M.A. Entrance Question Papers 1997-2007 ENTRANCE EXMINATION, 2007 M.A. SOCIOLOGY Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 Answer any four questions All questions carry equal marks 1. Discuss Marx’s theory of alienation. 2. Is the youth in India going through crises? Discuss with examples. 3. Comment on the changing status and roles of women in India. 4. Evaluate Durkheim and Weber’s contribution to sociological theory. 5. Discuss the concepts of hierarchy and pluralism in an era of globalization with reference to Indian society. 6. Do you find the concept of Sanskritization useful in analyzing social change in 21st century India? 7. What is the role of affirmative action in removing imbalances in our society? 8. Write short notes on any two of the following concepts: 1. Tribe 2. Nation 3. Community 4. Family ENTRANCE EXMINATION, 2006 M.A. SOCIOLOGY Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 Answer any four questions All questions carry equal marks 1. Do you agree with the view that religion is an obstacle to India’s social and economic development? Give reasons. 2. How is the development of Science related to social structure and values? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples from India. 3. What do you understand by the term ‘social change’? What are the dominant themes and ideologies that have shaped processes of social change in India? 4. Highlight the major changes that have occurred in the institution of caste in India. 5. Critically comment on the view that the Indian family reflects the nature of Indian society. 6. How is the two-child norm related to the issue of gender inequality in India? Discuss. 7. Critically assess the view that the Indian society depicts unity in diversity. 8. Do you agree with the view that the system of higher education in India has promoted the institution of dowry? Give reasons. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2005 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 All questions carry equal marks. Answer any four questions 1. What is the significance of the comparative method for social sciences? 2. Discuss gender as a system of social stratification. 3. How does caste influence life in rural India? 4. Identify the challenges facing the joint family in India today. 5. Has economic liberalization significantly affected the rural poor? 6. How are tribes different from castes? To what extent can the distinction be maintained today? 7. Discuss Durkheim’s contribution to the sociological method. 8. Why is religious conversion from Hinduism so significant for Dalits? Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2004 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 All questions carry equal marks. Answer any five questions 1. How are sociological phenomena different from psychological phenomena? Support your argument with the help of reference from classical sociological writings. 2. What is scientific method? Discuss the problems of using scientific method to study social reality. 3. Why do you think the number of women in most part of India is less than men? Identify the sociological reasons. 4. Identify continuity and changes in the caste system. 5. Panchayati Raj institutions are helping democracy to percolate down. Discuss. 6. What do you understand by the institution of family? How do you think it continues to be relevant today? 7. What are the problems and challenges before the tribal communities in India today? Substantiate your answer with concrete evidences. 8. Attempt to provide explanations for persistence of violence in different arenas of social life. 9. How did Marx and Weber conceptualize the category of Class? Discuss. 10. Write short notes on (any two): 1. Social implications of privatization of higher education. 2. Globalization and its impact 3. Idea of secularism 4. Computers and society. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2003 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 All questions carry equal marks. Answer any five questions 1. Discuss the essence of sociological enquiry. Distinguish it from other social sciences. 2. Write an essay about the contributions of Durkheim or Marx or Max Weber in the field of sociology. 3. What are the major changes in the structure and function of family in India? Discuss with examples. 4. What is the impact of caste mobilization upon Indian politics and government? Discuss. 5. What is sociology of religion? Analyze religious diversities in India. 6. Write analytically about the consequences of fifty years of freedom and democracy in India. Give a comparative view of it in the rural and urban contexts 7. Discuss the value orientation and occupational preferences of youth in India today. 8. Write about the changing role of mass media in contemporary India with special reference to culture. 9. Is it correct that the role of NGOs is becoming important in the era of globalization? Give suitable examples. 10. Write notes on any two: 1. Education is the best solution of population problem. 2. Dowry, Stree-dhan and Bride price 3. Historical materialism 4. Tribal self determination and nation building. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2002 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 All questions carry equal marks. Section- I 1. Write sociological notes on any two of the following: 1. Scope and relevance of sociology as a discipline in understanding society today. 2. Stratification exists in every known society 3. Biological sex culturally constructed gender and process of growing up in your society. 