SOCIOLOGY (Paper I) - Mains 2025
SECTION A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5 = 50 Marks
- What is common sense? How are common knowledge and sociology related to each other?
- What is the relationship (similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology?
- What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate.
- Can Merton''s reference group theory be relevant in understanding identity making in the digital world?
- Is the social stratification theory gender-blind? Elucidate.
2.
- What is positivism? Critically analyse the major arguments against it. (20 marks)
- Highlight the main features of historical materialism as propounded by Marx. How far is this theory relevant in understanding contemporary societies? Explain. (20 marks)
- What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research. (10 marks)
3.
- Compare capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty. (20 marks)
- Are pressure groups a threat to or a necessary element of democracy? Explain with suitable illustrations. (20 marks)
- What is hypothesis? Critically evaluate the significance of hypothesis in social research. (10 marks)
4.
- Give an account of the recent trends of marriage in the Indian context. How are these different from traditional practices? (20 marks)
- What would you identify as the similarities and differences in the elite theories of Mosca, Michels and Pareto? Discuss their main/crucial issues. (20 marks)
- Critically analyze the sociological significance of informal sector in the economy of developing societies. (10 marks)
SECTION B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5 = 50 Marks
- In what way is the scope of sociology unique? Explain.
- Does the structural-functionalist perspective on social stratification promote a status quo? Give reasons for your answer.
- Do you think that the formal workspaces are free of gender bias? Argue your case.
- How does Weber''s Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology?
- To what extent can education and skill development be an agent of social change? Critically analyze.
6.
- What is science? Do you think that the methods used in natural sciences can be applied to sociology? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)
- What do you understand by gender-based domestic division of labour? Is it undergoing a change in the wake of increasing participation of women in formal employment? Clarify your answer with illustrations. (20 marks)
- How can you assess the significance of social movements in the digital era? Explain. (10 marks)
7.
- What is sampling in the context of social research? Discuss different forms of sampling with their relative advantages and disadvantages. (20 marks)
- How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? Explain. (20 marks)
- What is the nature of relationship between science and religion in modern society? Analyse with suitable examples. (10 marks)
8.
- What do you understand by sustainable development? Discuss the elements of sustainable development as proposed in the UNDP''s Sustainable Development Goals Report–2015. (20 marks)
- How do Civil Society Organizations such as NGOs and Self-Help Groups contribute to grassroot level social changes? Discuss. (20 marks)
- In what way does queer kinship challenge the traditional kinship system? Substantiate by giving illustrations. (10 marks)
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