All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Sociology 2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Caste system, industrial class structure, patriarchy, kinship, bonded labour (1)Western and Indological perspectives, tribal identification, agrarian class structure (1)Marriage in sociology, constitutional provisions for women, education and social development (1)Religious communities and cultural diversity, decentralisation of power, untouchability (1)Urban settlements, labour migration and informal sector, slums, political elites, farmers' movement (1)Women's reproductive health, sustainable development, development planning (1)Environmental movement, development and tribal identity, violence against women, Dalit movements (1)Reform movements, agrarian social structure inequalities, pressure groups (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussCaste system, industrial class structure, patriarchy, kinship, bonded labour
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain. (10 marks)
(b) Discuss the changes taking place in the industrial class structure in India. (10 marks)
(c) Is patriarchy a key to understanding different forms of inequalities in Indian society? Elaborate. (10 marks)
(d) Do you think that family bondings are being affected by the changing kinship patterns in India? Comment. (10 marks)
(e) Despite the efforts of the government, bonded labour still continues in India. Discuss. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) आपके अनुसार, भारत में जाति-व्यवस्था की निरंतरता के लिए कौन-से कारक उत्तरदायी हैं? व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) भारत में औद्योगिक वर्ग-संरचना में हो रहे परिवर्तनों की चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) क्या भारतीय समाज में असमानताओं के विभिन्न स्वरूपों को समझने के लिए पितृसत्तात्मकता एक कुंजी है? विस्तार से लिखिए। (10 अंक)
(d) क्या आपको लगता है कि भारत में नातेदारी के बदलते स्वरूप से पारिवारिक संबंध प्रभावित हो रहे हैं? टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) सरकारी प्रयत्नों के बावजूद, भारत में अब भी बंधुआ मजदूरी जारी है। चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (UPSC). (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Demonstrates a deep understanding of the sociological concepts, uses specific examples and data, and presents a well-structured and coherent argument.
Endogamy as core (Ambedkar 1916); low inter-caste marriage (IHDS ~5%)
Economic: land and dominant caste, caste networks in informal economy (Harriss-White)
Political: politicisation (Kothari), vote banks, reservations and caste enumeration (2025 decision)
Cultural and coercive: purity–pollution, socialisation, substantialisation (Gupta), honour violence
Capitalist class: old business houses, post-1991 new entrepreneurs, concentration
New middle class of professionals (Fernandes)
Working class: informalisation, contract labour (~40% in organised manufacturing), footloose labour (Breman), decline of unions, gig workers, feminisation; Labour Codes (in force Nov 2025)
Caste–class overlap (Subramanian) and polarisation
Definition (Walby's six structures)
Patriarchy and other inequalities: gender gaps (FLFPR, wages, property), Brahmanical patriarchy (Chakravarti), inheritance (HSA 2005), sex ratio, violence
Kandiyoti's patriarchal bargain
Limits: intersectionality (Crenshaw, Rege), class/regional inequalities, matrilineal societies, masculinities; conclusion 'a key, not the only key'
Karve's North–South kinship patterns
Changes: nuclear households with functional jointness (Shah, Desai), smaller kin networks, bilateral turn, marriage changes, migration, daughters' inheritance (2005)
Effects: elderly care strain (LASI), companionate bonds (Uberoi), new tensions
Reasons for persistence: poverty and debt (peshgi), sectors (brick kilns, quarries), caste and tribe, contractors and migration, weak identification and prosecution
50MdifferentiateWestern and Indological perspectives, tribal identification, agrarian class structure
(a) Differentiate between 'Western' and 'Indological' perspectives on the study of Indian society. Bring out the major aspects of G. S. Ghurye's contribution to 'Indological' approach. (20 marks)
(b) What are the definitional problems involved in identifying tribes in India? Discuss the main obstacles to tribal development in India. (20 marks)
(c) What, according to André Beteille, are the bases of agrarian class structure in India? Analyse. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय समाज के अध्ययन पर 'पाश्चात्य' तथा 'भारत-शास्त्रीय (इंडोलॉजिकल)' दृष्टिकोण के बीच अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए। 'भारत-शास्त्रीय' दृष्टिकोण में जी० एस० घुर्ये के योगदान के प्रमुख पक्षों पर प्रकाश डालिए। (20 अंक)
(b) भारत में जनजातियों की पहचान करने में आने वाली परिभाषात्मक समस्याएं क्या हैं? भारत में जनजातियों के विकास में आने वाली प्रमुख बाधाओं की चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) आंद्रे बेते के अनुसार, भारत में कृषक-वर्ग की संरचना के क्या आधार हैं? विश्लेषण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) compare: paired headings or point-wise contrast > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Clear differentiation, specific thinker arguments, Indian data, and balanced analysis.
