Sociology is a popular optional subject for the UPSC mains exam. It is a subject that deals with the study of human society and its various aspects, including social institutions, culture, social hierarchy, and social change. The subject is important for the mains exam as it helps candidates to understand the social issues that are prevalent in the country and the world. Here are some topics that candidates can focus on while writing answers in the sociology optional subject for the mains exam:

1. Social Stratification: This is a broad topic that deals with the various forms of social inequality that exist in society, including class, caste, race, and gender. Candidates can write about the causes and consequences of social stratification, the impact of globalization on social stratification, and the various policies and programs that have been implemented to reduce social inequality.

2. Gender and Society: This topic deals with the study of gender roles and the ways in which society constructs gender identity. Candidates can write about the socialization process that shapes gender identity, the impact of gender on social mobility, and the various forms of gender-based violence that exist in society.

3. Social Change: This topic deals with the study of the processes that bring about social change, including technological change, cultural change, and political change. Candidates can write about the factors that drive social change, the impact of social change on society, and the various challenges that arise during the process of social change.

4. Religion and Society: This topic deals with the study of the role that religion plays in society, including its impact on social norms and values, social identity, and social conflict. Candidates can write about the various forms of religious diversity that exist in society, the relationship between religion and politics, and the impact of globalization on religion.

5. Social Movements: This topic deals with the study of the various social movements that exist in society, including feminist movements, environmental movements, and human rights movements. Candidates can write about the factors that give rise to social movements, the impact of social movements on society, and the various challenges that social movements face.

In addition to these topics, candidates can also focus on the ethical and moral dimensions of social issues, including questions of justice, fairness, and human rights. They can also explore the ways in which social institutions, such as the family, education, and the media, shape social norms and values. Overall, the sociology optional subject provides candidates with a rich and diverse set of topics to explore and write about in their mains exam answers.