‘theory of development of underdevelopment’. 10

Question 8.  

1. What is Taylorism? Analyze its merits and demerits. 20
2. What are new religious movements? Elaborate emphasizing their forms and orientations. 20
3. Examine the role of science and technology in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions. 10

SOCIOLOGY PAPER 2 2023

SECTION A

Question no 1.

Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

1.  Highlight the significant features of A. R. Desai’s ‘Dialectical Perspective’ to study Indian Society. 10
2. “The decade of 1950s was the golden period of village studies in Indian Sociology. Explain the statement. 10
3. Analyse the differences between the attributional and interactional approach in studying the caste system. 10
4. Are Tradition and Modernity antithetical to each other? Comment. 10
5. Discuss the main features of Land Reforms in post-independence India. 10  

Question no 2.  

1. Do you agree with the view of Andre Beteille that India’s villages are representative of Indian society’s basic civilizational values? Present a sociological overview. 20
2. Elaborate the salient features and the role of middle class in India’s democracy and development. 20
3. Analyse the role of market and modern forces in understanding the changing trends in marriage systems in India. 10

Question no 3.

1. Contextualize Louis Dumont’s concept of binary opposition’ with reference to caste system in India. 20
2. Define the concepts of ‘Descent’ and ‘Alliance’. Differentiate between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems with examples. 20
3. Critically examine the concept of Sanskritization with suitable illustrations. 10

Question no 4.

1. Analyse the perspectives of Isolation, Assimilation and Integration in understanding the trajectories of Indian Tribal Development. 20
2. Explain the implications and the impact of globalization in situating the changing agrarian class structure in India. 20
3. Critique the victory narratives of Green Revolution in the context of Indian society. 10

SECTION B

Question no 5. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50

1. Citing some case studies, expand the concept of ‘Development-induced Displacement’. 10
2. Examine the concept of ‘Cultural Pluralism’ in the context of India’s Unity in Diversity. 10
3. Highlight the salient features of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 10
4. Analyse the sociological interconnections between Social Media and Mass Mobilization in India. 10
5. Discuss the nature of regional variations in sex ratio in India, stating reasons thereof. 10

Question no 6.

1. How do you account for the increasing significance of religion in public and personal spheres in the context of secularization thesis in India? Explain. 20
2. In the face of rising global climatic concerns, how do you contextualize the relevance of Chipko Movement and its Gandhian tone? Answer analytically. 20
3. What actionable measures would you suggest to curb the recurrent child labour [menace in India ? 10

Question no 7.

1. Do you think that the decades of Dalit political mobilizations and movements have helped in strengthening India’s democracy? Substantiate your arguments with facts. 20
2. What is ‘reverse migration’ ? Discuss its features, causes and consequences in India. 20
3. Discuss the phenomenon of rural-urban continuum with suitable examples. 10

Question no 8.

1. Explain the thematic linkages between ‘Patriarchy’ and ‘Honour killing’ in India, citing some recent cases. 20
2. Discuss the challenges faced by the cooperative movements in India. Suggest measures to strengthen the movement at the grass-roots level. 20
3. What is Ageing’ ? Discuss the major problems of aged people in India. 10

Sociology Optional Question Paper 2016: Paper-1

Section-A

Q1.Write short answers of the following questions in about 150 words each: 10 x 5=50 marks

1. a) “Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern societies.” Discuss 10 marks
   b) What is ‘value-free sociology’? Clarify. 10 marks
   c) Analyze the importance of qualitative methods in social research. 10 marks
   d) Evaluate Marx’s ideas on mode of production 10 marks
   e) “Vertical mobility brings structural change even in a closed social system.” Comment. 10 marks

Q2 (a) Elucidate the basic premises of Davis’ structural-functional theory of social stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding contemporary Indian society.
b) Describe the functional prerequisites of social system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examined in the context of a university as a social system.
c) Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument.

Q3 (a) Analyze the manifest and latent functions of ‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’ in the light of Merton’s theory.
b) Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research?
c) “Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables.”Elucidate by giving example of poverty and illiteracy

Q4 (a) Examine Max Weber’s method of maintaining objectivity in social research.
b) “Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts.” Comment.
c) Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion

Section-B

Q5. Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each

1. a) Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society.
   b) Discuss the importance of ‘power elite’ in democracy.
   c) Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer.
   d) To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women? Discuss
   e) “Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence of social change.” Explain.

Q6 (a) “Globalization has pushed the labour into informal organization of work.” Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.
b) “Social change can be brought about through development.” Illustrate. from the contemporary situation of India.
c) Examine the role of protest movements in changing the status of Dalits in India.

Q7 (a) “Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies.” Explain by giving suitable examples.
b) Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a response to social change in modern society.
c) To what extent revolution replaces the existing order of society? Discuss.

Q8 (a) “Education is a major source of social mobility in contemporary society.” Explain.
b) How is Durkheim’s theory of religion different from Max Weber’s theory of religion?
c) Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts.

