Sociology I · Topic
Theories of Stratification
Structural-functionalist (Davis and Moore), Marxist and Weberian theories of social stratification.
87 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Theories of Stratification 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
Differentiate between Functionalist and Marxist theories of Stratification.
20 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Theories of StratificationEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Examine how Weber's characterization of capitalism is different from those of Marx.
15 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Karl MarxMax Weber
In Marx's view, social stratification is created by people's differing relationship to the means of production. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Karl MarxTheories of Stratification
In what ways are Marx's and Weber's theories of class at odds with each other and to what extent can they be seen as complementary?
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2023
Theories of StratificationKarl Marx
"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
“Weber’s approach to stratification was built on the analysis developed by Marx, but he modified and elaborated on it”. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2021
Theories of StratificationClass, Status, Gender and Race
Max Weber's understanding of social stratification is closer to empirical reality. Comment
15 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2014–2017
Theories of StratificationClass, 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
Distinguish between class and status in Weber's view of social stratification.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Class, Status, Gender and RaceTheories of Stratification
"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
Briefly discuss the implication of social mobility on individual and societal level in different structures.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Social MobilityClass, 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
"Marx's conception of 'class-in-itself' and 'class-for-itself' has been questioned on the basis of 'empirical studies'. Elucidate
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Karl MarxTheories of Stratification
Examine the consequences of 'social mobility' on both the 'individual' and 'societal' levels within various societal frameworks.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Social MobilityTheories of Stratification
'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
Many social theorists have built on Marx's conflict theory to bolster it, grow it, and refine it over the years. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Karl MarxPower and Elites
The process of embourgeoisement is antithetical to the concept of 'proletarisation' and 'class in itself'. Critically analyse.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Karl MarxTheories of Stratification
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
Compare Merton's concept of deviance with Durkheim's idea of anomie. How do they differ in explaining deviant behavior?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Robert K. MertonEmile Durkheim
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
It has been suggested that a significant portion of Max Weber's theoretical framework was crafted through extensive and prolonged intellectual discourse with the shadow of Marx. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Max WeberKarl Marx
Explain Karl Marx's theory of social stratification. Do you agree with Marx that social stratification can be abolished?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Theories of StratificationKarl Marx
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
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Distinguish between class and status in Weber's view of social stratification.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Class, Status, Gender and RaceMax Weber
Discuss social mobility patterns in open and closed stratification systems.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Social MobilityTheories of Stratification