All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Sociology 2021 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Indian society - caste, kinship, village studies (1)Identity politics, social stratification and class (1)Modernization, rural unrest and urban family (1)Migration, tribal studies and untouchability (1)Development planning, rural development and regionalism (1)Education policy, ageing and gender issues (1)Development and displacement, ethnocentrism and democracy (1)Social media, urbanization and women empowerment (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussIndian society - caste, kinship, village studies
Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the "book-view" initially. How did the entry of "field-view" bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system ? Discuss. (10 marks)
(b) What does Dr. B. R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of "Annihilation of caste" ? (10 marks)
(c) Discuss different forms of kinship system in India. (10 marks)
(d) Critically examine briefly the phrase "Little Republics" as used to denote India's villages. (10 marks)
(e) Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious communities as well. Discuss with examples. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के समाजशास्त्रीय परिप्रेक्ष्य से संक्षिप्त उत्तर लिखिए, जो प्रत्येक लगभग 150 शब्दों में हो :
(a) प्रारंभ में भारत में जाति-व्यवस्था अध्ययन मुख्यतः "पुस्तक-केंद्रित" रहा । बाद में "फील्ड-व्यू" या "क्षेत्र-केंद्रित" अध्ययन के प्रवेश से भारतीय जाति-व्यवस्था के अध्ययन में संतुलन बनाने में कैसे मदद मिली ? विवेचना करें । (10 अंक)
(b) 'जाति-निमूलन' की अवधारणा से डॉ. भीम राव अंबेडकर का क्या तात्पर्य है ? (10 अंक)
(c) भारत में नातेदारी व्यवस्था के विभिन्न प्रकारों की चर्चा करें । (10 अंक)
(d) भारत के गाँवों को दर्शाने के लिए इस्तेमाल किये जाने वाले वाक्यांश "लघु गणतंत्र" की संक्षिप्त समालोचना प्रस्तुत करें । (10 अंक)
(e) जाति की तरह की संरचनाएँ गैर-हिंदू धार्मिक समुदायों में भी होती हैं । उदाहरण के साथ विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociological Perspective (UPSC Sociology Paper II). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, named thinkers, specific examples, balanced critique.
50MdiscussIdentity politics, social stratification and class
(a) What is identity politics ? Discuss the main trends in Dalit movements in India. (20 marks)
(b) Is Indian society moving from "Hierarchy" towards "differentiation" ? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the salient features of 'new middle class' in India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) पहचान की राजनीति क्या है ? भारत में दलित आंदोलन के प्रमुख रुझानों की व्याख्या करें । (20 अंक)
(b) क्या भारतीय समाज "पदानुक्रम" से "विभेदीकरण" की ओर अग्रसर है ? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ इस पर प्रकाश डालें । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में 'नव मध्यम वर्ग' के विशिष्ट लक्षणों की चर्चा करें । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Social Change and Development). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, clear analytical framework, strong Indian examples, and a balanced, well-argued conclusion.
Definition of identity politics with recognition and redistribution (Taylor, Fraser)
Phases: Ambedkarite civil-rights movement, electoral assertion (Kanshi Ram, BSP), cultural and digital assertion
Internal differentiation and sub-classification demands
Dumont's hierarchy versus differentiation of spheres
Evidence for differentiation: market, education, caste associations as political groups
Evidence of persisting hierarchy: endogamy, residential segregation, atrocities
Post-1991 origin in the private, IT and service sectors
50MdiscussModernization, rural unrest and urban family
(a) Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in theorizing India's modernization. (20 marks)
(b) Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the changing dimensions of family structure in urban India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत के आधुनिकीकरण के सिद्धांतीकरण में प्रो. योगेन्द्र सिंह के प्रमुख योगदान की विस्तार से चर्चा करें । (20 अंक)
(b) समकालीन भारत में ग्रामीण असंतोष के मुख्य कारकों का परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारतीय शहरों में बदलते पारिवारिक संरचना के आयामों की विवेचना करें । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Indian Society). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Rigorous theoretical application (Yogendra Singh) with specific Indian data (NFHS/Census) and critical analysis of structural causes.
Modernisation of tradition: tradition as a source of change, not its opposite
Orthogenetic and heterogenetic change; structural-historical approach
Coexistence and selective adoption by institutions such as caste and family
50MdiscussMigration, tribal studies and untouchability
(a) What are the sociological reasons and implication of "reverse migration" during the recent pandemic in India ? (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development. (20 marks)
(c) What are the various forms of untouchability in India ? Critically examine. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) अभी हाल की महामारी के दौरान "उलट-प्रवासन" के समाजशास्त्रीय कारण और निहितार्थ क्या हैं ? (20 अंक)
(b) जनजातीय विकास पर जी. एस. घुरिये एवं वी. एल्विन के बीच वाद-विवाद की प्रमुख विशिष्टताओं पर चर्चा कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में अस्पृश्यता के विविध प्रकार क्या हैं ? आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Indian Society). (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and critical analysis.
