Sociology PYQs

What are the features of M.N. Srinivas's concept of dominant caste ? How does it help in understanding today's reality ?

Write short note with a sociological perspective on the following : 'Is the caste system disintegrating in India?'

"Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social reformist orientation in the USA" - Comment.

Compare and contrast Sociology with Anthropology?

Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies.

Write short note on the following, keeping Sociological perspective in view: Interpretative Sociology.

Write short note on the following, keeping sociological perspective in view: Fact Value and Objectivity.

Write short note on Fact and Value, keeping sociological perspective in view.

Analyse the limitations of quantitative methods in social research.

Write short note on the following, keeping sociological perspective in view : Comparative Method.

Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of ‘division of labour’.

Write short note on the following, keeping sociological perspective in view : Sacred and Profane.

Show how Durkheim through the study of totemism demonstrates the reality of religion.

‘Social fact is to be treated as a thing.’ Discuss.

Write short note on Subject-matter of Sociology, according to Emile Durkheim.

Elaborate Emile Durkheim's analysis of the Elementary Forms of Religious Life and role of religion in society. How does he explain the existence of religion in modern industrial societies?

Write short note : Social facts.

“Emile Durkheim is the true inheritor of Auguste Comte.” Elaborate this statement with the help of Durkheim's analysis of division of labour in society.

Write short note : Sacred and Profane.

Examine the nature of social facts as understood by Durkheim.

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.

Emile Durkheim had argued that the function of division of labour in society is that of the promotion of social solidarity. Elaborate the two forms of it discussed by him.

Write short note : Gemeinschaft and Gesselschaft types of communities.

“All facts about human behaviour are not necessarily social facts.” State the meaning of ‘social facts’ and the methods of studying them with reference to this statement.

Write short note : Division of labour and the differentiation of social structure.

Write short note : Anomie.

Write short note : Social fact.

Write short note : Organic analogy.

Write short note : Pathological form of division of labour.

Describe the functional analysis of religion given by Durkheim. Is this analysis applicable to modern societies?

What are the basic questions which inspired Durkheim to study the division of labour in society? Critically comment on its conclusions.

Write short note : Concept of social fact.

“Why does the individual, while becoming more autonomous, depend more upon society?” (Durkheim). How has the author tried to answer this question?

Write short note : The sacred and the profane.

Critically analyse the contributions of G.H. Mead to ‘symbolic interactionism’.

Analyse the contemporary trends in family with examples. (150 words)

Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon? Critically examine how does patriarchy affect sexual division of labour in societies.

Evaluate how do civil society and democracy mutually reinforce each other.

"Science has empirical means to logical ends and religion has non-empirical means to logical ends." - Comment. (150 words)

Is religion antithetical to science ? Comment.

Discuss the factors leading to growing religious revivalism in the contemporary world.

Examine science and technology as agents of social change.

Illustrate the conflicts and tensions generated by societies undergoing social change.

Write short note with a sociological perspective: Other Backward Classes.

Write short note with a sociological perspective : André Béteille’s definition of class. (150 words)

Write short note with a sociological perspective: Five Year Plans.

Write short note with a sociological perspective on the following: Constitution as a living document of social change.

Tradition and modernity are not polarities in the study of social change in India. Elucidate.

Write short note on law and social change.

Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social System in the present society.

Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to the charges in economic and social order.

Define social movement. Elucidate the role of reformist movements in social change. (150 words)

Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples.

Discuss the sociological aspects of movements for separate States. (200 words)

Analyse the salient features of historical materialism.

Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy?

Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy.

Write short note with a sociological Perspective: M.N. Srinivas's concept of westernisation. (150 words)

Write short note with a sociological Perspective: Limitations of the dialectical approach to the study of Indian society.

Write short note with a sociological perspective: Classes in agrarian society in India.

Who are the elites ? Discuss their roles in bringing social transformation. Explain how social structural origins of political elites influence their political orientations.

Critically examine the concepts of nation and citizenship in the context of globalization.

“Protective discrimination not only protects but also discriminates.” Comment.

‘Secularisation’. Analyse the nature and extent of secularisation in contemporary India.

