1

Triumph IAS
SOCIOLOGY-MAINS’2019
Trend Analysis
Important Topics for CSE Mains 2019
By, Vikash Ranjan
Educator, Mentor & Author
(Fundamentals of Sociology & Applied Sociology)
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Dear Aspirants,

In SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL, there are LIMITED NUMBER of THEORIES & ONLY SIX THINKERS.
There are LIMITED NUMBER OF CONCEPTS & FACTS. UPSC-IAS ASPIRANTS should understand
CONCEPTS, THINKERS & SOCIAL FACTS and REGULARLY do BRAINSTORMING ON PREVIOUS
YEAR QUESTIONS. Every individual has Sociological imaginations. While preparing for this subject and
writing Answers you should simply colour your Sociological Imaginations with Concepts & Theories of the
Sociological Thinkers.
Application of Theory and Concepts with reference to CURRENT SOCIAL FCTS are common type of
analytical writing assigned in SOCIOLOGY CLASSES and TESTS @ TRIUMPH IAS. UPSC
Evaluators expect you to apply SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES (sometimes called "perspectives" or
"arguments") to empirical phenomena called SOCIAL FACTS.
All The Best!
Good Luck !
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SOCIOLOGY - PAPER I

TOPICS CSE MAINS-2018 CSE MAINS 2013-2017

1. SOCIOLOGY - THE DISCIPLINE: 1. SOCIOLOGY - THE DISCIPLINE:

(a) Modernity and 1. Sociology Emerged in Europe and flourished to

social changes in begin with on social reformist orientation in the
USA. (CSE 2013/10M)
Europe and Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 2. How had Enlightenment contributed to the
emergence of emergence of Sociology? (CSE 2015/10M)
sociology. 3. “Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern
societies.” Discuss. (CSE 2016/10M)
4. Explain how sociology has emerged as distinct disciplines
based on rationality and scientific tamper.
(CSE 2017/10M)
(b) Scope of the Q.8 . (a) “The sociological imagination enables us 1. Compare and Contrast Sociology with
subject and to grasp history and biography and the relationship Anthropology. (CSE 2013/10M)
2. How is sociological approach to human actions
comparison with other between the two in a society.” C.W. Mills. Explain. different from that of psychological approach?
social sciences. (CSE 2014/10M)
(20 M) 3. Discuss the changing equation of discipline of sociology
with other social sciences. (CSE 2017/20M)
(c) Sociology and (a) The focal point of Sociology rests on 1. Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in
common sense. interaction. How do you distinguish it from support of your argument. (CSE 2016/10M)
common sense? (10 M)
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2. SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE: 2. SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE:

(a) Science, scientific Q.5. (c) Does scientific method make Sociology a 1. Is Sociology a Science ? Give reasons for your
science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim’s answer. (CSE 2015/10M)
method and critique.
2. Describe the basic postulates of scientific method.
method. (10 M) How far are these followed in sociological
research? (CSE 2016/20 M)
Very Important Topic for Mains 2019
(b) Major theoretical Q.3. (a) Does collapse of functionalism and 1. Critically examine the functionalist tradition in
sociology. (CSE 2013/20M)
strands of research bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture
of modernity? Discuss. (20 M)
methodology.
Very Important Topic for Mains 2019
(c) Positivism and its 1. Critically examine positivistic approach in
sociological studies. (CSE 2013/10M)
critique. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 2. Examine the basic postulates of positivism and
post-positivism. (CSE 2017/20M)
(d) Fact value and Q.1. (b) Distinguish between fact and value in 1. How is objectivity different from value neutrality?
Discuss with reference to Weber’s views on
objectivity. Weber’s Protestant Ethic and Spirit of methodology. (CSE 2014/10M)
Capitalism. (10 M) 2. Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity
and value neutrality in Social Science research.
(CSE 2015/20M)
Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 3. What is ‘value-free sociology’? Clarify.

(CSE 2016/10M)

(e) Non- positivist Q.2.(a) Is non-Positivistic methodology scientific? 1. In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different
from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social
methodologies. Illustrate. (20 M) phenomena? (CSE 2014/20M)
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2. “Non-positivistic methodology is essential for

understanding human behaviour.” Discuss.
(CSE 2015/10M)
3. Examine ethnomethod ological and
phenomenological perspective as critique of
positivism. (CSE 2017/10M)
4. Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative
perspective in sociology. (CSE 2017/10M)
3. RESEARCH METHODS & ANALYSIS: 3. RESEARCH METHODS & ANALYSIS:

(a) Qualitative and Q.5. (d) Distinguish between quantitative and 1. Analyze the limitations of quantitative methods in
qualitative techniques of data collection with social research. (CSE 2013/20M)
quantitative methods.
2. In what way biographies could be used to study
suitable examples from Indian society. (10 M) social life? (CSE 2014/10M)
3. Which research technique would be most suitable
Q.6. (c) Explain with examples, the explanatory for the study of consumer behaviour and its social
and exploratory design of social research. correlates? Explain. (CSE 2014/10M)
(10 M) 4. Discuss the relevance of historical method in the
study of society. (CSE 2015/10M)
5. Analyze the importance of qualitative method in
social research. (CSE 2016/10M)
6. Examine epistemological foundation of qualitative
methods of social research. (CSE 2017/10M)
(b) Techniques of data Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. “Participant observation is the most effective tool
for collecting facts.” Comment. (CSE 2016/20M)
collection.

