Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
PAPER 1
(1).Sociology-The Discipline
1. "The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the
relationship between the two in society" C.W.mills.Explain.(18/1/8a/20)
2. The focal point of Sociology tests on interactionism. How do you distinguish it from
common sense.(18/1/1a/10)
3. Explain how sociology has emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and
scientific temper.(17/1/1a/10)
4. Discuss the changing equations of discipline of sociology with other social sciences.
(17/1/2a/20)
5. "Sociology is pre-eminently study of modem societies." Discuss. (16/1/1a/10)
6. ls sociology common sense ? Give reasons in support of your argument.(16/1/2c/l0)
7. How had enlightenment contributed to the emergence of Sociology ?(15/1/3c/10)
8. Write short answer of the following in about 1 50 words : How did the emergence of
industrial society change the family life in Western Europe ?(14/1/1b/10)
9. Write short answer of the following in about 150 words : How is sociological
approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach (14/1/lc/10)
10. "Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social reformist
orientation in the U.S.A." - Comment. (150 words)(13/1/la/10)
11. Compare and contrast Sociology with Anthropology.(150 words)(13/1/lb/10)
(2).Sociooogy as science
1. Does the scientific method make Sociology a science ? Illustrate your answer with
Durkhim's method(18/1/5c/10)
2. Is non-positivistic methodology is scientific ? Illustrate (18/1/2a/20)
3. Examine ethnomethodology ical and phenomenological perspectives as critique of
positivism.(17/1/lb/10)
4. Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism.(17/1/lb/10)
5. Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology(17/I/2C/10)
6. What is 'value-free sociology' ? Clarify. (16/1/lb/10)
7. Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in
sociological research ?(16/l/3b/20)
8. Is Sociology a Science ? Give reasons for your answer.(15/1/la/10)
9. Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society ?(17/1/lb/10)
10. "Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour."
Discuss. (15/l/4a/20)
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11. Write short answer of the following in about 150 words :How is objectivity different
from value neutrality ? Discuss with reference to Weber was on methodology.
(14/1/11/10)
12. In What way 'interpretative' method is different from 'positivist' approach in the study
of social phenomena ?(14/1/4b/20)
13. Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies (150words)
(13/1/1c/10)
(4).Sociological Thinkers :
(4a).Karl Marx
1. According to Marx, how are human being alienated from their human potential and
what does he suggest to change this ?(18/1/4a/20)
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2. Does collapse of funtionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with rupture of
modernity ? Discuss(18/1/3a/20)
3. Analyse Marxian conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian
dialectics. (17/1/3b/20)
4. Evaluate Marx's ideas on mode of production. (16/1/ld/1O)
5. Identify the similarities and differences be Marx's theory of 'alienation' and
Durkheim's theory of 'anomie'. (14/1/2b/20)
6. According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal relationships between
men and women. Critically examine with illustrations from the contemporary Ind ian
context. (14/1/7c/10)
7. Analyse the salient features of historical materialism.(13/1/2c/10)
( 4b).Emile Durkheim
1. In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as a functional to society?(18/1/8c/10)
2. Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyze high suicide rates
of contemporary Indian society with durkheim's theory(18/1/2b/20)
3. Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by Emile Durkheim in his study of
'suicide'. (17/l/3a/20)
4. Elaborate the views of Durkheim on "The Elementary Forms of Religious Life".
(15/l/8c/10)
5. According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the same as
religion in primitive society." Comment. (in about 150 words)(14/l/5e/10)
6. Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of
'division of labour'.(13/1/33/20)
(4c).Max Weber
1. Distinguish between fact and value in weber's perspective Ethic and spirit of
caapitalism.(18/1/1b/10)
2. Examine Max Weber's method of maintaining objectivity in social research
(16/l/4a/20)
3. discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism ?(15/l/2a/20)
4. Which concept did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination ?
(15/1/ld/10)
5. How does Weber use the notion of 'ideal types' in his theory of bureaucracy ?
(14/1/4a/20)
6. Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy.(13/l/3c/10)
( 4d).Talcott parsons
1. How can Parsons' AGIL,framework be used to analyse key problem in a society ?
Discuss.(18/1/7a/20)
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2. Critically analyse Talcott Parsons' conception of 'Pattern Variables'. system. I
(17/1/ld/10)
