Micro Topics : Society Syllabus
1. Salient Features of Indian Society
- Unity in diversity: cultural, linguistic, regional, religious
- Indian social structure: rural-urban divide, stratification
- Role of kinship, caste, community, region
- Pluralism and multiculturalism
- Traditional vs. modern values
- Tolerance and social cohesion
- Changing family structures: joint, nuclear, live-in
- Role of media, cinema, sports in shaping social values
2. Diversity of India
- Linguistic, religious, ethnic, regional, and cultural diversity
- Concept of composite culture
- Regional identities and assertion
- Tribal and indigenous cultures
- Inter-group dynamics and integration
- Cultural zones and regional festivals
- Folk traditions vs. mainstream
3. Role of Women and Women’s Organizations
- Status of women in historical and modern India
- Gender roles and patriarchy
- Feminization of poverty and agriculture
- Women’s movements in India (pre- and post-independence)
- Representation of women in politics, workforce, education
- SHGs, Mahila Mandals, SEWA, digital platforms
- Government schemes (e.g. Beti Bachao, Ujjwala, PMMVY)
- Gender budgeting and affirmative action
4. Population and Associated Issues
- Population growth: trends and impacts
- Demographic dividend and challenges
- Migration (internal and international)
- Urbanization and its social impact
- Ageing population and youth bulge
- Population policies and family planning
- Population education and awareness
5. Poverty and Developmental Issues
- Multidimensional poverty and inequality
- Social exclusion and marginalisation
- Urban and rural poverty
- Development-induced displacement
- Inclusive growth and sustainable development
- Policies and programs for poverty eradication
- Role of civil society, NGOs, and SHGs
6. Urbanization, Problems, and Remedies
- Causes and consequences of urbanization
- Urban-rural migration and slum development
- Housing, sanitation, water, waste, transport issues
- Urban governance and planning
- Smart cities and sustainable urban living
- Gentrification and urban marginalisation
- Urban poor and informal sector
- Livelihood and employment in urban areas
7. Effects of Globalization on Indian Society
- Cultural globalization: westernization, McDonaldization
- Globalization vs. cultural specificity
- Impact on family, marriage, caste, and religion
- Influence on youth, media, lifestyle, food
- Rise of consumerism and middle class
- Globalization and marginalized communities
- Resistance movements and cultural assertion
8. Social Empowerment
- Concept and dimensions: economic, political, digital, cultural
- Empowerment of women, SC/ST, minorities, transgenders, PwDs
- Role of state, NGOs, SHGs, movements
- Legal and policy frameworks for empowerment
- Digital India and empowerment
- Grassroots empowerment through Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies
9. Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism
- Definitions and conceptual differences
- Causes and consequences of communalism
- Communal violence and riots: role of politics, media
- Rise of regionalism and regional identities
- Inter-state tensions and statehood demands
- Indian secularism vs. Western model
- Challenges to secularism in multicultural society
- Role of education and civil society
10. Social Issues (Cross-cutting themes often asked)
- Casteism, untouchability, and discrimination
- Inter-caste and inter-religious marriage
- Honor killings, khap panchayats
- LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion
- Drug addiction, alcoholism
- Child labour, child marriage, juvenile delinquency
- Elderly care and changing filial norms