GS4 · Topic
Social Influence and Persuasion
Conformity, obedience, group pressure and persuasion, and the use of either by a public servant.
184 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Social Influence and Persuasion that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2013–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
What are the factors which drive people to take law in their own hands rather than following the due process of law? Discuss ways to address the problem of mob justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Law and MoralityEthical Dilemmas in Government
The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
You are posted as a District Magistrate in a Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected district. The district has witnessed many instances of violence by the naxalites in the past. It has been observed that instances of violence increase as the elections approach. You, as a Returning Officer, are responsible for the smooth conduct of elections. Soon after the announcement of elections, the naxalites gave a call for their boycott and have been threatening people to stay away from them. The people of the district are eager to exercise their voting rights but are scared of the impending acts of violence. Further, with threat to their lives and a low expected turnout, the other electoral officers are also reluctant to go to these areas. In this context, answer the following: (a) Identify the civil service values that are crucial for working in such adversities. (b) Suggest a plan of action to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in such a situation.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Crisis Decision MakingCivil Service Values
As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics
You are a resident of a remote tribal district, where there is high incidence of malnutrition. As a remedial measure, the District Magistrate has initiated a programme to promote millet cultivation, especially on the lands currently lying fallow in the district. However, this well-intentioned move of the officer receives flak from the local tribals as this may not only change their age-old food habits, but also alter their traditional agricultural practices. They further cite lower remunerative prices of millets as another reason for continuing with their existing crop production pattern. As a civil servant aspirant, who has a keen interest in development of tribal areas, answer the following questions: (a) What according to you are the key issues and challenges involved in the above situation? (b) Identify the key stakeholders and their respective interests. (c) Suggest a course of action that the District Magistrate can take keeping in mind the larger tribal interests.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government
As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. 20 Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation among students and teachers is also low. While certain basic infrastructure is already in place, the major hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security risks involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps that you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Crisis Decision MakingAttitude
What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Utilisation of Public FundsEmpathy and Compassion
Social transformation programs such as "beti bachao and beti padhao" believes in using advice, counseling, and persuasion but sometimes a little force is also necessary for getting the desired response. Do you think it is a good idea to mix little force with persuasion by public administrators while implementing social schemes of transformation? Explain with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025
Social Influence and PersuasionCivil Service Values
Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Human ValuesAttitude
To what extent can financial incentives help shape attitude towards social issues? Discuss with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Social attitude towards corruption has become more forgiving with time leading to a view of illegal gains and misappropriation of public assets as a "rightful" individual prerogative. Analyse in the context of India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
AttitudeCorruption
Celebrities are paid huge amounts by companies for endorsing products that at times turn out to be harmful for the consumers. Examine the ethical dimensions involved in such instances.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
Instances of atrocities against dalits despite stringent legal measures point to the fact that the problem is not one of legality only but a matter of entrenched social prejudices and attitude. In this context suggest some effective measures to address the issue holistically.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Do laws need to be consistent with the prevalent moral norms? Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance
In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Technology and EthicsCorporate Governance
What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional intelligence of an individual.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Emotional IntelligenceSocial Influence and Persuasion
Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity." Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values
There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
CorruptionSocial Influence and Persuasion
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” Martin Luther King Jr
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Human ValuesWorld Thinkers
Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Human ValuesWork Culture
You are the SP of a district where a large number of followers of a particular sect reside. The district also hosts a large Ashram where regular gathering of the followers take place. The leader of the sect has been under the scanner of the judiciary for his involvement in illegal activities. Now the court has ordered his immediate arrest and an order pronouncing the same has been sent to you. You have been asked to comply with the orders within two days. A large number of followers, which include women and children, have already thronged the Ashram in anticipation of arrest of the leader. Intelligence units have informed about the presence of not only large stock of food and water but also ammunition, inside the Ashram. Your request urging the followers to vacate the site has failed. 20 (a) What could be the reason for people's defiance? (b) List the issues involved in the case. (c) What will be your plan of action?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
CorruptionProbity in Governance
What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
According to Aristotle, for persuasion, not only Ethos (credibility of the speaker) and Logos (logical argument) but Pathos (emotional connection to the audience) is equally important. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Social Influence and PersuasionWorld Thinkers
The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour? (c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude
You are a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Rural Development. A flagship program aimed at empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives is being implemented. While the program has seen success in providing financial assistance and skill development, you observe that women's participation in decision-making bodies within these SHGs and village councils remains limited. Despite legal provisions for women's participation in local governance, traditional patriarchal norms often prevail, relegating women to secondary roles. This results in their voices being unheard and their concerns being overlooked in decision-making processes. Further, Years of social conditioning has led to internalization of gender bias, where women themselves underestimate their abilities and hesitate to participate in decision-making. Many rural women are unaware of their rights and the opportunities available to them. Lack of education and information has further hindered their participation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, Male members within the community and even within the SHGs resist women's participation in decision-making. Some men cite traditional gender roles and norms while some question their abilities. They also try to control access to resources and information, limiting women's ability to participate effectively in decision-making processes. Women who attempt to challenge traditional norms face social ostracism or pressure from their families and communities to conform. a) Identify the ethical issues in the given case study. b) How can you engage with male members of the community and SHGs to address their concerns and encourage them to support women's participation? c) What institutional and policy changes can be made to create a more enabling environment for women's participation in decision-making, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024
Social Influence and PersuasionEmpathy and Compassion
Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion