UPSC IAS Mains 2012: Sociology
PAPER II
Section A

1. Write short with a sociological perspective on the following is not more than 150 words each: 12 × 5 =60
Limitations of the dialectical approach to the study of Indian society.
Changing rural power structure.
Challenges to institution of marriage.
Westernization and institutional change in India.
Interaction of ‘little tradition’ and ‘great tradition’.

2. Distinguish between the above: 4 × 4 16
Tribe and Caste.
Affinal kin and Consanguineous kin.
Marriage as sacrament and marriage as contract.
Positional change and structural change
‘Indian society may be understood as a system of cognitive structures.’ How far do you a agree with this statements? 20
Comment on the social and cultural determinants of sexual division of labour. 14

3. Examine the impact of secularization on various religious communities in India. 30
Has geographic and economic mobility impacted the tribal culture and social structure? Give examples. 30

4. Has nuclear family existed in traditional India? Discuss with reference of the view of I. P. Desai. 20.
How have social reform movements in colonial India contributed to modernization of Indian society? 20
Discuss the factors which contributed to industrial modernization in India. What are the salient features of new industrial class structure? 20

Section B

5. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in not more than 150 words each: 12 × 5 60
Demographic perspective of Indian youth.
Regional political elites and the democratic process.
Education and Dalit empowerment.
Constitution as a living document of social change.
Education and removal of inequality.

6. Critically examine the concepts of nation and citizenship in the context of globalization. 20
Discuss some social and cultural determination of infant mortality rate. Give your suggestions to prevent infanticide. 20
Bring out some positive and negative social consequences of green revolution. How has green revolution changed the rural social structure? 20

7. 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. 30
What are the problems of ageing population? Describe the declining traditional social support system for the aged. Suggest alternative measures to support ageing population. 30

8. Have the new economic policy and economic reforms led to weakening of labour class movements? Explain your views with examples. 30
Do you think that some policies and laws relating to environment have retarded the development process? Give examples. How can an ideal balance between environmental protection and development goals be brought about? 30