Sociology Optional · PYQ solutions
Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions, topic-wise
Four decades of Sociology Optional questions (1981–2026) solved and filed by syllabus topic, not by year, so you can see how UPSC frames each theme across decades. Thinker citations, examiner insights and model structures in every answer.
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Solved PYQs
1981–2026
Years covered
Paper I
Fundamentals covered
Topic-wise
Not year-wise
Jump to a unit — Paper I · Fundamentals of Sociology
Sociology: The Discipline Sociology as a Science Research Methods and Analysis Sociological Thinkers Stratification and Mobility Works and Economic Life Politics and Society Religion and Society Systems of Kinship Social Movements Social Change in Modern Society Education System and Social Change Science, Technology and Social Change
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Recent Sociology Optional solutions.
New answers are added through the year. The latest nine are here; every unit below lists its full set.
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Although sociology, as a subject of study, overarches all disciplines in social sciences yet it maintains its distinctiveness. Comment.
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Discuss the intellectual origins of sociology and the historical antecedents of its evolution as a distinct field of study.
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Write short answer of the following in about 150 words: How did the emergence of industrial society change the family life in Western Europe?
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Write short answer of the following in about 150 words: How is sociological approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach?
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‘Data without theory is blind and theory without data is empty.’ Comment.
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‘The methods of sociology are inadequate in understanding the complex social phenomena.’ Discuss.
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Is ‘interpretativism’ more effective than ‘positivism’ in analysing social reality? Discuss.
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The major challenge for sociology researchers is to analyse social reality objectively. Critically analyse.
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Compare and critically assess ‘the grounded theory’ with ‘theory-driven research method’ in sociology.
Syllabus map
Paper I · Fundamentals of Sociology
Sociology: The Discipline, Sociology as a Science, Research Methods and Analysis, Sociological Thinkers, Stratification and Mobility, Works and Economic Life, Politics and Society, Religion and Society, Systems of Kinship.
Unit 01
Sociology: The Discipline
PYQ Solutions
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In what way is the scope of sociology unique? Explain.
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What is the relationship (similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology? Discuss.
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What is common sense? How are common knowledge and sociology related to each other? Explain.
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Discuss the nature of sociology. Highlight its relationship with social anthropology.
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Sociology is the product of European enlightenment and renaissance. Critically examine this statement.
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Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain.
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Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences.
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What aspects of Enlightenment do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology? Elaborate.
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How is Sociology related to common sense?
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From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinary, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences?
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In the Context of globalization, has the scope of Sociology been changing in India? Comment
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How did the Intellectual forces lead to the emergence of Sociology? Discuss
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Discuss the historical antecedents of the emergence of Sociology as a discipline.
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“The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relationship between the two in a society.” – C.W.Mills. Explain.
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The focal point of sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense?
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Discuss the changing equations of discipline of sociology with other social sciences.
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Explain how sociology has emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific temper.
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Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument.
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“Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern societies.” Discuss.
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How had enlightenment contributed to the emergence of Sociology?
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How is sociological approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach?
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How did the emergence of industrial society change the family life in Western Europe?
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Compare and contrast Sociology with Anthropology.
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“Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social reformist orientation in the U.S.A.” – Comment.
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How did the French revolution and Industrial revolution play an important role in the emergence of Sociology?
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What can Sociology show us about our actions? Discuss the practical significance of Sociology
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Write short note on Emergence of Sociology is an outcome of modernity and social change in Europe, keeping sociological perspective in view
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“Sociology without History is rootless and History without Sociology is fruitless.” Elaborate
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Write short note on Comparison between Sociology and Economics
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How is emergence of sociology linked with modernization of Europe
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Short note: Intellectual background for the emergence of sociology.
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Write short note: Sociology and its relationship with economics and political science
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Write short note: Sociology as an interpretative discipline.
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Write short note: Sociology and social anthropology.
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Write short note: Sociology as a by-product of Industrial Revolution.
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Write short note: Intellectual sources for the rise of Sociology.
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Write short note: Ideology and the emergence of sociology.
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Had the French Revolution anything to do with the emergency of Sociology in Europe? Make a critical study.
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Explain the basic premises of the anti-positivist attack on sociology. Do you agree with these? Substantiate your answer.
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Do you agree with the view that sociology can never be a science? What limitations need to be taken into consideration in the scientific study of social phenomena?
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Although sociology, as a subject of study, overarches all disciplines in social sciences yet it maintains its distinctiveness. Comment.
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Discuss the intellectual origins of sociology and the historical antecedents of its evolution as a distinct field of study.
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Write short answer of the following in about 150 words: How did the emergence of industrial society change the family life in Western Europe?
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Write short answer of the following in about 150 words: How is sociological approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach?
Unit 02
Sociology as a Science
PYQ Solutions
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How does Weber’s Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology?
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What is science? Do you think that the methods used in natural sciences can be applied to sociology? Give reasons for your answer.
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What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it.
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Do you think ‘objectivity’ is an over-hyped idea in sociological research? Discuss the merits and demerits of non-positivist methods.
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What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate.
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Examine the relevance of corporate social responsibility in a world marked by increasing environmental crises.
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What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-positivist methods of studying social reality?
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How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research?
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How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to understand social reality? Explain with suitable illustrations.
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Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data? Justify your answer.
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Is Sociology a Value-free Science? Discuss.
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Phenomenological perspectives in Sociology reject many of the assumption of positivism, Comment.
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Methodology is a system of rules, Principles and procedures, which forms scientific investigation. Comment.
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Explain with examples, the explanatory and exploratory designs of social research
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Does scientific method make Sociology a science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim’s method.
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Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate
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Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology
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Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism.
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Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspectives as critique of positivism
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Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research?
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What is ‘value-free sociology’? Clarify
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“Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour.” Discuss.
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Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society
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Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer?
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In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena?
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Write short answer of the following in about 150 words: How is objectivity different from value neutrality? Discuss with reference to Weber’s views on methodology.