Push factors from cities: livelihood collapse, eviction, no entitlements
Pull factors: kin networks, village land and community support
Implications: rural strain (MGNREGA, remittances), urban labour shortage, lack of portable social protection
Ghurye: tribes as backward Hindus; integration
Elwin: protection or isolation, later the middle path
Resolution and assessment: Tribal Panchsheel, Fifth and Sixth Schedules, PESA, FRA
Forms: spatial, ritual and commensal, occupational, everyday and urban
50M150wCompulsoryanalyseDevelopment planning, rural development and regionalism
Write short answers, with sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Analyze the idea of developmental planning in India. (10 marks)
(b) Comment on the role of co-operatives in rural development. (10 marks)
(c) Urban slums are sites of social exclusion – explain. (10 marks)
(d) Does regionalism essentially lead to decentralization of power ? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. (10 marks)
(e) Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों के समाजशास्त्रीय परिप्रेक्ष्य से संक्षिप्त उत्तर लिखिए, जो प्रत्येक लगभग 150 शब्दों में हो :
(a) भारत में विकासात्मक योजनाओं के विचार का विश्लेषण कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) ग्रामीण विकास में सहकारी समितियों की भूमिका पर टिप्पणी कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(c) शहरी झुग्गी बस्तियाँ सामाजिक बहिष्कार के स्थल हैं – व्याख्या करें । (10 अंक)
(d) क्या क्षेत्रीयवाद अनिवार्यतः शक्ति विकेन्द्रीकरण की तरफ जाता है ? अपने उत्तर को सुसंगत उदाहरण से समझाएँ । (10 अंक)
(e) भारतीय कृषिक परिवर्तन में तकनीक की भूमिका की विवेचना करें । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociological Perspective (Paper II). (a) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Sociological depth, specific Indian examples, and clear argumentation.
Aims and strategy: state-led, Second Plan, mixed economy
50MexplainEducation policy, ageing and gender issues
(a) Explain the sociological significance of the New Education Policy and its thrust on vocationalization and skill development. (20 marks)
(b) Is 'ageing' an emerging issue in Indian society ? Discuss the major problems of the old age people in India. (20 marks)
(c) Underline the socio-cultural factors responsible for India's skewed sex-ratio. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) नयी शिक्षा नीति के सामाजिक महत्व तथा इसके व्यवसायीकरण एवं कौशल-विकास पर जोर देने की व्याख्या करें । (20 अंक)
(b) क्या 'वयोवृद्धि' भारतीय समाज में एक उभरता मुद्दा है ? भारत में वृद्ध लोगों की मुख्य समस्याओं की चर्चा करें । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में विषम लिंग-अनुपात के लिये उत्तरदायी सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक कारकों को रेखांकित कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Sociology of India). (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Precise sociological analysis with specific Indian data and clear structure.
NEP structure: 5+3+3+4, vocational exposure from Class 6, multiple entry-exit, credit bank
Credentialism and the white-collar bias versus skill and dignity of labour
Equity and social-reproduction concerns: dropout, tracking, digital divide
Demographic evidence: 60-plus share about 10.5% in 2022, projected about 20.8% by 2050
Problems: economic insecurity, health, family change and loneliness
Abuse, legal gaps and gendered ageing
Son preference in patrilineal and patrilocal systems
Dowry and inheritance norms
Technology misuse and weak enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, 1994
50Mcritically analyseDevelopment and displacement, ethnocentrism and democracy
(a) The problem of displacement is inherent in the idea of development. Analyze the statement critically. (20 marks)
(b) Rising 'ethnocentricism' is leading to conflict in our society. Assess this statement with appropriate reasons. (20 marks)
(c) Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy ? Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विस्थापन की समस्या विकास के विचार में अंतर्निहित है । इस कथन का आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) बढ़ता हुआ 'संजाति केन्द्रवाद' हमारे समाज को संघर्ष की ओर ले जा रहा है । इस कथन का आकलन समुचित कारणों के साथ प्रस्तुत करें । (20 अंक)
(c) क्या सामाजिक लोकतंत्र राजनीतिक लोकतंत्र की पूर्व शर्त है ? टिप्पणी कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (b) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive, critical, and well-structured with specific Indian examples and theoretical depth.
Case for: modernisation view, Harvey's accumulation by dispossession, Galtung's structural violence
Indian examples: Sardar Sarovar, POSCO, SEZs, with burden on Adivasis and poor
Case against: Sen's freedoms, NRRP 2007, RFCTLARR 2013, PESA and FRA
Meaning of ethnocentrism (Sumner) and the in-group/out-group divide
Reasons: electoral instrumentalisation, scarcity and competition, social media
50MdiscussSocial media, urbanization and women empowerment
(a) Discuss the role of social media in communal polarisation. Suggest ways to combat it. (20 marks)
(b) Urban settlements in India tend to replicate its rural caste-kinship imprints. Discuss the main reasons. (20 marks)
(c) Does "economic empowerment" automatically bring about "substantive empowerment" for women ? Briefly describe the main issues in women empowerment in India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) सांप्रदायिक-ध्रुवीकरण में 'सोशल-मीडिया' की भूमिका की चर्चा करें । इसका मुकाबला करने के लिये उपाय बतायें । (20 अंक)
(b) भारत में शहरी बसावट ग्रामीण समाज के जाति-नातेदारी की छाप को दोहराती हुयी प्रतीत होती है । इसके प्रमुख कारणों की विवेचना करें । (20 अंक)
(c) क्या 'आर्थिक सशक्तिकरण' स्वतः महिलाओं में 'वास्तविक सशक्तिकरण' लाती है ? संक्षेप में भारत में महिला सशक्तिकरण के मुख्य मुद्दों का वर्णन करें । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (HXS-B-SOCY). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise definitions, clear analytical structure, specific Indian examples, and balanced arguments.
Role: algorithmic amplification, echo chambers and filter bubbles, messaging-app rumours
Legal and regulatory measures: IT Rules 2021, BNS Section 196 (old IPC 153A), balanced with free speech
Non-legal measures: platform duties, fact-checking, digital literacy, local administration
Srinivas's shift from vertical to horizontal solidarity
Migration chains and caste-based occupational niches
Residential segregation and caste associations
Answer: not automatically, with Kabeer's resources-agency-achievements idea
Issues: property and control, unpaid care, violence, digital gap
Political representation: about 14% in Lok Sabha; Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023