Anthropology Optional · Paper I · General Anthropology

Culture, Society, Marriage, Family and Kinship Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Culture, Society, Marriage, Family and Kinship (Anthropology Optional Paper I, Unit 02), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Nature of culture and society; ethnocentrism and cultural relativism; marriage, family and household; descent, kinship terminology, filiation and alliance.

6

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138

Questions listed

51

Asked since 2013

1981–2026

Years covered

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Syllabus Free notes Previous year questions All Anthropology units

Official UPSC syllabus

Culture, Society, Marriage, Family and Kinship: syllabus

The syllabus text as UPSC notifies it for Paper I of Anthropology Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to these lines. Full Paper I and Paper II syllabus.

2.1 The Nature of Culture: The concept and Characteristics of culture and civilization; Ethnocentrism vis-a-vis cultural Relativism.

2.2 The Nature of Society: Concept of Society; Society and Culture; Social Institution; Social groups; and Social stratification.

2.3 Marriage: Definition and universality; Laws of marriage (endogamy, exogamy, hypergamy, hypogamy, incest taboo); Type of marriage (monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, group marriage). Functions of marriage; Marriage regulations (preferential, prescriptive and proscriptive); Marriage payments (bride wealth and dowry).

2.4 Family: Definition and universality; Family, household and domestic groups; functions of family; Types of family (from the perspectives of structure, blood relation, marriage, residence and succession); Impact of urbanization, industrialization and feminist movements on family

2.5 Kinship: Consanguinity and Affinity; Principles and types of descent (Unilineal, Double, Bilateral Ambilineal); Forms of descent groups (lineage, clan, phratry, moiety and kindred); Kinship terminology (descriptive and classificatory); Descent, Filiation and Complimentary Filiation;Decent and Alliance.

Free practice

Previous year questions: Culture, Society, Marriage, Family and Kinship

All 138 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1981 and 2026, grouped by syllabus sub-topic, newest first. Questions from 2013 onwards (the current pattern) are shown in full; earlier ones open on a tap.

How often UPSC asks each sub-topic

Sub-topicQuestionsSince 2013Last asked
2.1 The nature of culture37122025
2.2 The nature of society31102024
2.3 Marriage1792026
2.4 Family2072026
2.5 Kinship33132025

2.1 The nature of culture

37 questions · 12 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Nature of Culture

Asked since 2013 · 12

  • 2025Write notes on: Culture and embodiment.
  • 2025Critically examine the drawbacks in assuming culture as an ‘integrated-closed system’ in understanding of contemporary society.
  • 2024Write notes on: Attributes of culture.
  • 2023Write notes on: Race and Ethnicity.
  • 2022Discuss the historical and cultural contexts that led to superseding ethnocentrism with cultural relativism in anthropology.
  • 2020Write notes on Human rights and Cultural relativism in about 150 words.
  • 2019Write a note in 150 words on Cultural Relativism.
  • 2017Discuss the development of the concept  of culture in Anthropology.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Cultural Relativism.
  • 2014Is culture unique to human beings ? Critically examine.
  • 2013Bring out the distinguishing features of culture and civilization. (250 words).
  • 2013Why has the concept of Cultural Relativism been so dear to anthropologists ? (250 words).
Show 25 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 25 questions

  • 2010Write a note in 150 words on Cultural; relativism and subseqent violation on human rights.
  • 2010What stage is known as the incipient stage of food production ? Point out major features of this cultural stage. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples from a specific area in the old world.
  • 2003Write a note on Cultural Materialism.
  • 2002“Components of culture are vast and varied.” Explain this statement.
  • 2000Write a note on Culture Area & Age Area.
  • 1999Write a note on Culture trait and Culture complex.
  • 1998Write a note on Pattern of culture.
  • 1998Write a note on Superorganic view of culture.
  • 1997Write a note on Acculturation and contra-acculturation.
  • 1997Elucidate the various concepts of social and cultural changes indicating the specific problems involved in the change process.
  • 1997What do you understand by cultural relativistic approach and ethnocentric approach in the study of culture ? Discuss the logical premises of cultural relativist approach.
  • 1995Write a note on Cultural relativism.
  • 1995What is cultural change ? How did the Austro-German school put up the scheme of cultural change ?
  • 1993Write a note on Norms and Values.
  • 1992What do you understand by ‘norms and values. Write briefly on cultural relativism.
  • 1991Write a note on Culture and civilization.
  • 1990What do you understand by ‘norms and values’ ? Discuss their anthropological perspective and relevance in contemporary times.
  • 1989Write a note on Culture as Construct or Reality.
  • 1988What do you understand by ‘norms and values’ ? Discuss their anthropological perspective and relevance in the context of contemporary times.
  • 1987Write a note on Cultural relativism.
  • 1987How does culture differ from civilization? Describe the attributes of culture.
  • 1984What is cultural relativism ? Evaluate its importance for the development of comparative method in social anthropology.
  • 1983Civilization is a special development of culture. Elaborate.
  • 1982All cultures are hybrid. Substantiate.
  • 1981Indicate the implications of culture relativism for applied Anthropology. (200 words).