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Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies. (150 words)
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Write short note on the following, keeping sociological perspective in view : Fact Value and Objectivity
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Write short note on the following, keeping sociological perspective in view : Interpretative Sociology.
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Write short note on Fact and Value, keeni,, sociological perspective in view. In about 150 words.
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Write short note on Serendipity.
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Write short note on Problems of objectivity in sociological research
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Comment on the reasons why neo-idealists and symbolic interactionists are critical of ‘positivism’ in Sociology
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Write short note : Role of values in sociological enquiry
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Write short note : Sociology as a science of society.
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Write short note : Social research design.
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Objectivity and Value Neutrality in Social Research.
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Highlight the problem of objectivity and value neutrality in Social Research. Elaborate, with suitable examples, the limitations associated with the tools of measurement in Social Science Research.
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Write short note : Sociology as a science.
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Write short note : Theory and Fact.
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Write short note : Problem of objectivity in social research.
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Write short note : Value neutrality in social science
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Is it possible to study social phenomenon scientifically? Give a critical answer.
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Write short note : A good hypothesis
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Write short note : Value – free sociology
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Write short note : Methods of science and sociology
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Write short note : Comparative method in Sociology.
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Write short note : Significance of objectivity in sociological research.
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Write short note : Design of sociological research.
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Write short note : The problem of objectivity
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Write short note : Methods of scientific investigation
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Discuss the nature and character of voluntary associations. What is their importance in developing societies ?
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Write short note : Bearing of research on theory
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Write short note : The problem of objectivity in Sociology.
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Write short note : Sociology as a science of society.
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Write short note : Research Design
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Write short note : Rapport and objectivity in social science research.
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‘Data without theory is blind and theory without data is empty.’ Comment.
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‘The methods of sociology are inadequate in understanding the complex social phenomena.’ Discuss.
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Is ‘interpretativism’ more effective than ‘positivism’ in analysing social reality? Discuss.
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The major challenge for sociology researchers is to analyse social reality objectively. Critically analyse.
Unit 03
Research Methods and Analysis
PYQ Solutions
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What is sampling in the context of social research? Discuss different forms of sampling with their relative advantages and disadvantages.
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What is hypothesis? Critically evaluate the significance of the hypothesis in social research.
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What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research.
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What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate.
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How do you view and assess the increasing trend of digital ethnography and use of visual culture in sociological research?
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What do you understand be ‘Mixed method’? Discuss its strengths and limitations in Social research.
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How does the dramaturgical perspective enable our understanding of everyday life?
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What are variables? How do they facilitate research?
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What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain.
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What are the different dimensions of qualitative method? Do you think that qualitative methods help to gain a deeper sociological insight? Give reasons for your answer.
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What is reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science researchers to establish reliability.
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Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researcher in the process of collecting data through focus group discussion.
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Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples.
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The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment.
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What is the distinctiveness of the feminist method of Social research Comment.
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How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in sociological enquiry?
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Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census method.
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Discuss the importance and source of hypothesis in social research.
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Analyse the strengths and weakness of social survey method in social research.
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Bring out the significance of Ethnography in social research.
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Explain the probability sampling strategies with examples.
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Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection with suitable examples from Indian society.
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How can one resolve the issue of reliability and validity in the context of sociological research on inequality?
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Examine epistemological foundations of qualitative methods of social research.
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Illustrate with example the significance of variables in sociological research.
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“Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts.” Comment.
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“Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables.” Elucidate by giving examples of poverty and illiteracy.
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Analyze the importance of qualitative method in social research.
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Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in research?
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Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in Social Science research?
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What are variables? Discuss their role in experimental research.
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Which research technique would be most suitable for the study of consumer behaviour and its social correlates? Explain.
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Write short answer of the following in about 150 words: In what way biographies could be used to study social life?
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Analyse the limitations of quantitative methods in social research.
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Differentiate between the qualitative and quantitative methods in Research.
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Write short note on the following, keeping sociological perspective in view: Comparative method.
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What is subjective method in social research? Examine Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as a technique for data collection, with suitable examples.
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Write short note on Reliability and Validity, keeping sociological perspective in view.
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Write short note on Nomothetic and Idiographic Methods.
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Write short note on Content Analysis.
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Distinguish between probability and nonprobability sampling methods. How many types of sampling designs are there?
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What is the importance of sampling in sociological studies? Distinguish between simple random sampling and stratified random sampling.
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Write short note: Importance and sources of hypotheses in social research.
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Utility of Reliability and Validity in Social Research.
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What are the uses of Bogardus’ social distance scale and of Likert scale? Discuss.
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Short note : Limitations of questionnaire as a technique of data collection.
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Write short note : Reliability of a sample.
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Write short note : Participant observation.
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Write short note : Measurement of Attitudes.
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Write short note : Experimental design.
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Write short note : Techniques of Data Collection.
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Write short note : Techniques employed in measuring attitudes.
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Write short note : Interview as a method of social research.
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Compare and critically assess ‘the grounded theory’ with ‘theory-driven research method’ in sociology.
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Discuss the significance and limitations of ‘intersectionality’ in social research.
Unit 04
Sociological Thinkers
PYQ Solutions
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How does Emile Durkheim conceptualize religion as a ‘social fact’? Explain.
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How does Max Weber’s ‘theory of authority’ shape bureaucracy? Analyse.
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Critically analyse the mode of production debate from different perspectives.
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Explain the concept of ‘definition of the situation’ and its significance in sociology.
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Describe the impact of capitalist mode of production on society.
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According to Weber how do class, status and power interact to produce and sustain social inequality?
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How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? Explain.
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Can Merton’s reference group theory be relevant in understanding ‘identity making’ in digital world? Explain.
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Highlight the main features of historical materialism as propounded by Marx. How far is this theory relevant in understanding contemporary societies? Explain.
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Does the structural-functionalist perspective on social stratification promote a status quo? Give reasons for your answer.
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How does Weber’s Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology?
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Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact’. How is rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim?
