UPSC Mains 2022 Sociology Optional Paper I questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Sociology Optional PYQs

1. Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences.

   10 marks

2. How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research?

   10 marks

3. The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment.

4. Durkheim argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts. Discuss.

   10 marks

5. How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality?

   10 marks

6. What aspects of 'Enlightenment' do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology? Elaborate.

   20 marks

7. Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples.

   20 marks

8. Discuss social mobility in open and closed system.

   10 marks

9. What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-positivist methods of studying social reality?

   20 marks

10. Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie.

    20 marks

11. Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researcher in the process of collecting data through focus group discussion.

    10 marks

12. What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx?

13. Social stratification is claimed to contribute to the maintenance of social order and stability in society. Critically assess.

    20 marks

14. What is reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science researcher to establish reliability.

    10 marks

15. Critically examine the relevance of Durkheim's views on religion in contemporary society.

    10 marks

16. Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family.

    10 marks

17. Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies.

    10 marks

18. Write a note on global trends of secularization.

    10 marks

19. Trace the trajectory of development perspectives on social change.

    10 marks

20. According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self-conscious. Explain.

    20 marks

21. Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identity politics in India.

    20 marks

22. How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society?

23. Critically analyse Parsons views on society as a social system.

    20 marks

24. Discuss how 'environmentalism' can be explained with new social movements approach.

    20 marks

25. Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation of social policies.

    10 marks

26. Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. Comment.

    20 marks

27. Are traditional social institutions getting weakened as agents of social change in the contemporary society? Substantiate.

    20 marks

28. How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social develop- ment?