Sociology I · Practice questions
Thinkers, methods, stratification, religion, change
1,250 questions, with how toppers answered each. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 33 themesFewer themes
While early Marxist theorists classified the society into infrastructure (economy) and superstructure (family, religion, polity etc), advocating former influencing the latter, the neomarxists establish a dual relationship.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Karl Marx
Religious worship is really the worship of society itself. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Emile DurkheimSociology of Religion
UPSC mains answer transcription covering various sociological concepts.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Social MobilityRobert K. Merton
"Modernization does not necessarily lead to development." Analyze. Discuss how has the information revolution impacted social change in developing societies?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Development and DependencyTheories and Agents of Social Change
"Durkheim’s understanding of religion emerged and had greater relevance in a particular ‘social context’. Critically analyze the statement.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emile DurkheimSociology of Religion
Democracy is a necessary evil. Comment on the concept of democracy from Sociological perspective.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Nation, State and CitizenshipPower and Elites
Critically assess Parsons' AGIL scheme as a model for analyzing social systems.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
The 'functional theories of social stratification' have been critiqued by many scholars on different grounds. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Theories of StratificationEquality, Inequality and Exclusion
Critically examine role of 'pressure groups' in strengthening democracy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Power and ElitesNation, State and Citizenship
Comment on Mills' assertion that the elite's rule operates in institutional terms rather than psychological terms.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Power and Elites
Reliability and validity in social research are pre-requisites. Explain the concepts and their significance. Access to quality education contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering upward social mobility? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Variables, Sampling and Hypothesis
Analyse how the various types of sects and cults have altered the religious experience.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Sociology of ReligionReligion in Modern Society
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) The key to Marx's critique of capitalism is his theory of surplus-value.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Karl Marx
What are the practical implications and applications of sociological research? List the ways in which sociology can make a valuable contribution to social life?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Sociology and Common SenseEmergence of Sociology
Is the 40-hour work week relevant today? Clarify.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Labour and SocietyOrganisation of Work
Examine role of pattern variables in understanding of social systems.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Talcott Parsons
Discuss the impact of industrialization on kinship relations. (b) Explain the relationship between social mobility and social structures.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Social MobilityClass, Status, Gender and Race
Examine the correlation between globalisation and work organisation.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Examine the impact of information technology on 'social organisation of work' in contemporary society.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Organisation of WorkLabour and Society
The emergence of factory system led to separation of house and workplace; factories became unit of production while houses remained unit of consumption. Thus, women who were confined to their houses were not considered to be contributing economically as only men earned money. The unpaid labour which women perform amounts to nearly 40% of world's GDP in a report by Oxfam. Most of it falls under care economy eg. nursing, cooking, etc. Women even if working have to bear brunt of 'second shift' as identified by Arlie Hoschchild since they manage households too even if they have helper. Linear theories of social change. Family has largely been considered as functional and universal by functionalists.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Patriarchy and GenderOrganisation of Work
Social stratification is multidimensional. Elaborate with suitable illustrations the concept of intersectionality in stratification.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Class, Status, Gender and RaceTheories of Stratification
Examine the role of civil society in the functioning of democracies.
15 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Nation, State and CitizenshipPower and Elites
Discuss whether the scientific method qualifies Sociology as a science, using Durkheim's method as an example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
Explain the transition from class-in-itself to class-for-itself, according to Karl Marx.
15 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Karl Marx