3. Describes the functional prerequisites of social system as given by Talcott Parsons.
Examine in the context of university as a social system (16/1/2b/20)
4. How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework ?(15/1/4b/20)
5. Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social system in the present society.(13/1/6c/10)
(4e).Robert K. Merton
1. What's is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durtheim ? Explain
(18/1/3c/20)
2. Analyze the manifest and latent functions of 'Security of tenure of the bureaucrats' in
light of Merton's Theory(16/1/3a/20)
3. "Anomie is rooted in social structure." Explain with reference to R.K. Merton's
contribution (15/1/4c/10)
4. How can we use reference group theory to understand fashion in society ?(14/1/1e/10)
5. How could one use Merton's concept of deviance to understand the traffic problem in
urban india?(14/1/2c/10)
6. Using Merton's concepts of 'manifest' and 'latent' functions, explain the persistence of
corruption in Indian society.(14/1/3c/10)
(4f).Mead
1. Do you think 'I' and 'Me' are central terms in mead's works ? (18/l/31c/10)
2. "Self and Society are twin - born". Examine the statement of Mead.(15/l/2c/10)
3. Using Mead's theory of symbolic interactionism, discuss the stages in the formation of
gender identity. (14/1/4c/10)
4. Critically analyse the contributions of G.H. Mead to 'symbolic interactionism'.
(13/1/3b/20)
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8. Elucidate the basic premises of Davis' structural-functional theory of social
stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding contemporary Indian society ?
(16/1/2a/20)
9. Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion.(16/1/4c/10)
10. "No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed." Comment.
(15/I/1e/10)
11. Differentiate between Marxian and Weberian 8. theories of Social Stratification?
(15/1/3b/20)
12. What do you understand by gender ? How does it shape 'male identity' ? (14/1/3a/20)
13. "According to Max Weber, 'class' and 'status' are two different dimensions of power.
Discuss (14/1/3b/20)
14. For Marx, class divisions are outcomes of exploitation'. Discuss. (in about 150 words)
(14/1/5a/10)
15. Critically examine the functionalist tradition in Sociology.(13/1/2b/20)
16. How are open and closed systems of stratification undergoing transformation in the
emergence of new hierarchical social order in societies? (13/1/4a/20)
17. Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves
socially in societies. (150 words) (13/1/5a/10)
18. Analyse the gender bias in the present society with examples.(150 words)(13/1/5e/10)
19. How does Karl Marx and Max Weber differ in terms of their analysis of social
stratification? (13/1/6a/20)
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( 7).Politics and Society
1. What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites ? Discuss(18/1/7c/10)
2. Are the social movements primordial in means and progressive in agenda ? Explain
(18/1/5b/10)
3. Discuss the changing interface between state and civil society in post-independent
India.(17/1/5b/10)
4. Examine the dynamics of pressure groups in multi-party political system.(17/1/6c/20)
5. What is new in 'new social movements' ?Elaborate your answer with special reference
to India.(17/U6b/20)
6. Examine the role of protest. movements in changing the status of Dalits in India.
(16/1/6c/10)
7. To what extend revolution replaces the existing order of society ? Discuss.
(16/1/7c/10)
8. Discuss the importance of 'power elite ' in democracy.(16/1/5b/10)
9. "Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy." Discuss.(15/1/5b/10)
10. Explain the conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social
movement. (15/1/6b/20)
11. Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy. Comment.(15/1/7c/10)
12. "Globalization involves deterritorialization." Examine with reference to the
nation-state. (15/1/8a/20)
13. Discuss T. H. Marshall's views on citizenship.(in about 150 words) (14/U5d10)
14. Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure Groups. (in about 150 words)
(14/1/5d/10)
15. "Power is not a zero-sum game". Discuss with reference to Weber's and Parsons's
views. (14/1/6a/20)
16. What do you understand by social movement ?How has the mobilization by
Scheduled Castes helped them in constructing a new identity ? (14/1/8c/10)
17. Define social movement. Elucidate the role of reformist movements in social change.
(150 words) (13/1/5b/10)
18. Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy ? (13/1/4d10)
19. Evaluate how do civil society and democracy mutually reinforce each other.
(13/1/7a/20)
20. Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy.(13/1/7C/10)
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3. Give an assessment of Durkheimian notion of 'sacred ' and 'profane ' in sociology of
religion. (17/1/5c/10)
4. Problematize the concept of secularism in the present context.(17/1/7a/10)
5. Elaborate on various types of religious practices prevalent in Indian society.
(17/1/8a/10)
6. Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism ? Give reasons for
your answer.(16/1/5c/10)
7. How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory of religion ?
(16/1/8b/20)
8. "Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies." Explain by giving suitable
examples.(16/1/7a/20)
9. Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations.(15/1/5c/10)
10. Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modem world?