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Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ as a critique of Marxism.
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Explain G.H. Mead’s idea of development of ‘self’ through the ‘generalised other’.
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Critically explain the salient features of ‘alienation’ as propounded by Karl Marx.
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Is reference group theory a universally applicable model? Elucidate.
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Durkheim argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts. Discuss.
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Critically analyse Parsons’ views on society as a social system.
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According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self-conscious. Explain.
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Critically examine the relevance of Durkheim’s views on religion in contemporary society.
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Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie.
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With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R. K. Merton.
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Explain whether Durkheim’s theory of Division of Labour is relevant in the present-day context.
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Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx.
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Do you agree with Max Weber’s idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage? Justify your answer.
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What are the problems in observing social facts in Durkheim’s views?
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Analyse the relevance of ‘Pattern Variables’ in the study of social change.
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What are the reactions of R. K. Merton to the functionalism of social anthropologists? Bring out the limitations of latent functions.
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‘Ideal Types’ of Max Weber are mental constructs; they do not correspond to the reality. Give your views.
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Critically analyse Durkheim’s views on elementary forms of religious life and role of religion. Also discuss the consequences of religious revivalism in contemporary society.
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What, according to Merton, is the difference between ‘unanticipated consequences’ and ‘latent functions’? Give examples to elaborate.
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How well do you think Tönnies, Durkheim, Weber and Marx predicted the character of modern society? Critique.
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How, according to Merton, are deviant subcultures generated?
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According to Mead, “We play a key role in our own socialisation.” Explain.
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Discuss the importance of interpretative understanding of social phenomena and explain its limitations.
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What is the Marxist concept of ‘Fetishism of Commodities’?
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In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as functional to society?
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Do you think ‘I’ and ‘Me’ are central terms in Mead’s work?
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Distinguish between fact and value in Weber’s Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism.
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Explain Durkheim’s basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of contemporary Indian society with Durkheim’s theory?
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What is the difference between the anomie in Merton and Durkheim? Explain.
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According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this?
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How can Parsons’ AGIL framework be used to analyse key problems in a society? Discuss.
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Critically analyse Talcott Parsons’ conception of ‘Pattern Variables’.
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Analyse Marxian conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics.
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Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by Emile Durkheim in his study of ‘suicide’.
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Examine Max Weber’s method of maintaining objectivity in social research.
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Describe the functional prerequisites of social system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examine in the context of a university as a social system.
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Evaluate Marx’s ideas on mode of production.
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Analyse the manifest and latent functions of ‘security of the tenure of the bureaucrats’ in the light of Merton’s theory.
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Which concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination?
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“Self and Society are twin-born.” Examine the statement of Mead.
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How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework?
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Elaborate the views of Durkheim on ‘The Elementary Forms of Religious Life’.
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Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism.
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“Anomie is rooted in social structure.” Explain with reference to R. K. Merton’s contribution.
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“According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the same as religion in primitive society.” Comment.
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How can we use reference group theory to understand fashion in society?
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How could one use Merton’s concept of deviance to understand the traffic problem in urban India?
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Using Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism, discuss the stages in the formation of gender identity.
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Using Merton’s concepts of ‘manifest’ and ‘latent’ functions, explain the persistence of corruption in Indian society.
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How does Weber use the notion of ‘ideal types’ in his theory of bureaucracy?
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According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal relationships between men and women. Critically examine with illustrations from the contemporary Indian context.
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Identify the similarities and differences between Marx’s theory of ‘alienation’ and Durkheim’s theory of ‘anomie’.
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Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy.
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Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social System in the present society.
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Critically analyse the contributions of G. H. Mead to ‘symbolic interactionism’.
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Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of ‘division of labour’.
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Analyse the salient features of historical materialism.
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Sometimes workers do not feel attachment for their work. Marx formed a theory for this situation, discuss that theory.
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Explain how Weber’s characterisation of capitalism is different from those of Marx.
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Write short note on the following, keeping sociological perspective in view: Universalism vs. Particularism.
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Show how Durkheim through the study of totemism demonstrates the reality of religion.
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‘Social fact is to be treated as a thing.’ Discuss.
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Write short note: Sacred and Profane.
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‘Power and authority go together.’ Examine. Explain the various types of authority also.
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In Marxian classification of Society, feudal and slave societies are very important. How are they different from each other?
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Give conceptual meaning of social system. What is cognitive consonance between ‘pattern variables’ and ‘paradigm’?
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Write short note on The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, keeping sociological perspective in view.
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Define Ideal Type and explain Weber’s concept of ‘Verstehen’ for understanding social phenomena.
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Write short note on Cybernetic Hierarchy of Control.
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Examine Karl Marx’s views on ‘class-in-itself’ and ‘class-for-itself’ with reference to proletarians.
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What, according to Max Weber, is the role of “particular religious ideas” in the emergence of modern capitalism?
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Write short note on Talcott Parsons’ idea of ‘moving equilibrium’.
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To Robert Merton, deviant behaviour is a result of anomie. Analyse his sociological theory of deviant behaviour, with special reference to his formulation of types of deviance.
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Comment on the responses of the functionalist school to Karl Marx’s views on social change.
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Write short note: Subject-matter of Sociology, according to Emile Durkheim.
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Write short note: Relevance of pattern variables in the study of social change.
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What is Merton’s view of relationship between social structure and deviance? In what sense is a deviant also a conformist?
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Write short note: Mead’s notion of self.
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Using Max Weber’s theory, discuss what ethical and religious ideas produced capitalism in certain societies and how?
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What is the subject-matter of Sociology according to Max Weber? Which major methods did he suggest for social science research? Illustrate your answer with his sociological contributions.
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Write short note: Social facts.
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Write short note: Talcott Parsons’ concept of social system.
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Write short note: Robert Merton’s views on manifest and latent functions.
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Elaborate Emile Durkheim’s analysis of the Elementary Forms of Religious Life and role of religion in society. How does he explain existence of religion in modern industrial societies?