(c) Variables, sampling, 1. What are variables? Discuss their role in

experimental research. (CSE 2015/10M)
hypothesis, reliability
2. Why is random sampling said to have more
and validity. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 reliability and validity in research?
(CSE 2015/20M)
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3. “Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship

between two or more variables.” Elucidate by
giving example of poverty and illiteracy.
(CSE 2016/10M)
4. Illustrate with example the significance of variable
in sociology research. (CSE 2017/10M)
5. How can one resolve the issue of reliability and
validity in the context of sociological research on
inequality? (CSE 2017/10M)
4. SOCIOLOGICAL THINKERS 4. SOCIOLOGICAL THINKERS

KARL MARX- 1. Analyse Salient Features of Historical Materialism.

(CSE 2013/10M)
(a) Historical Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 2. Analyse Marxian conception of historical
materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics.
Materialism (CSE 2017/20M)

(b) Mode of Production Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
(c) Alienation Q.4 (a) According to Marx, how are human beings
alienated from their human potential and what
does he suggest to change this? (20 M)
3. Evaluate Marx’s ideas on mode of production.
(CSE 2016/10M)
1. According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the
personal relationships between men and women.
Critically examine with illustrations from the
contemporary Indian context. (CSE 2014/10M)

Important Topic for Mains 2019

(d) Class struggle Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. For Marx, class divisions are outcomes of
‘exploitation’. Discuss. (CSE 2014/10M)
EMILE DURKHEIM:

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

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(a) Division of labour

(b)Social Fact Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

(c)Suicide Q.2. (b) Explain Durkheim’s basic arguments on
suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of
contemporary INDIAN SOCIETY with
Durkheim’s theory? (20 M)
1. Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by
Emile Durkheim in his study of ‘suicide’.
(CSE 2017/20M)

(d)Religion and society. Q.8. (c) In what way did Durkheim perceive
religion as functional to society? (10 M)
1. “According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in
modern society is the same as religion in primitive
society.” Comment. (CSE 2014/10M)
2. Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The
Elementary Forms of Religious Life”. (CSE 2015)
3. How is Durkheim’s theory of religion different
from Max Weber’s theory of religion?
(CSE 2016/20M)
4. Give an assessment of Durkheimian notion of
‘scared’ and ‘profane’ in sociology of religion.
(CSE 2017/10M)

MAX WEBER:

(a)Social action
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

(b)Ideal Types, 1. How does Weber use the notion of ‘ideal types’ in
his theory of bureaucracy? (CSE 2014/20M)
2. Examine Max Weber’s method of maintaining
objectivity in social research. (CSE 2016/20M)
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Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

(c)Authority 1. “According to Max Weber, ‘class’ and ‘status’ are

two different dimensions of power.” Discuss.
(CSE 2014/20M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 2. Which concepts did Weber use to analyse the
forms of legitimate domination? (CSE 2015/10M)

(d)Bureaucracy Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Examine the salient features of Weberian
bureaucracy. (CSE 2013/10M)

(e)Protestant Ethic and Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 3. Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the
development of Capitalism. (CSE 2015/20M)
the Spirit of Capitalism.

TALCOLT PARSONS Q.7. (a) How can Parsons’ AGIL framework be 1. Examine the relevance of Parson an Social System
in the present society. (CSE2013/ 10M)
used to analyse key problems in a society? Discuss. 2. How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian
(20 M) framework? (CSE 2015/20M)
3. Describe the functional prerequisites of social
(a)Social system, system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examine in the
Important Topic for Mains 2019 context of a university as a social system.
(CSE 2016/20M)

(b)Pattern Variables. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 1. Critically analyse Talcott Parsons conception of pattern
variable’. (CSE 2017/10M)
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ROBERT K. 1. Using Merton’s concepts of ‘manifest’ and ‘latent’

MERTON functions, explain the persistence of corruption in
Indian society. (CSE 2014/10M)
(a)Latent and manifest Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 2. Analyze the manifest and latent function of
Functions, ‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’ in the light
of Merton’s theory. (CSE 2016/20M)
(b)Conformity and 3. How could one use Merton’s concept of deviance
to understand the traffic problem in urban India?
Deviance,
(CSE 2014/10M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 4. “Anomie is rooted in social structure.” Explain
with reference to R.K. Merton’s contribution.
(CSE 2015/10M)

(c)Reference Groups. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 5. How can we use reference group theory to
understand fashion in society? (CSE 2014/10M)

