All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Sociology
2022 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full,
with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Indian society - multiple themes (1)Indian sociology - Ghurye, caste, minorities (1)Modernisation, patriarchy, untouchability (1)Nationalism, land reforms, village studies (1)Contemporary India - multiple themes (1)Rural bondage, ethnicity, political elites (1)Education, migration, slums (1)Dalit movements, development-environment, industrial working class (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsoryelaborateIndian society - multiple themes
Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Elaborate on M.N. Srinivas's structural-functionalist approach to the study of Indian society. (10 marks)
(b) Do you agree that the agrarian class structure in India is changing? Justify your answer with illustrations. (10 marks)
(c) Elucidate the challenges of integration for tribal communities in India. (10 marks)
(d) In the context of the changing Indian society, how do you view Andre Beteille's conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social structures? (10 marks)
(e) Explain Leela Dube's concept of "Seed and Earth". (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का, समाजशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण से, संक्षिप्त उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लिखिए :
(a) भारतीय समाज के अध्ययन के लिए एम.एन. श्रीनिवास के संरचनात्मक-प्रकार्यवादी उपागम की विस्तारपूर्वक व्याख्या कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) क्या आप सहमत हैं कि भारत में कृषि वर्ग संरचना परिवर्तित हो रही है ? दृष्टांतों के साथ अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(c) भारत में आदिवासी समुदायों के एकीकरण की चुनौतियों को स्पष्ट कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(d) परिवर्तनशील भारतीय समाज के संदर्भ में आंद्रे बेते की सुसंगत (हार्मोनिक) तथा विसंगत (डिसहार्मोनिक) सामाजिक संरचनाओं की अवधारणाओं को आप किस प्रकार देखते हैं ? (10 अंक)
(e) लीला दुबे की "बीज तथा भूमि" की अवधारणा को समझाइए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociological Theory & Indian Society. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (c) challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definitions, clear arguments, specific Indian examples, and balanced judgments.
Define structural-functionalism in Srinivas's context
Explain 'Sanskritization' as a mechanism of change
Mention 'Dominant Caste' concept
Link approach to Indian social structure
State a clear position (agree/disagree)
Identify at least two drivers of change (e.g., land reforms, green revolution)
(a) Critically examine G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to the understanding of Indian society. (20 marks)
(b) Elaborate on the changing nature of caste system with suitable illustrations. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India and suggest measures to solve them. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय समाज की समझ के लिए जी.एस. घु्रये के भारतविद्यात्मक (इंडोलॉजिकल) उपागम का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) जाति व्यवस्था की बदलती प्रकृति को उपयुक्त दृष्टांतों सहित विस्तार से बताइए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यकों की समस्याओं की चर्चा कीजिए तथा उन्हें हल करने के उपाय सुझाइए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Indian Society). (a) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, critical, and well-illustrated; uses specific concepts and data; clear structure and argument.
(a) Critically examine Yogendra Singh's thesis on 'Modernisation of Indian Tradition'. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the material basis of patriarchy as an ideological system. (20 marks)
(c) Explain different forms of untouchability in India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) योगेन्द्र सिंह की 'भारतीय परम्परा के आधुनिकीकरण' पर थीसिस का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) एक वैचारिक प्रणाली के रूप में पितृसत्ता के भौतिक आधार पर चर्चा कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में अस्पृश्यता के विभिन्न स्वरूपों को समझाइए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Social Change and Development). (a) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured answers with strong critical analysis, specific Indian examples, and relevant data/statistics.
Define Yogendra Singh's concept of 'Modernisation of Indian Tradition'
Explain the 'continuity and change' argument in his thesis
Critique the thesis using counter-arguments or alternative perspectives
Provide Indian examples illustrating the modernisation of tradition
Define patriarchy as an ideological system
Identify the material basis (e.g., property, labor, inheritance)
Explain how material conditions reinforce patriarchal ideology
Provide Indian examples of material basis of patriarchy
50MexamineNationalism, land reforms, village studies
(a) Examine the social background of growth of Indian nationalism. (20 marks)
(b) Explain how land reforms brought about desired agrarian transformation. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय राष्ट्रवाद की वृद्धि की सामाजिक पृष्ठभूमि का परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) यह समझाइए कि भूमि-सुधार किस प्रकार वांछनीय कृषि रूपान्तरण ला सके । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में ग्रामों के अध्ययन करने के दौरान आने वाली चुनौतियों की चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Indian Society). (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, analytical, and well-structured with specific examples and data.