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Explain Karl Marx’s analysis of capitalistic mode of production and class-struggle. What are the intellectual reactions to his views?
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Explain Karl Marx’s ‘theory of social change’. What are the reactions of functionalists to his views?
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What according to Emile Durkheim is the nature of relationship between the individual and society? Explain this with the help of his analysis of division of labour in society.
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Write short note: Concept of ideal type and its limitations.
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Discuss Max Weber’s ideal types and the role of authority in bureaucracy.
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Write short note: Class struggle as conceived by Karl Marx.
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Write short note: Social determinants of economic development.
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Give a critical review of Emile Durkheim’s theory on religion and society. To what extent does it explain the contemporary scenario in Asia?
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Analyse socio-cultural consequences of corruption and suggest remedial measures for curbing it.
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Write short note: Social system and the Pattern Variables.
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Critically examine Max Weber’s theory of the Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism. Could it be the otherwise possibility that the tenets of capitalism must also have affected the emergence of the Protestant ethic? Comment with suitable examples.
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Write short note: Primary and reference groups.
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Write short note: Class-in-itself and class-for-itself.
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Critically analyse the concept of anomie. Elaborate, with suitable examples, the theoretical relationship between nature of anomie and types of social deviations as have been formulated by R. K. Merton.
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Critically examine Weber’s theory of Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism.
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Examine the nature of social facts as understood by Durkheim.
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State the meaning and characteristics of an ideal type. What, according to Max Weber, is the use and significance of the ‘ideal type’ in social science research?
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What is the focus of sociological analysis in the contributions of Emile Durkheim? Give your answer with the help of any one of his contributions.
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Explain Karl Marx’s conception of class antagonism. How have the functionalists reacted to his views?
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How does social structure produce a strain toward anomie and deviant behaviour? Examine it with reference to Robert K. Merton’s contribution to this field of study.
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Write short note: Relative deprivation.
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Emile Durkheim had argued that the function of division of labour in society is that of the promotion of social solidarity. Elaborate the statement and analyze the distinction between two forms of solidarity discussed by him.
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Write short note: Alienation.
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Write short note: Social structure and anomie.
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“Not all facts about human behavior are necessarily social facts.” State the meaning of ‘social facts’ and the methods of studying them with reference to this statement.
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Write short note: Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft types of communities.
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Write short note: Functional problems of the social system.
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Write short note: Division of labour and the differentiation of social structure.
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“It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but on the contrary it is their social being that determines their consciousness.” Examine Karl Marx’s notion of mode of production in the light of this statement.
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Write short note: Pattern variables.
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Critically examine Max Weber’s theory of social action and its limitations.
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Explain the concept of social change. Critically examine the contribution of Karl Marx’s theory of social change.
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Discuss Talcott Parsons’ contribution to the analysis of social system.
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Write short note: Anomie.
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Discuss Talcott Parsons’ contribution to the analysis of social change.
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Write short note: Mode of production.
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Write short note: The idea of functional indispensability.
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Explain the origin and characteristics of bureaucracy according to Max Weber. Illustrate the structural sources of dysfunctions of bureaucracy.
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“Subjective perception of the objective reality prepares the context for the articulation of class antagonism.” Evaluate this statement with reference to Karl Marx’s contribution.
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Write short note: Middle-range theories.
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Bring out the strength and the weakness of Robert Merton’s advancement over the classical functionalism.
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Critically examine the role of formal and informal structures of bureaucracy in economic and social reconstruction of the developing societies.
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Write short note: Pathological form of division of labour.
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State Talcott Parsons’ contribution to theory of social action. What are the limitations of this theory?
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Write short note: Organic analogy.
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In modern structural-functionalism, Merton’s effort to develop a “Paradigm” for functional analysis is the most significant one. Evaluate this statement.
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What did Max Weber mean by interpretative understanding? Why did he believe that to model sociological researches exclusively on strategies and ambitions of natural sciences was a serious mistake?
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Write short note: Ideal types.
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Write short note: Authority.
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Write short note: Methods of Sociology according to Max Weber.
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Explain Karl Marx’s theory of social stratification. On what grounds functionalists refute it?
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Describe the functional analysis of religion given by Durkheim. Is this analysis applicable to the modern industrialized societies?
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Write short note: Concept of functional alternatives.
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Critically examine AGIL model of Talcott Parsons. How far is this model capable of explaining social changes in society?
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Write short note: Parsons’ idea of equilibrium.
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Critically bring out the differences in the approaches of Karl Marx and Max Weber to the study of class structure in industrial capitalist society.
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What are the basic questions which inspired Durkheim to study the division of labour in society? Critically comment on his conclusions.
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Write short note: Concept of social structure.
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Write short note: Protestant Ethic.
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How does Parsons defend the nuclear family in promoting industrialisation? Is his thesis universally valid?
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What is the importance of Merton’s ‘Middle Range Theory’ in sociology? Discuss critically.
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‘Why does the individual, while becoming more autonomous, depend more upon society?’ (Durkheim). How has the author tried to answer this question?
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‘The history of the hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggle.’ Critically comment on this Marxian thesis.
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Talcott Parsons’ theory of social system has been criticised as a veiled status quoist ideology. Critically examine how valid and justified is this criticism.
-
What does R. K. Merton mean when he admits that not everything works out for the best of everyone in society? What is his improvement on functional theory?
-
How does Marx’s treatment of alienation differ from that of other sociologists?
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Write short note: Conformity and deviance.
-
What does Weber mean by ideal types? How is the concept relevant in sociology?
-
Is the Durkheimian concept of religion entirely different from that of his predecessors? Why and how?
-
In what respects do you think Weber’s conception of sociology differs from that of Durkheim? Which one of the two is more satisfactory? Substantiate your answer.
-
Attempt a comparative analysis of the Weberian and Marxian theories of social change. Which do you think is more relevant to the Indian society at present? Give reasons for your answer.
-
Discuss the relation between social structure and anomie as presented by R. K. Merton. Attempt a critical appraisal of this analysis.