(f) GH Mead - Self and Q.1.(C) Do you think ‘I’ and ‘Me’ are central 1. Critically analyse the contributions of G. H. Mead
terms in Mead’s work? (10 M) to ‘symbolic interactionism’. (CSE 2013/20M)
identity.
2. Using Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism,
Important Topic for Mains 2019 discuss the stages in the formation of gender
identity. (CSE 2014/10M)
3. “Self and Society are twin-born.” Examine the
statement of Mead. (CSE 2015/10M)
COMPARATIVE QNS. Q.3.(c) What is the difference anomie in Merton 1. Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with
and Durkheim? (10 M) reference to the frame work of Division of Labour.
(CSE 2013/20M)
2. Identify the similarities and differences between
Marx’s theory of ‘alienation’ and Durkheim’s
theory of ‘anomie’. (CSE 2014/20M)
5. STRATIFICATION & MOBILITY: 5. STRATIFICATION & MOBILITY:
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(a) Concepts- equality, Q.1. (d) What is the difference between natural 1. Distinguish between people being socially
inequality, hierarchy, and social inequality? Give examples from caste excluded and people excluding themselves
socially in societies. (CSE 2013/10M)
exclusion, poverty and and class dimensions. (10 M) 2. Elucidate the basic premises of Davis’ structural-
deprivation. function theory of social stratification. How far is
its relevant in understing contempory India
society? (CSE 2016/20M)
3. Discuss the relationship between poverty and
social exclusion. (CSE 2016/10M)
4. Can we equate ‘poverty’ with ‘poor living’ ?
Elaborate your answer. (CSE 2017/10M)
(b) Theories of social Q.2. (c) Evaluate if social stratification is 1. How do Karl Marx and Max Weber differ in terms
stratification- of their analysis of social stratification?
functional for society. (10 M) (CSE2013/20M)
Structural 2. Differentiate between Marxian and Weberian
functionalist theory, theories of Social Stratification. (CSE 2015/20M)
Very Important Topic for Mains 2019
Marxist theory, 3. What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of
Weberian theory. social stratification? (CSE 2017/20M)

(c) Dimensions – Social 1. What do you understand by gender? How does it

stratification of class, shape ‘male ‘identity? (CSE 2017/20M)
2. Examine gender. Ethnicity and race as major
status groups, gender, Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 dimensions of social stratification. (CSE 2017/20M)
ethnicity and race.

(d) Social mobility- Q.4.(b) Schooling does not ensure upward 1. How are open and closed systems of stratification
open and closed mobility of all members of the society. Discuss undergoing transformation in the emergence of
new hierarchical social order in societies?
systems, types of with reference to class societies. (20 M) (CSE 2013/20M)
mobility, sources and 2. “No society can either be absolutely open or
causes of mobility. absolutely closed.” Comment. (CSE 2015/10M)
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Q.5. (e) Is social mobility possible in closed system
of stratification? Illustrate from research work.
(10 M)
6. WORKS AND ECONOMIC LIFE
3. “Vertical mobility brings structural change even in
a closed social system.” Comment.
(CSE 2016/10M)
4. “Education is a major source of social mobility in
contemporary society.” Explain. (CSE 2016/10M)
6. WORKS AND ECONOMIC LIFE

(a) Social organization Q.6. (a) Discuss the nature of social organization 1. Distinguish between the social organization of
of work in different of work in capitalist society with reference to the work in feudal society and in capitalist, society.
types of society- slave (CSE 2015/20M)
‘Limits of the working day’. (20 M) 2. Describe the nature of social organization of work
society, feudal society,
in industrial society. (CSE 2016/20M)
industrial /capitalist Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 3. Trace the changing nature of organisation of work
society. in capitalist society over the years.
(CSE 2017/20 M)
(b) Formal and informal 1. The increasing importance of the tertiary sector has
organization of work. weakened the formal organization of work in
recent times. Examine the statement.
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2015/20M)
2. What do you understand by informalisation of
labour? Write your answer with special reference
to INDIA. (CSE 2017/10M)

(c) Labour and society. Q.7. (b) What is labour commitment? Discuss it 1. “Globalization has pushed the labour into informal
organization of work.” Substantiate your answer
with reference t studies of manufacturing with suitable examples. (CSE 2016/20M)
industry. (20 M)

7. POLITICS AND SOCIETY 7. POLITICS AND SOCIETY

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(a)Sociological Q.7.(c) What according to Pareto, are the basic 1. “Power is not a zero-sum game”. Discuss with
theories of power. reference to Weber’s and Parsons’s views.
characteristics of elites? (10 M) (CSE 2014/20M)

