Anthropology Optional · Paper I · General Anthropology
Economic Organization Notes · PYQs
Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Economic Organization (Anthropology Optional Paper I, Unit 03), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Economic anthropology; formalist-substantivist debate; reciprocity, redistribution and market; subsistence economies; globalisation and indigenous economies.
2
Free notes
30
Questions listed
13
Asked since 2013
1981–2024
Years covered
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Official UPSC syllabus
Economic Organization: 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.
3 Economic Organization: Meaning, scope and relevance of economic anthropology; Formalist and Substantivist debate; Principles governing production, distribution and exchange (reciprocity, redistribution and market), in communities, subsisting on hunting and gathering, fishing, swiddening, pastoralism, horticulture, and agriculture; globalization and indigenous economic systems.
Paper I · Unit 03
Economic Organization notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order, written for UPSC Mains with diagrams, key terms and the previous year questions of each topic. Read a topic, then practise its questions below.
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Previous year questions: Economic Organization
All 30 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1981 and 2024, 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-topic | Questions | Since 2013 | Last asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic organization | 30 | 13 | 2024 |
Economic organization
30 questions · 13 since 2013 · last asked 2024
Read the notes: Economic Anthropology · Production and Exchange
Asked since 2013 · 13
2024Write notes on: Cultural relevance of the Kula.2023Discuss the impact of globalization on the economic systems of indigenous communities.2022Write notes on: Debate between formalist and substantivist approaches.2022Critically examine various anthropological interpretations about the Kula Ring.2021Write notes on : Modes of Subsistence.(in about 150 words).2019Write a note in 150 words on Pastoralism in India.2019Discuss how indigenous people encounter globalization.2018Write the characteristics of hunting and gathering economy.2017With the help of appropriate examples,explain the various forms of exchange system.2016Discuss the principles governing production, distribution and exchange in simple societies.2015Write a note in 150 words on Horticulture.2015Critically examine the Formalists and Substantivists’ views on the applicability of economic laws in the study of primitive societies.2013Discuss the impact of globalization on tribal economy. (350 words).
Show 17 earlier questions (before 2013)
1981–2012 · 17 questions
2011Critically examine the debate between Formalists and Substantivists.2005Write a note on Trade and Barter.2005Critically discuss the formalist and substantivist approaches in the context of economic anthropology.2004Write a note on Ceremonial Exchange.2003Write a note on Kula Ring.2003“Primitive economic organization has several peculiar features relating to the production, consumption, distribution and exchange.” Discuss the above statement by providing appropriate illustrations.1997Delineate the meaning and scope of economic anthropology and discuss the principle that govern production, distribution and consumption in hunting and gathering communities.1994Describe the economic organization of gathering hunting tribes..Illustrate your answer from that of Indian situation.1993Critically examine the view of formal and substantive schools of thought in Economic Anthropology.1992Define market. Discuss the nature and role of market in tribal Countries.1990Discuss the meaning and scope of economic anthropology.1988Write a note on Tribal Markets.1988Discuss the role of reciprocity and redistribution in tribal economy with examples.1987Discuss the meaning and scope of economic anthropology. Explain the method of exchange in the context of simple societies.1985Social processes function to coordinate economic exchange and redistribution.Discuss.1982Distinguish the modes of exchange in primitive society from those of the peasant society.1981“Economics relations are an aspect of social relations.” Justify. (200 words).
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Previous · Paper I · Unit 02
Culture, Society, Marriage, Family and Kinship
Nature of culture and society; ethnocentrism and cultural relativism; marriage, family and household; descent, kinship terminology, filiation and alliance.
Next · Paper I · Unit 04
Political Organization and Social Control
Band, tribe, chiefdom, kingdom and state; power, authority and legitimacy; social control, law and justice in simple societies.
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