Link economic exploitation to social discontent
Role of the emerging middle class
Impact of colonial education and social reform
Integration of regional/local grievances into national movement
Abolition of intermediaries (Zamindari/Abolition Acts)
Land ceiling and redistribution
Tenancy reforms and tenant rights
Assessment of success vs. failure (e.g., 'land to the tiller')
50M150wCompulsorydiscussContemporary India - multiple themes
Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss law as an important instrument for women's empowerment. (10 marks)
(b) Examine different understandings of secularisation in India. (10 marks)
(c) How do you view the growth of informal sector in India? (10 marks)
(d) Discuss the role of pressure groups in strengthening democracy. (10 marks)
(e) What role do co-operatives play in poverty alleviation in rural India? (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का, समाजशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण से, संक्षिप्त उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लिखिए :
(a) महिला सशक्तिकरण के लिए कानून की एक महत्वपूर्ण उपकरण के रूप में चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) भारत में धर्म-निरपेक्षीकरण की विभिन्न समझों का परीक्षण कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(c) भारत में अनौपचारिक क्षेत्र की वृद्धि को आप किस प्रकार देखते हैं ? (10 अंक)
(d) लोकतंत्र को शक्तिशाली बनाने में दबाव समूहों की भूमिका की चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(e) ग्रामीण भारत में गरीबी उन्मूलन में सहकारिता क्या भूमिका निभाती है ? (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociological Perspective (Paper II). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Sociological depth, specific Indian data, clear thinker references, balanced critique.
Define law as an instrument of social change
Cite specific legislation (e.g., 2005/2013 Acts)
Link legal rights to structural empowerment
Mention implementation gap or sociological critique
Define secularisation in sociological terms
Distinguish 'Western' vs 'Indian' secularism
Explain the concept of 'principled distance'
Reference to specific thinkers (e.g., Ambedkar/Amartya Sen)
50MexamineRural bondage, ethnicity, political elites
(a) Examine whether rural bondage still continues to be a social reality. Give your argument. (20 marks)
(b) Define ethnicity. Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of ethnic movements in India. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the changing nature of structure of political elites. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) परीक्षण कीजिए कि क्या ग्रामीण बंधन अभी भी एक सामाजिक यथार्थता के रूप में जारी है । अपना तर्क दीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) नुजातीयता को परिभाषित कीजिए । भारत में नुजातीय आंदोलनों की वृद्धि के लिए उत्तरदायी कारकों की चर्चा कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) राजनीतिक अभिजात्यों की संरचना की परिवर्तनशील प्रकृति की चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (UPSC). (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, strong theoretical grounding, specific Indian data/examples, and a clear, reasoned argument.
Define 'rural bondage' (e.g., bonded labor, caste hierarchy).
Cite evidence of persistence (e.g., FLFPR, NFHS, or specific state data).
(a) "Instead of promoting equality in society, the present system of education itself has contributed to increased socio-economic disparities." Comment. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss recent trends in the structure of migration. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss different forms of deprivation associated with slums. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "समाज में समानता प्रोत्साहित करने के स्थान पर, वर्तमान शिक्षा व्यवस्था ने स्वयं सामाजिक-आर्थिक असमानताओं में वृद्धि करने में योगदान दिया है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) प्रवास की संरचना में हाल के रुझानों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) मलिन बस्तियों से संबंधित वंचनाओं के विभिन्न स्वरूपों की चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Social Change and Development). (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Sophisticated sociological analysis with named thinkers, specific Indian data, and balanced judgment.
Contextualize education's role in social mobility vs. reproduction
Arguments supporting the claim (e.g., elite capture, cost barriers)
Arguments against the claim (e.g., RTE, scholarships, meritocracy)
Balanced judgment on the system's net impact
Shift from rural-urban to urban-urban migration
Role of IT/Service sector in changing migrant profiles
Impact of globalization and informal economy on migration
Changing gender dynamics in migration (female migration)
50Mcritically examineDalit movements, development-environment, industrial working class
(a) Bring out the various issues involved in Dalit movements in India. (20 marks)
(b) Critically examine the dialectics between 'development' and 'environment'. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the changing nature of Industrial working class. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में दलित आंदोलनों में शामिल विभिन्न मुद्दों को सामने लाएं । (20 अंक)
(b) 'विकास तथा पर्यावरण' के मध्य द्वंद्वात्मकता का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) औद्योगिक श्रमिक-वर्ग की परिवर्तनशील प्रकृति की चर्चा कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and critical analysis.
Caste discrimination and social exclusion
Economic exploitation and land rights
Political representation and reservation
Cultural identity and religious conversion
Definition of sustainable development
The conflict between growth and ecology
Environmental degradation as a cost of development