UPSC Mains 2017 Sociology Optional Test 6 : Mains Marathon

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Here is the 6th Mains Marathon Sociology Optional Test.

Sociology Optional Study Plan Mains Marathon

Topics:

1. Politics and Society
2. Politics and Society (Paper 2)
3. Social Movements in Modern India

Time: 3 hours

• 20 questions
• Questions include both 20 and 10 markers
• Questions have been jumbled up to facilitate smart time management
• 1 question from Thinkers
• 1 application-based question
• 1 question from current affairs (Sociological analysis)

1. Weber talks about ‘constant-sum’ concept of power, whereas Parsons rejects this idea. Explain the approach of Weber and Parsons with reference to international power dynamics. 20 Marks Hint: Touch upon soft power as well.
2. Just as money deposited in a bank, members of society deposit power in political leaders. Examine 10 Marks
3. Marxists have criticized governments for being a body that manages the affairs of bourgeoisie class. Why then do the bourgeoisie not directly control the government and run the state? 20 Marks
4. Elite theory of Pareto and Mosca claims that the personal qualities of individuals separate the ruler from the ruled. Can Mead’s concept of self and identity be applied to explain these ‘personal qualities?’ 20 Marks
5. In India it is difficult to make a clear distinction between the old and new social movements. Discuss. 10 Marks
6. Imagine a society where there has been no social movement. What according to you would be the nature of social structures, social processes and social institutions in such a society? 20 Marks
7. Write a short note on changing social origins of political elites in India. 10 Marks
8. Power is increasingly being exercised by invisible forces. Comment. Also, discuss its functional and dysfunctional consequences. 20 Marks
9. Politics in India started off with single party, and is again inching towards one-party system. Examine sociologically. 20 Marks
10. Pressure groups are part and parcel of a functioning democracy. Discuss 20 Marks
11. By not restricting to the literal/Indian meaning of ‘caste,’ apply M.N Srinivas’ concept of dominant caste at international level – ‘dominant nation?’ 20 Marks
12. Write a short note on Panchayati Raj institutions in tribal areas. 10 Marks
13. What do you mean by Social justice? Dwell upon the role of power and extent of its application in achieving social justice? 20 Marks
14. Write a short note with sociological perspective on rationale behind protective discrimination. 10 Marks
15. “Untouchability” is a psychological construct. Elucidate with reference to different forms of temple entry movements in India. 20 Marks
16. Explain the salient features of farmers’ movements in 21^st How are these movements different from their predecessors? 20 Marks
17. Define protest, agitation, social movements and collective action. Also, give an example of each from India. 20 Marks
18. Define revolution. Can a revolution be silent? Explain with a suitable example while touching upon the different traits of a revolution. 20 Marks
19. Social democracy can be achieved by materializing Verrier Elwin’s idea of citizenship. Examine. 20 Marks
20. According to Emile Durkheim, religion helps strengthen social solidarity. Would secularization, in that case, lead to decline in social solidarity? Comment. 20 Marks

All Mains Marathon Optional Questions are updated in this page.