Must-Read Books for UGC NET Sociology Paper

Table of Contents

UGC NET Sociology Paper

The UGC NET Sociology paper consists of two parts: Paper I and Paper II.

Paper I is on Teaching and Research Aptitude and is common to all subjects. It tests your general aptitude for research and teaching.

Paper II is on Sociology and is specific to the subject. It tests your knowledge of sociological concepts, theories, and research methods.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the UGC NET Sociology paper:

Paper I: Teaching and Research Aptitude

• Number of questions: 50
• Marks: 100
• Time allowed:1 hour 30 minutes
• Type of questions:Multiple choice questions (MCQs)
• Topics covered:
  • Research methodology
  • Communication skills
  • Reading comprehension
  • Logical reasoning
  • Teaching aptitude
  • Higher education system in India

Paper II: Sociology

• Number of questions:100
• Marks: 200
• Time allowed: 3 hours
• Type of questions:MCQs and descriptive/essay questions
• Topics covered:
  • Sociological theory
  • Social stratification
  • Social institutions(family, marriage, religion, education, etc.)
  • Social change anddevelopment
  • Indian society andculture
  • Research methods insociology

"Sociology: Themes and Perspectives" by Michael Haralambos and Martin Holborn

As an aspiring sociologist, you need a strong foundation in the subject. "Sociology: Themes and Perspectives" by Michael Haralambos and Martin Holborn is the perfect starting point. This comprehensive book provides an overview of sociology, covering key themes and perspectives that form the basis of sociological understanding.

What makes this book stand out is its clear and accessible writing style, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced learners. It incorporates case studies, examples, and critical perspectives to deepen your understanding of sociological concepts. By reading this book, you will develop a strong grasp of sociological theories and be able to analyze social phenomena with a critical lens.  
 

"Class, State, and Power: An Introduction to Social Science" by Anthony Giddens

Understanding the interplay between class, state, and power is crucial in analyzing social structures and institutions. "Class, State, and Power: An Introduction to Social Science" by Anthony Giddens explores these dynamics, providing an insightful perspective on how society operates.

In this book, Giddens emphasizes the concept of social life as structured by social relationships, institutions, and practices. He delves into various sociological theories, offering real-life examples and case studies to illustrate their applications. By reading this book, you will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of social power dynamics and their implications.  
 

"Sociology: A Global Introduction" by John J. Macionis and Ken Plummer

Sociology is not confined to a single geographical location; it encompasses a global perspective. "Sociology: A Global Introduction" by John J. Macionis and Ken Plummer is an essential read to broaden your sociological horizons and incorporate cross-cultural comparisons in your analysis.

This book examines sociology from a global lens, focusing on the connection between individuals and the larger social structures. It covers key sociological topics such as socialization, inequality, and social change, offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

The authors present the material in a reader-friendly manner, using engaging examples and illustrations. By reading this book, you will be equipped with the tools to analyze sociological phenomena through the lens of diversity, multiculturalism, and global perspectives.  
 

Some Reference Books

• A Dictionary of Sociology by Oxford University Press: This dictionary is a valuable resource for looking up key terms and concepts in sociology.
• Indian Sociological Thought by Nagla B.K.: This book provides an overview of the development of sociological thought in India. It is essential for understanding the unique challenges and perspectives of Indian society.
• Rural Sociology by S.L. Doshi: This book provides an overview of the study of rural societies. It is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities in India.

Other Helpful Resources

• UGC NET Sociology Solved Papers by Upkar's Publications: This book contains solved papers from previous UGC NET exams. It is a great way to get practice for the exam and see what types of questions are asked.
• UGC NET Sociology Study Guide by RPH Editorial Board: This study guide provides a comprehensive overview of the UGC NET Sociology syllabus. It includes summaries of key concepts, practice questions, and tips for answering exam questions.

Some important topics for UGC NET Sociology paper

• Sociological Theory: - This includes 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), symbolic interactionism (George Herbert Mead, Erving Goffman, Howard Becker), critical theory (Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Herbert Marcuse), and feminist theory (Simone de Beauvoir, Judith Butler, Nancy Chodorow).
• Indian Sociology: This includes the works of M.N. Srinivas, G.S. Ghurye, T.K. Oommen, Dipankar Gupta, and Ashish Nandy.
• Social Stratification and Inequality: TThis includes topics such as caste, class, gender, race, and ethnicity.
• Social Institutions: This includes topics such as the family, education, religion, and politics.
• Social Change and Development: This includes topics such as modernization, globalization, and urbanization.
• Research Methods in Sociology: This includes topics such as quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research.

Conclusion

By going beyond the prescribed syllabus and exploring these sociological masterpieces, you will gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to excel in the UGC NET Sociology Paper. So, grab your copies, immerse yourself in these insightful books, and unleash your sociological imagination!

Also Read - UGC-NET/JRF Exam 2024