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019

(b) Power elite, 1. Examine the role of pressure group in

bureaucracy, pressure parliamentary Democracy. (CSE 2013/10M)
2. Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure
groups, and political Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 groups. (CSE 2014/10M)
parties. 3. Discuss the importance of ‘Power elite’ in
democracy. (CSE 2016/20M)
4. Examine the dynamics of pressure group in multi-
party political system. (CSE 2017/10M)
(c) Nation, state, 1. Evaluate how do civil Society and democracy
citizenship, mutually reinforce each other. (CSE 2013/20M)
2. Critically examine society the role of civil Society.
democracy, civil Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2013/10M)
society, ideology. 3. Discuss T. H. Marshall’s views on citizenship.
(CSE 2014/10M)
4. “Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a
democracy.” Discuss. (CSE 2015/10M)
5. Caste ideology appears to have strengthened
democracy. Comment. (CSE 2015/10M)
6. “Globalization involves deterritorialization.”
Examine with reference to the nation-state.
(CSE 2015/ 20M)
7. Discuss the changing interface between state and
civil society in post-independent India.
(CSE 2017/10M)
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(d) Protest, agitation, Q.5. (b) Are social movements primordial in 1. Define Social Movement. Elucidate the role of
social movements, means and progressive in agenda? (10 M) reformist movement in social change.
(CSE 2013/10M)
collective action,
revolution. 2. What do you understand by social movement?
How has the mobilization by Scheduled Castes
helped them in constructing a new identity?
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2014/20M)
3. Explain the conditions under which a collective
action transforms into a social movement.
(CSE 2015/20 M)
4. Examine the role of protest movements in
changing the status of Dalits in India.
(CSE 2016/10M)
5. To what extent revolution replaces the existing
order of society? Discuss. (CSE 2016/10M)
6. What is new in ‘new social movement ‘? Elaborate
your answer with special reference to India.
(CSE2017/20M)
8. RELIGION AND SOCIETY 8. RELIGION AND SOCIETY

(a) Sociological Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

theories of
religion.
(b) Types of religious Q.8. (b) What are sects? Discuss their role in 1. Distinguish between sects and cults with
practices: animism, multi-religious societies with empirical illustrations. (CSE 2015/10M)
2. “Religious pluralism is the order of present day
monism, pluralism, societies.” Explain by giving suitable examples.
examples.(20 M)
sects, cults. (CSE 2016/20M)
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(c) Religion in modern Q.4. (c) Discuss the challenges thrown by religious 1. “Science has empirical means to logical ends and
society: religion and revivalism to a secular nation-state. (10 M) religion has non-empirical means to logical ends.”
Comment. (CSE 2013/10M)
science, secularization, 2. Is religion antithetical to science? Comment.
religious revivalism, (CSE 2013/10M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
fundamentalism. 3. How is religious revivalism different from
communalism? Elaborate with suitable examples
from the Indian context. (CSE 2014/20M)
4. Define Secularization. What are its major
dimensions in the modern world?
(CSE 2015/20M)
5. Is religion playing and important role in increasing
fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer.
(CSE 2016/10M)
6. Problematize the concept if secularism in the
present context. (CSE 2017/10M)
9. SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP: 9. SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP:

Q.1. (e) What are the new forms of family in
(a) Family, household,
development societies? Discuss. (10 M)
marriage
Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
Q.1. (b) Distinguish between family and household
with reference to the concept of development of
the households. (20 M)
1. Examine the emerging trends in marriage and
family as a response to the changes in economic
and social order. (CSE 2013/20M)
2. How did the emergence of industrial society
change the family life in Western Europe?
(CSE 2014/10M)
3. Critically examine the functionalist views on the
institution of family. How do those help us in
understanding family in the present times?
(CSE 2014/20M)
4. Distinguish between family and household as
sociological concepts. (CSE 2016/10M)
5. Discuss the regional variations of kinship system
in Indian society. (CSE 2017/20 M)
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(b) Types and forms of

family.
(c) Lineage and 1. How do the-’ rules of descent and alliance in
descent. kinship differ from each other? Illustrate.
(CSE 2015/10M)
Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019

(d) Patriarchy and Q.3. (b) Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy 1. Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically
sexual division of manifest in interpersonal relations? examine how patriarchy affects sexual division of
(20 M) Labour in Societies. (CSE 2013/20M)
labour. 2. Analyse the gender bias in the present society with
examples. (CSE 2013/10M)
3. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society?
Discuss. (CSE 2015/10M)
4. Examine ‘patirarchal bargain ‘ as gendered
division of work in contemporary India.
(CSE 2017/10M)

(e) Contemporary 1. What do you understand by institutionalization of

trends.
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
10. SOCIAL CHANGE IN MODERN SOCIETY
‘live-in-relationship? (CSE 2014/10M)
2. Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a
response to social change in modern society.
(CSE 2016/10M)
3. Examine the relationship between the
contemporary trends in marriage and changing
from of family. (CSE 2017/10M)
10.SOCIAL CHANGE IN MODERNSOCIETY
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(a) Sociological 1. Illustrate the confl icts and tensions experienced by

theories of social societies undergoing social change.
(CSE 2013/20 M)
change. Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 2. Critically examine the cultural theories of social
change with suitable examples. (CSE 2013/20)
3. Explain the relevance of the idea of ‘cultural lag’ in
understanding social change. (CSE 2015/10M)
(b) Development and 1. Write a short essay on the Latin American
dependency. perspective on ‘dependency’. (CSE 2014/20M)
2. “Social change can be brought about through
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 development.” Illustrate from the contemporary
situation of India. (CSE 2016/20M)
(c) Agents of social 1. Examine the dialectical relation between tradition
change. and modernity in the study of social change.
(CSE 2015/20M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
2. “Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence
of social change.” Explain. (CSE 2016/20M)
3. Assess the role of mass media as an agent of social
change. (CSE 2017/10M)
(d) Education and 1. Education is often viewed as an agency of social
social change. change. However in reality it could also reinforce
inequalities and conservatism. Discuss.
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2014/20M)

