This article aims to guide you through the UGC NET JRF exam, offering a detailed overview of the exam papers and the Sociology syllabus, helping you understand key topics and how to prepare effectively.
The UGC NET JRF exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 assesses candidates’ general teaching and research aptitude, featuring 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for 100 marks. Paper 2 is dedicated to specific subjects, here we discuss Sociology, comprising 100 MCQs for 200 marks, and evaluates candidates’ in-depth understanding of sociological concepts.
Sociology Syllabus UGC NET JRF
The Sociology syllabus is divided into 10 units, covering topics such as sociological theories, research methodology, rural-urban transformations, social stratification, the economy and society, family and kinship systems, and the relationship between science, technology, culture, and the environment.
It includes key theories from prominent sociologists like Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Merton, as well as research methods, data collection, and analysis techniques. The syllabus also addresses changes in social structures, social movements, and emerging issues within various social institutions.
UGC NET Sociology Exam Pattern
The table below presents the exam pattern for the UGC NET JRF Exam, specifying the number of questions and marks assigned to each paper. It provides a clear breakdown of the structure of both Paper 1 and Paper 2. The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours).
UGC NET JRF PAPER
NUMBER OF QUESTIONS
MARKS
UGC NET JRF PAPER 1 General paper on teaching and research aptitude
50 questions
100 marks
UGC NET JRF PAPER 2 Sociology
100 questions
200 marks
TOTAL
150 questions
300 marks
Sociology Paper 2 Syllabus UGC NET JRF
Sociology Paper 2 of the UGC NET JRF exam, which focuses on the core concepts, theories, and issues in Sociology. It covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding the social structure, institutions, and processes, as well as the relationship between society and various fields such as politics, economy, environment, family, technology, and culture.
Unit 1: Sociological Theory
Classical Sociological Traditions
Emile Durkheim
Max Weber
Karl Marx
Structure- Functionalism and Structuralism
Bronislaw Malinowski
A.R. Radcliffe- Brown
Talcott Parsons
Robert K. Merton
Claude Levi Strauss
Hermeneutic and Interpretative Traditions
G.H. Mead
Karl Manheim
Alfred Schutz
Harold Garfinkel
Erving Goffman
Clifford Geertz
Postmodernism, Post Structuralism and Post Colonialism
Edward Said
Pierre Bourdieu
Michel Foucault
Jurgen Habermas
Anthony Giddens
Manuel Castells
Indian Thinkers
M.K. Gandhi
B.R. Ambedkar
Radha Kamal Mukherjee
G. S. Ghurye
M.N. Srinivas
Irawati Karve
Unit 2: Research Methodology and Methods
Conceptualizing Social Reality
Philosophy of Science
Scientific Method and Epistemology in Social Science
Hermeneutic Traditions
Objectivity and Reflexivity in Social Science
Ethics and Politics
Formulating Research Design
Reading Social Science Research, Data and Documents
Induction and Deduction
Fact, Concept and Theory
Hypotheses, Research Questions, Objectives
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Ethnography
Survey Method
Historical Method
Comparative Method
Techniques
Sampling
Questionnaire and Schedule
Statistical Analysis
Observation, Interview and Case study
Interpretation, Data Analysis and Report Writing
Unit 3: Basic Concepts and Institutions
Sociological Concepts
Social Structure
Culture
Network
Status and Role
Identity
Community
Diaspora
Values, Norms and Rules
Personhood, Habitus and Agency
Bureaucracy, Power and Authority
Social Institutions
Marriage, Family and Kinship
Economy
Polity
Religion
Education
Law and Customs
Social Stratification
Social Difference, Hierarchy, Inequality and Marginalization
Caste and Class
Gender, Sexuality and Disability
Race, Tribe and Ethnicity
Social Change and Processes
Evolution and Diffusion
Modernization and Development
Social Transformations and Globalization
Social Mobility
Unit 4: Rural and Urban Transformations
Rural and Peasant Society
Caste-Tribe Settlements
Agrarian Social Structure and Emergent Class Relations
Land Ownership and Agrarian Relations
Decline of Agrarian Economy, De-peasantization and Migration
Agrarian Unrest and Peasant Movements
Changing Inter-Community Relations and Violence
Urban Society
Urbanism, Urbanity and Urbanization
Towns, Cities and Mega-Cities
Industry, Service and Business
Neighbourhood, Slums and Ethnic Enclaves
Middle Class and Gated Communities
Urban Movements and Violence
Unit 5: State, Politics and Development
Political Processes in India
Tribe, Nation State and Border
Bureaucracy
Governance and Development
Public Policy: Health, Education and Livelihoods
Political Culture
Grass-root Democracy
Law and Society
Gender and Development
Corruption
Role of International Development Organizations
Social Movements and Protests
Political Factions, Pressure Groups
Movements based on Caste, Ethnicity, Ideology, Gender, Disability, Religion and Region
Civil Society and Citizenship
NGOs, Activism and Leadership
Reservations and Politics
Unit 6: Economy and Society
Exchange, Gift , Capital, Labour and Market
Mode of Production Debates
Property and Property Relations
State and Market: Welfarism and Neoliberalism
Models of Economic Development
Poverty and Exclusion
Factory and Industry Systems
Changing Nature of Labour Relations
Gender and Labour Process
Business and Family
Digital Economy, E-Commerce
Global Business and Corporates
Tourism
Consumption
Unit 7: Environment and Society
Social and Cultural Ecology: Diverse Forms
Technological Change, Agriculture and Biodiversity
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Ethno-Medicine
Gender and Environment
Forest Policies, Adivasis and Exclusion
Ecological Degradation and Migration
Development, Displacement and Rehabilitation
Water and Social Exclusion
Disasters and Community Responses
Environmental Pollution, Public Health and Disability
Climate Change and International Policies
Environmental Movements
Unit 8: Family, Marriage and Kinship
Theoretical Approaches: Structure-Functionalist, Alliance and Cultural
Gender Relations and Power Dynamics
Inheritance, Succession and Authority
Gender, Sexuality and Reproduction
