Sociology Syllabus

Sociology Optional

UPSC Sociology is highly favored among aspirants due to its concise syllabus, ease of learning, and abundant availability of quality study materials. The optional paper holds 500 marks (250 marks for each paper) out of a total of 1750 marks in the UPSC Mains. Sociology often incorporates current affairs-based questions, so it’s essential to regularly read the newspaper for better preparation.

Being one of the 48 optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam, sociology consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each carrying 250 marks. Paper 1 covers the Fundamentals of Sociology, while Paper 2 focuses on Indian Society: Structure and Change.

Sociology Paper I Syllabus

FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIOLOGY

  1. Sociology – The Discipline:
    • Modernity and social changes in Europe and the emergence of Sociology.
    • Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.
    • Sociology and common sense.
  2. Sociology as Science:
    • Science, scientific method, and critique.
    • Major theoretical strands of research methodology.
    • Positivism and its critique.
    • Fact value and objectivity.
    • Non-positivist methodologies.
  3. Research Methods and Analysis:
    • Qualitative and quantitative methods.
    • Techniques of data collection.
    • Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability, and validity.
  4. Sociological Thinkers:
    • Karl Marx: Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle.
    • Emile Durkheim: Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion, and society.
    • Max Weber: Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethics, and the spirit of capitalism.
    • Talcott Parsons: Social system, pattern variables.
    • Robert K. Merton: Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups.
    • Mead: Self and identity.
  5. Stratification and Mobility:
    • Concepts: equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty, and deprivation.
    • Theories of social stratification: Structural functionalist theory, Marxist theory, Weberian 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.
  6. Works and Economic Life:
    • Social organisation of work in different types of society: slave society, feudal society, industrial capitalist society.
    • Formal and informal organisation of work.
    • Labour and society.
  7. Politics and Society:
    • Sociological theories of power.
    • Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.
    • Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.
    • Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.
  8. Religion and Society:
    • Sociological theories of religion.
    • Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.
    • Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularisation, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.
  9. Systems of Kinship:
    • Family, household, and marriage.
    • Types and forms of family.
    • Lineage and descent.
    • Patriarchy and sexual division of labour.
    • Contemporary trends.
  10. Social Change in Modern Society:
  • Sociological theories of social change.
  • Development and dependency.
  • Agents of social change.
  • Education and social change.
  • Science, technology, and social change.

Sociology Paper II Syllabus

INDIAN SOCIETY: STRUCTURE AND CHANGE

A. Introducing Indian Society

  1. Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society:
    • Indology (G.S. Ghure).
    • Structural functionalism (M. N. Srinivas).
    • Marxist sociology (A. R. Desai).
  2. Impact of Colonial Rule on Indian Society:
    • Social background of Indian nationalism.
    • Modernization of Indian tradition.
    • Protests and movements during the colonial period.
    • Social reforms.

B. Social Structure

  1. Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:
    • The idea of Indian village and village studies.
    • Agrarian social structure— evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
  2. Caste System:
    • Perspectives on the study of caste systems: G. S. Ghurye, M. N. Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.
    • Features of caste system.
    • Untouchability – forms and perspectives.
  3. Tribal Communities in India:
    • Definitional problems.
    • Geographical spread.
    • Colonial policies and tribes.
    • Issues of integration and autonomy.
  4. Social Classes in India:
    • Agrarian class structure.
    • Industrial class structure.
    • Middle classes in India.
  5. Systems of Kinship in India:
    • Lineage and descent in India.
    • Types of kinship systems.
    • Family and marriage in India.
    • Household dimensions of the family.
    • Patriarchy, entitlements, and sexual division of labour.
  6. Religion and Society:
    • Religious communities in India.
    • Problems of religious minorities.

