Sociology-syllabus

Syllabus for Sociology Paper - I

Fundamentals of Sociology

Sociology as a Discipline:

Modernity and social transformations in Europe leading to the emergence of sociology.

Scope of sociology in comparison to other social sciences.

The relationship between sociology and common sense.

Sociology as a Science:

Science and the scientific method: its principles and critiques.

Prominent theoretical approaches to research methodology.

Positivism and its critique.

The interplay of facts, values, and objectivity.

Non-positivist research methodologies.

Research Methods and Analysis:

Qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

Methods of data collection.

Concepts: variables, sampling, hypothesis formulation, reliability, and validity.

Sociological Thinkers:

Karl Marx: Historical materialism, modes of production, alienation, and class conflict.

Émile Durkheim: Division of labor, social facts, theories of suicide, and religion in society.

Max Weber: Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, and the Protestant ethic’s influence on capitalism.

Talcott Parsons: Social systems and pattern variables.

Robert K. Merton: Manifest and latent functions, deviance and conformity, reference groups.

George Herbert Mead: Concepts of self and identity.

Stratification and Mobility:

Concepts: equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty, and deprivation.

Theories of social stratification: structural functionalism, Marxism, and Weberian perspectives.

Dimensions: stratification based on class, status, gender, ethnicity, and race.

Social mobility: open and closed systems, types, sources, and determinants.

Work and Economic Life:

Social organization of work across societal systems: slavery, feudalism, and industrial capitalism.

Formal and informal labor organization.

Labor relations and societal impact.

Politics and Society:

Sociological theories of power and authority.

The role of power elites, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.

Concepts: nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, and ideology.

Collective action: protests, social movements, agitations, and revolutions.

Religion and Society:

Sociological perspectives on religion.

Religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, and cults.

Religion in the modern era: intersections with science, secularization, revivalism, and fundamentalism.

Systems of Kinship:

Key elements: family, household, and marriage.

Types and structures of families.

Lineage and descent systems.

Patriarchy and gendered division of labor.

Contemporary trends in kinship systems.

Social Change in Modern Society:

Theoretical approaches to social change.

Development and dependency perspectives.

Agents of change: education, technology, and science.

Social transformations through modernization and globalization.

Indian Society: Structure and Change

Introduction to Indian Society:

Perspectives on Indian Society:

Indological perspective (G.S. Ghurye).

Structural-functional approach (M.N. Srinivas).

Marxist analysis (A.R. Desai).

Impact of Colonialism:

Social backdrop of Indian nationalism.

Modernization within traditional frameworks.

Resistance movements and reforms during colonial rule.

Social Structure:

Rural and Agrarian Structures:

The conceptualization of Indian villages and their sociological studies.

Evolution of agrarian systems and land reforms.

Caste System:

Perspectives on caste by Ghurye, Srinivas, Dumont, and Béteille.

Characteristics of the caste system and forms of untouchability.

Tribal Communities:

Definitions and geographical spread.

Colonial policies and tribal issues: integration versus autonomy.

Social Classes:

Agrarian, industrial, and middle-class structures.

Kinship Systems:

Lineage and descent in Indian contexts.

Family, marriage, and patriarchy.

Household dimensions and contemporary kinship trends.

Religion and Society:

Diverse religious communities and the challenges faced by minorities.

Social Change in India:

Visions of Social Change:

Developmental planning and mixed economies.

Constitution, laws, and social progress.

Rural and Agrarian Transformations:

Rural development programs and poverty alleviation schemes.

The Green Revolution and shifts in agricultural practices.

Issues of rural labor, bonded labor, and migration.

Industrialization and Urbanization:

Evolution of industries and urban settlements.

Growth of the working class and informal sectors.

Urban issues: child labor, slums, and deprivation.

Politics and Society:

Concepts of nationhood, democracy, and citizenship.

Role of political parties, elites, and pressure groups.

Decentralization and regionalism.

Social Movements in Modern India:

Movements by farmers, women, Dalits, and environmental activists.

Ethnic and identity-based movements.

Population Dynamics:

Growth, composition, and distribution of the population.

Emerging concerns: aging, sex ratios, and reproductive health.

Challenges of Social Transformation:

Developmental crises: displacement and sustainability issues.

Social challenges: poverty, violence, caste conflicts, and communalism.

Literacy gaps and educational disparities.