Sociology Optional Question Paper 2016: Paper-2

Section-A

Q1. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following, in about 150 words each:

1. a) Salient features of A.R. Desai’s Marxist Sociology
   b) Significance of Village Studies in Indian Sociology
   c) ‘Isolationism’ as a dominant feature of colonial tribal policy
   d) Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period
   e) Patriarchy as a form of dominance

Q2 (a) How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features ?
b) Discuss Andre Beteille account of the relationship between caste, class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one.
c) Analyse the major components of Land Reform Acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural inequality.

Q3 (a) Bring out the significance of the difference between family and household.
b) Elucidate the concepts of ‘majoritarianism’ and ‘minoritarianism’ in accentuating communal tensions in India.
c) Comment on the increasing significance of caste in politics.

Q4 (a) How is the tribal question related with the issues of integration and autonomy in modern India ?
b) Comment on the factors behind the changing status of women in urban India.
c) What accounts for the growth and consolidation of the middle classes in modern India ?

Section-B

Q5. Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each

1. a) Privatization of education and increasing inequalities
   b) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for rural development
   c) Different forms of Dalit assertion
   d) Empowerment through ‘Right to Education’
   e) Differential sex-ratio and its implications

Q6 (a) Write a note on the uneven impact of ‘Green Revolution’ on rural society.
b) Discuss the emerging forms of ‘inequalities’ and ‘acute poverty’ as major challenges of social transformation in India.
c) Discuss the various forms of environmental movements waged in india. ·

Q7 (a) Write a detailed note on the effects of growing slums in urban areas.
b) Discuss the changing nature of the problems of working class in the informal sector of the economy.
c) What are the factors accounting for the resurgence of ethnic identity movements in India?

Q8 (a) Bring out the impact of the declining significance of the agrarian economy.
b) Examine the impact of industrialization and urbanization on family structure.
c) How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in Indian society ?

Paper 1- Section A

Q1.Write short answers of the following in about 150 words each :

1. Is sociology a science?  Give reasons for your answer.
2. Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society.
3. What are variables? Discuss their role in experimental research.
4. Which concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination?
5. “No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.” comment.

Q2. 20+20+10 Marks

1. Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism.
2. Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in social science research.
3. “Self and society are twin-born ” Examine the statement of Mead.

Q3. 20+20+10 Marks

1. Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in research?
2. Differentiate between Maxian and Weberian theories of Social stratification.
3. How had Enlightenment contributed to the emergence of sociology?

Q4 20+20+10 Marks

1. “Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour.” Discuss.
2. How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework?
3. “Anomie is rooted in social structure.” Explain with reference to R.K. Merton’s contribution.

Paper 1- Section B

Q5. Write short answers of the following in about 150 words each : 10*5=50

1. Distinguish between the social organization of work in feudal society and in capitalist society.
2. “Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy.” Discuss.
3. Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations.
4. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss.
5. Explain the relevance of the idea of ‘cultural lag’ in understanding social change.

Q6. 20+20+10 Marks

1. “Education helps in perpetuating social and economic inequalities.” Critically examine the statement.
2. Explain the conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social movement.
3. How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other? Illustrate.

Q7.  20+20+10

1. Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern world?
2. the increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the formal organization of  work in recent times. Examine the statement .
3. Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy .Comment.

Q8. 20+20+10

1. “Globalization involves deterritoriazation .” Examine with reference to the nation-state.”
2. Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the study of social change.
3. Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life”.

Paper 2- Section A

Q1   Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each: 10*5=50

1. Verrier Elwin’s views on freedom for the tribals.
2. Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical.
3. Louis Dumont’s perspective on Indian caste system .
4. How far Gandhi ji was trusted by the untouchables.
5. Feminization of poverty.

Q2.  20+20+10

1. Is caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India?
2. Give some of the important studies relating to the structural changes in the Indian family system.
3. Broadly comapare the kinship system of North and South India.

Q3. 20+20+10

1. Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian tradition in analyzing social change in India.
2. What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization pattern in India?
3. Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different perspectives to solve their problems?

Q4. 20+20+10

1. Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism.
2. What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism?
3. Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India?

Paper 2- Section B

Q5 .  Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each:10 x 5=50 

1. Important components of National Education Policy in India.
2. Main objective of Tribal sub plan (TSP)
3. Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless and marginal farmers .
4. Issues relating to the informal labour market in urban India.
5. How far Srinivas’s Sanskritization is modernizing force or traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste system?

Q6. 20+20+10 Marks

1. Discuss the impact of post- 1970 feminist movement on Indian middle class.
2. What are the major concerns of ethic identity and religious identity in India?
3. How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India?

Q7. 20+20+10

1. Discuss B.R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat.
2. Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements in independent India.
3. To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist agenda?

Q8. 20+20+10

1. Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of action through his Hind Swaraj.
2. Human development approach affirms that education and health –care growth are more important than economic growth. Discuss this issue in the light of post-liberalized Indian society.
3. Write a brief note on the Freedom of Press.