-
Do you agree with Max Weber that the Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism are correlated? What are the alternative theories suggested by other academics?
-
Do you think that in T. Parsons there has been a ‘transition from the analysis of the structure of social action as such to the structural-functional analysis of social systems’? Discuss in detail.
-
Do you accept that Marxism offers a prefabricated theory of social change? Discuss critically.
-
Write short note: Collective representations.
-
What is ‘social action’? What is its place in the analytical frameworks of Max Weber and Talcott Parsons?
-
Critically assess R. K. Merton’s views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.
-
Write short note: Historical materialism.
-
Discuss Durkheim’s concept of Division of Labour. In what way does it differ from that of classical and neoclassical economists?
-
How is Marxism relevant to developing nations? Will it be able to establish classless societies?
-
Discuss the contributions of Durkheim to sociology. How far did his methodology influence sociological traditions?
-
Discuss Marx’s concept of class. Is class struggle inevitable for the elimination of inequalities and exploitation in the third world societies?
-
Write short note: Ideal types and social analysis.
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Write short note: Alienation in developing societies.
-
Analyse Marxian theory of social change. Is it useful to comprehend the changes in the developing societies?
-
Write short note: Alienation in modern society.
-
Critically examine Karl Marx’s theory of alienation.
Unit 05
Stratification and Mobility
PYQ Solutions
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According to Weber how do class, status and power interact to produce and sustain social inequality?
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Differentiate between social hierarchy and social exclusion and substantiate your answer with reference to the caste system.
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In what ways do class and caste intersect and overlap in shaping social structure?
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Is the social stratification theory gender-blind? Elucidate.
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Does the structural-functionalist perspective on social stratification promote a status quo? Give reasons for your answer.
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Compare the capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty.
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Discuss the dimensions of power in the construction and maintenance of social hierarchies in a society.
-
Analyse the changing nature of caste as a status group.
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What is social mobility? Critically examine the classification of ‘closed’ and ‘open’ models of social stratification.
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How is poverty a form of social exclusion? Illustrate in this connection the different dimensions of poverty and social exclusion.
-
Explain Max Weber’s theory of social stratification. How does Weber’s idea of class differ from that of Marx?
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Do you think that the boundary line between ethnicity and race is blurred? Justify your answer.
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How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality?
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Social stratification is claimed to contribute to the maintenance of social order and stability in society. Critically assess.
-
Discuss social mobility in open and closed system.
-
Critically examine Max Weber’s theory of Social Stratification.
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Explain the growing salience of ethnicity in the contemporary world with illustrations.
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Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each other.
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How are Hierarchy and Exclusion the major impediments in the transformation of societies? Discuss.
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Critically assess social mobility in closed and open systems.
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What is affirmative action? Substantiate theoretical positions on affirmative actions with examples.
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Davis and Moore made it clear that social stratification is a functional necessity and also an unconscious device. Discuss.
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Compare and contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social stratification in capitalist society.
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Modernisation presupposes class society; however, caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain.
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Present a sociological review on the ‘new middle class’.
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Differentiate between ‘Life-chances’ and ‘Life-style’ with suitable examples.
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Why is gender a dimension of social stratification? How does gender intersect other dimensions of inequality based on caste, class, race and ethnicity?
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What is the difference between natural and social inequality? Give examples from caste and class dimensions.
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Evaluate if social stratification is functional for society.
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Is social mobility possible in closed systems of stratification? Illustrate from research work.
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Can we equate ‘poverty’ with ‘poor living’? Elaborate your answer.
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What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of social stratification?
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Examine gender, ethnicity and race as major dimensions of social stratification.
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“Vertical mobility brings structural change even in a closed social system.” Comment.
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Elucidate the basic premises of Davis’ structural-functional theory of social stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding contemporary Indian society?
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Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion.
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“No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.” Comment.
-
Differentiate between Marxian and Weberian theories of Social Stratification?
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What do you understand by gender? How does it shape ‘male identity’?
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“According to Max Weber, ‘class’ and ‘status’ are two different dimensions of power.” Discuss.
-
For Marx, class divisions are outcomes of ‘exploitation’. Discuss.
-
Critically examine the functionalist tradition in Sociology.
-
How are open and closed systems of stratification undergoing transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social order in societies?
-
Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves socially in societies.
-
Analyse the gender bias in the present society with examples.
-
Write short note on the following from a sociological perspective: Stratification of class.
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In our society Hierarchical relations are influenced by social mobility. Explain how?
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Write short note on The problem of Gender.
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What is Class? Do you think that Weber’s contributions to social stratification are different from that of Marx?
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What do you mean by social mobility? Discuss the major sources and causes of mobility?
-
Write short note on Ethnicity and Development.
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What are the reasons for calling Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore’s theory of social stratification a functional theory?
-
How does hierarchy get built into the systems of natural and social inequalities?
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Write short note: Role-conflict and its resolution.
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Write short note: Caste-system as a principle of social stratification.
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Write short note: Vertical social mobility.
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How is vertical and horizontal social mobility problematic in society? Suggest solutions.
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‘Socialisation and social control are complementary to each other in maintaining social order.’ – Elucidate your answer with appropriate illustrations.
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Write short note: Class within Caste and Caste within Class.
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Briefly discuss the Conflict Perspective on social stratification and examine the view that social inequality in India is the function of rigid social stratification system.
-
Examine the conceptual distinction between social inequality and social stratification. How do the nature and forms of the social stratification system determine the patterns of social mobility?
-
Explain Melvin Tumin’s critique related to the theory of social stratification.
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Write short note: Social Mobility and social change.
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Write short note: Inter-generational mobility.
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Write short note: Role conflict.
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Discuss the nature and characteristics of social mobility. Can the nature and the rate of social mobility be treated as an index of economic development? Comment.
-
How would you distinguish between the stratified and the unstratified social positions? What explanation would you prefer for the universal existence of the social stratification in human society?
-
Write short note: Role conflict as a source of deviation.
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Analyze critically the functional theory of social stratification.
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Write short note: Caste as a class.
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Write short note: Vertical and horizontal mobility.
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Write short note: Types of mobility.
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Write short note: Social class and social status.
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Write short note: Social class and vertical mobility.
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‘Social inequality is the device by which societies ensure that the most important positions are filled by the most qualified persons.’ Explain this view point and state the grounds on which it is refuted.
-
Elaborate the concepts of ‘status-consistency’ and ‘status-inconsistency’. State the factors responsible for ‘status-inconsistency’ in modern societies.
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Write short note: Functional theory of stratification.
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Write short note: Status inconsistency.
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Write short note: Intergenerational mobility in a caste society.
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Write short note: Social Mobility.
Unit 06
Works and Economic Life
PYQ Solutions
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Critically analyse the mode of production debate from different perspectives.
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Describe the impact of capitalist mode of production on society.
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Critically examine the position of women in the informal economy.
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Evaluate the socio-economic impacts of migration on rural households.
-
Compare the social organisation of work in industrial capitalism and platform capitalism.
-
Critically analyze the sociological significance of informal sector in the economy of developing societies.
-
What do you understand by gender-based domestic division of labour? Is it undergoing a change in the wake of increasing participation of women in formal employment? Clarify your answer with illustrations.
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Do you think that the formal workspaces are free of gender bias? Argue your case.
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Define the concept of ‘gig’ economy and discuss its impact on labour market and workers’ social security net.
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Describe the differing principles of work organization in feudal and capitalist societies.
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Explain how economic globalization has brought changes in the patterns of employment in the 21st century.
-
What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx?
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Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies.
-
How has the idea of ‘Work from Home’ forced us to redefine the formal and informal organization of work?
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Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically related to each other in terms of achieving their goals.
-
Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the recent ‘Lockdown period’.
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Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector.
-
Discuss the new labour codes and their impact on formal and informal labour in India.
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Capitalism has brought increasing informalisation of work in society. Substantiate your answer.
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What is ‘reserve army of labour’? Present the position of feminist scholars on this.
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What is ‘informal labour’? Discuss the need for and challenges in regulating informal labour in the post-industrial society.
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Discuss the nature of social organisation of work in capitalist society with reference to the ‘Limits of the working day’.
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What is labour commitment? Discuss it with reference to studies of manufacturing industry.
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What do you understand by ‘informalisation of labour’? Write your answer with special reference to India.
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Trace the changing nature of organisation of work in capitalist society over the years.
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Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society.
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“Globalization has pushed the labour into informal organization of work.” Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.
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The increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the formal organization of work in recent times. Examine the statement.
-
What are the distinctive features of social organization of work in slave society? How is it different from feudal society?
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Examine the social impact of globalization on labour and society.
-
Write short note on the following from a sociological perspective: Industrial Democracy.
-
How do formal and informal organisation of work influence labour’s mobility? Explain with examples.
-
Write short note on Self-Help Group (SHG) as an informal organization from a sociological perspective (in about 150 words).
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What is formal organization? “The growth of bureaucracy has resulted in extreme concentration of power at larger levels of social organization.” Discuss.
-
“Work in capitalism is reduced to mere labour in which the individual does not develop freely his physical and mental energy and mortifies his body and ruins his mind.” Critically evaluate the assertion.
-
Analyse the social impact of market economy on traditional societies.
-
Write short note on Human Relations School of Thought by Elton Mayo as a social organisation of work process in industry.
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Write short note on Feminisation of Labour in Informal Sector.
-
Indicate social determinants of economic development. Discuss any one sociological perspective analysing backwardness and poverty in the developing societies.
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Write short note: Features of pre-industrial economic system.
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Write short note: Social determinants of economic development.
-
Examine in detail the impact of new global economy on work organization and family structure in India.
-
Write short note: Industrialisation and social change.
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Write short note: Types of exchange.
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Write short note: Emerging pattern of sex roles in modern society.
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Write short note: Social consequences of economic development.
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Write short note: Formal organisation.
-
Write short note: Problems of nation-building in developing countries.
-
Write short note: Social aspects of industrial economic system.
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Write short note: Changing concept of property.
-
Distinguish between the social organization of work in feudal society and in capitalist society.
Unit 07
Politics and Society
PYQ Solutions
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How does Max Weber’s ‘theory of authority’ shape bureaucracy? Analyse.
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Elaborate major sociological theories of power. How do power elite shape the political process in modern societies?
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How are the concepts of nation, state and citizenship interrelated in a democracy? Elaborate.
-
Are pressure groups a threat to or a necessary element of democracy? Explain with suitable illustrations.
-
What would you identify as the similarities and differences in the elite theories of Mosca, Michels and Pareto? Discuss their main/crucial issues.
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How do ‘Civil Society Organisations’ such as ‘NGOs’ and ‘Self-Help Groups’ contribute to grassroots-level social changes? Discuss.
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How is ‘power’ different from ‘authority’? Discuss various types of authorities as theorized by Max Weber.
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Democracy needs a vibrant culture of civil society in order to strengthen its foundation of citizenship. Comment.
-
Is Weber’s idea of bureaucracy a product of the historical experiences of Europe? Comment.
-
What, according to Robert Michels, is the iron law of oligarchy? Do lions and foxes in Vilfredo Pareto’s theory essentially differ from each other? Substantiate.
-
How is civil society useful in deepening the roots of democracy?
-
Underline the role of social media in contemporary social movements and describe its challenges.
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Do you think that the social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case.
-
Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identity politics in India.
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Discuss how ‘environmentalism’ can be explained with new social movements approach.
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Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation of social policies.
-
Highlight the roles and functions of civil society in a democratic system.
-
Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto’s theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario.
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According to Mills, “Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms.” Comment.
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Explain democracy as an order of society. What are the factors preventing people’s participation in politics?
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What are the theoretical models of societal power? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies?
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Discuss the concept of circulation of elite.