2. “Education helps in perpetuating social and

economic inequalities.” Critically examine the
statement. (CSE 2015/20M)
(e) Science, technology Q.5.(a) Is the theory of cultural lag valid in 1. How is the increasing use of technology changing
and social change. the status of women in Indian society?
present times? Discuss (10 M)
(CSE 2014/20M)
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SOCIOLOGY - PAPER II

TOPICS CSE MAINS 2018 CSE MAINS 2013-2017

INTRODUCING INDIAN SOCIETY INTRODUCING INDIAN SOCIETY

(I) PERSPECTIVES ON THE STUDY OF INDIAN (I) PERSPECTIVES ON THE STUDY OF INDIAN
SOCIETY: SOCIETY:

(a) Indology (GS. Q.1. (a)Write a note on G.S. Ghurye’s Indological 1. G.S. Ghurye’s Indological approach to understand
Ghurye). society in India. (CSE 2014/10M)
perspective of understanding Indian Society. (10 M) 2. Write a critique of the structural and functional
perspective used by M.N. Srinivas in the
understanding of Indian Society. (CSE 2014/20M)
(b) Structural 3. M. N. Srinivas’s Concept of Westernization.
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2013/10M)
functionalism (M N
Srinivas).
(c) Marxist sociology Q.2. (a) Analyze A.R. Desai’s views on India’s path 1. Salient features of A.R Desai’s Marxist Sociology.
(A R Desai). (CSE 2016/10M)
of development. (20 M) 2. Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian
nationalism. (CSE 2015/20M)
 18

(II) IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON (II) IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON

INDIAN SOCIETY: INDIAN SOCIETY:

(a) Social background 1. Discuss the social background of Indian

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 nationalism. (CSE 2014/20M)
of Indian nationalism.
(b) Modernization of 1. Modernisation of Indian traditions.
Indian tradition. (CSE 2014/10M)
2. Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 tradition in analyzing social change in India.
(CSE 2015/20M)
3. Discuss Yogendra singh’s thesis on Modernization
of Indian Tradition. And evaluate its applicability in
the present day context. (CSE 2017/20M)
(c) Protests and Q.2. (b) Examine sociological dynamics of 1. Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba
movements during the Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India. Phule. (CSE 2013/10M)
(20 M) 2. Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial
colonial period. period. (CSE 2016/10M)
(d) Social reforms. 1. Describe the impact of land reforms on the
peasants of Indian society. (CSE 2014/20M)
2. Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical.
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2015/20M)
3. The main objective of socio- religious movement
during the colonial rule in India were reforming and
synthesizing Hinduism. Write an any two such
important movement. (CSE 2017/20 M)
SOCIAL STRUCTURE SOCIAL STRUCTURE
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(i) RURAL AND AGRARIAN-SOCIAL (i) RURAL AND AGRARIAN-SOCIAL

STRUCTURE: STRUCTURE:

(a) The idea of Indian 1. What is the idea of ‘Indian village’? Explain.
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2015/10M)
village and village
2. Significance of Village Studies in Indian
studies.
Sociology. (CSE 2016/10M)
(b) Agrarian social 1. Analyse the major components of Land Reform
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural
structure - evolution
inequality. (CSE 2016/10)
of land tenure system, 2. Bring out the impact of the declining significance
land reforms. of the agrarian economy. (CSE 2016/20M)

(II) CASTE SYSTEM: (II) CASTE SYSTEM:

(a) Perspectives on the Q.1. (b) Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille’s 1. Critically evaluate Louis Dumont’s Homo
study of caste systems: Hierarchies. (CSE 2013/20M)
study of Tanjore village. (10 M) 2. What are the features of M. N. Srinivas’s concept
GS Ghurye, M N of dominant caste? How effective is it in
Srinivas, Louis understanding today’s reality? (CSE 2013/10 M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 3. Louis Dumont’s perspective on Indian caste system
Dumont, Andre
Beteille. (CSE 2015/10M)
4. Discuss Andre Beteill’s account of the relationship
between caste, class and power as a change from
symmetrical to asymmetrical one.
(CSE 2016/20M)
5. Which is more significant, the principal of
‘hierarchy’ or the principal of ‘difference’ in inter-
caste relations in the present day. (CSE2017/10M)
6. Explain the concepts of dominant caste’ and ‘ vote
‘ bank giving examples from specific regions.
 20

