CIVICS (Democratic Politics-II) - 10 - Social Science solution
Class 10 - Chapter 3: Gender, Religion and Caste
1. Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
Answer:
Despite significant progress in recent decades, women in India continue to face discrimination and disadvantages in various spheres of life.
Areas of Discrimination Against Women
- Education: Girls often receive fewer educational opportunities than boys, especially in rural areas.
- Employment: Women generally receive lower wages than men for similar work.
- Political Representation: Women's participation in legislative bodies remains comparatively low.
- Health and Nutrition: In many families, women receive less nutritious food and healthcare facilities.
- Household Responsibilities: Women perform a large share of unpaid domestic work.
- Decision-Making: Women often have limited participation in important family and social decisions.
Hence Achieving gender equality requires equal opportunities in education, employment, politics and social life.
2. State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
Answer:
Communal politics refers to the use of religion in politics in a manner that promotes the interests of one religious group over others.
Forms of Communal Politics
1. Everyday Religious Prejudices
Religious differences may lead to stereotypes and prejudices against other communities.
Example: Considering members of another religion as inferior or untrustworthy.
2. Demand for Political Dominance
A religious community may seek to dominate political power.
Example: Demanding special political privileges only for one religious group.
3. Political Mobilisation on Religious Lines
Political leaders may appeal to voters in the name of religion.
Example: Seeking votes by highlighting religious identities.
4. Communal Violence
Communalism can take the form of riots and violence.
Example: Conflicts between religious communities resulting in loss of life and property.
3. State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.
Answer:
Although caste discrimination has declined due to education, urbanisation and constitutional safeguards, caste inequalities still exist.
Evidence of Continuing Caste Inequalities
- People belonging to lower castes often have fewer economic opportunities.
- Land and wealth are unevenly distributed among caste groups.
- Many Dalits continue to face social discrimination.
- Access to quality education and employment remains unequal.
- Caste-based prejudices still influence social relations and marriages.
Thus, caste continues to influence social and economic life in many parts of India.
4. State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
Answer:
- No constituency has voters belonging entirely to a single caste. Therefore, political parties must seek support from multiple communities.
- Voters consider several factors such as development, leadership, performance and party policies in addition to caste.
Hence, caste is an important factor but not the only determinant of election outcomes.
5. What is the status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies?
Answer:
Women's representation in India's legislative bodies has improved but remains relatively low compared to many countries.
Present Situation
- The percentage of women members in Parliament is still much lower than that of men.
- Women occupy only a limited number of positions in State Legislatures.
- However, reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions has increased women's political participation significantly.
Greater representation of women is necessary to ensure gender equality and effective democracy.
6. Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
Answer:
- The Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to profess, practise and propagate any religion.
- The State does not have any official religion and treats all religions equally.
These provisions ensure religious freedom and equality for all citizens.
7. When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
Answer: (b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women.
Explanation:
Gender division is based on social expectations and roles assigned to men and women rather than biological differences.
8. In India seats are reserved for women in
Answer: (d) Panchayati Raj bodies
Explanation:
The Constitution provides reservation of not less than one-third of seats for women in Panchayats and Municipalities.
9. Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics.
A. One religion is superior to that of others.
B. People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
C. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
D. State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.
Answer:
Communal politics is based on the belief that:
- One religion is superior to others.
- Followers of a particular religion form one political community.
Therefore, statements A and C are correct.
Correct Option: (c) A and C
10. Which among the following statements about India's Constitution is wrong?
(a) Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) Gives official status to one religion.
(c) Provides all individuals freedom to profess any religion.
(d) Ensures equality of citizens within religious communities.
Answer:
Correct Option: (b) Gives official status to one religion.
Explanation:
India is a secular state and does not recognise any religion as the official religion of the country.
11. Social divisions based on __________ are peculiar to India.
Answer:
Caste
Explanation: The caste system is a distinctive social institution historically associated with Indian society.
12. Match List I with List II.
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men | B. Feminist |
| 2. A person who says that religion is the principal basis of community | A. Communalist |
| 3. A person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of community | D. Casteist |
| 4. A person who does not discriminate others on the basis of religious beliefs | C. Secularist |
Matching: 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C
Correct Option: (b)
Important Exam Points
- Gender division is a social division based on unequal roles assigned to men and women.
- Communalism involves using religion as the basis of politics.
- Caste inequalities continue despite constitutional safeguards.
- India is a secular state with no official religion.
- Reservation for women exists in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- Caste alone cannot determine election results because voters consider many other factors.
- A feminist believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men.