4. Suicide is social fact. Section-II Answer any two questions 1. What is the meaning of the assertion of marginalized castes in Indian society? How does it lead to the reinterpretation of caste and religion? 2. Write an essay on the changing role of religion in India. 3. ‘Education liberates and enslaves simultaneously’. Illustrate your answer with concrete examples from Indian society. 4. ‘Women in contemporary family dynasty and television represent true womanhood in India’. Critically comment. Section-II Answer any two questions 1. Evaluate the contribution of human rights moments and organizations towards humanizing the Indian states with special reference to the law and order machinery. 2. ‘Globalization has only benefited only the rich and educated’. Elucidate your views with special reference to Indian society. 3. What is the relationship between science and modern day nationalism? Give your answer with special reference to the Pokhran Nuclear blast. 4. Discuss how Indian films contribute to your understanding of rural/urban society. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2001 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 Attempt five questions choosing at least one from Section-A and at least three from Section-B. Section- A 1. How does the distinction made between the ‘sacred’ and the ‘profane’ help in understanding the role of religion in society? 2. Write critical notes on any two of the following terms/concepts: 1. 1. Sociological imagination. 2. Capitalism 3. Modernisation 1. Comment on the relevance of class analysis in the study of Indian society. Section- B 1. Would you agree with the view that beauty contests enhance the status of women in India? 2. ‘Corruption is a sign of systematic failure’. Comment. 3. Why are Indian gurus and godmen becoming increasingly popular all over the world? 4. What do you understand by the term ‘global village’? How useful is the term in understanding the process of globalization? 5. How does the increasing popularity of one day cricket matches as opposed to ‘test matches’ reflect recent trends in social change? 6. Would you agree with the view that the reservation policy in favour schedule caste and schedule tribes has reduced social inequalities in India? 7. Bring our the social implications of the Supreme Court’s intervention in regard to the reduction of environmental pollution in Delhi. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2000 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 The question paper consists of three Parts- Part a, Part-B and Part-C. Answer one question from Part-A, and answer twofrom Part-B and Part C. All questions carry equal marks. 20 marks each. Part-A (Answer any one question) 1. Discuss the theoretical bases for understanding social conflict. 2. Write brief notes on the following: 1. Sociology as a way of seeing. 2. An Indian Sociologist who worked on Sanskritization. 3. A classical Sociologist who wrote on the spirit of Protestant Ethic. Part- B (Answer any two questions) 1. Criotically examine the implications of the Growth of Hindutva in Indian society. 2. Is there any problematic relationship between development and environment? State your case with a concrete example of an environmental movement in India. 3. Argue how the assertion of the Dalits and Backward castes is changing the structure of Indian society. 4. How do the changing roles of women affect the urban middle class family structure in India? Discuss. Part-C (Answer any two questions) 1. Write brief notes on the following: 1. Coca Cola in rural India. 2. Cricket nationalism 3. Indigenous people 2. How is the Internet transforming social relationships? 3. Write about a film you have seen recently. And argue how cinema can be used as a medium for understanding social issues. 4. Give appropriate examples from the advertisements you watch on television and state how the culture of consumerism projects gender images. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 1999 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 The question paper consists of two Parts- Part A and Part-B. Answer any two questions from Part-A, and answer any three questions from Part B. All questions carry equal marks. Part-A 1. How does the knowledge of Sociology help in relating individuals to society? Give examples. 2. Elucidate Durkheim’s concept of social facts. 3. Analyse the significance of deductive approach to the study of society. 4. Write short notes on any two of the following: 1. Social mobility. 2. Caste hierarchy. 3. Sustainable development. 4. Ecological degradation. 5. Compare and contrast the concepts of Sanskritization and Westernization. 6. Discuss social change in India with special reference to family, kinship and caste. 7. Comment on the problems faced by the minorities in Indian society. 8. Outline the tribe-caste relations in terms of conflict and accommodation. 9. Highlight the causes of social unrest among the Indian youth. 10. Trace the roots of gender inequality in Indian society. 11. Discuss the impact of economic liberalization on Indian society. 12. Write an essay on the socio-political dimensions of secularism in India. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 1998 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 The question paper consists of two Parts- Part A and Part-B. Answer any two questions from Part-A, and answer any three questions from Part B. All questions carry equal marks. Part-A 1. How can the knowledge of sociology be helpful in solving some of our contemporary social problems? 