Sociology I · Topic
Equality, Inequality and Exclusion
The concepts of equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty and deprivation.
85 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Equality, Inequality and Exclusion that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
"Davis and Moore's theory of stratification has provoked a lengthy debate". In this context, produce a comprehensive criticism of their ideas.
20 marks · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Theories of StratificationEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Poverty means more than simply low income. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionClass, Status, Gender and Race
Differentiate between Functionalist and Marxist theories of Stratification.
20 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Theories of StratificationEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Who are contract labour? What are the challenges they face?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Labour and SocietyOrganisation of Work
"The theory of stratification by Davis and Moore was (and remains) highly influential, but has generated enormous controversy". In this context, give a brief overview of its criticism.
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Theories of StratificationEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves socially in societies.
15 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2025
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionClass, Status, Gender and Race
What do you understand by ethnicity as a dimension of social stratification? How does it impact the nation-states?
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2025
Class, Status, Gender and RaceNation, State and Citizenship
'No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.' Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2025
Social MobilityClass, Status, Gender and Race
Critically discuss the reservation policy as an instrument of social change in India.
15 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionTheories and Agents of Social Change
Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionClass, Status, Gender and Race
Gender inequality is not being discussed in climate talks. Critically examine the concept of gender inequality from sociological perspectives.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Class, Status, Gender and RaceEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
"Poverty, like any other social phenomena, survives because it is 'useful to society or some of its parts". Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionTheories of Stratification
How far do you agree that Euro-centric theories of social stratification have not been able to fully capture the complexities and nuances of India's diverse and stratified society?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Theories of StratificationClass, Status, Gender and Race
Critically discuss the role of social inequality in ensuring that important positions are filled by the most qualified persons.
15 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Theories of StratificationEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Distinguish between 'ascribed' and 'achieved' status with examples from contemporary Indian society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Class, Status, Gender and RaceEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
'Social mobility is often hailed as a promise of progress in India, but the reality reveals that for many, it remains a distant mirage, obscured by the weight of historical and systemic inequalities'. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Social MobilityClass, Status, Gender and Race
Access to quality education contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering upward social mobility? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Education and Social ChangeSocial Mobility
Discuss the sociological implications of artificial intelligence and automation on social stratification and mobility patterns.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Science, Technology and Social ChangeClass, Status, Gender and Race
“Social exclusion is generally not voluntary rather forced.” Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionClass, Status, Gender and Race
Explain the difference between social inequality and social stratification. How do the nature and forms of the social stratification system influence social mobility.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionSocial Mobility
Race, gender and caste as a hierarchical system (perfected inequality) has become a thing of the past, now it has become more of a competitive system where inequality on the basis of merit (practical inequality) is ingrained in the system. Elucidate with the help of suitable examples.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Class, Status, Gender and RaceEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
According to the recent findings, middle classes in India are excluding themselves from society. Critically examine the factors responsible for their self-exclusion.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2021
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionClass, Status, Gender and Race
Analyse the structural-functionalist explanation of social stratification and bring out its limitations.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Theories of StratificationEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
"Social inequality is both a cause and a consequence of social stratification." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionClass, Status, Gender and Race
“All individuals are equal; some individuals are more equal than others”. Contextualise the instances of gender based social exclusion.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Class, Status, Gender and RaceEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Illustrate with examples: Ethnicity and race as dimensions of stratification
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Class, Status, Gender and RaceEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Mobility is often touted as a solution to inequality. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Social MobilityEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Investigate the experiences of transgender individuals in India regarding the negotiation of self-identity. How do cultural attitudes and legal recognition influence their sense of self and belonging?
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Class, Status, Gender and RaceEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
"No society can be absolutely open or absolutely closed". Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Social MobilityClass, Status, Gender and Race
Elaborate on the social distribution of poverty in society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2015–2017
Equality, Inequality and ExclusionClass, Status, Gender and Race