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What is civil society? Present a note on civil society engagement with science and technology policy in India.
-
How is terrorism a new form of asymmetrical warfare? What are some of the challenges in trying to win the war on terrorism?
-
What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites? Discuss.
-
Discuss the changing interface between state and civil society in post-independent India.
-
Examine the dynamics of pressure groups in multi-party political system.
-
Discuss the importance of ‘power elite’ in democracy.
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“Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy.” Discuss.
-
Explain the conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social movement.
-
Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy. Comment.
-
“Globalization involves deterritorialization.” Examine with reference to the nation-state.
-
Discuss T. H. Marshall’s views on citizenship.
-
Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure Groups.
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“Power is not a zero-sum game”. Discuss with reference to Weber’s and Parsons’s views.
-
Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy.
-
Evaluate how civil society and democracy mutually reinforce each other.
-
Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy.
-
Write short note on the following from a sociological perspective: Citizenship and Civil Society
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Are social movements always influenced by ideologies? Discuss.
-
What do you understand by nation? Is the nation same as the state? Discuss.
-
Write short note on Power Elite from a sociological perspective.
-
Highlight prerequisites of social movement. Bring out the difference between social movement and revolution.
-
“Collective action in politics can bring integration and disintegration in society.” Comment.
-
Explain the concept of Participatory Democracy. What conditions are assumed to be conducive to participation?
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Write short note on Identity Politics.
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List the sources of power and explain the various indicators based on which power can be measured.
-
Write short note: Social movement as an expression of protest.
-
Explain the meaning and modes of political participation. What are the factors preventing people’s participation in politics in India?
-
Discuss modes of political participation and voting behaviour in India.
-
Write short note: Power elite in society and the emergence of new elite in power structure
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Write short note: Authority and Legitimacy.
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Write short note: Bureaucracy in New Capitalist Economy.
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Write short note: Social Structure and Political Participation.
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Write short note: Community Power.
-
Write short note: Informal structure of Bureaucracy.
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Write short note: Sources of legitimacy of power.
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Write short note: Role of pressure groups in democracy.
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Impact of the democratic political system on the traditional social structure.
-
Explain the concept of power. Distinguish between power and authority.
-
Discuss the meaning and role of voluntary organizations in the efforts of transformation of society through state-action.
-
Write short note: Social disorganization.
-
Evaluate the functioning of political parties in the democracies of the Third World.
-
Write short note: Dysfunctions of bureaucracy.
-
Write short note: Merits and demerits of secret ballot in democracy.
-
What role can the power of unorganised masses play in bringing about social change in a democratic society?
-
Write short note: Bureaucracy and economic development.
-
Write short note: Formal and Informal Structure of Bureaucracy.
-
Write short note: Power of the Elite.
-
What do you understand by community power structure? Discuss the major changes in recent times in the pattern of the distribution of power in Indian society.
-
Critically examine the statement, ‘A study of power inevitably involves an investigation of social class’.
-
Write short note: Authoritarian Personality.
-
Write short note: Legitimacy.
-
Write short note: Bureaucracy in developing societies.
-
Write short note: Power.
-
Explain the role of community power structure in the political decision-making processes in the society. Are power and authority getting broad based in India today?
-
Write short note: Power of the elite and the masses in democratic societies.
-
Write short note: Pressure groups and economic development.
Unit 08
Religion and Society
PYQ Solutions
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How does the rise of new ‘cults’ and ‘sects’ influence intercaste relations?
-
How does Emile Durkheim conceptualize religion as a ‘social fact’? Explain.
-
How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? Explain.
-
What is the nature of the relationship between science and religion in modern society? Analyse with suitable examples.
-
How does a multicultural society accommodate diversities of all kinds — ethnic, linguistic and religious? Discuss its major challenges.
-
How do you understand the phenomena of the mushrooming of sects and cults in contemporary society? Discuss the factors responsible for the trend.
-
Discuss the concept of animism and differentiate it from naturism.
-
Do modernization and secularization necessarily go together? Give your views.
-
What is Taylorism? Analyze its merits and demerits.
-
What are new religious movements? Elaborate emphasizing their forms and orientations.
-
Highlight the differences and similarities between totemism and animism.
-
What functions does religion perform in a pluralistic society?
-
Write a note on global trends of secularization.
-
How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society?
-
Critically compare the views of E. B. Tylor and Max Müller on religion.
-
What is cult? Explain the growth of cults in the contemporary world.
-
Give your comments on the growth of religious revivalism in the present-day context.
-
State the reasons for the various religious beliefs and practices in pre-modern societies.
-
Are all world religions patriarchal? Substantiate your answer with examples.
-
What are sects? Discuss their role in multi-religious societies with empirical examples.
-
Discuss the challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular nation-state.
-
Give an assessment of the Durkheimian notion of ‘sacred’ and ‘profane’ in sociology of religion.
-
Problematise the concept of secularism in the present context.
-
Elaborate on various types of religious practices prevalent in Indian society.
-
Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer.
-
How is Durkheim’s theory of religion different from Max Weber’s theory of religion?
-
“Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies.” Explain by giving suitable examples.
-
Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations.
-
Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern world?
-
How is religious revivalism different from communalism? Elaborate with suitable examples from the Indian context.
-
“Science has empirical means to logical ends and religion has non-empirical means to logical ends.” Comment.
-
Is religion antithetical to science? Comment.
-
Discuss the factors leading to growing religious revivalism in the contemporary world.
-
Write short note on Cultural Pluralism from a sociological perspective (in about 150 words).
-
Define sect, cult and religion. In what way do Weber’s views on religion differ from those of Durkheim?
-
Examine the social dimensions of religious revivalism and fundamentalism in the context of globalisation.
-
Write short note on Positive Religion.
-
“Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.” Comment on this statement critically in the light of emerging sociological contexts in Europe, USA and India.
-
Write short note on Secularization of societies in the modern world.
-
In what important ways can religion be a force both for social stability and social change? Discuss.
-
Write short note: Religion and Science.
-
Write short note: Origins of religious beliefs and practices in premodern societies.
-
Examine the functional as well as dysfunctional aspects of religion in a pluralistic society taking India and the United States of America as illustrative models.
-
Critically examine functional and dysfunctional aspects of religion.
-
Elaborate on the social necessity of religion. Discuss the relationship between religion and science.
-
Write short note: Religious pluralism.
-
Write short note: Fundamentals of religion.
-
What is happening to religion in the face of challenges of science in modern societies? Elaborate your answer with the help of sociological literature.
-
“Religion is said to have emancipated human beings on the one hand but it also alienates them on the other.” Bring out the paradoxical functions religion plays in a modern secular society.
-
Discuss the role of religion in the world today. Has the supergrowth of science any de-mystifying effect on religion?
-
Write short note: Religion and Society.
-
Write short note: Religious factor in economic development.
-
Write short note: Religious and scientific world views.
Unit 09
Systems of Kinship
PYQ Solutions
-
In what way can the concept of ‘patriarchal bargain’ be applied to the institution of marriage? Comment.
-
Give an account of the recent trends of marriage in the Indian context. How are these different from traditional practices?
-
In what way does queer kinship challenge the traditional kinship system? Substantiate by giving illustrations.
-
Modern families have not just become nuclear and neo-local, but also filiocentric. How do you explain this trend?
-
What are the ‘basic and irreducible’ functions of the family as proposed by Talcott Parsons? Explain.
-
Marriage as an institution has undergone a radical transformation from ‘ritual’ to ‘commercial’ in its outlook. Explain the factors behind this change.
-
Analyze critically David Morgan’s views on family practices.
-
How do you assess the changing patterns in kinship relations in societies today?
-
Does women’s education help to eradicate patriarchal discriminations? Reflect with illustrations.
-
Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family.
-
How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development?
-
Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system in modern Indian society.
-
What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of society?
-
Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society? Comment.
-
In the light of judicial intervention on ‘Live-in relationships’, discuss the future of marriage and family in India.
-
What, according to Irawati Karve, are the major differences between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems?
-
What are the new forms of family in developed societies? Discuss.
-
Distinguish between family and household with reference to the concept of development of the household.
-
Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations?
-
Examine ‘patriarchal bargain’ as gendered division of work in contemporary India.
-
Examine the relationship between the contemporary trends in marriage and changing forms of family.
-
Discuss the regional variations of kinship system in Indian society.
-
To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women? Discuss.
-
Discuss the contemporary trends in family as a response to social change in modern society.
-
Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts.
-
Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss.
-
How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other? Illustrate.
-
Critically examine the functionalist views on the institution of family. How do those help us in understanding family in the present times?
-
What do you understand by institutionalization of ‘live-in relationship’?
-
Analyse the contemporary trends in family with examples.
-
Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically examine how does patriarchy affect sexual division of labour in societies.
-
Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to the changes in economic and social order.
-
Describe the importance of lineage and descent in kinship and family.
-
Write short note on Lineage and Descent from a sociological perspective (in about 150 words).
-
What do you mean by marriage and family? Discuss the structural and functional changes in family in modern society.
-
Write short note on Kinship and Social Capital.
-
Discuss the emerging forms of marriage and family with examples from the West and the East. Can there be family without marriage? Examine.
-
Write short note on Industrialization and changes in the family’s functions.
-
Write short note: New trends in the types and forms of family in contemporary India.
-
Write short note: Changing structure of family.
-
Write short note: Nuclear family and industrial society.
-
Elucidate changing structure of family and marriage in modern society.
-
Write short note: Role of Family in Social Control.
-
Write short note: Gender Roles in Changing Structure of Family.
-
Discuss the meanings and significance of culture in Human Society. Critically bring out the role of Culture in the Development of personality.
-
Elaborate on the concepts of Family and Lineage. Discuss the relationship between Rules of descent and inheritance of property.
-
Distinguish between Sex and Gender issues with suitable examples.
-
In what way is the process of socialization helpful in the development of personality? Explain with suitable examples.
-
Write short note: Incest taboo.
-
Discuss the factors responsible for the changing structure of family in modern societies.
-
Social control is more a matter of conviction than that of coercion. Comment. Discuss the role of ideology in social control.
-
‘Socialization is a process by which all of us acquire the culture that we transmit to the next generation’. Elaborate the statement and discuss its various stages.
-
Compare the role of custom as an agency of social control in primitive and modern industrial societies.
-
Write short note: Impact of changes in sex roles on family.
-
What has been the impact of industrialisation on family and kinship organisation? Illustrate the significance of kinship organisation in the industrial societies.
-
Write short note: Primary group.
-
Write short note: Role of culture.
-
Explain the view that the nuclear family “fits” the needs of industrial society. Is it that the structure of nuclear family is the same in all industrial societies?
-
Give a brief account of the trends in sociological analysis of change in traditional family and kinship systems in the face of industrialisation.
-
Bring out the relationship between culture and personality. Discuss with examples the differences in personalities in the same culture.
-
Short note: Social consequences of increase in the rate of divorce.
-
Write short note: Social control.
-
Write short note: Socialization and personality.
-
How do changes in the age and sex roles in the family affect the social structure itself?
-
Write short note: Structural principles of kinship.
-
How does culture influence personality? Can personality influence culture? How?
-
What are the agencies of social control? Which is the most effective one in a democratic society?
-
Analyze scientific theory of culture. Will the crisis in culture in the contemporary society facilitate the emergence of new man?
-
Discuss family as a basic and fundamental social institution. Do you think changing sex roles necessitate the replacement of family by another institution?
-
Write short note: Change in sex roles and the socialisation of children.
Unit 07(d)
Social Movements
PYQ Solutions
Unit 10
Social Change in Modern Society
PYQ Solutions
Unit 10(d)
Education System and Social Change
PYQ Solutions
Unit 10(e)
Science, Technology and Social Change
PYQ Solutions