UPSC Mains 2017 Sociology Optional Test 5 : Mains Marathon

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Here is the 5th Mains Marathon Sociology Optional Test.


Sociology Optional Study Plan Mains Marathon


Topics:

  • Revision of topics covered so far
  • Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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, A person sitting in Russia is able to convince teenagers across the globe to commit suicide (Blue whale challenge). Also, there are reports of people willing to sacrifice their lives for their gurus; such is the level of trust and confidence. On the other hand, people are not able to forge mutual trust with their partners, leading to divorce. Why such a dichotomy? Come up with a sociological analysis. 20 Marks

2. With reference to Global response to the 2008 economic crisis explain Parsons’ concept of Social system and Moving Equilibrium. 20 Marks

3. Do you agree with the view that Merton’s reference group theory works in Sanskritisation? Justify your view. 10 Marks

4. The personal experiences and life chances of a Sociologist has a bearing on his/her research. Explain citing examples of two Sociologists. 20 Marks

5. How does the current social structure of Indian village differ from that observed by M.N Srinivas and S.C Dube? 20 Marks

6. Sociology is often considered the child of twin revolutions. Elucidate 20 Marks

7. The construction of ‘sanskritisation’ and ‘dominant caste’ by M N Srinivas is often criticized for being elitist and representing only upper caste view. Examine. 20 Marks

8. What sociological techniques would you employ to gauge social life in Indus Valley Civilisation? 20 Marks

9. What are the main drawbacks of village studies in India? Have they impacted the attitude of policy making circles? Explain. 20 Marks

10. Do you think prevalence of common diseases, epidemics and endemics in India has a casteist angle? Explain. 20 Marks

11. Write a note on emerging features of caste system. What are the long term and short term implications of the same? 20 Marks

12. With Indian examples explain how race and ethnicity differ? 10 Marks

13. Explain why sociologists may use qualitative data rather than quantitative data when researching the attitudes of young people. 10 Marks

14. Examine the functional and dysfunctional role of social reform movements in India during British rule. Also, discuss the contemporary relevance of social reform movements. 20 Marks

15. Write a short note with Sociological perspective on Andre Beteille’s perspective on Indian caste system. 10 Marks

16. The worst victims of caste system in India want the system to persist. Examine sociologically. 20 Marks

17. Middle class cuts through both agrarian and industrial classes. Examine the sentence in post liberalization era. 20 Marks

18. To what extent was colonial rule responsible for Modernization of Indian tradition? 10 Marks

19. Gender stratification exists within stratification of class, ethnicity and status groups. Elaborate. 20 Marks

20. What impact has studying Sociology had on your ‘self’ and ‘identity’? Explain. 10 Marks


All Mains Marathon Optional Questions are updated in this page.


 

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SRUSHTI DESHMUKH
SRUSHTI DESHMUKH
8 years ago

Thanks for the Quality questions ForumIAS.

Master Yodo
Master Yodo
8 years ago

Hi friends, please review my answers.
I know I should write all the answers in one go but due to paucity of time I am not able to attempt paper in one go. So I am writing few answers daily.
Thanks.
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Master Yodo
Master Yodo
8 years ago

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I'M Ready
I'M Ready
8 years ago
Reply to  Master Yodo

Hi Buddy,
Q5. Is more like GS type answer, u didn’t said anything of dube work on village studies. Try to write Sociological answer such as increase in assimilation, class mobility, change in occupation, etc.

Q6. What social, scientific and class change brought by the twin revolution and how social Thinkers developed due to these 2 revolution.

Q7. Here in criticism u can also write about yogendra Singh and dubes view on Sanskritization and dominant caste.

Keep writing, good try.

Master Yodo
Master Yodo
8 years ago
Reply to  I'M Ready

Q5. I think can be improved, regarding Q6. though I have mentioned points like scientific inquiry, family structure change so I think it takes care the point raised by you but may be I could have written that family relations based on land were dismantled and similar things.
Thanks for the review mate.

Master Yodo
Master Yodo
8 years ago

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