(CSE 2017/20 M)
(b) Features of caste Q.3. (a) What do you understand by discrete caste 1. Features of caste system. (CSE 2014/10M)
system. 2. Is caste system changing, weakening or
and muddled hierarchies? (20 M) disintegrating in India? (CSE 2015/20M)
3. What are the changes in the cultural and structural
aspects of the caste system since independence?
(CSE 2017/10 M)
4. Give an account of the problems relating to the
“creamy layer”. (CSE 2017/10M)
(c) Untouchability - Q.5. (a) Elaborate the concept of constitutional 1. What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s
forms and views on annihilation of caste? (CSE 2013/20M)
morality as given by B.R. Ambedkar. (10 M) 2. Write some of the important social reforms in India
perspectives- for the removal of untouchability.
(CSE 2014/10M)
Mahatma Gandhi Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
3. How far Gandhi was trusted by the untouchables?
Dr. B R Ambedkar (CSE 2015/10M)
4. How has B.R Ambedkar identified the features of
caste system? How is it different from the
mainstream treatment of caste featurs?
(CSE 2016/20M)

5. Different forms of Dalit asseration.

(CSE 2016/10M)
6. How have the struggles against untouchability
changed their forms and perspective from
Gandhian to Ambedkarite Positions?
(CSE 2017/10M)

(III) TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA: (III) TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA:

 21

(a) Definitional 1. What are the features that distinguish tribes from
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 the rest of the population?
problems.
(CSE 2013/ 20M)
2. Tribal conflicts based on ethnic differences often
camouflage a struggle for political and economic
advantage.’ Substantiate with examples.
(CSE 2014/20M)
3. Why have we started using another category of
tribes called the Particularly Vulnerable Groups
(PVTGs). Why are they so called?
(CSE 2017/10M)
(b) Geographical
spread.

(c) Colonial policies 1. ‘Isolationism’ as a dominant feature of colonial

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 tribal policy. (CSE 2016/10M)
and tribes.

(d) Issues of 1. Write a Note on ethnicity and integration in the

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 context of tribes. (CSE 2013/20M)
integration and
2. How does the new forest act affect tribals?
autonomy. (CSE 2013/10M)
3. Analyse the different views on integration and
autonomy of tribes in India. (CSE 2015/10M)
4. Verrier Elwin’s views on freedom for the tribals.
(CSE 2015/10M)
5. Main objectives of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP).
(CSE 2015/10M)
6. How is the tribal question related with the issues of
integration and autonomy in modern India?
(CSE 2016/210M)
 22

7. What is the nature of religious change among tribal

communities ? Illustrate with two examples from
colonial and post independence times.
(CSE 2017/20 M)

(IV) SOCIAL CLASSES IN INDIA: (IV) SOCIAL CLASSES IN INDIA:

(a) Agrarian class 1. Andre Beteille’s definition of class.

structure. (CSE 2013/10M)
2. Classes in agrarian society in India.
(CSE 2013/10M)
3. Other Backward Class. (CSE 2013/10M)
4. How do caste and class come together in creating
the category of extreme poor? (CSE 2014/10M)
(b) Industrial class
structure.
(c) Middle classes in Q.1. (d) Write a note on the changing roles of 1. Discuss the Salient features of Indian Middle
India. Class. (CSE 2013/10M)
middle-class women in India. (10 M) 2. Discuss the status of women among the emerging
urban middle class. (CSE 2014/20M).
Q. 4. (a) How has the new Economic Policy (1991) 3. What accounts for the growth and consolidation of
the middle classes in modern India?
affected the lifestyle and life changes of new (CSE 2016/10M)
middle class in India? (20 marks)

(V) SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP IN INDIA: (V) SYSTEMS OF KINSHIP IN INDIA:

 23

(a) Lineage and

descent in India.
(b) Types of kinship Q.3. (c) Illustrate the importance of ‘Kanyadan’ 1. Types of kinship systems in India.
systems. and ‘kulabadhu’ in changing institutions of (CSE 2015/10M)
marriage and family. (10 M) 2. Broadly compare the kinship system of North and
South India. (CSE 2015/1OM)
3. Compare the north Indian kinship System with the
South Indian kinship system. (CSE 2017/10M)
(c) Family and Q.8. (c) Asses the impact of ban on ‘Triple Talak’ 1. Give some of the important studies relating to the
marriage in India. on marriage and divorce among the Muslim structural changes in the Indian family system.
(CSE 2014/20M)
community in India. (10 M) 2. Bring out the significance of the difference
between family and household. (CSE 2016/20M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 3. Examine the impact of industrialization and
urbanization on family structure. (20
Marks)(2016)
(d) Household Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 1. Clarify the distinction between “household” and
dimensions of the “family” and evaluate Whether joint families have
family.
completely disintegrated.(2017/20M)
(e) Patriarchy, Q.4. (c) Discuss the issues relation to the 1. What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child
entitlements and socialization pattern in India? (CSE 2015/20M)
entitlement of transgender in Indian society. 2. Patriarchy as a form of dominance.
sexual division of
(CSE 2016/10M)
labour.
(10 M)
 24

Q.8. (b) Western patriarchy which surrenders

feminine principles is the new development
project in India. Do you agree with this view?
Why? (20 M)

(VI) RELIGION AND SOCIETY: (VI) RELIGION AND SOCIETY:

