Category SOCIOLOGY
Sociology UPSC 2023 Questions and Solutions – Paper 2
SECTION ‘A’ Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each:a). Highlight the significant features of A.R. Desai’s ‘Dialectical Perspective’ to study Indian Society. Answer- A.R. Desai’s dialectical perspective focuses on the study…
Sociology and Common Sense
Comparison of Sociology With Other Social Sciences
Sociology, like other social sciences, seeks to understand human behavior and societal dynamics. However, it differs in its focus, methods, and scope. Below is a detailed comparison of Sociology with Psychology, History, Economics, Philosophy, Anthropology, and Political Science. 1. Sociology…
Scope of Sociology Discipline
Modernity and Social Changes in Europe and Emergence of Sociology as a Discipline
VERSTEHEN- MAX WEBER

Difference Between KARL MARX and MAX WEBER

KARL POPPER- FALSIFICATION AND DEDUCTION AND POSITIVISM IN SOCIOLOGY

Karl Popper was a philosopher of science who developed the theory of falsification as a response to the shortcomings he identified in positivism and other traditional scientific methodologies. Popper’s falsification theory provided a new approach to scientific investigation, emphasizing the…
POSITIVISM AND ITS CRITIQUE IN SOCIOLOGY

CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIOLOGY

STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIOLOGY

PATRIARCHY AND SEXUAL DIVISION OF LABOUR

ROBERT K. MERTON- Complete Revision Summary for UPSC Mains

R.K. Merton’s Functional Postulates: Introduction Robert K. Merton, an influential American sociologist, developed a set of functional postulates as part of his functionalist approach to sociology. Functionalism is a theoretical perspective that views society as a complex system of interrelated…
LATENT AND MANIFEST FUNCTIONS- R K MERTON

Merton’s Latent and Manifest Functions: Explanation, Case Studies, and Famous Examples Introduction Sociologist Robert K. Merton developed the concepts of latent and manifest functions as part of his functionalist approach to analyzing social phenomena. Manifest functions are the intended and…
CONFORMITY AND DEVIANCE- R K MERTON’S STRAIN THEORY

R.K. Merton’s Strain Theory, Conformity, and Deviance: An In-Depth Explanation Introduction R.K. Merton’s strain theory, developed in the 1930s and 1940s, is a sociological framework that seeks to explain the relationship between social structure, culture, and deviant behavior. The theory…
ANTICIPATORY SOCIALISATION- Reference Group Theory by R K Merton

Anticipatory Socialization: An In-Depth Explanation Introduction Anticipatory socialization is a concept within sociology, initially introduced by Robert K. Merton as part of his reference group theory. This process involves individuals learning and adopting the values, norms, and behaviors of a…
REFERENCE GROUP THEORY- R. K. MERTON

Introduction R.K. Merton’s reference group theory focuses on social comparison and its influence on individual behavior and attitudes. The theory posits that individuals evaluate themselves by comparing their own attributes and achievements to those of a reference group. Definition of…
MAX WEBER- QUICK REVISION SUMMARY

SOCIAL ACTION THEORY Max Weber’s Social Action Theory is a cornerstone of his sociological perspective, which emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior within its social context. According to Weber, sociology should aim to interpret and understand social action, which…
MODES, MEANS, AND RELATIONS OF PRODUCTION- Karl Marx

DIALECTICAL MATERIALISM- KARL MARX

Introduction Dialectical materialism is a philosophical framework developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which combines the principles of dialectics and historical materialism. This theory emphasizes the role of material conditions, such as economic factors and social relations, in shaping…
THEORY OF ALIENATION – KARL MARX

Introduction The theory of alienation, also known as species-being or estrangement, is a fundamental concept in Karl Marx’s philosophical and sociological thought. Alienation refers to the process by which individuals become separated from their natural conditions of existence, losing control…
KARL MARX- Quick Revision Summary

HISTORICAL MATERIALISM Historical materialism is a theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that offers a materialist interpretation of history, focusing on the ways in which economic and technological conditions shape social relations, institutions, and ideas. According to Marx,…