Western perspectives: colonial ethnography and census (Risley), Orientalism critique (Said, Cohn), functionalism/field view, Marxism, modernisation
Point-by-point differences: sources, focus, categories, view of change, risks
Ghurye's contributions: caste features (1932), tribes as 'backward Hindus' (vs Elwin), Indian Sadhus, kinship, cultural unity; critique (Brahmanical, Hindu-centric)
50ManalyseMarriage in sociology, constitutional provisions for women, education and social development
(a) Why is the study of marriage important in Sociology? Analyse the implications of changing marriage patterns for Indian society. (20 marks)
(b) Do you think that the constitutional provisions for women have led to their uplift? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks)
(c) Education is a key to social development. Elucidate. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) समाजशास्त्र में विवाह का अध्ययन क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है? भारतीय समाज के लिए विवाह के प्रतिमानों में हो रहे परिवर्तनों के निहितार्थों का विश्लेषण कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) क्या आप सोचते हैं कि महिलाओं के लिए किये गये संवैधानिक प्रावधानों ने उनका उत्थान किया है? अपने उत्तर के कारण लिखिए। (20 अंक)
(c) शिक्षा, सामाजिक विकास की कुंजी है। स्पष्ट कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(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 Full marks: Precise sociological concepts, specific Indian data, clear judgment, and strong analytical structure.
Importance: legitimacy (Malinowski), alliance (Lévi-Strauss), property transfer, stratification via endogamy (Ambedkar), gender relations, index of change (Goode, Kapadia)
Changing patterns: later marriage (NFHS-5 child marriage 23.3%), choice and 'arranged love', low inter-caste rate, legal changes (HMA, SMA, Supriyo 2023), divorce, dowry, marriage squeeze (Kaur)
Implications: women's autonomy, caste reproduction vs erosion, family change and elderly care, demography, gender relations, legal debates (UCC, marriage age)
Evidence of uplift: laws (PWDVA 2005, POSH 2013, Maternity Benefit 2017, HSA 2005/Vineeta Sharma 2020), judgments (Vishaka, Shayara Bano, Joseph Shine, Babita Puniya), political voice (14 lakh EWRs), literacy and MMR gains
Evidence of limits: crimes against women (NCRB 2022), low FLFPR and unpaid work, proxy representation, low share in Lok Sabha (2024), norms, intersectionality, personal laws
Reasoned judgement with reasons
Human capital (Schultz, Becker) and capabilities (Sen); Kerala
Mobility and emancipation (Ambedkar), women's empowerment, socialisation and citizenship (Durkheim)
50MelaborateReligious communities and cultural diversity, decentralisation of power, untouchability
(a) How do religious communities contribute to the cultural diversity of India? (20 marks)
(b) What do you understand by decentralisation of power? What is its role in strengthening the roots of democracy in India? Elaborate. (20 marks)
(c) What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में धार्मिक समुदाय, सांस्कृतिक विविधता में किस प्रकार योगदान देते हैं? (20 अंक)
(b) शक्ति के विकेन्द्रीकरण से आप क्या समझते हैं? भारत में प्रजातंत्र की जड़ों को मज़बूत करने में इसकी क्या भूमिका है? विस्तारपूर्वक लिखिए। (20 अंक)
(c) अस्पृश्यता के कौन-से स्वरूप भारत में आज भी प्रचलित हैं? उचित उदाहरणों सहित चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II: Define > Thinker > Argument > Indian illustration. (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: Precise definitions, specific Indian examples, and clear analytical links between concepts and outcomes.