2. Whom do you consider to be the founder of sociology and why? 3. Compare and contrast the concept of class discussed by Marx and Weber. 4. Write short notes on any two of the following: 1. Social solidarity 2. Rationality 3. Sanskritization 4. Ideal-type 5. Discuss the concept of objectivity in Sociology. 6. Discuss some of the measures of poverty alleviation in India. 7. Current state of Indian polity is leading to the degeneration of democratic values. Discuss. 8. Visual media is eroding Indian culture. Illustrate with examples. 9. Examine the role and position of women in Indian rural society. 10. Education is a source of both tradition and modernity. Discuss. 11. Development is the best antidote to the problem of population. Examine with suitable examples. 12. Discuss the concept of science and scientific method. Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 1997 M.A. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100 The question paper consists of two Parts- Part A and Part-B. Answer any five questions from Part-A, and answer any five questions from Part B. All questions carry equal marks. Your answer to each question should not exceed 300 words. Part-A 1. Discuss the basic characteristics of sociology as a discipline. 2. Analuse the significance of Purity-Pollution principle in the present-day caste system in India. 3. Comment on the Marxian notion of private property in capitalist societies. 4. Outline Durkheim’s approach to the role and function of religion in human society. 5. Discuss the concept of social institution and its relevance for social order. 6. Examine the interrelationship between culture and technology in context of globalization. 7. Analyse the relevance of Malthusian theory of population in contemporary India. 8. Elaborate on the role of primary education in the socialization of child. 9. Does caste play the same role as class in contemporary Indian politics? Discuss. 10. Identify the various steps and strategies required in social research. Part-B 1. Briefly evaluate the implementation of Indian government’s policies on health and family planning. 2. Discuss the role of the areas of Indian society which are affected by government’s policy of liberalization. 3. Identify some of the areas of Indian society which are affected by the government’s policy of liberalization. 4. In what way the results of the recent general elections in India indicate a significant departure from the previous years? 5. Examine the role of social sciences in the alleviation of poverty in India. 6. ‘The present system of education in India reinforces the preexisting social inequalities’. Discuss. 7. Give your views on the empowerment of women in Indian polity. 8. Highlight the role of youth and youth organizations in India’s national reconstruction. 9. Analyse the role of Indian print media in articulating the needs and problems of the common man. 10. Examine the role of ethnic groups and minorities in contemporary Indian politics. ***M.Phil. & Ph.D. Question Papers 1997-2007 ENTRANCE EXMINATION, 2007 M.Phil./ Ph.D. SOCIAL SYSTEM Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 All questions carry equal marks SECTION – A Answer any two questions in about 1200 words each 1. Durkheim’s conception of organic solidarity as a description of modernity explains the violence in contemporary society be it gender or ethnic conflict, state violence or terrorism, war or domestic violence. Examine the statement. * o + # * o + # * [14] 1. Identify the key features of globalization and discuss whether or not they contradict Marx’s theory of Capitalism. * o + # * o + # * [14] 1. Write short notes on any three. [14] 1. Weber’s ideal type 2. Durkheim’s concept of the sacred and profane 3. Pareto’s idea of logical and non-logical action. 4. Marx’s concept of alienation. 1. Who is your favourte sociologica thinker? Substantiate your choice on theoretical and empirical grounds. [14] SECTION- B Answer any three questions in about 12oo words each. 1. Discuss the relationship between media and society. [14] 1. Analyse the social changes brought about by democracy and electoral politics in India. [14] 1. Is it possible to make laws of society like the laws of physics? Give reasons for your answer. [14] 2. Development is a gendered process, i.e., it affects men and women differently. Discuss. * o + # * o + # * [14] 1. To what extent do these terms help you to understand the changes affecting tribal communities? * o + # * o + # * [14] 1. 1. Industrialization 2. Urbanization 3. Sanscritization 4. State politics 5. Social discrimination and exclusion 1. Discuss how migration affects family and kinship among various sections of society. [14] ENTRANCE EXMINATION, 2006 M.Phil./ Ph.D. SOCIAL SYSTEM Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 The figure in the margin indicates full marks for the questions. SECTION - A 1. How would you apply Marx’s concept of capitalism in order to make sense of the contemporary process of globalisation? [15] Or How can we understand everyday caste relations by using Max Weber’s concept of status group? 