UPSC Sociology syllabus and important booklist

Sociology is often considered an easy optional subject in the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam/IAS Exam, and for good reason. Firstly, Sociology deals with the study of human society and behaviour, which is a subject that many people find relatable and interesting. Secondly, the syllabus of sociology is concise and manageable, making it less daunting compared to other optional subjects. Additionally, there is a significant overlap between sociology and the general studies papers of the UPSC exam, which means that studying sociology can also help improve one’s overall score. Finally, there is a wealth of study material available for sociology, which makes it easier for students to prepare thoroughly for the exam. Overall, sociology is a viable option for those looking for an easy yet engaging subject to study for the UPSC exam.

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The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Sociology optional syllabus is as follows:

The UPSC Sociology optional syllabus is divided into two papers. Paper 1 covers the fundamental concepts and theories of Sociology, while Paper 2 deals with specific topics related to Social institutions and dynamics.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus:

Paper I:

1. Sociology – The Discipline: This section introduces the students to the basic concepts and theories of sociology. It covers the nature, scope, and methods of sociology as a discipline.

• Sociological Thinkers: This section covers the contributions of prominent sociologists like Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and others. It includes their theories on social structures, institutions, and social change.

• Research Methods and Analysis: This section covers various research methods used in sociology, such as survey research, case studies, and ethnography. It also covers techniques for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

• Culture and Society: This section covers the relationship between culture and society. It includes topics like the concept of culture, cultural diversity, and the role of culture in shaping social behavior.

• Socialization and Education: This section covers the process of socialization, which refers to the ways in which individuals learn and internalize cultural norms and values. It also covers the role of education in socialization and social change.

• Social Stratification: This section covers the various forms of social stratification, such as caste, class, and race. It includes topics like social mobility, inequality, and discrimination.

• Social Change in Modern Society: This section covers the concept of social change and the factors that contribute to it. It includes topics like modernization, globalization, and social movements.

Paper II :

Firstly we will try to explain how the syllabus can be broadly divided into, and then followed by the list of topics which covers the entire syllabus as mentioned in the UPSC notification.

Sociology Syllabus

INDIAN SOCIETY: STRUCTURE AND CHANGE

A. Introducing Indian Society:

(i) Perspectives on the study of Indian society:
(a) Indology (GS. Ghurye).
(b) Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).
(c) Marxist sociology (A R Desai)

(ii) Impact of colonial rule on Indian society:
(a) Social background of Indian nationalism.
(b) Modernization of Indian tradition.
(c) Protests and movements during the colonial period.
(d) Social reforms.

B. Social Structure:

(i) Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:
(a) The idea of Indian village and village studies.
(b) Agrarian social structure – evolution of land tenure system, land reforms

(ii) Caste System:
(a) Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GS Ghurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.
(b) Features of caste system.
(c) Untouchability – forms and perspectives.

(iii) Tribal communities in India:
(a) Definitional problems.
(b) Geographical spread.
(c) Colonial policies and tribes.
(d) Issues of integration and autonomy.

(iv) Social Classes in India:
(a) Agrarian class structure.
(b) Industrial class structure.
(c) Middle classes in India.

(v) Systems of Kinship in India:
(a) Lineage and descent in India.
(b) Types of kinship systems.
(c) Family and marriage in India.
(d) Household dimensions of the family.
(e) Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour

(vi) Religion and Society:
 (a) Religious communities in India.
 (b) Problems of religious minorities

C. Social Changes in India:

(i) Visions of Social Change in India:
(a) Idea of development planning and mixed economy.
(b) Constitution, law and social change.
(c) Education and social change.

(ii) Rural and Agrarian transformation in India:
(a) Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation schemes.
(b) Green revolution and social change. 
(c) Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture .
(d) Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration

(iii) Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:
(a) Evolution of modern industry in India.
(b) Growth of urban settlements in India.
(c) Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.
(d) Informal sector, child labour.
(e) Slums and deprivation in urban areas.

(iv) Politics and Society:

 (a) Nation, democracy and citizenship.

 (b) Political parties, pressure groups , social and political elite.

 (c) Regionalism and decentralization of power.

 (d) Secularization

(v) Social Movements in Modern India:
(a) Peasants and farmers movements.
(b) Women’s movement.
(c) Backward classes & Dalit movement.
(d) Environmental movements.
(e) Ethnicity and Identity movements

(vi) Population Dynamics:
(a) Population size, growth, composition and distribution. 
(b) Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.
(c) Population policy and family planning.
(d) Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.

(vii) Challenges of Social Transformation:
(a) Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability. 
(b) Poverty, deprivation and inequalities. 
(c) Violence against women.
(d) Caste conflicts.
(e) Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.
(f) Illiteracy and disparities in education.

Overlap with GS -1

• Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
• Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
• Effects of Globalization on Indian society.
• Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism

GS PAPER –II &III overlap

• Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
  Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
• Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
• Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
• Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
• Land Reforms in India.

Essay overlap

Even with Essay paper sociology paper II has a overlap there are few questions from the past years to have an idea on how the paper might help the aspirants in scoring marks in Essay paper.

Eg:

1)Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth

2)Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society

3)Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere

Here are some important books for UPSC Sociology optional:

1. Sociology: Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos and Holborn
2. NeeharikareddyIASacademy handwritten notes for clear understanding of thinkers.
3. Sociological theory by George Ritzer
4. Indian sociological thought by B.K.Nagla
5. Social Background of Indian Nationalism By A.R.Desai
6. Rural Sociology by S.L.Doshi & P.C.Jain
7. Modernization of Indian Tradition by Yogendra Singh
8. Caste and its 20^th century Avatar by M.N.Srinivas
9. Family, Marriage & Kinship – Irawathi Karve
10. Hand book on Indian Sociology by Veena Das
11. Social Change in Modern India by M.N. Srinivas
12. Caste in Modern India by M.N. Srinivas
13. Social Problems in India by Ram Ahuja (optional)
14. Yojana is a must and EPW will help better to analyse the thinkers part.
15. Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan ( optional) is better kept for revision rather than reading it at the beginning of your preparation.

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