Religious composition (Census 2011) and internal diversity
Contributions: architecture and art, music and performance, language and literature, festivals and food, ethics and philosophy (ahimsa, Bhakti and Sikh egalitarianism), social institutions
Syncretism and composite culture: Sufi dargahs, Bhakti–Sufi traditions, shared shrines
Qualifications: communal contestation, caste within religions (Pasmanda, Dalit Christians), constitutional protection (Articles 25–30, S.R. Bommai)
Meaning: political, administrative, fiscal decentralisation; devolution vs deconcentration
Evidence: IHDS 27% households (Thorat and Joshi), Shah et al. (2006)
Forms: two-glass system, access to water and cremation grounds, temple entry and wedding processions, manual scavenging, spatial and urban housing, labour-market discrimination (Thorat and Attewell 2007), schools, online abuse
Violence as enforcement: Khairlanji 2006, Una 2016, NCRB 2022 data; conclusion
50M150wCompulsoryexamineUrban settlements, labour migration and informal sector, slums, political elites, farmers' movement
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the growth of urban settlements in India. (10 marks)
(b) Is there a connection between labour migration and informal sector? Justify your answer with reference to Indian context. (10 marks)
(c) Are slums the manifestations of industrialisation and urbanisation in India? Explain. (10 marks)
(d) Discuss the changing nature of political elites in India. (10 marks)
(e) What is your assessment about the recent farmers' movement in India? Elaborate. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) भारत में नगरीय बस्तियों की वृद्धि में नए रुझानों का उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ परीक्षण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) क्या श्रमिक प्रवास तथा अनौपचारिक क्षेत्र में कोई संबंध है? भारतीय संदर्भ में तर्कसंगत उत्तर दीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) क्या भारत में मलिन बस्तियाँ उद्योगीकरण तथा नगरीकरण की अभिव्यक्तियाँ हैं? व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) भारत में राजनीतिक अभिजनों की बदलती प्रकृति की चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) भारत में हाल ही में हुए कृषक आंदोलन के बारे में आपका क्या मूल्यांकन है? विस्तार से लिखिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (UPSC). (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and data.
Scale: 31.1% urban (2011), current estimates
Trends: metropolitan concentration, census towns and in-situ urbanisation, peri-urban sprawl, subaltern urbanisation, Tier-2/3 growth
Policy-led urbanisation: Smart Cities, AMRUT, PMAY-U, corridors and new capitals
Exclusion (Kundu) and climate vulnerability; conclusion
Scale: Census 2011 migrants, Economic Survey 2016–17, >90% informal workforce
Mechanisms: push–pull, Harris–Todaro, circular migration, footloose labour and neo-bondage (Breman), networks
Vulnerabilities exposed (2020 lockdown); qualifications (skilled migrants, marriage migration)
Policy: e-Shram, ONORC, Labour Codes (in force November 2025)
Scale: Census 2011 slum population, Mumbai share
Yes: industrial labour demand, unplanned urban growth, informal wages, Dharavi as productive hub
But also: over-urbanisation (Hoselitz), land and housing market failure, state policy, political society (Chatterjee), Davis's Planet of Slums
Limits and other views: regional concentration, landowning-farmer leadership (new farmers' movements critique), supporters of reforms, 26 January 2021 episode, unresolved MSP demand (2024 protests)
50MdiscussWomen's reproductive health, sustainable development, development planning
(a) Discuss the major challenges related to women's reproductive health in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome these challenges? (20 marks)
(b) What is sustainable development? How can sustainability be achieved in India where livelihood needs conflict with environmental protection? (20 marks)
(c) Critically examine the relevance of development planning in India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में महिलाओं के प्रजनन स्वास्थ्य से सम्बन्धित प्रमुख चुनौतियों की चर्चा कीजिए। इन चुनौतियों को दूर करने के लिए आप क्या तरीके सुझाएँगे? (20 अंक)
(b) सतत विकास किसे कहते हैं? भारत में सातत्य कैसे प्राप्त किया जा सकता है, जहाँ आजीविका के लिए पर्यावरण-संरक्षण के साथ संघर्ष की आवश्यकता पड़ती है? (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में विकास-योजना की प्रासंगिकता का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II: Define > Thinker > Argument > Indian illustration. (a) challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific Indian examples and data.