1. Using methods of qualitative research, formulate a research proposal to investigate the implications of technology for family relations in a society like India. Also provide justification for your choice of the specific method(s) * o + # * o + # * [15] Or Using methods of quantitative research, formulate a research proposal to explore changing notions of ‘caste’ and ‘gender’ in contemporary India. Also provide justification for your choice of the specific method(s). SECTION – B 1. Why do we need reflexivity in sociological research? Discuss. [10] 1. Elucidate the ways in which mass media is reconfiguring social identities in India today. [10] 1. Critically examine the ‘concept of substantialization of caste’ and its relevance in making sense of caste identities today. [10] 1. Write an essay on the changing meanings of religion and kinship in the Indian diasporas. [10] 1. How far is it relevant to use the anthropological concept of tribe while analyzing ethnic conflicts in the North-East India today? [10] 1. Using concepts from classical sociology, analyse the phenomena of agrarian distress and farmers’ suicide in various parts of India during the recent times. * o + # * o + # * [10] Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2005 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 All questions carry equal marks Group-A 1. Write sociological notes on any three of the following. [14] 1. Positivism in August Comte 2. Marxism in A.R. Desai 3. Sanskritization as a fieldwork method. 4. Ethnography as a fieldwork method. 5. Andre Beteille’s comparative sociology. 6. Indology and Sociology in India. Group-B. Answer any two questions 1. Critically discuss the place of the sacred in ‘organic solidarity’. [14] 2. Critically evaluate Talcott Parsons’ understanding of the ‘social system’. [14] 3. Distinguish Michel Foucault’s analysis of power from that of Karl Marx. [14] 4. What is the relevance of sociology as a vocation? Why do you want to pursue it? * o + # * o + # * [14] Group-C. Answer any two questions 1. Does Indian sociology need to revive village studies in the era of globalization? Give your reasons. [14] 2. Discuss whether market forces have facilitated women’s empowerment in India. Substantiate with examples. [14] 3. Write an essay on the dialectical relationship between caste and sect in India. [14] 4. Is popular culture in India qualitatively different from folk culture? Answer with specific examples. [14] Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2004 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Answer any two questions from Group-A and two from Group-B. Group-A 1. Critically discuss the relationship between methods and methodology in social research. [20] 2. How can sociology correct some popular conception of reality? Answer the question giving suitable examples. [20] 3. How is important history in sociological analysis? Discuss with reference to Marx and Weber’s works. 4. Critically examine the relationship between sociology and social anthropology. [20] Group- B 5. Comment on the changing notions of labour in the globalized economy of India * o + # * o + # * [15] 6. Is technology gender-neutral? Examine the issue in the light of declining sex ratio in India. [15] 7. What is popular culture? Discuss the relevance of this concept in understanding Indian society. [15] 8. Is globalization accelerating ethnic differentiation across the world? Comment [15] Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2003 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Answer two questions from Group – A and three questions from Group – B. Question No. 1 in Group – A is compulsory. Group – A 1. What do you understand by experimental research design? Discuss its relevance for sociological research. [20] 1. What is structural functionalism? Discuss Robert Merton’s contributions to its development? [20] 1. Using theoretical contributions of Mead and Cooley, discuss the process of identity formation of human self. [20] Group – B 1. What do you understand by post-modernism? How can it be used for understanding contemporary Indian society? [10] 1. Critically examine the relevance of political reservation for the empowerment of women. [10] 1. Write an essay on cricket and nationalism. [10] 1. Using sociological perspectives, how would you study advertisements? [10] 1. Write short notes on any two of the following: [10] 1. 1. Bourgeoisie and Proletariat 1. 1. Max Weber on value neutrality 1. 1. Ethnicity Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2002 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Attempt two questions from Group – A and three questions from Group – B. Question No. 1 in Group – A is compulsory. Group – A 1. Make a Research Proposal to study the changing profile of some of the prominent values of Indian culture. [20] 1. What is Symbolic Interactionism? Highlight its significance in the study of contemporary societies. [20] 1. Discuss sacred – profane dichotomy as advanced by Emile Durkheim. To what extent, it is still relevant in the Indian society in the wake of advancing frontiers of popular media. [20] Group – B 1. What is Post – modernism? In what way does it mark a theoretical departure from theories of modernization? [10] 1. Write a critical essay on the Sociology of Indian Journalism. [10] 1. What is the ‘Genome Project’? Draw its sociological implications. [10] 1. Discuss the political economy of Valentine Day Controversy and Beauty – Contests. [10] 1. Write short notes on any two of the following: [10] 1. 1. Joking Relationships 1. 1. Ideal Types and Null Hypotheses 1. 1. Comparative Method 1. 