(a) Religious Q.1. (e) Discuss the growth of religious sects in 1. What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is
communities in India. Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism?
India. (10 M) (CSE 2015/20M)
2. What extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in
agreement with Islamic feminist agenda?
(CSE 2015/10M)

3. What the distinct features of Islam are as practiced

in India, and how have they changed over time?
(CSE 2017/10M)
(b) Problems of Q.1. (b) Write a critical narrative on the concerns 4. Discuss the problems of religious minorities in
religious minorities. India. (CSE 2014/20M)
of religious minorities in India. (20 M)

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019

SOC. CHANGES IN INDIA SOC. CHANGES IN INDIA

(I) VISIONS OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN INDIA: (I) VISIONS OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN

INDIA:
 25

1. Five Year Plans. (CSE 2013/10M)

(a) Idea of
development planning
and mixed economy.
(b) Constitution, law Important Topic for Mains 2019
and social change.
(c) Education and Q.5. (d) Assess the role of the State in promoting 1. Discuss the Salient features of Right to Education.
social change. (CSE 2013/10M)
education of girl child. (10 ) 2. Empowerment through “Right to Education”.

(CSE 2016/10M)
Very Important Topic for Mains 2019

(II) RURAL AND AGRARIAN TRANSFO- (II) RURAL AND AGRARIAN TRANSFO-
RMATION IN INDIA: RMATION IN INDIA:
(a) Programmes of Q.2. (c) How do the recommendations of 1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
rural development, Swaminathan Commission (2004-2006) ensure food Guarantee Scheme for rural development.
and nutrition security for the Indian masses? (CSE 2016/10M)
Community
(10 M)
Development
Q.6. (c) Write a note on Basic Services to Urban
Programme, Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum
cooperatives, poverty Development (IHSD) programmes provided for the
alleviation schemes. urban poor. (10 M)
(b) Green revolution Q.6. (b) Has ‘Green Revolution’ led to the 1. Write a note on the uneven impact of ‘Green
and social change. formation of new power elite in rural India?
Revolution’ on rural society. (CSE 2016/20M)
Elaborate your answer. (20 M)
 26

(c) Changing modes of 1. Write a short note an changing means of production

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 and increased rural poverty. (CSE 2017/10M)
production in Indian
agriculture.
(d) Problems of rural 1. Indebtedness is one of the serious issue leading to
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 farmers suicides Discuss reasons and suggest
labour, bondage,
solutions. (CSE 2017/10M)
migration. 2. Compare the pressing problems of a Dalit poor
family living in an urban slum with a similar type of
family living in a rural setting. (CSE 2017/10 M)
(III)INDUSTRIALIZATION & URBANISATION (III)INDUSTRIALIZATION &
IN INDIA: URBANISATION IN INDIA:

(a) Evolution of 1. Examine the influence of Industrialization on caste.

Very Important Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2013/ 20M)
modern industry in
India.

(b) Growth of urban Q.6. (a) How do you relate the growth of 1. Give a sociological analysis of the problems of
settlements in India. development of metropolis and its impact on the migrant urban poor. (CSE 2014/20M)
2. Comment on the factors behind the changing status
mental and social life of people in India? (20 M) of women in urban India. (CSE 2016/20M)
3. Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban
socio-spatial patterns in India. (CSE 2017/20M)
(c) Working class:
structure, growth,
class mobilization.
 27

(d) Informal sector, Q.5. (b) Construct a sociological narrative on the 1. Child Labour (CSE 2013/10 M)
child labour. 2. Discuss the impact of globalisation on the workers
increasing trend of child abuse in India. (10M) in the Informal sector. (CSE 2014/10M)
3. Issues relating to the informal labour market in
urban India. (CSE 2015/10M)
4. Discuss the changing nature of the problems of
working class in the informal sector of the
economy. (CSE 2016/20M)
5. Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises
questions about and beyond the informal sector ?
Give reasons. (CSE 2017/10 M)
(e) Slums and 1. Write an analytical note on Slums in cities. (10 M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
deprivation in urban
areas.

(IV) POLITICS AND SOCIETY (IV) POLITICS AND SOCIETY

(a) Nation; Q.1. (c) Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. 1. Analyze the role of communalism in undermining
Democracy and democracy in India. (CSE 2013/20M)
Discuss (10 M) 2. Comment on the increasing significance of caste in
Citizenship. politics. (CSE 2016/10M)
Q.7. (a) Has Caste system hindered democracy 3. To what extent does nation building depends on
strengthening of pluralities in Indian society?
and adult franchise in India? Discuss (20 M) (CSE2017/20M)

(b) Political parties; 4. Discuss B. R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat.