C. Social Changes in India

  1. Visions of Social Change in India:
    • Idea of development planning and mixed economy.
    • Constitution, law, and social change.
    • Education and social change.
  2. Rural and Agrarian Transformation in India:
    • Programmes of rural development: Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation schemes.
    • Green revolution and social change.
    • Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture.
    • Problems of rural labour, bondage, and migration.
  3. Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:
    • Evolution of modern industry in India.
    • Growth of urban settlements in India.
    • Working class: structure, growth, class mobilisation.
    • Informal sector, child labour.
    • Slums and deprivation in urban areas.
  4. Politics and Society:
    • Nation, democracy, and citizenship.
    • Political parties, pressure groups, social and political elite.
    • Regionalism and decentralisation of power.
    • Secularization.
  5. Social Movements in Modern India:
    • Peasants and farmers’ movements.
    • Women’s movement.
    • Backward classes & Dalit movements.
    • Environmental movements.
    • Ethnicity and Identity movements.
  6. Population Dynamics:
    • Population size, growth, composition, and distribution.
    • Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.
    • Population Policy and family planning.
    • Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.
  7. Challenges of Social Transformation:
    • Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems, and sustainability.
    • Poverty, deprivation, and inequalities.
    • Violence against women.
    • Caste conflicts.
    • Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.
    • Illiteracy and disparities in education.

UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus Preparation Strategy

Before starting your preparation for the UPSC Sociology optional, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the syllabus. Aspirants should first analyze previous year’s questions to identify the types and patterns of questions typically asked by UPSC. This will help in formulating an effective study plan. Below are some key strategies for a focused preparation approach:

  • Paper 1 primarily deals with static topics, such as sociological thinkers and theories, while Paper 2 is more dynamic, centering around the Indian society and its various facets. The static nature of Paper 1 requires deep understanding and memorization, whereas Paper 2 benefits from an awareness of current trends and examples from real-life scenarios.
  • It is advisable to interlink Paper 1 and Paper 2 in your answers to add depth and coherence. For instance, referencing sociological thinkers from Paper 1 while addressing issues in Paper 2 can strengthen your answers and demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
  • Staying updated with current affairs is especially important for Paper 2, as many questions are framed around contemporary issues. Use case studies, government reports, and recent examples from the news to enrich your answers and make them more relevant.
  • Begin your preparation with NCERT books to build a foundational understanding of key concepts. After that, shift to standard reference books to deepen your knowledge. It’s also beneficial to make short notes for quick revision, particularly as the exam date approaches.
  • Answer writing practice is critical for success. After gaining conceptual clarity, regularly practice writing answers by analyzing previous year’s questions (PYQs). This will not only help with time management but also enhance your ability to articulate ideas effectively in the exam.

To prepare effectively, refer to the following booklist for both Paper 1 and Paper 2:

Books for Paper 1:

    • Haralambos and Holborn’s Sociology: Themes and Perspectives: This book provides a comprehensive understanding of key sociological concepts and theories, making it essential for covering the static portions of the syllabus.
    • Anthony Giddens’ Sociology Introduction: Giddens offers a strong foundation in sociology with explanations of modern sociological approaches.
    • George Ritzer’s Sociological Theory: A critical reference for understanding major sociological theories and thinkers.
    • O. P. Gauba’s An Introduction to Political Theory: Useful for the intersection of political theory and sociology.
    • Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan: This is a concise and well-structured book, particularly useful for quick revision.
    • IGNOU Sociology Study Material: Offers basic yet insightful explanations, especially for beginners.

Books for Paper 2:

    • Social Change in Modern India by M.N. Srinivas: Covers the sociological changes that have occurred in India and is crucial for understanding the dynamic aspects of Indian society.
    • Caste: Its Twentieth-Century Avatar by Veena Das: A must-read for a deeper understanding of the caste system in contemporary India.
    • Indian Sociology Handbook by M.N. Srinivas: This book provides essential knowledge on Indian sociology and its evolution.
    • Indian Society: Themes and Social Issues by Nadeem Hasnain: Focuses on key social issues in India, offering a broad range of perspectives.
    • Modernization of Indian Tradition by Yogendra Singh: Discusses how traditional aspects of Indian society have evolved and adapted over time.
    • Social Background of Indian Nationalism by A.R. Desai: Important for understanding the historical context of social movements and changes in India.

By following these strategies and consistently practicing answer writing, aspirants can develop a solid understanding of sociology while also gaining the ability to present their knowledge effectively in the UPSC Mains.

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