Challenges with data: MMR (SRS 93 in 2019–21), anaemia (57%, NFHS-5), early marriage and adolescent pregnancy, sterilisation-heavy contraception and unmet need
Unsafe abortion and sex selection, RTIs and cancers, menstrual health, violence and lack of autonomy, health-system gaps and inequalities
Measures: JSY, PMSMA, LaQshya, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, PMMVY, child-marriage prevention, contraceptive choice and male involvement, MTP (Amendment) 2021 and X v. Principal Secretary (2022), Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ASHAs
Sociological framing: women's status, autonomy and gender norms as determinants
Definition (Brundtland 1987), SDGs (2015), weak vs strong sustainability
Conflict areas: forests and conservation, mining and dams (NBA), agriculture (stubble, groundwater), coal regions, polluting informal industry
Pathways: community rights (FRA 2006, Mendha Lekha), environmentalism of the poor (Guha, Martínez-Alier), consent (Niyamgiri 2013), green livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, energy transition (500 GW by 2030, net zero 2070), just transition
50ManalyseEnvironmental movement, development and tribal identity, violence against women, Dalit movements
(a) Analyse the trilogy between environmental movement, development and tribal identity. (20 marks)
(b) To what extent have the legal provisions been effective in curbing violence against women in India? Give your argument. (20 marks)
(c) Trace the social and historical origins of Dalit movements in modern India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) पर्यावरणीय आन्दोलन, विकास तथा जनजातीय पहचान की त्रयी का विश्लेषण कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) भारत में कानूनी प्रावधान किस सीमा तक महिलाओं के विरुद्ध हिंसा कम करने में प्रभावी हैं? अपना तर्क दीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) आधुनिक भारत में दलित आन्दोलनों की सामाजिक और ऐतिहासिक उत्पत्ति का विवरण दीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Social Change and Development). (a) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (b) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (c) trace: start point > the stages in sequence > end point > what changed Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and a clear argument.
Triangle: development projects in tribal regions, environmental damage, tribal identity (8.6% population, ~40% of displaced – Walter Fernandes)
Theoretical links: Gadgil and Guha's omnivores vs ecosystem people, jal-jangal-zameen, identity-based rights (Fifth Schedule, PESA, FRA 2006)
Examples: NBA (Baviskar), Niyamgiri 2013, Jharkhand and Koel Karo, Pathalgadi, Hasdeo Arand; Chipko as non-tribal parallel
Complexities: fortress conservation, romanticism and essentialism, internal differences, development needs; rights- and consent-based conclusion
50MhighlightReform movements, agrarian social structure inequalities, pressure groups
(a) Highlight the major contributions of the reform movements in pre-independent India. (20 marks)
(b) Identify different forms of inequalities associated with agrarian social structure in India. (20 marks)
(c) What are pressure groups? Discuss their role in decision-making in democracy. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में स्वतंत्रता-पूर्व हुए सुधार-आन्दोलनों के प्रमुख योगदान को रेखांकित कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) भारत में कृषि-प्रधान सामाजिक संरचना से सम्बन्धित असमानताओं के विभिन्न स्वरूपों को चिह्नित कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) दबाव समूह क्या होते हैं? लोकतंत्र में निर्णय लेने में इनकी भूमिका की चर्चा कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Indian Society & Social Issues). (a) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and analytically sound answers with clear examples and theoretical grounding.
Context and types: reformist, revivalist, anti-caste; colonial modernity
Women's reform: Widow Remarriage Act 1856, Age of Consent 1891, Sarda Act 1929; Phules, Ramabai, Tarabai Shinde
Contributions and limitations: rationalism, women's status, caste critique, education and print, nationalism, constitutional values; elite character and communal boundaries (Jones, Chatterjee)
Concept: ownership, control and use of land; Thorner's malik–kisan–mazdoor
Land inequality (Agriculture Census 2015–16), failure of ceilings; caste and dominant castes; class and mode of production debate (Bhaduri)
Tenancy insecurity (Operation Barga), labour inequalities, gender (women's 14% holdings, feminisation), tribal land alienation