Write short note on Factors responsible for increasing demands for the formation of separate states.

Identify the reasons for the resilience of the democratic system in India.

With increase in education and economic development is Indian society becoming more secular ?

Explain the concepts of ‘dominant caste’ and ‘vote bank’, giving examples from specific regions.

Give an account of the problems relating to the 'creamy layer'.

To what extent does nation building depend on strengthening of pluralities in Indian society.

“The 73rd and the 74th constitutional amendments have motivated social mobilisation in rural India.” - Discuss.

Differentiate between pressure groups and interest groups. Describe the role of some prominent pressure groups in contemporary Indian politics.

Elaborate the concept of political elite. Explain how social structural origins of political elites influence their political orientations.

What is meant by democratic decentralization? Assess the working of Panchayati Raj in India.

What have been the functions of democracy in India ? Has democracy been successful in eliminating some of the traditional social inequalities ?

Discuss 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments with reference to decentralization.

Describe the socio-cultural background of the political elites of contemporary India. What has been the influence of the background on their political orientations?

Describe the traditional power structure in rural India. Discuss the factors that have contributed to its changing pattern in recent years.

It is often alleged that the social situation in India is not conducive to the efficient functioning of a democratic polity. Comment.

Evaluate the role of state in social and economic reconstruction of Indian Society since independence.

Discuss the executive measures and peoples’ participation in implementing various development programmes at the village level in India.

Explain how emerging rural-urban nexuses are reshaping the character of Indian political elite and functioning of political institutions.

Is legitimacy of key political institutions declining in India? Discuss this issue in the context of globalization.

Discuss the role of the State in restructuring the Indian society through various interventions.

Critically evaluate education as an instrument of social justice.

Discuss the salient features of right to education. (200 words)

Examine the impact of secularization on various religious communities in India.

How are the issues of ethnicity and nationalism related? Discuss in the context of the emergence of ethnonationalism in India.

Comment on the growing assertion of tribal autonomy in India.

Bring out the main features of farmers’ movements in Modern India. (200 words)

Write short note on the following in not more than 150 words. Your answer should have a sociological perspective: Stages of the Women's movement in India.

Discuss the problems of working women in India. (200 words)

Analyse the role of communalism in undermining democracy in India. (200 words)

Describe those social changes which have contributed to increase of violence against women. What are the emerging forms of violence against women ? Suggest suitable measures to contain this problem.

With reference to their understanding of the Indian village, compare the perspectives of M.N. Srinivas and S.C. Dube.

Write short note with a sociological perspective : Political elites and the democratic process.

Write short note on New rural elite and leadership.

Write short note : Regionalism.

Discuss the social base of political parties in India. What has been its impact on Indian democracy ?

Write short note : Pluralism and national unity.

Write short note : Reservation and Panchayat Raj institutions.

Write short note : National Unity.

Write short note : Implications of emergence of regional political parties.

Write short note : Role of pressure groups in Indian politics.

Write short note : Changing social origins of political elites in India.

Write short note : Decentralisation of power and local development.

Write short note : Panchayati Raj and rural leadership.

Write short note : Pressure groups in Indian politics.

Write short note : Social responsibility of political elites.

Write short note : Electoral Reform in India.

Write short note : Democratic Decentralisation.

Write short note : The emerging pattern of rural leadership.

Write short note : S.N.D.P. Movement.

Write short note : Education and social mobility.

Write short note : Inequality in Education.

Assess the role of the State in promoting education of girl child.

Write a note on Education and Equality in India.

Write short notes with a sociological perspective: Privatization of education and increasing inequalities.

Write short notes with a sociological perspective: Empowerment through ‘Right to Education’.

Write short note with a sociological perspective: Important components of National Education Policy in India.

Write short note with sociological perspective: Dalit empowerment.

Write short note with sociological perspective: Education and removal of inequality.

What is the Dalit Movement? Examine the issues highlighted by it. (200 words)

Write short note with a sociological perspective: Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. (150 words)

How do caste and class come together in shaping the category of extreme poor ?

