Q8
(a) Examine critically the concept of social stratification as a basis for sustaining social inequality. 20 marks (b) Describe the genetics and inheritance patterns of the ABO and Rh blood groups in man. 15 marks (c) Critically discuss the synergistic effect of biological and cultural factors in human evolution. 15 marks
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
(a) सामाजिक असमानता की निरंतरता के आधार स्वरूप सामाजिक स्तरीकरण की अवधारणा का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। 20 अंक (b) मनुष्य में ABO और Rh रक्त समूहों के आनुवंशिकी और वंशानुक्रम विन्यासों का वर्णन कीजिए। 15 अंक (c) मानव विकास में जैविक और सांस्कृतिक कारकों के सहक्रियात्मक प्रभाव की आलोचनात्मक चर्चा कीजिए। 15 अंक
Directive word: Critically examine
This question asks you to critically examine. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The directive 'critically examine' for part (a) demands balanced evaluation with evidence, while (b) requires 'describe' (factual precision) and (c) requires 'critically discuss' (synergistic analysis). Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief integrated introduction, then three clearly demarcated sections with sub-headings, followed by a unified conclusion connecting stratification, genetic diversity, and biocultural adaptation.
Key points expected
- Part (a): Distinction between social stratification (hierarchical ranking) and social inequality (differential access to resources); how stratification institutionalizes and perpetuates inequality through closure mechanisms (Weber's closure theory, caste ascriptive status)
- Part (a): Critical evaluation—functionalist view (Davis-Moore thesis) vs. conflict theory (Marx, Weber); whether stratification is necessary or constructed; Indian evidence: caste system, OBC reservations, class-caste overlap
- Part (b): ABO blood group genetics: three alleles (IA, IB, i) on chromosome 9, codominance of IA and IB, multiple alleles inheritance; Punnett square predictions for all combinations
- Part (b): Rh factor genetics: two alleles (D and d), D dominant, simple Mendelian inheritance; clinical significance (hemolytic disease of newborn, Rh incompatibility); population genetics relevance
- Part (c): Biocultural evolution concept: gene-culture coevolution (Durham, Boyd & Richerson); lactase persistence as classic case; brain size increase linked to tool use, cooking (Wrangham)
- Part (c): Critical discussion of synergism—whether biological and cultural factors operate equally or cultural evolution has decoupled from biological; Indian context: high-altitude adaptation among Ladakhi, Andamanese pygmyism
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 20% | 10 | Precise definitions: for (a) distinguishes stratification from inequality, closure vs. openness; for (b) correctly identifies ABO as multiple alleles with codominance, Rh as simple dominance with clinical implications; for (c) accurately defines biocultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution without conflating with dual inheritance theory | Basic definitions present but conflates terms (e.g., stratification with inequality); ABO/Rh genetics partially correct but errors in dominance patterns or chromosome location; biocultural evolution vaguely described as 'interaction' without specificity | Fundamental errors: treats stratification as synonymous with inequality; major genetic mistakes (e.g., ABO as monogenic, Rh as sex-linked); biocultural evolution confused with biological determinism or pure cultural evolution |
| Theoretical framing | 20% | 10 | For (a): deploys Davis-Moore, Marx, Weber, and recent critics (Tumin, Beteille); for (c): uses Durham's coevolution, Laland's niche construction, or Boyd-Richerson cultural group selection; demonstrates awareness of theoretical tensions and synthesizes across parts | Mentions Davis-Moore and Marx for (a) superficially; cites gene-culture coevolution for (c) without elaboration; theories stated but not applied to evaluate the question's demands | Absent or incorrect theories; lists names without connection to argument; no theoretical framework for biocultural discussion; theories misattributed (e.g., Durkheim for stratification) |
| Ethnographic / Indian examples | 20% | 10 | For (a): substantive Indian evidence—caste census debates, Jajmani system studies (Wiser, Beidelman), recent OBC mobilization; for (b): Indian blood group distribution (higher B frequency, Rh-negative prevalence); for (c): Ladakhi/Tibetan high-altitude adaptation (EPAS1 gene), Andamanese short stature, or Indian lactase persistence patterns | Generic mention of caste for (a) without specificity; Indian blood groups mentioned without distribution data; one biocultural example (e.g., lactose tolerance) but no Indian application | No Indian examples; or irrelevant examples (e.g., American racial stratification for (a), sickle cell without cultural context for (c)); examples factually wrong |
| Comparative analysis | 20% | 10 | For (a): compares stratification systems (caste vs. class vs. estate) and evaluates which best sustains inequality; for (b): compares ABO (codominance, multiple alleles) with Rh (simple dominance) inheritance patterns; for (c): contrasts biocultural with purely biological or cultural explanations; cross-references between parts where possible | Some comparison attempted (e.g., functionalist vs. conflict for (a)) but underdeveloped; ABO and Rh treated separately without genetic comparison; biocultural vs. sociobiology mentioned but not systematically contrasted | No comparative element; parts answered in isolation; treats all inheritance patterns as identical; no evaluation of alternative explanations for human evolution |
| Conclusion & applied angle | 20% | 10 | Synthesizes across all three parts: how genetic diversity (b) and biocultural plasticity (c) challenge rigid stratification (a); applied relevance—public health (blood banking), policy (reservation debates), or evolutionary medicine; forward-looking statement on human adaptability | Separate conclusions for each part without integration; generic summary without synthesis; applied angle weak or limited to one part | No conclusion or abrupt ending; conclusion merely repeats introduction; no applied or policy relevance; conclusion contradicts body of answer |
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