UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus for IAS Exam

The interaction between humans in society and the study of their relationships as a subject matter is known as sociology. It is a very vast subject dealing with human behavior in society, his countless interactions with the society, the purpose and intention of his behavior etc.

Sociology deals with

• Religion, caste and community aspects of society
• Human behavior and his changes towards society.
• Criminal mindsets and how society faces it.
• The role of families in society.
• Division of classes and associated cultures.

Sociology in UPSC exam – Optional Paper

• Paper 1 is more subjective and deals with the theories of sociology. Paper 2 deals by and large with Indian society.
• The subject is a good mix of concepts, related theories, socially relevant models, classic and modern theories, views from eminent thinkers in this area, quotations, facts etc.
• Since long, this particular paper has been considered a difficult one to attempt. Opinions vary amongst candidates.
• Syllabus is quite vast and exhaustive.
• Concepts in the subject are very interesting to study and understand.
• A large part of the syllabus is an extension of social science. To put it simple, it is a well researched and detailed study of social science.
• The paper is such that students from both science and humanities streams can attempt it. It is not meant exclusively for humanities alone.
• As the syllabus is vast, you will find detailed context and reference materials on almost all topics.
• People from unrelated backgrounds can also attempt this paper with ease.
• Remember, the paper has topics that are vast and diverse. But the difficulty level in understanding the concepts and putting them on paper is relatively simpler!

Preparation tips

• Talk to a peer who has attempted sociology paper previously. Helps you in writing good answers.
• A minimum of 4 to 5 months is a good time to keep aside for Sociology.
• Pre-planning with a good time table helps finish the syllabus in time.
• Note down important points to help you put relevant things in their right place.
• Do not get carried away with the volume of the syllabus.
• Understanding these concepts could get you through the interview round without many hassles.
• Moderate level of everyday newspaper reading is recommended for this subject. The idea is to be familiar with latest developments in our society.
• Update yourself with current affairs.
• Identify topics that are mostly asked in papers over the years. Place more importance on these topics.

Why choose sociology as the optional subject?

• You can score good marks in this subject; all it requires is a good and clear understanding of the core topics.
• Easier to write answers in comprehension form in the paper, there is no need to look for points from different places.
• A large portion of the syllabus comes from general knowledge itself, detailed study can be conducted keeping these basic topics in the front list.
• Many questions overlap with history and general paper too!
• Essays on social issues are commonly expected questions. Sociology could help you in writing very good essays as well!
• Revision can be well structured with just an overview study of important listed topics.

Important books to refer

• ‘Sociology – Themes and Perspectives’ By Haralambos and Holborn.
• ‘Sociological Theory’ by George Ritzer.
• ‘Social change in modern India’ by M N Srinivas
• ‘Indian Sociological thought’ by B K Nagla
• ‘Social background of Indian nationalism’ by A R Desai.

Points to remember

• Note down all fundamental concepts of sociology in crisp and concise manner.
• Place importance on the contributions of eminent personalities like Karl Marx and Max Weber.
• Do not miss out on classical theories, modern theories and post modern theories.
• Definitions should have the most appropriate and relevant words in them.
• Supporting your answers with relevant examples, if any could add more value to your writing. Examples could be events or any society-led movements in the past.

Sociology Optional Syllabus – Explained in detail

Paper – I: Sociology Syllabus

FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIOLOGY

1. Sociology – The Discipline

• Modernity and social changes in Europe and 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 ethic and the 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.

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 organization of work in different types of society- slave society, feudal society, industrial /capitalist society.
• Formal and informal organization 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, secularization, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.

9. Systems of Kinship

• Family, household, 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.

Paper – II: Sociology Syllabus

INDIAN SOCIETY: STRUCTURE AND CHANGE

A. Introducing Indian Society

(i) Perspectives on the study of Indian society:

• Indology (GS. Ghurye).
• Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).
• Marxist sociology (A R Desai).

(ii) 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

(i) Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:

• The idea of Indian village and village studies.
• Agrarian social structure – evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.

(ii) Caste System:

• Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GS Ghurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.
• Features of caste system.
• Untouchability – forms and perspectives.

(iii) Tribal communities in India:

• Definitional problems.
• Geographical spread.
• Colonial policies and tribes.
• Issues of integration and autonomy.

(iv) Social Classes in India:

• Agrarian class structure.
• Industrial class structure.
• Middle classes in India.

(v) 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.

(vi) Religion and Society:

• Religious communities in India.
• Problems of religious minorities.

C. Social Changes in India:

(i) Visions of Social Change in India:

• Idea of development planning and mixed economy.
• Constitution, law and social change.
• Education and social change.

(ii) 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, migration.

(iii) Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:

• Evolution of modern industry in India.
• Growth of urban settlements in India.
• Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.
• Informal sector, child labour.
• Slums and deprivation in urban areas.

(iv) Politics and Society:

• Nation, democracy and citizenship.
• Political parties, pressure groups , social and political elite.
• Regionalism and decentralization of power.
• Secularization

(v) Social Movements in Modern India:

• Peasants and farmers movements.
• Women’s movement.
• Backward classes & Dalit movement.
• Environmental movements.
• Ethnicity and Identity movements.

(vi) 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.

(vii) 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.