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Sociology(optional)
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How to prepare sociology as an optional subject
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Introduction
Sociology is a very popular subject among IAS aspirants, not only it has a very small syllabus but also it
has helped aspirants to achieve very good marks in the mains exam.
We have seen several successful candidates who have made their name in the final list even though they
are not from sociology background.
With proper guidance and consistent effort and all available useful resource, other aspirants can also
score very good marks in sociology optional.
Why sociology?
Pre exam
In current pattern of exam, UPSC has started asking more numbers of question from
social issue even in prelims 2016, currents based question on social issue had 20 marks
general studies 1
Around 70 to 80 marks comes from social issue, which can easily be covered by taking
this as an optional subject. some of the topic include -issue related to women,
communalism, effect of globalization on society etc
Essay
sociology has a huge relevance for essay paper, it help in bringing social perspective in
all the questions.
every question has certain social implication
so points can be arranged in very logical and systematic manner.
Benefits
1.
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2. Sociology as Science:
4. Sociological Thinkers:
spirit of capitalism.
Talcolt Parsons- Social system, pattern variables.
Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference
groups.
Mead - Self and identity.
theory.
Dimensions Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, ethnicity and race.
Social mobility- open and closed systems, types of mobility, sources and causes of
mobility.
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Social organization of work in different types of society- slave society, feudal society,
9. Systems of Kinship:
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B. Social Structure:
(i) Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:
Andre Beteille.
Features of caste system.
Untouchability - forms and perspectives.
Definitional problems.
Geographical spread.
Colonial policies and tribes.
Issues of integration and autonomy.
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Haralambos
Sociology
Anthony Giddens
Sociological Thought
M N Srinivas
Yogendra Singh
Veena Das
A R Desai
IGNOU material