How is objectivity different from Value neutrality? Discuss with reference to Weber's views on methodology.

In what way 'interpretative' method is different from 'positivist' approach in the study of social phenomena?

According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal relationships between men and women. Critically examine with illustrations from the contemporary Indian context.

According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the same as in simple societies. Comment. (about 150 words)

Using Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism, discuss the stages in the formation of gender identity.

Using Merton's concepts of ‘manifest’ and ‘latent’ functions, explain the persistence of corruption in Indian society.

"Power is not a zero-sum game". Discuss with reference to Weber's and Parsons's views.

Education is often viewed as an agency of change. However in reality it could also reinforce inequalities and conservatism. Discuss.

How is religious revivalism different from communalism? Elaborate with suitable examples from the Indian context.

Describe the main characteristics of the Jajmani system. Do you agree with the view that it is basically an institution of politico-economic dominance and dependence?

Discuss the social consequences of economic development in India. Do you share the view that it has increased economic inequality and failed to promote social justice?

Bring out the relationship between fertility and social structure as viewed by Davis and Blake.

Identify the similarities and differences between Marx’s theory of ‘alienation’ and Durkheim's theory of ‘anomie’.

What do you understand by institutionalization of 'live-in - relationship' ?

What do you understand by gender? How does it shape 'male identity'?

According to Max Weber, 'class' and 'status' are two different dimensions of power. Discuss.

How is the increasing use of technology changing the status of women in Indian society?

Write a short essay on the Latin American Perspective of 'dependency'.

Discuss T. H. Marshall's views on citizenship. (in about 150 words)

What do you understand by social movement? How has the mobilization by Scheduled Castes helped them in constructing a new identity?

Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure Groups. (150 words)

Write short note with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words : Features of caste system.

Write short notes with a sociological Perspective on the following in 150 words: G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to understand society in India.

Write short note with a sociological perspective: Modernisation of Indian traditions.

Discuss the social background of Indian nationalism.

Define patriarchy. Does it have bearings on women's entitlement in Indian family system? Explain.

Define Patriarchy. How does it impact the overall entitlement of a girl child in India?

What is the idea of ‘Indian village’ ? Explain.

What are the demographic projections for the ageing population (60+) for the next decade? What are the implications for formulating policy for them ?

What are the main features of the second wave of Women’s movement in the Indian context?

What are the possible underlying causes of the spurt of increased violence against women in public spaces in the last decade?

'Many caste conflicts are between castes which are close to each other on the hierarchical scale.' Give a sociological explanation for this phenomenon.

Explain the inter-linkages between poverty, deprivation and inequality. (200 words)

Write short answer of the following in about 150 words : In what way biographies could be used to study social life ?

Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India.

Discuss the ‘Chipko movement’ as an example of eco-feminism.

'Tribal conflicts based on ethnic differences often camouflage a struggle for political and economic advantage.' Substantiate with examples.

Write short note with a sociological perspective : Louis Dumont's perspective on caste system.

Write short note with a sociological perspective : How far Srinivas's Sanskritization is modernizing force or traditionalizing force ?

Discuss B.R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat.

Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer.

Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society?

What are variables ? Discuss their role in experimental research.

Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in research ?

Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life”.

"Education helps in perpetuating social and economic inequalities." Critically examine the statement.

Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations.

Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern world ?

Explain the relevance of the idea of 'cultural lag' in understanding social change.

Bring out the relationship between social class and mortality.

Western patriarchy which surrenders feminine principles is the new development project in India. Do you agree with this view? Why?

Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in Social Science research ?

The increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the formal organization of work in recent times. Examine the statement.

"Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy." Discuss.

Explain the conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social movement.

Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the study of social change.

What are the distinct features of Islam as practised in India, and how have they changed over time?

Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism?

Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy. Comment.

"Globalization involves deterritorialization." Examine with reference to the nation-state.

Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Verrier Elwin’s views on freedom for the tribals

Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism.

Discuss the salient features of Indian middle class.

What do you understand by LGBTQ? Comment on the issues concerning their marriage rights.

Illustrate the importance of 'Kanyadan' and 'Kulabadhu' in changing institutions of marriage and family.

Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in Indian society.

Give some of the important studies relating to the structural changes in the Indian family system.

Broadly compare the kinship system of North and South India.

What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization pattern in India?

Discuss the impact of post-1970 feminist movement on Indian middle class.

How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India ?

To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist agenda ?

What are the major concerns of ethnic identity and religious identity in India?

Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements in independent India.

How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of the features ?

What is 'value-free sociology'? Clarify.

Describe the basic postulates of scientific Method. How far are these followed in sociological research?

Evaluate Marx's ideas on mode of production.

What is the Marxist concept of ‘fetishism of commodities’ ?

Analyze the importance of qualitative method in social research.

“Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts.” Comment.

Elucidate the basic premises of Davis and Moore's structural-functional theory of stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding contemporary Indian society?

No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed. Comment.

Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society.

"Education is a major source of social mobility in contemporary society." Explain.

Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism ? Give reason for your answer.

How is Durkheim's theory of religion different from Max Weber's theory of religion ?

Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence of social change. Explain.

What accounts for the growth and consolidation of middle classes in modern India. Elucidate.

Write short notes with a sociological perspective: Patriarchy as a form of dominance.

Bring out the significance of the difference between family and household.

Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts.

Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion.

Discuss the importance of 'power elite' in democracy.

Social change can be brought about through development. Illustrate from the contemporary situation of India.

Write short notes with a sociological Perspective : Significance of Village Studies in Indian Sociology.

“Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables.” Elucidate by giving examples of poverty and illiteracy.

Write short note : Emergence of Dalit Consciousness.

Write short notes with a sociological Perspective: Salient features of A.R. Desai's Marxist Sociology.

Examine the role of caste as a pressure-group in contemporary Indian politics.

What are the factors accounting for the resurgence of ethnic identity movements in India?

Write short note with a sociological Perspective : Feminization of poverty.

Write short note with a sociological Perspective : Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless and marginal farmers.

Comment on the increasing significance of caste in politics.

Elucidate the concepts of 'majoritarianism' and 'minoritarianism' in accentuating communal tensions in India.

Analyse the major components of Land Reform Acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural inequality.

Write short notes with a sociological perspective: Different forms of Dalit assertion.

Discuss the various forms of environmental movements started in India.

Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspectives as critique of Positivism.

Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism.

Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative Perspective in sociology.

Explain the qualitative techniques of data collection with suitable examples from Indian context.

Illustrate with example the significance of variables in sociological research.

Examine epistemological foundations of qualitative methods of social research.

How can one resolve the issue of reliability and validity in the context of sociological research on inequality ?

What is Weberian critique of Marxist notion of social stratification ?

Examine gender, ethnicity and race as dimensions of social stratification.

What do you understand by 'informalisation of labour'? Write your answer with special reference to India.

Give an assessment of 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.

Analyse Marxian conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics.

Examine ‘patriarchal bargain’ as gendered division of work in contemporary India.

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 changing interface between state and civil society in post-independent India.

Gritcally analyse the role of science and technology in bringing about social change.

What is the nature of religious change among tribal communities ? Illustrate with two examples from colonial and post independence times.

Examine the dynamics of pressure groups in multi-party political system.

Which is more significant, the principle of ‘hierarchy’ or the principle of ‘difference’, in intercaste relations in the present day?

How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms and perspectives from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions?

What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the caste system since independence?

Examine sociological dynamics of Peasant Movement in colonial India.

The main objectives of socio-religious movements during the colonial rule in India. Write on any two such important movements.

Discuss Yogendra Singh's concept of Modernisation of Indian Traditions and evaluate its applicability in the present day.

Clarify the distinction between 'household' and 'family' and evaluate whether joint families have completely disintegrated.

Compare the North Indian Kinship System with the South Indian Kinship System.

Compare the pressing problems of a dalit poor family living in an urban slum with a similar type of family living in a rural setting.

Explain the issues relating to ethnicity and sub-ethnicity.

What is Cultural Revivalism ? Give some examples from performing arts, language dissemination and arts and crafts in recent times.

Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises questions about and beyond the informal sector ? Give reasons.

Despite gains from the women's movement and state policy of women empowerment, gender equality is far from achieved. Identify two major challenges that prevent this goal from being reached.

Comment on the factors behind the changing status of women in urban India.

What, according to you, are the two fundamental axes of social discrimination in Indian society? Are they changing?

The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relationship between the two in a society." - C. Wright Mills. Explain.

Does scientific method make Sociology a science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim's method.

Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate.

According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this ?

In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as functional to society?

How can Parsons’ AGIL framework be used to analyse key problems in a society ? Discuss.

What are the new forms of family in developed societies ? Discuss.

Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations ?

Discuss the challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular nation-state.

What is the structural perspective on the caste system? Is it not an oversimplification to describe the system as a hierarchy of statuses based on the opposition of the pure and impure?

How has the New Economic Policy (1991) affected the lifestyle and life-chances of new middle class in India?

Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Discuss.

Elaborate various forms of Dalit assertions in contemporary India? What are its implications on the Indian political system?

Comment on the changing democratic profile of India.

Discuss the implications of 'Swachha Bharat Abhiyan'. Do you think that civil society has a role to play here? Substantiate your answer with examples.

Distinguish between family and household with reference to the concept of development of the household.

Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of the society. Discuss with reference to class societies.

Are all world religions patriarchal ? Substantiate your answer with examples.

What are sects ? Discuss their role in multi religious societies with empirical examples.

Has the green revolution led to the emergence of new power elite in rural India? Elaborate your answer.

What, according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites? Discuss.

Assess the impact of ban on 'Triple Talak' on marriage and divorce among the Muslim community in India.

Analyze A.R. Desai’s views on India's path of development.

What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies?

Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India? Discuss.

Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille’s study of Tanjore village.

Write a critical narrative on the concerns of religious minorities in India.

Discuss development-induced displacement in the context of tribal uprising in India. Substantiate your answer with any one detailed illustration from India.

Construct a sociological narrative on the increasing trend of child abuse in India.

Write a note on Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development (IHSD) programmes provided for the urban poor.

How well do you think Tonnies, Durkheim, Weber and Marx predicted the character of modern society? Critique.

Davis and Moore made it clear that social Stratification is a functional necessity and also an unconscious device. Discuss.

Present a sociological review on the 'new middle-class'.

Modernisation presuposes class society; however caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain.

Compare and contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social stratification in capitalist society.

Differentiate between 'Life-chances' and 'Life-style' with suitable examples.

Why is gender a dimension of social stratification ? How does gender intersect other dimensions of inequality based on caste, class, race and ethnicity?

What is 'reserve army of labour'? Present the position of feminist scholars on this.

What, according to Irawati Karve, are the major differences between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems ?

In the light of judicial intervention on ‘Live-in relationships’, discuss the future of marriage and family in India.

What is the difference between natural and social inequality ? Give examples from caste and class dimensions.

Is social mobility possible in closed systems of stratification ? Illustrate with examples.

Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India.

What is civil society? Present a note on civil society engagement with science and technology policy in India.

Discuss the concept of circulation of elite.

How is terrorism a new form of asymmetrical warfare? What are some of the challenges in trying to win the war on terrorism?

Elaborate Srinivas's views on religion and society among the Coorgs.

Give an account of Ranajit Guha's approach in studying ‘subaltern class’.

Write a note on G.S. Ghurye's Indological perspective of understanding Indian society.

Write a critique of the structural and functional perspective used by M.N. Srinivas in the understanding of Indian society.

Write a note on Ghurye's conception of caste in India.

Write a note on the changing role of middle-class women in India.

Why has 'active aging' become a glocal goal ? Do you agree that the role of elderly care-giving is disproportionately gendered in developing countries ? Why ?

Examine the importance of Development Planning in Indian Mixed Economy and analyze its problems and prospects.

Do you think that 'demonetization' has accelerated the economic growth in India? How do you understand the informalization of labour, underemployment and gender discrimination in this context?

Elaborate the concept of constitutional morality as given by B.R. Ambedkar.

Write a brief note on the Freedom of Press.

Illustrate the contributions of the Tebhaga Movement to the peasant struggle in India.

Is industrial development in India a bane or a boon to agrarian class structure ? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.

Do you agree that social movements are caused by opportunity structures that are generated by media? Why?

Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers’ movement in contemporary India.

Elaborate the ‘Me Too’ Movement and its impact in India.

What is POSH Act ? "Identification of tormentor by women at workplace does not come easily even today." Examine the statement with substantive examples from India.

Elaborate urbanism as a way of life in India.

Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamism in India.

In the Context of globalization, has the scope of Sociology been changing in India? Comment.

How did the Intellectual forces lead to the emergence of Sociology? Discuss.

Methodology is a system of rules, Principles and procedures, which forms scientific investigation. Comment.

Phenomenological perspectives in Sociology reject many of the assumption of positivism. Comment.

Is Sociology a value-free Science? Discuss.

Analyse the strengths and weakness of social survey method in social research.

Discuss the importance and source of hypothesis in social research.

Write short note: Mead's notion of self.

What are the reactions of R.K Merton to the functionalism of social anthropologists? Bring on the limitations of latent functions.

Analyse the relevance of 'Pattern Variables' in the study of Social change.

'Ideal Types' of Max Weber are mental constructs; they do not correspond to the reality. Give your views.

What are the problems in observing social facts in Durkheim's views?

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.

Critically assess the Marxian Theory of 'Alienation'.

How are Hierarchy and Exclusion the major impediments in the transformation of societies? Discuss.

Critically assess social mobility in closed and open systems.

Capitalism has brought increasing informalisation of work in society. Substantiate your answer.

Discuss the new labour codes and their impact on formal and informal labour in India.

According to Mills, 'Elite's rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms.' Comment.

Examine how social movements come to an end. Illustrate with examples.

State the reasons for the various religious beliefs and practices in pre-modern societies.

What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of society?

Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system in modern Indian society.

Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society? Comment.

Is humanity at the mercy of Nature, Science, and Technology? Comment in the light of the pandemic situation.

Education is often viewed as an agency of social change. However, in reality it could also reinforce inequalities and conservatism. Discuss.

Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss.

How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change?

According to Durkheim, 'The major function of education is the transmission of society's norms and values.' Discuss.

Elaborate A. R. Desai's perspective to the study of Indian society.

From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinarity, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences?

Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data? Justify your answer.

Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census method.

How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in sociological enquiry?

With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton.

Do you agree with Max Weber's idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage? Justify your answer.

Explain whether Durkheim's theory of Division of Labour is relevant in the present-day context.

Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx.

Explain the growing salience of ethnicity in the contemporary world with illustrations.

Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector.

How has the idea of 'Work from Home' forced us to redefine the formal and informal organization of work?

Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the recent 'Lockdown period'.

Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto's theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario.

Highlight the roles and function of civil society in a democratic system.

Critically compare the views of E.B. Tylor and Max Muller 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.

Explain how the pattern of patriarchy is being altered in a family and at the workplace in the present context.

Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss.

Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary world.

Describe the role of Science & Technology in enabling us to face the challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemics.

Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in understanding the present global scenario.

Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically related to each other in terms of achieving their goals.

Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in theorizing India's modernization.

Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, of the following questions in about 150 words each: a) Elaborate on M.N. Srinivas's structural-functionalist approach to the study of Indian society. (10 Marks)

How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to understand social reality? Explain with suitable illustrations.

How is sociology related to common sense?

Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory?

Evaluate if social stratification is functional for society.

What are the theoretical models of societal power? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies?

What is affirmative action? Substantiate theoretical positions on affirmative actions with examples.

What is ‘informal labour’? Discuss the need for and challenges in regulating informal labour in post-industrial society.

Explain democracy as an order of society. What are the factors preventing people's participation in politics?

Explain Max Weber's theory of social stratification. How does Weber's idea of class differ from that of Marx?

What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain.

Explain how economic globalization has brought changes in the patterns of employment in the 21st century.

Do you think that social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case.

