Sociology — UPSC CSE Sociology Paper 1 PYQs

(b) What is the relationship (similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology? Discuss.

(c) What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate.

(e) Is the social stratification theory gender-blind? Elucidate.

(d) Can Merton's reference group theory be relevant in understanding 'identity making' in digital world? Explain.

(a) What is common sense? How are common knowledge and sociology related to each other? Explain.

(b) Highlight the main features of historical materialism as propounded by Marx. How far is this theory relevant in understanding contemporary societies? Explain.

(a) What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it.

(c) What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research.

(b) Are pressure groups a threat to or a necessary element of democracy? Explain with suitable illustrations.

(a) Compare capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty.