Sociology Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025
Complete syllabus guide for Sociology Optional in UPSC Civil Services Examination. Master both papers with our comprehensive study material.
Sociology as an optional subject requires understanding of both theoretical frameworks and their application to Indian society. The syllabus covers classical sociological theories, research methods, and contemporary social issues. Success requires connecting theoretical concepts with real-world social phenomena and current affairs.
Paper I: Fundamentals of Sociology
Basic Concepts and Methods
1. Sociology - The Discipline
- Modernity and social changes in Europe
- Scope and comparison with other social sciences
- Sociology and common sense
2. Sociology as Science
- Science and scientific method
- Research methodology
- Positivism and its critique
- Fact value and objectivity
- Non-positivist methodologies
3. Research Methods
- Qualitative and quantitative methods
- Data collection techniques
- Variables and sampling
- Hypothesis testing
- Reliability and validity
Sociological Theory
4. Sociological Thinkers
- Karl Marx - Historical materialism
- Emile Durkheim - Division of labour
- Max Weber - Social action
- Talcott Parsons - Social system
- Robert K. Merton - Functions
- Mead - Self and identity
5. Stratification and Mobility
- Concepts of equality and hierarchy
- Theories of social stratification
- Dimensions of stratification
- Social mobility types
Social Institutions
6. Work and Economic Life
- Social organization of work
- Formal and informal organization
- Labour and society
7. Politics and Society
- Theories of power
- Power elite and bureaucracy
- Nation, state, and citizenship
- Social movements and revolution
8. Religion and Society
- Sociological theories of religion
- Types of religious practices
- Religion in modern society
- Secularization and fundamentalism
Social Structure and Change
9. Systems of Kinship
- Family and marriage
- Types of family
- Lineage and descent
- Patriarchy
- Contemporary trends
10. Social Change
- Theories of social change
- Development and dependency
- Agents of change
- Education and social change
- Technology and social change
Paper II: Indian Society: Structure and Change
Understanding Indian Society
A. Introduction to Indian Society
- Indology perspective
- Structural functionalism
- Marxist sociology
- Impact of colonial rule
- Modernization of tradition
Social Structure
B1. Rural and Agrarian Structure
- Indian village studies
- Land tenure system
- Land reforms
B2. Caste System
- Different perspectives on caste
- Features of caste system
- Untouchability issues
B3-4. Communities and Classes
- Tribal communities
- Integration issues
- Agrarian class structure
- Industrial class structure
- Middle classes
B5-6. Kinship and Religion
- Indian kinship systems
- Family and marriage
- Religious communities
- Religious minorities
Social Change in India
C1-2. Development and Rural Change
- Development planning
- Constitutional changes
- Rural development programs
- Green revolution
- Rural labor issues
C3-4. Urban and Political Changes
- Industrialization
- Urbanization
- Working class issues
- Political parties
- Regionalism
C5-7. Contemporary Issues
- Social movements
- Population dynamics
- Environmental problems
- Gender issues
- Caste conflicts
- Educational disparities
Preparation Strategy:
1. Master classical sociological theories and their applications.
2. Focus on understanding Indian social institutions and change.
3. Stay updated with contemporary social issues and movements.
4. Practice connecting theories with current social phenomena.
5. Develop a critical perspective on social problems and solutions.
Recommended Study Resources
Essential Books
- • Sociology: Themes and Perspectives - Haralambos
- • Indian Society - Ram Ahuja
- • Social Change in Modern India - M.N. Srinivas
- • Indian Social System - Ram Nath Sharma
- • Sociological Theory - George Ritzer
Classical Works
- • The Division of Labor in Society - Durkheim
- • Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism - Weber
- • The Communist Manifesto - Marx & Engels
- • Religion and Society - M.N. Srinivas
- • Social Structure - Radcliffe-Brown
Research Materials
- • Sociological Research Methods
- • Indian Sociological Journals
- • ICSSR Research Surveys
- • Census Reports
- • National Sample Survey Reports
Online Resources
- • Economic & Political Weekly
- • Sociological Research Online
- • Indian Sociological Society Website
- • JSTOR Sociology Collection
- • Social Science Research Network
Study Materials
- • Previous Years' Question Papers
- • Sociology Notes and Summaries
- • Case Studies in Indian Society
- • Current Affairs in Sociology
- • Social Movement Analysis
Important Note:
Keep track of current social movements, policy changes, and demographic trends in India. These are crucial for connecting theoretical knowledge with contemporary social reality. Regular reading of Economic & Political Weekly and newspapers will help in understanding current social issues.