Differential sex-ratio and its implications.

Write a note on the uneven impact of 'Green Revolution' on rural society.

Discuss the emerging forms of 'inequalities' and 'acute poverty' as major challenges of social transformation in India.

Discuss some of the striking issues of development induced imbalances that need urgent attention.

Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban socio-spatial patterns in India.

Analyse A.R. Desai’s views on India’s path of development.

Examine sociological dynamics of Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India.

How do you relate the growth of development of metropolis and its impact on the mental and social life of people in India.

Has Green Revolution led to the formation of new power elite in rural India? Elaborate your answer.

Highlight the main features of the ‘Inter-linking of Rivers’ project in India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture?

Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration.

Do you think that ‘demonetization’ has accelerated the economic growth in India? How do you understand the informalization of labour, underemployment and gender discrimination in this context?

Examine the concept of 'Cultural Pluralism’ in the context of India's Unity in Diversity. (10 Marks)

Highlight the salient features of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. (10 Marks)

Analyse the sociological interconnections between Social Media and Mass Mobilization in India. (10 Marks)

What is caste politics? Substantiate your answer with examples of how identities are defined by caste dynamics.

Do you think that the Indian saints have brought about social reform and awareness in Indian society? Explain.

What is identity politics? Discuss the main trends in Dalit movements in India.

Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each: a) Discuss law as an important instrument for women's empowerment. (10 Marks)

Sociology is the product of European enlightenment and renaissance. Critically examine this statement.

Discuss the nature of Sociology. Highlight its relationship with Social Anthropology.

Do you think 'objectivity' is an over-hyped idea in sociological research? Discuss the merits and demerits of non-positivist methods.

What do you understand by 'mixed method'? Discuss its strengths and limitations in social research.

How do you view and assess the increasing trend of digital ethnography and use of visual culture in sociological research?

How is 'power' different from 'authority'? Discuss various types of authorities as theorized by Max Weber.

Explain G.H. Mead's idea of development of 'self' through the 'generalised other'.

Describe various characteristics of a 'social fact'. How is rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim?

Critically explain the salient features of 'alienation' as propounded by Karl Marx.

Describe the main idea of Max Weber's book, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism as a critique of Marxism.

How does a multicultural society accommodate diversities of all kinds — ethnic, linguistic and religious? Discuss its major challenges.

What is social mobility? Critically examine the classification of 'closed' and 'open' models of social stratification.

Describe the differing principles of work organization in feudal and capitalist societies.

Critically assess the impact of technological advancement and automation on the nature of work and employment.

Define the concept of 'gig' economy and discuss its impact on labour market and workers' social security net.

Discuss the dimensions of power in the construction and maintenance of social hierarchies in a society.

Underline the role of social media in contemporary social movements and describe its challenges.

Democracy needs a vibrant culture of civil society in order to strengthen its foundation of citizenship. Comment.

How do you understand the phenomena of the mushrooming of sects and cults in contemporary society? Discuss the factors responsible for the trend.

Do modernization and secularization necessarily go together? Give your views.

Discuss the concept of animism and differentiate it from naturism.

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.

Critically examine the World-Systems theory of Immanuel Wallerstein in terms of development and dependency of various nations.

Discuss various theories of social change. Explain the limitations of unilinear theory of social change.

Critically examine the roles of science and technology in social change. What is your opinion on their increasing trend in 'online' education and teaching?

Differentiate between 'Western' and 'Indological' perspectives on the study of Indian society. Bring out the major aspects of G. S. Ghurye's contribution to the 'Indological' approach.

Highlight the major contributions of the reform movements in pre-independent India.

Analyse the changing nature of caste as a status group.

In what way is the scope of sociology unique? Explain.

What is the relationship (similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology? Discuss.

What is common sense? How are common knowledge and sociology related to each other? Explain.

What is science? Do you think that the methods used in natural sciences can be applied to sociology? Give reasons for your answer.

What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it.

What is sampling in the context of social research? Discuss different forms of sampling with their relative advantages and disadvantages.

What is hypothesis? Critically evaluate the significance of hypothesis in social research.