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 (CSE 2015/20M)
Pressure Groups;
Social and Political 5. Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of
elite. action through his Hind Swaraj. (CSE 2015/20M)
 28

(c) Regionalism and Important Topic for Mains 2019

Decentralization of
Power.
(d) Secularization Q.7. (c) With increase in education and economic 6. Gandhi’s efforts on communal harmony.
development Is Indian society becoming more (CSE 2014/10M)
secular? (10 M)

Important Topic for Mains 2019

(V) SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN MODERN (V) SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN MODERN
INDIA
INDIA

(a) Peasants and Q.5. (c) Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers 1. Bring out main features of farmer’s movement in
farmers movements. movement in contemporary India. (10 M) Modern India. (CSE 2013/20 M)

(b) Women’s Q.5. (e) Elaborate the ‘Me Too’ Movement and its 1. What are the main features of the second wave of
movement. Women’s movement in the Indian context?
impact in India. (10 M) (CSE 2014/20 M)
2. Discuss the ‘Chipko movement’ as an example of
eco-feminism. (CSE 2014/20M)
3. Discuss the impact of post-1970 feminist
movement on Indian middle class,
(CSE 2015/20M)
4. Despite gains from the women’s gender movement
and states policy of women empowerment, gender
equality is far from achieved. Identify two major
challenges that prevent this goal form being
reached. (20 Marks)
 29

(c) Backward classes Q.7. (b) Elaborate various forms of Dalit 1. What is the Dalit Movement? Examine the Issues
& Dalit movement. assertions in contemporary India. What are its highlighted by it. (CSE 2013/20 M)
2. Dynamics of Contemporary Dalit movements.
implications on the Indian political system? 20 M (CSE 2014/10M)
(d) Environmental Important Topic for Mains 2019
movements.
(e) Ethnicity and 1. Discuss the sociological aspect of movements for
Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 separate states. (CSE 2013/20 M)
Identity movements.
2. What are the major concerns of ethnic identity and
religious identity in India? (CSE 2015/20M)
3. Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements
in Independent India. (CSE 2015/20M)
4. Discuss the various forms of environmental
movements waged in India. (CSE 2016/10M)
5. What is the factor accounting for the resurgence of
ethnic identity movements in India?
6. (CSE 2016/10M)
7. Explain the issue relating to ethnicity and sub-
ethnicity. (CSE 2017/10 M)
(VI) POPULATION DYNAMICS (VI) POPULATION DYNAMICS

(a) Population size, 1. Discuss some social and cultural determinants of

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 infant mortality rate. Give your suggestions to
growth, composition
prevent. (CSE 2013/20 M)
and distribution.
(b) Components of Q.8. (a) What are the issues relating to male 2. Trends of Infant Mortality Rate among females
population growth: migration and its impact on birthrate? Does it (CSE 2014/10M)
birth, death, necessarily result in skewed sex ratio? (20 M)
migration.
 30

(c) Population policy Important Topic for Mains 2019

and family planning.
(d) Emerging issues: 1. What are the demographic projections for the
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 ageing population (60+) for the next decade? What
ageing, sex ratios,
are the implications for formulating policy for
child and infant them? (CSE 2014/20M)
mortality, 2. Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are
reproductive health. the different perspectives to solve their problems?
(CSE 2015/10M)
3. Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in
India? (CSE 2015/10M)
4. Differential sex-ratio and its implications.
(CSE 2016/10M)

5. How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in

Indian society? (CSE 2016/10M)
6. What are the Emerging concerns on women’s
reproductive health? (CSE 2017/10M)
7. (c) What are the causes and solutions for the low
female sex-ratio in the DEMARU States of Punjab,
Haryana, Himachal, and Gujrat ? (CSE 2017/10M)
(VII) CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL (VII) CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL
TRANSFORMATION TRANSFORMATION

(a) Crisis of Q.3.(b) Discuss development-induced 1. Effect of displacement through development

development: displacement in the context of tribal uprising in on the rural landless and marginal farmers.
(CSE 2015/10M)
displacement, India. Substantiate your answer with any one 2. Rural landless labourers and development
environmental detailed illustration from India. (20 M) induced Displacement . (CSE 2014/10M)
 31

problems and Important Topic for Mains 2019

sustainability.
(b) Poverty, 1. Feminization of poverty. (CSE 2015/10M)
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
deprivation and 2. What, according to you are the two fundamental
axes of social discrimination in Indian society? Are
inequalities. they changing? (CSE 2017/20M)
(b) Violene Aainst 1. What are the possible underlying causes of the
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
women spurt of increased violence against women in
public spaces in the last decade ? (CSE 2014/20M)
1. Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (CSE 2014/10M)
2. What are the reasons for the escalation of violence
against women in the public domain?
(CSE 2017/10M)

(d) Caste conflicts, 1. Many caste conflicts are between castes which are
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
Ethnic conflicts, close to each other on the hierarchical scale.’ Give
communalism, a sociological explanation for this phenomenon.
(CSE 2014/10M)

(e) Religious 1. What is cultural Revivalism ? Give some examples

Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019 from performing arts , language dissemination and
revivalism.
arts crafts in recent times. (CSE 2017/20M)
(f) Illiteracy and 1. Impact of privatisation on educational disparities.
Very Very Imp. Topic for Mains 2019
disparities in (CSE 2014/10M)
education. 2. Write a note on Education and equality in India.
(CSE 2017/10M)
3. Discuss some of the striking issues of development
induced imbalances that need urgent attention.
(CSE2017/20 M)
32