(15/1/7a/20)
11. How is religious revivalism different flom communalism? Elaborate with suitable
examples from the Indian context. (14/1/7a/20)
12. "Science has empirical means to logical ends and religion has non-empirical means to
logical ends." - Comment.(150 words) (13/1/5d/10)
13. Is religion antithetical to science ? Comment.(13/1/8c/10)
(9).Systems of Kinship
1. Distinguish between family and household with reference to the concept of
development of the household.(18/1/6b/20)
2. What are the new forms of family in developed societies ? Discuss(18/1/1e/10)
3. Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations ?
(18/1/3b/20)
4. Examine 'patriarchal bargain' gendered division of work in contemporary India.
(17/1/5d/10)
5. Examine the relationship between the contemporary trends in marriage and changing
forms of family (17/1/7a/20)
6. Discuss the regional variations of kinship system in Indian society.(17/1/7b/20)
7. To what extent is patriarchy problems of women? Discuss. (16/1/5d/10)
8. Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a response to social change in modern
society. (16/1/7b/20)
9. Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts (16/1/8c/10)
10. Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss (15/1/5d/10)
11. How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other? Illustrate
(15//6c/10)
12. Critically examine the functionalist views the institution of family. How do those help
us in understanding family in the present times?(14/1/6b/20)
13. What do you understand by institutionalization of 'live-in-relationship'?(14/1/6c/10)
14. Analyse the contemporary trends in family with examples.(150 words)(13/1/1e/10)
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15. Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically examine how does patriarchy affect
sexual division of labour in societies.(13/1/4b/20)
16. Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family and social order as a response to
the charges in economic and social order.(13/1/7b/20)
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SOCIOLOGY
PAPER 2
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B.SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
(2).Caste System
1. Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India ? Discuss.
(18/2/7a/20)
2. What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies ? substantiate
your answer with suitable illustrations.(18/2/3a/20)
3. Discuss the concept of constitutional morality As given but by B.R. Ambedkar.
(18/2/5a/10)
4. Which is more significant, the principle of 'hierarchy ' or the principle of 'difference in
intercaste relations in the present day ? (17/2/lb/10)
5. How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms and perspectives
from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions ? (17/2/1d/10)
6. What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the caste system since
independence ? (17/2/2c/10)
7. How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ? How is it different
from the mainstream treatment of caste features ? (16/2/2a/20)
8. Discuss Andre Beteille's account of the relationship between caste, class and power as
a change flom symmetrical to asymmetrical one. (16/2/2b/20)
9. Write short note with a sociological perspective :
Louis Dumont's perspective on Indian caste system. (15/2/1c/10)
10. Write short nate with a sociological perspective :
How far Gandhi was trusted by the untouchables. (15/2/1d/10)
11. Is caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India ? (15/2/2a/20)
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12. Write short note with a sociological Perspective :How far Srinivas's Sanskritization is
modernizing force or traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste
system ?(15/2/5e/10)
13. Discuss B.R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat.(15/2/7a/20)
14. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150words:
Features of caste system. (14/2/1a/10)
15. Write some of the important social reforms in India for the removal of untouchability.
(14/2/3c/10)
16. How do caste and class come together in creating the category of extreme poor ?
(14/2/7c/10)
17. What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's views on annihilation of caste
?(13/2/3a/20)
18. Critically evaluate Louis Dumont's Homo Hilda rchicus.(13/2/3b/20)
19. What are the features of M.N. Srinivas' concept of dominant caste ? How effective is
it in understanding today's reality ? (13/2/3b/10)
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2. write a note on the changing roles of middle-class women in India.(18/2/1d/10)
3. What accounts for the growth and consolidation of middle classes in modern India.
Elucidate. (16/2/4c/10)
4. Discuss the status of women among the emerging urban middle class. (14/2/4a/20)
5. Write short note with a sociological perspective :
Classes in agrarian society in India.(150 words) (13/2/1d/10)
6. Write short note with a sociological perspective :Other Backward Classes.(150 words)
(13/2/1e/10)
7. Discuss the salient features of Indian middle class. (13/2/4c/15)
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5. What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion ? Is Hinduism based on
monotheism or polytheism ? (15/2/4b/20)
6. What are the major concerns of ethnic identity and religious identity in India ?
(15/2/6b/20)
7. Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India. (14/2/3b/20)
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(3)Industrialization and Urbanisation in India
1. Write a note on Basic services of to the Urban poor (BSUP) and integrated housing
and slum development (IHSD) programmes provided for the urban poor.(18/2/6b/10)
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. (17/2/4c/10)
3. Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises questions about and beyond the
informal sector ? Give reasons. (17/2/5d/10)
4. Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban socio-spatial patterns in India.