What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research.

What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate.

Highlight the main features of historical materialism as propounded by Marx. How far is this theory relevant in understanding contemporary societies? Explain.

How does Weber's Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology?

Can Merton's reference group theory be relevant in understanding 'identity making' in digital world? Explain.

Does the structural-functionalist perspective on social stratification promote a status quo? Give reasons for your answer.

Compare capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty.

Is the social stratification theory gender-blind? Elucidate.

Do you think that the formal workspaces are free of gender bias? Argue your answer.

Critically analyze the sociological significance of informal sector in the economy of developing societies.

What would you identify as the similarities and differences in the elite theories of Mosca, Michels and Pareto? Discuss their main/crucial issues.

Are pressure groups a threat to or a necessary element of democracy? Explain with suitable illustrations.

How do 'Civil Society Organizations' such as 'NGOs' and 'Self-Help Groups' contribute in bringing down/provide leverage for grassroots level social changes? Discuss.

How can you assess the significance of social movements in the digital era? Explain.

How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? Explain.

What is the nature of relationship between science and religion in modern society? Analyze with suitable examples.

Give an account of the recent trends of marriage in the Indian context. How are these different from traditional practices?

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.

In what way does queer kinship challenge the traditional kinship system? Substantiate by giving illustrations.

What do you understand by sustainable development? Discuss the elements of sustainable development as proposed in the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals Report-2015.

To what extent can education and skill development be an agent of social change? Critically discuss.

How would you appropriate to characterise G. S. Ghurye as a practitioner of 'theoretical pluralism'?

'Textual perspective is important in understanding of Indian Social System.' Discuss.

Do you think that new economic reforms of British rule have disrupted the old economic system of India? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.

Do you think that in a society like India orthogenetic changes take place through differentiation? Elaborate your answer with suitable examples.

According to you, which social reform movement has played the most effective role in uplifting the status of women? Explain.

Justify that the Indian traditions are modernizing. Also discuss its contributing factors.

How did Colonial Policies for the tribes affected their socio-economic conditions in India? Discuss.

'Agrarian class structure has been undergoing changes due to modern forces.' Critically examine.

How same sexed marriages are responsible for population dynamics in India? Discuss.

What do you mean by nation building? What is the role of religion in nation building? Elaborate your answer.

Describe the main features of Indian new middle class. How is it different from the old middle class?

Who is said to be the pioneer of village studies in India? Illustratively describe contributions of some Indian sociologists on village studies. How their approaches are distinct from each other?

'Industrial class structure is a function of social structure of Indian society.' Do you agree with this statement? Analyze.

What is kinship? Briefly explain G. P. Murdock's contribution to the study of the kinship system.

'The transfer of land from cultivating to the non-cultivating owners is bringing about transformation in Indian society.' Justify your answer by giving suitable illustrations.

Bring out various factors responsible for degeneration of village Industries in India.

Discuss the social bases of political mobilization in Independent India. Has some change occurred in last 60 to 70 years?

What are the major problems faced by the labour migrants while working in informal sectors of Indian States? Discuss.

Do you think that law has been able to abolish child labour in India? Comment.

In what respects have the constitutional provisions changed the socio-economic and political conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India? Critically examine.

Discuss the trend of urbanization in India. Do you think that Industrialization is the only precondition of urbanization? Give your arguments.

Which measures would you suggest for preventing caste conflicts in India? Justify your argument.

What are the Private and Public network and support systems operative in Indian society for the aged? Suggest measures to curb down the challenges before care givers of the aged?

'Educational development is the only Panacea for country's all ills and evils.' Critically examine the above statement with reference to NEP-2020.

How Dalit movements in India have facilitated their Identity formation? Analyze.

Is it possible to have sustainable development in India? Cite major environmental issues and suggest a few measures to achieve the sustainability.

Do you think that forced displacement of labourers has caused their deprivation and resultant inequalities during the recent past years? Elaborate.

What are the Indian government's schemes launched for poverty alleviation after United Nation's Declaration of 'Sustainable Development Goals – 2015'? Briefly describe.