Sociology II · Topic
Poverty and Inequality
Poverty, deprivation and inequalities in India.
166 UPSC Mains Sociology II questions on Poverty and Inequality that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2015–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Despite a fast-growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world's worst level of child malnutrition. Elaborate the social causes as well as consequences of malnutrition in India.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Poverty and InequalityPatriarchy and Entitlements
Radhakrishnan notes that education is the most important force of social mobility in India, but the lived reality paints a complex picture as against desired.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Education and Social Change in IndiaPoverty and Inequality
Despite various legal safeguards, the spectre of bonded labour still plagues Indian society. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Rural Labour, Bondage and MigrationPoverty and Inequality
While the Surrogacy Act aims to regulate surrogacy in India, it is likely to become counter-productive to any efforts for ending the exploitation of vulnerable women. Critically Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Patriarchy and EntitlementsConstitution, Law and Social Change
Urbanization based on inclusive development provides a long-term solution to urban poverty. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Urbanisation and SlumsPoverty and Inequality
Demography offers a potential, it is not a destiny - critically comment
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Population Size and GrowthAgeing, Sex Ratio and Health
Religious minorities are one of the most socio-economically backward sections in India. Identify the sociological reasons.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Religious Communities and MinoritiesPoverty and Inequality
"The trajectory of urban development is the major reason for environmental issues in urban areas". Discuss. Despite economic growth, rural India continues to grapple with issues like bonded labor, low wages, and seasonal unemployment. Analyze the systemic factors contributing to these problems and suggest strategies for addressing them effectively.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Urbanisation and SlumsRural Labour, Bondage and Migration
"The land reforms implemented in post-independence India aimed to address socio-economic disparities but achieved mixed results." Evaluate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Agrarian Structure and Land ReformsPoverty and Inequality
The tenancy reforms in Kerala have also helped Kerala to achieve social equality and the hutments development in the land have helped the poor.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Agrarian Structure and Land ReformsPoverty and Inequality
Should right to health be a fundamental right? Discuss the health and wellness requirements of various social groups to achieve impactful societal outcomes?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution, Law and Social ChangePoverty and Inequality
According to UN-Habitat and WHO survey, 32% of Indian urban population lives in slums. The World Bank called Indian urbanisation as 'slow, hidden and messy' owing to a large slum presence. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Urbanisation and SlumsPoverty and Inequality
Child labour deprives children of their rights and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Informal Sector and Child LabourPoverty and Inequality
"The appointment of Draupadi Murmu as the President of India serves as a significant advancement towards addressing the intersectional marginalization in Indian society". Critically analyse the significance and limitations of intersectional approach to address issues of vulnerable sections in the society.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Poverty and InequalityPatriarchy and Entitlements
"State intervention is needed to make farming economically and ecologically viable". Comment with special reference to the problems faced by small and marginal farmers in contemporary India.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Rural DevelopmentAgrarian Structure and Land Reforms
A toxic social environment leads to vulnerability and impairs resilience. Discuss the statement in context of growing suicide among youth in India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Displacement and SustainabilityPoverty and Inequality
Is caste census necessary for promoting equitable social development in India? Argue.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Caste SystemPoverty and Inequality
Critically examine the shift from welfare to right-based approach in rural development programs.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Rural DevelopmentConstitution, Law and Social Change
Affirmative actions are taken by a welfare state to bring substantive equality in consonance with formal equality established by Constitution.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution, Law and Social ChangePoverty and Inequality
"Drug abuse not only affects an individual but society as a whole". Critically examine the statement in context of growing incidences of drug addiction in India.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Displacement and SustainabilityPoverty and Inequality
"Caste system in India is a major barrier to social mobility." Discuss. Also, explain the factors that contribute to the persistence of caste-based inequalities.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Caste SystemPoverty and Inequality
Indian state shifted has from socialist state to liberal state post 1991. Analyse the impact of market led approach to development in the last three decades.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Development PlanningPoverty and Inequality
Examine the inherent connection between displacement and the pursuit of development, providing a critical analysis.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Displacement and SustainabilityTribal Communities
"Micro-finance has been hailed as a tool for women's empowerment but has also led to new forms of exploitation." Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Rural DevelopmentPatriarchy and Entitlements
Educational inequality feeds into a larger cycle of inequality.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Illiteracy and Educational DisparitiesPoverty and Inequality
Discuss the manifestations of patriarchy in public and private domains. How does it contribute to child malnourishment and the persistence of untouchability in India? Illustrate with examples. 4(a). Critically examine the structural inequalities in the Indian education system.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Patriarchy and EntitlementsCaste System
To what extent has the expansion of digital education bridged or widened the social divide in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Education and Social Change in IndiaPoverty and Inequality
Write a short note on changing means of production and increased rural poverty.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Green Revolution and Agrarian ChangePoverty and Inequality
"Globalization has created new forms of class inequalities while reinforcing traditional hierarchies." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Poverty and InequalitySocial Classes in India
The reason [for] poor performance in GHI lies in the patriarchal society, where females suffer from stark socio-economic inequalities, among other reasons. Elaborate.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Patriarchy and EntitlementsPoverty and Inequality