1. Sociology as a ‘Calling’ or ‘Vocation’ Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2001 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Answer any five questions, two from Section – I and three from Section - II. Section – I 1. Discuss Durkheim’s approach to ‘Social Fact’ and its methodological relevance to contemporary sociological research. [20] 1. Examine the importance of sociological theory to empirical research. Give an example from Marxian approach to Social change. [20] 1. Discuss the genesis and characteristics of a ‘good’ hypothesis. Formulate such a hypothesis and develop a research design around it. [20] Section – II 1. Discuss the effects of globalization on the social bases of Indian Agriculture. [10] 1. What is the relationship between Gender and Power? Illustrate with suitable examples. [10] 1. Is ethnicity a threat to Nation – building? Comment. [10] 1. Critically examine the issue of ‘value education’ and the current controversy in this regard. [10] 1. The National Population Policy – 2000 aims at ‘stabilizing population at a level consistent with the requirement of national economy’. What would be your response as a sociologist to this statement? [10] Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 2000 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Both the questions under Section – I are compulsory. Another three questions should be attempted from Section – II as for choices indicated below. Section – I 1. Discuss Weberian typology of ‘legitimacy’; also highlight its relevance in understanding the contemporary political setup and its functioning in the Indian society. [20] 1. Discuss the question of ‘Objectivity’ in social research. Also distinguish a ‘testable hypothesis’ from a ‘null hypothesis’ in the context of a specifically formulated research proposal. [20] Section – II 1. Does Secularism automatically follow from the Indian Constitution? Also discuss politics behind the notion of ‘pseudo secularism’. [10] Or Reflect on the current controversy regarding ‘rewriting Indian history’. [10] 1. There is an inherent contradiction between emphasis on ‘merit’ and the policy of ‘protective discrimination’. Discuss. [10] Or Do you agree that ‘Caste’ should be included among the parameters of census – enumeration? [10] 1. Is politics in India a business, social service or a profession? Discuss with suitable illustrations. [10] Or ‘Problem of over – population in India is really a problem of under – development.’ Comment. [10] Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 1999 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Section – I is compulsory. Answer any three questions from Section – II. Section – I 1. What is the tension between class and status? Examine the contributions of Marx and Weber in this respect. [25] Or Discuss Emile Durkheim’s theory of crime and punishment. To what extent is it relevant in the Indian context? [25] Section – II 1. What is the difference between vertical and horizontal solidarity? Why is this distinction important for understanding the role of caste in contemporary politics? [15] 1. Write an essay on the economic and political changes taking place in rural India. [15] 1. To what extent can gender be incorporated as a dimension of social stratification? [15] 1. How can Sociology help you to combat popular prejudices? Answer with examples. [15] 1. What is your understanding of phenomenology? How can it be employed in sociological analysis? [15] Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 1998 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Section – I is compulsory. Answer any three questions from Section – II. Section – I 1. Write an essay on the empowerment of women as a step forward towards gender equality in India. [25] Or Discuss the impact of globalization on rural people and local cultures in India. [25] Section – II 1. Explain how Sociology is a scientific discipline. Draw your arguments from Max Weber and Emile Durkheim. [15] 1. Define Class. Examine the relevance of the Marxian and Weberian formulations of class for studying Indian society. [15] 1. Explain the meaning of culture. Discuss the role of culture in socio-political and economic life of the people. [15] 1. Write an essay on social change in contemporary rural India. [15] 1. Work out a research proposal for studying the ongoing political situation and its socio-cultural dimensions in Indian society. [15] 1. Bring out the significance of the notion of ‘nexus’ as a framework for studying interconnections between caste and class and between village and town. [15] Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination, 1997 M. Phil. / Ph. D. Social Systems (Sociology) Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 70 Note: Section – I is compulsory. Answer any three questions from Section – II. Section – I 1. Write an essay on the dynamics of Discourse on Caste in contemporary India. [25] Section – II 1. What do you mean by ‘sociological imagination’? What attracts you to study Sociology as a discipline? [15] 1. In what way the concept of power is central to Max Weber’s understanding of economic and social organization? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. [15] 1. Sketch out a plan for studying your own society keeping in view the debate relating to the role of insider / outsider in social research. [15] 1. Critically examine the relevance of the Marxist approach to the study of Indian society in the light of recent global ideological and economic changes. [15] 1. Explain the reasons of persisting social inequalities in India since Independence. [15] 1. Discuss the emergence of recent power blocs and political alliances. Are they symptomatic of major social changes in the Indian society? [15]