Sociology I · Topic
Sociology of Religion
Sociological theories of religion and types of religious practice: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.
96 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Sociology of Religion that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Give a critical review of 'functional analysis of religion given by Durkheim'.
15 marks · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Emile DurkheimSociology of Religion
Globalization has accelerated the rise of consumerism, individualism and questioned religion and provided for pluralist societies driven by distinctive religions. Comment.
20 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
Religious fundamentalism is a challenge to the truth of other religions. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
"Religion is the opium of masses and an instrument of classes". Critically analyse
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2023
Karl MarxSociology of Religion
How is the Weberian theory of religion different from that of Durkheim's?
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2025
Emile DurkheimMax Weber
Durkheim labelled the modern form of collective conscience as the cult of the individual. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Emile DurkheimSociology of Religion
Differentiate between evolutionist and functionalist understandings of religion.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Sociology of ReligionTheories and Agents of Social Change
The process of secularisation was greatly aided by transformation of human consciousness triggered by the popularisation of scientific ideas among common people. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
Secularization as a social process has its challenges in the form of religious fundamentalism in the contemporary society. Critically examine.
25 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
There is a strong correspondence between sociology of religion and sociology of knowledge. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Sociology of ReligionReligion in Modern Society
Is religious belief compatible with a scientific outlook? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
Discuss the relevance of Emile Durkheim's understanding of religion in contemporary society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Emile DurkheimSociology of Religion
Evaluate Max Weber's 'theory of religion' as a 'factor of social change.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2014–2019
Max WeberSociology of Religion
In India's cultural landscape, cults and sects professing a common way of life and shared ideals arose as an alternative to the discrimination perpetuated by traditional religious hierarchies. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Sociology of Religion
The issue of fundamentalism illustrates that religion appears to be associated with conflict in many parts of the world. Critically discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
To what extent, in your opinion, are religion and science compatible?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
"Religion prevents social change by disguising exploitation and inequality". Critically evaluate the statement with reference to Marx and Weber's theory of Religion.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Sociology of ReligionKarl Marx
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Religious fundamentalism and Globalization
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
How Durkheim's idea of Sacred and profane be used to understand the contemporary society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Emile DurkheimSociology of Religion
"Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control". Critically examine.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
Analyze the concept of secularization and discuss how does secularization impact religious institutions and the public sphere?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
Define New Age Movement and explain the growth of new age movement with few examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Protest and Social MovementsSociology of Religion
Modernity has many children, one of them is 'fundamentalism'. Critically examine the relevance of the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
Modernity has many children, one of them is 'fundamentalism'. Critically evaluate the relevance of the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
Fundamentalism is an ideology whereas religious revivalism is a practice. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion
How do sects and cults differ from organised religion in their structure and social functions?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Sociology of Religion
"Durkheim's understanding of religion, like any other social theory, emerged and had greater relevance in a particular 'social context'." Critically analyze the statement
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Emile DurkheimSociology of Religion
Religion concerns itself with the beyond, whereas economy deals with the practical business of working, producing and consuming. Weber theory created a novel link between the two, critically discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Max WeberSociology of Religion
Critically discuss the concept of "Cult of the Individual".
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Sociology of ReligionEmile Durkheim
"Religion and Science have in the course of history helped man to cope with the uncertainties and hazards of life in their own way". Comment
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Religion in Modern SocietySociology of Religion