2.2 The nature of society

31 questions · 10 since 2013 · last asked 2024
Read the notes: Nature of Society

Asked since 2013 · 10

  • 2024Examine critically the concept of social stratification as a basis for sustaining social inequality.
  • 2023Write notes on: William Ogburn and Cultural lag.
  • 2022Write notes on: Household and domestic group.
  • 2022Write notes on: Radcliffe-Brown’s ideas on status, role and institution.
  • 2021Critically evaluate different types of social stratification with suitable examples.
  • 2020Discuss Erving Goffman’s concept of total institutions and its relevance in contemporary society.
  • 2019Discuss social stratification according to any three major approaches.
  • 2018Define ethnography and present a brief history of ethnographic studies.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Society and Culture.
  • 2014Define Status and Role. Distinguish between Ascribed and Achieved Status.
Show 21 earlier questions (before 2013)

1986–2012 · 21 questions

  • 2012Explain the concept of ‘Status’ and ‘Role’ in Anthropology.
  • 2012What are the bases of social stratification? Discuss with examples.
  • 2011Discuss different modes of exchange in simple societies with suitable examples.
  • 2009Write a detailed note on polyandrous societies, citing Indian examples.
  • 2007Discuss mechanisms of social control in simple societies citing suitable examples.
  • 2003Write a note on Folk-Urban Continuum.
  • 2000Write a note on Social stratification.
  • 1999Write a note on Social structure.
  • 1998Write a note on Caste mobility.
  • 1998‘Primitive society is governed by the traditional customary law.’ Do you agree with this statement ? Explain.
  • 1997Critically assess the role of ethnography in the development of anthropological theories.
  • 1997Elucidate the salient differences between tribal social system and caste system giving suitable examples in support of your answer.
  • 1995Write a note on New ethnography.
  • 1994Describe the nature, scope and methods of new ethnography.
  • 1993Write a note on Social institution.
  • 1993Describe the means of social control in simpler societies and compare the legal system of simple and complex societies.
  • 1992Write a note on Group and Association”.
  • 1991Write a note on New ethnography.
  • 1990Write a note on Ethnography.
  • 1987Write a note on New ethnography.
  • 1986Write a note on Differences between temporary groups and permanent groups.

2.3 Marriage

17 questions · 9 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Marriage

Asked since 2013 · 9

  • 2026Discuss ‘incest taboo’ as the basis of development of kinship systems in human societies.
  • 2025How the study of variation in forms of marriage led to rethinking on the concepts of social reproduction, kinship and family?
  • 2023Discuss the role of marriage regulations in traditional societies in India for strengthening social solidarity.
  • 2021Write notes on: Marriage Regulations and Alliance Theory.
  • 2018Write a note in 150 words on Ways of Acquiring Mate in Tribal Society.
  • 2017Discuss the different forms of preferential marriage with suitable examples from tribal societies in India.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Incest Taboos.
  • 2014Define marriage and describe the various types of marriages in human societies.
  • 2013Where do you situate ‘live-in relationship’ within the institution of marriage ? (250 words).
Show 8 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 8 questions

  • 2012Write a note in 150 words on Ways of acquiring a spouse in simpler societies.
  • 2006Write a note on Incest Taboos.
  • 1991Describe the problems of universal definition of marriage. Describe the different forms of marriage among the tribal people of India.
  • 1989Define Marriage. Describe its different forms with suitable examples as prevalent among the tribal people of India. Point out the functions of marriage.
  • 1983Incest is universally the basis of enduring family. Comment.
  • 1983Endogamy and preferential marriage are characteristic of closed societies. Discuss.
  • 1982Marriage institution is found in all societies and at all times. Discuss.
  • 1981“Marriage payments are an example of reciprocity between two social groups.” Elaborate. (200 words).

2.4 Family

20 questions · 7 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Family

Asked since 2013 · 7

  • 2026Write notes on: Feminist movement and family.
  • 2025How the study of variation in forms of marriage led to rethinking on the concepts of social reproduction, kinship and family?
  • 2024Define urbanization and discuss its impact on family in India with examples.
  • 2020Explain the impact of feminist movement on universality of marriage and family structure.
  • 2016Discuss the impact of urbanization and feminist movements on family in India.
  • 2015Define family and critically examine the universality of family.
  • 2013Discuss the impact of urbanization and feminist movement on family. (250 words).
Show 13 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 13 questions

  • 2012Write a note in 150 words on : Is family a social institution ?
  • 2002What do you understand by Feminist movements ? Discuss their impact on family.
  • 1999Critically comment on the forces and factors that have brought about changes in the family structure in recent times.
  • 1998Do you agree with the view that family is a ‘universal association’ ? Critically examine the above statement.
  • 1996Examine family both as a social group and as an institution. Describe the functions of family and household, indicating therein the recent changes.
  • 1993Is family a Universal Social Group ? Critically examine this with examples.
  • 1991Write a note ,m Matrilineal society.
  • 1990Give a comparative account of different types of family in the tribes of India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
  • 1988Write a note on Universality of family.
  • 1987Give a comparative account of the different types of family in tribal and non-tribal societies of India.
  • 1985What are the major functions of the family? Indicate the recent changes that have taken place in its types and functions with special reference to India.
  • 1984Account for the universality of the nuclear family and1describe its functions.
  • 1981Is family universally the cornerstone of human society? Discuss.

2.5 Kinship

33 questions · 13 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Kinship and Descent · Kinship Terminology, Filiation and Alliance

Asked since 2013 · 13

  • 2025Write notes on: Theoretical significance of Purum kinship-system.
  • 2025How the study of variation in forms of marriage led to rethinking on the concepts of social reproduction, kinship and family?
  • 2024Write notes on: Critical perspective on avoidance and joking relationship.
  • 2023Critically discuss A. L. Kroeber’s contribution to kinship studies.
  • 2022Discuss how the rules of descent contradict the principles of residence in matrilineal society, mentioning suitable examples.
  • 2021Write notes on : Descent Groups. (in about 150 words).
  • 2018Write a note in 150 words on Kinship Terminology.
  • 2017Write a note in 150 words on Bilineal and bilateral descents.
  • 2017Elucidate the determinants of Kinship terminology.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Lineage and Clan.
  • 2016Describe the cardinal points of descent and alliance theories.
  • 2014Write a note in 150 words on Double Descent.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on Various types of descent.
Show 20 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 20 questions

  • 2012Describe the types of kinship groups formed on the basis of different principles.
  • 2010Write a note in 150 words on. Segmentary lineage and territoriality.
  • 2010What factors are responsible for bringing about variation in residence of different societies ? Explain how kinship influences man’s social life.
  • 2008Write a note on Forms of descent groups.
  • 2003Define Kinship and throw light on the functional importance of Kinship in Anthropology.
  • 2001Explain the salient features of Descent and Alliance theories. Discuss the relevance to the analysis and understanding of Social Structure.
  • 1998Now we live more in a class than a caste. Discuss foe role of kinship in this changed situation.
  • 1997Discuss the distinguishing features of unilineal, bilineal and bilateral kin groups with suitable examples.
  • 1995What is kinship system? Describe the changing roles of the system in the context of westernization in India.
  • 1994Write a note on Kinship terms and kinship behaviour.
  • 1994Write a note on Lineage and clan.
  • 1991What is kinship system? Discuss its relevance in understanding the social structure of society.
  • 1988What are incest regulation? Bring out their socio-cultural functions in the context of stability in the institutions marriage, family and kinship.
  • 1986Write a note on Differences between clan and lineage in primitive society.
  • 1984Distinguish between: Double descent and bilateral descent.
  • 1984Descent is a cultural rule. Discuss.
  • 1984Evaluate the role of kinship in regulating sex and marriage.
  • 1983Extended family and kinship ties are incompatible with an industrial society. Critically examine the view.
  • 1982The modern State has taken over many functions of the family and kin groups. Discuss.
  • 1981“Unilineal kinship is more characteristic of segmentary society than bilateral kinship.” Discuss.

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