(17/2/6b/20)
5. Write a detailed note on the effects of growing slums in urban areas. (16/2/7a/20)
6. Discuss the changing nature of the problems of working class in the infomial sector of
the economy. (16/2/7b/20)
7. Examine the impact of industrialization and urbanization on family structure.
(16/2/8b/20)
8. Write short note with a sociological Perspective :
Issues relating to the infomial labour market n urban India. (15/2/5d/10)
9. 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. (15/2/8b/20)
10. Give a sociological analysis of the problems of migrant urban poor. (14/2/3a/20)
11. Discuss the impact of globalisation on the workers in the Infomtal sector.(14/2/6c/10)
12. Distinguish between formal and informal sectors in India. (13/2/4a/20)
13. Examine the influence of industrialisation on caste. (13/2/4b/15)
14. Write short note with a sociological perspective :Child Labour. (150 words)
(13/2/5d/10)
15. Write an analytical note on slums in cities. (200 words) (13/2/7a/15)
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(5)Social Movements in Modern India
1. Elaborate the 'Me Too' movement and its impact in India.(18/2/5e/10)
2. Explain the Dynamics of neo-farmers movement in contemporary India.(18/2/2b/20)
3. Examine socialogical dynamics of Champaran present movement in colonial India.
(18/2/5c/10)
4. Despite gains from the women's movement and state policy of women empowerment,
gender equality is far from achieved. Identify & two major challgnes that prevent this
goal from being reached.(17/2/7a/20)
5. Write short notes with a sociological perspective : Different fomis of Dalit assertion.
(16/2/5c/10)
6. Discuss the various forms of environmental movements started in India. (16/2/6C/10)
7. Discuss rhe impact of post-1970 feminist movement on Indian middle class.
(15/11/6a/20)
8. Discuss the main features of farmcrs' movements in independent India.(15/2/7b/20)
9. Write short notes with a sociological erspective on the following in about 150 words:
Dynamics of Contemporary Dalit movements.(14/2/5c/10)
10. What are the main features of the second wave of Women's movement in the Indian
context ? (14/2/6a/20)
11. Discuss the 'Chipko movement ' as an example of eco-feminism.(14/2/6b/20)
12. Write short note with a sociological perspective :
Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. (150 words) (13/2/1c/1o)
13. Bring out the main features of farmers' movements in Modern India. (200 words)
(13/2/6a/20)
14. Discuss the sociological aspects of movements for separate States. (200 words)
(13/2/6b/15)
15. What is the Dalit Movement ? Examine the issues highlighted by it. (200 words)
(13/2/8b/20)
(6)Popullation Dynamics
1. What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on birthrate ? Does it
necessarily result in skewed sex ratio?(18/2/8a/20)
2. What are the emerging concerns on women's reproductive health ? (17/11/5e/1O)
3. What, according to you, are the two fundamental axes of social discrimination in
Indian society ? Are they changing ? (17/2/8b/20)
4. What are the causes and solutions for the low female sex-ratio in the DEMARU States
of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Gujarat? (17/2/6d/10)
5. Write short notes with a sociological perspectives Differential sex-ratio and its
implications. (16/2/5e/10)
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15
6. How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in Indian society? (16/2/8c/10)
7. Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different perspectives to solve
their problems ! (15/2/3c/1o)
8. Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India ? (15/2/4c/10)
9. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words:
Trends of Infant Mortality Rate among females.(14/2/5a/10)
10. What are the demographic projections for the ageing population (60+) for the next
decade ? What are the implications for formulating policy for them ? (14/2/7a/20)
11. Write short note wiki a sociological perspective :Sex Ratio.(150 words) (13/2/5e/10)
12. What are the main causes of female mortality in India. (200 words) (13/2/7c/15)
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16. How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India ?
(15/2/6c/10)
17. To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist
agenda ? (15/2/7c/10)
18. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150words:
Domestic Violence Act, 2005.(14/2/5b/10)
19. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words:
Rural landless labourers and development induced displacement.(14/2/5e/10)
20. What are the possible underlying causes of the spurt of increased violence against
women in public spaces in the last decade ? (14/2/7b/20)
21. ' Many caste conflicts are between castes which are close to each other on the
hierarchical scale.' Give a sociological explanation for this phenomenon.(14/2/8a/20)
22. ''Tribal conflicts based on ethnic differences often camouflage a struggle for political
and economic advantage.' Substantiate with examples. (14/2/8b/20)
23. Explain the inter-linkages between poverty, deprivation aitd inequality. (200 words)
(13/2/6c/15)
24. Discuss the problems of working women in India. (200 words) (13/2/7b/20)
25. Analyse the role of comunalism in undermining democracy in India. (200 words)
(13/2/8a/15)
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