Children, Youth and Elderly
Emotions and Family
Emergent Forms of Family
Changing Marriage Practices
Changing Care and Support Systems
Family Laws
Domestic Violence and Crime against Women
Honour Killing
Unit 9: Science, Technology and Society
History of Technological Development
Changing notions of Time and Space
Flows and Boundaries
Virtual Community
Media: Print and Electronic, Visual and Social Media
E-Governance and Surveillance Society
Technology and Emerging Political Processes
State Policy, Digital Divide and Inclusion
Technology and Changing Family Relations
Technology and Changing Health Systems
Food and Technology
Cyber Crime
Unit 10: Culture and Symbolic Transformations
Signs and Symbols
Rituals, Beliefs and Practices
Changing Material Culture
Moral Economy
Education: Formal and Informal
Religious Organizations, Piety and Spirituality
Commodification of Rituals
Communalism and Secularism
Cultural Identity and Mobilization
Culture and Politics
Gender, Body and Culture
Art and Aesthetics
Ethics and Morality
Sports and Culture
Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism
Religion and Economy
Culture and Environment
New Religious Movements
Preparation Tips Sociology UGC NET JRF Exam
Here are six preparation tips for the Sociology UGC NET JRF Exam:
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Start by reviewing the entire syllabus of Paper 2. Make a clear study plan, ensuring you cover all topics from sociological theories to research methods and key concepts like social institutions, family, and culture.
Focus on Core Theories and Thinkers
Emphasize key sociological theorists like Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Indian thinkers like M.K. Gandhi and M.N. Srinivas. Understand their theories, contributions, and how they shape sociological perspectives today.
Master Research Methodology
Research methodology is crucial in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Develop a strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations in research.
Solve Previous Year Papers
Practice solving previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format, time management, and question types. This will help identify important topics and recurring patterns in the questions.
Stay Updated on Current Sociological Issues
Keep up with contemporary issues like social movements, political processes, environmental concerns, and gender studies. This will help you answer questions in Paper 2 more effectively.
Use Multiple Resources
Use textbooks, online lectures, and reference books to enhance your understanding. Focus on resources that provide clear explanations of sociological concepts, theories, and methodologies. Regular revisions and group discussions can also help reinforce your learning.
Books recommended for Sociology
“Sociology: Themes and Perspectives” by Haralambos & Holborn A comprehensive book for understanding sociological theories and concepts, including works of major sociologists.
“Sociology” by Giddens, Duneier, Appelbaum, and Carr This book covers sociological concepts, theories, and contemporary issues. A valuable resource for Paper 2.
“Sociology: A Guide to the Reference Literature” by Dr. Ram Ahuja A key resource for understanding the important sociological theories and thinkers.
“UGC NET Sociology Paper 2” by Deepak K. Soni A specialized book tailored to UGC NET JRF exam preparation, covering all Paper 2 topics with a focus on key concepts.
“Indian Sociology: Themes and Perspectives” by G.S. Ghurye A crucial book for understanding Indian sociological thinkers and concepts, especially for the Indian thinkers’ section in Paper 2.
“Social Change in Modern India” by M.N. Srinivas Essential for understanding social changes and modernization in India, a vital area in the exam.
“Sociology of India” by N. Jayaram Helps in understanding Indian society, its structures, and major social issues.
“Research Methodology in Social Sciences” by C.R. Kothari An important resource for understanding research methods and techniques, which is crucial for Paper 2.
“Sociological Theory” by George Ritzer Provides a detailed understanding of classical and modern sociological theories, which are essential for the exam.
“An Introduction to Sociology” by Anthony Giddens A beginner-friendly book that introduces core sociological concepts and major theorists.
Conclusion
The UGC NET JRF exam in Sociology is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills. The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including classical sociological theories, research methodology, social institutions, social change, and contemporary issues such as globalization, social inequality, and environmental concerns. Preparation for this exam requires a thorough understanding of key concepts, thinkers, and emerging social trends. By using recommended textbooks, solving previous year papers and practicing time management, candidates can improve their performance and achieve success in the UGC NET JRF Sociology exam.
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Sociology with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC) from a recognized university. They must also be under 30 years of age for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) category
Focus on understanding sociological theories, research methodologies, key thinkers, and current social issues. Practice previous year papers, revise regularly, and stay updated with socio-political developments. Refer to standard books and take mock tests.
The UGC NET Sociology syllabus comprises various topics related to sociological theories, research methods, social institutions, social change, and contemporary issues in sociology. It covers the comprehensive study of sociology for the UGC NET exam.
No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET Sociology exam. Answering all questions confidently is important, but avoid guesswork as unanswered questions are not penalized.
Yes, the UGC NET Sociology syllabus covers contemporary sociological issues such as globalization, social inequality, gender issues, environmental changes, and social movements. It also covers topics like urbanization, political sociology, and the impact of technology on society, highlighting current social challenges and transformations.
