Circulation of elites

Circulation of elites | Sociology Optional Coaching | Vikash Ranjan Classes | Triumph IAS | UPSC Sociology Optional

When considering the array of 51 optional subjects for the UPSC Mains Examination, Sociology consistently stands out as a top choice. Its inherent appeal lies in its accessibility and intriguing exploration of humanity and society, catering even to students from  Science and Commerce backgrounds. With a well-defined UPSC sociology syllabus comprising only 13 units, Sociology can be comprehensively covered within 5 to 6 Month Comprehensive “Foundation to Finale” Classroom Programme, Many of Our Sociology Foundation Course Students have Cleared CSE 2023- Kajal Singh, First Attempt (Age 22) Mahi Sharma, First Mains (Age 23), Anand Sharma First Mains and Many Others. Previously also Many students like IAS Pradeep Singh, IAS Ashish, IPS Bindu Madhav, IPS Aparna Gautam, IPS Shahnaz Illyas got Success in CSE in First Attempt with Sociology Optional.

IAS Medha Anand, has get 310 marks in her optional subject sociology, 156 in paper – 1 &  154 marks in Paper -2 in CSE 2023. Notably, Sociology for UPSC has garnered a reputation as one of the Highest scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Main Examination, with numerous candidates consistently achieving 300+. Its popularity is evident in the fact that a significant proportion of top 100 rankers opt for Sociology as their optional subject, showcasing its high scoring potential, particularly for those not from sociology backgrounds. Moreover, relevance of Sociology Optional Syllabus for UPSC extends beyond the examination hall, enriching understanding across various aspects of life, from social and economic to political and cultural domains. In recent times, Sociology Optional has gained traction, aligning with the evolving trend of the UPSC Mains towards conceptual analysis. Unlike other optional subjects with unpredictable question patterns, Sociology offers stability and predictability, making it an attractive choice. This adaptability, coupled with its concise syllabus and relevance to both academic and social spheres, positions Sociology as the ideal optional subject for engineers as well as optional subject for commerce graduates and optional subject for  science graduates seeking success in the Civil Services Examination. For those pursuing Sociology as an optional subject, accessing comprehensive Sociology optional notes and few good Sociology optional books, and previous years’ UPSC sociology optional question papers is pivotal for thorough preparation. Additionally, for aspirants seeking guidance, renowned  educator Vikash Ranjan Sir at TRIUMPH IAS coaching institutes in Delhi, offer valuable support and resources. Vikash Ranjan Sir is the Best Sociology Teacher and Triumph IAS is the
best sociology coaching in Delhi. If you are away from Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, you can still complete Journey of UPSC civil service preparation through online Sociology class The  scientific nature of Sociology, coupled with its direct applicability to daily social interactions, renders it a subject that can be comprehended without extensive reference materials, distinguishing it from other optional subjects requiring extensive reading and research.

Circulation of elites

Relevance

Paper 1: Politics and Society: Sociological theories of power (Classical elite theory)

Paper 2: Politics and Society: Social and political elite.

Circulation of elites

Recently in the News –

The circulation of elites has recently garnered attention, particularly in the context of Bihar’s political dynamics. Despite democracy’s goal of promoting civic consciousness and reducing caste-based identities, power remains concentrated among the khas (special) and raees (wealthy) groups. These elites dominate state institutions, perpetuating their influence while allowing for new elite groups to replace older ones. However, this circulation of elites does not widen the pyramid of political power, as marginalized communities continue to receive only token representation. This reflects ongoing concerns about how electoral democracy functions through caste and elite representation.

Sociological Analysis

  • Vilfredo Pareto’s Theory of Circulation of Elites posits that elites are constantly replaced through a cyclical process. As societal conditions change, new elites with different skills, like cunning and ambition, rise to power, replacing older elites. This renewal is necessary to maintain the vitality of society. Elite circulation is driven by the decline of existing elites and the emergence of new ones.
  • C. Wright Mills identified elite control within business, politics, and military, noting that elites dominate decision-making. He acknowledged that elite composition changes over time due to societal shifts, reflecting elite circulation. However, elite networks tend to remain closed, limiting broad access to power. Mills focused on the persistence of power concentration despite elite turnover.
  • Robert Michels’ iron law of oligarchy states that all organizations inevitably become controlled by a small group of elites. Even as elites circulate within organizations, they maintain hierarchical structures. New leaders often perpetuate the same practices as their predecessors, keeping oligarchic control intact. This limits real democratization despite elite turnover.
  • Antonio Gramsci focused on how elites maintain power through cultural and ideological leadership. Elite circulation involves not just leadership changes but also shifts in dominant ideologies. New elites gain power by reshaping cultural norms and securing mass consent. Hegemony is maintained as new elites gain influence through intellectual and moral leadership.

The End of the Blog : Circulation of elites

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Frequently Asked Questions by
UPSC Sociology Optional Students

How to prepare for the Sociology Optional without coaching?

Understand the syllabus thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the entire syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II. Download the official UPSC syllabus and use it as your roadmap. You can attend Sociology Orientation Lectures by Vikash Ranjan sir  on YouTube

Build a strong foundation: Start with introductory textbooks and NCERT books to grasp core sociological concepts. You can start with Introduction to Sociology books

Choose reliable study materials: Select high-quality textbooks, reference books, and online resources recommended by experts. You can opt for Vikash Ranjan Sir Notes too.

Develop a study schedule: Create a realistic and consistent study schedule that allocates dedicated time for each topic. Stick to it and track your progress.

Take notes effectively: Don’t just passively read. Summarize key points, create mind maps, or use other note-taking techniques to aid understanding and revision.

Practice answer writing: Regularly write answers to past year question papers and model questions. Focus on clarity, structure, and critical thinking. Evaluate your answers for improvement.

Seek guidance: You can take free Mentorship on Sociology Optional preparation by Vikash Ranjan sir. Connect with Vikash Ranjan sir (7303615329) to share strategies, ask questions, and stay motivated.  

Can I prepare for Sociology Optional without coaching?

Absolutely! Many aspirants successfully clear the exam through self-study. However coaching can provide structure and guidance, for time bound preparation.

What are the benefits of preparing without coaching?

Cost-effective: Coaching can be expensive, and self-study allows you to manage your resources efficiently.

Flexibility: You can tailor your study plan to your individual needs and pace.

Independence: You develop critical thinking and research skills, valuable assets for your career.

What are the challenges of preparing without coaching?

Discipline and motivation: You need self-discipline to stay on track and motivated without external guidance. Coaching and Teacher keeps you motivated.

Access to resources: You may need to do extra research to find quality study materials and answer-writing practice opportunities. Teacher help you on this respect.

Doubt clearing: You might lack immediate access to someone to address your doubts and questions. Teacher like Vikash Ranjan sir is accessible to his students 24×7   Mo- 7303615329

What additional resources can help me?

Vikash Ranjan Sir’s YouTube channel and website: Offers free Sociology lectures, study materials, and guidance.

Triumph IAS website: Provides past year question papers, model answers, and other helpful resources.

Public libraries and online databases: Utilize these resources for access to relevant books, journals, and academic articles. 


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