Extra 20 long-answer questions with answers from Chapter:3 Democracy and Diversity (Class 10 CBSE Political Science).
1. What is social diversity? Explain its major aspects.
Answer:
Social diversity refers to differences among people based on religion, race, language, caste, ethnicity, and culture. Its major aspects include:
Cultural Diversity
– Different languages, traditions, and customs in a society.
Religious Diversity
– People belonging to different religions and sects.
Ethnic Diversity
– Distinct racial or tribal identities (e.g., African-Americans in the USA).
Linguistic Diversity
– Different languages spoken within a country (e.g., India has 22 official languages).
Economic Diversity
– Variations in wealth and standard of living.
Gender Diversity
– Different roles and opportunities based on gender.
2. What are the causes of social differences?
Answer:
Social differences arise due to:
Birth
– People are born into different communities based on caste, religion, race, and language.
Choice
– People adopt new cultures, professions, and ideologies, leading to new social divisions.
Migration
– Movement of people to different places introduces cultural and ethnic diversity.
Economic Differences
– Some groups have better access to resources, causing divisions between rich and poor.
Geographical Factors
– The environment shapes lifestyles, leading to distinct regional identities.
Historical Factors
– Past events like colonization and wars influence social differences.
3. Explain the difference between overlapping and cross-cutting social differences.
Answer:
Overlapping Social Differences:
When one social division is linked to another, leading to discrimination.
Example: In the USA, African-Americans are mostly poor and face discrimination.
Cross-Cutting Social Differences:
When social groups share some common interests, preventing deep divisions.
Example: In the Netherlands, both rich and poor people belong to different religious groups, avoiding conflict.
Impact on Society:
Overlapping differences create tension and can lead to conflicts.
Cross-cutting differences promote harmony and social stability.
Effect on Democracy:
Overlapping differences weaken democracy by creating divisions.
Cross-cutting differences strengthen democracy by encouraging tolerance.
Examples:
Overlapping: Sri Lanka (Tamils face both ethnic and linguistic discrimination).
Cross-Cutting: Belgium (language and economic differences do not create social unrest).
Conclusion:
Cross-cutting divisions are healthier for democracy as they prevent conflicts.
4. What was the Civil Rights Movement in the USA? What were its main achievements?
Answer:
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s) was a struggle by African-Americans to end racial discrimination and gain equal rights.
Causes:
Racial segregation in public places.
Denial of voting rights to African-Americans.
Key Leaders:
Martin Luther King Jr.
led peaceful protests and gave the famous
"I Have a Dream"
speech.
Methods Used:
Non-violent protests, sit-ins, boycotts, and marches.
Achievements:
Civil Rights Act (1964):
Ended segregation in public places.
Voting Rights Act (1965):
Gave African-Americans the right to vote.
Fair Housing Act (1968):
Prevented discrimination in housing.
Impact:
Strengthened democracy by ensuring equality for all races.
Inspired other civil rights movements worldwide.
Conclusion:
The movement successfully promoted justice, equality, and inclusion in democracy.
5. What was the Black Power Movement? How was it different from the Civil Rights Movement?
Answer:
Definition:
The
Black Power Movement (1966-1975)
aimed to promote African-American identity, culture, and rights, sometimes using militant methods.
Differences from the Civil Rights Movement:
Civil Rights Movement:
Focused on peaceful protests and legal reforms.
Black Power Movement:
Advocated
self-defense
and black pride.
Leaders:
Civil Rights Movement:
Martin Luther King Jr. (non-violent).
Black Power Movement:
Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael (militant approach).
Methods Used:
Civil Rights Movement:
Boycotts, sit-ins, peaceful marches.
Black Power Movement:
Armed protests, rejection of white culture.
Achievements:
Increased awareness of African-American identity.
Encouraged pride in black heritage.
Impact:
Led to cultural and political changes in the USA.
6. What led to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka? What were its consequences?
Answer:
Background:
Sri Lanka had two main ethnic groups:
Sinhalese (74%)
and
Tamils (18%)
.
Sinhalese dominated the government, discriminating against Tamils.
Major Causes:
1956: Sinhala was declared the only official language.
Tamils were denied government jobs and education opportunities.
No political representation for Tamils.
Conflict and Civil War:
Tamils demanded autonomy and formed militant groups (e.g.,
LTTE
).
Civil war broke out in 1983 and lasted till 2009.
Consequences:
Thousands of deaths and economic decline.
Human rights violations.
Tamils continued to face discrimination even after the war ended.
Lessons for Democracy:
Majoritarianism (rule by the majority) creates conflicts.
Democracy must ensure equal rights for all communities.
Conclusion:
Sri Lanka’s conflict shows that power-sharing is necessary for peace.
7. How does democracy help in managing social diversity?
Answer:
Equal Political Representation:
Democracy ensures that all groups get representation in decision-making.
Power-sharing:
Minorities and different communities share political power to prevent discrimination.
Protection of Rights:
Democratic constitutions provide safeguards against injustice.
Tolerance and Dialogue:
Democracy promotes discussion and peaceful conflict resolution.
Economic and Social Inclusion:
Policies like
affirmative action
help weaker sections participate equally.
Examples:
Belgium:
Successfully managed linguistic diversity through power-sharing.
Sri Lanka:
Failure to respect Tamil rights led to civil war.
8. What is majoritarianism? Explain its effects with an example.
Answer:
Definition:
Majoritarianism is the belief that the majority community should have the power to make decisions, often ignoring the interests of minorities.
Features:
Majority rule in decision-making.
Suppression of minority rights.
Leads to social and political conflicts.
Example – Sri Lanka:
The
Sinhalese majority
controlled the government.
Tamil minorities faced discrimination in language, jobs, and education.
Led to a civil war (1983-2009).
Consequences:
Political instability and violence.
Human rights violations.
Weakened democracy and national unity.
Lessons for Democracy:
Power-sharing is essential to prevent ethnic conflicts.
Governments must respect all communities.
Conclusion:
Majoritarianism leads to division, while democracy ensures inclusion.
9. How does democracy accommodate social diversity?
Answer:
Equal Political Rights:
Every citizen, regardless of religion, language, or caste, has the right to vote and participate in governance.
Power-sharing Mechanisms:
Different groups share power to avoid conflicts (e.g., Belgium).
Legal Protection for Minorities:
Constitutions provide safeguards against discrimination.
Freedom of Expression:
People can express their identity, culture, and grievances peacefully.
Tolerance and Inclusiveness:
Democratic governments encourage dialogue and compromise.
Conclusion:
True democracy respects and celebrates diversity rather than suppressing it.
10. What were the major causes of social conflicts in Northern Ireland?
Answer:
Religious Division:
Catholics (minority) vs. Protestants (majority).
Political Conflicts:
Catholics wanted to unite with Ireland.
Protestants wanted to remain part of the UK.
Discrimination Against Catholics:
Denied government jobs and political rights.
Rise of Armed Groups:
Irish Republican Army (IRA) vs. Loyalist groups.
Violence and Civil Unrest:
The conflict lasted for decades, causing deaths and destruction.
Resolution:
The
Good Friday Agreement (1998)
brought peace by allowing shared governance.
11. How does political competition influence social divisions?
Answer:
Positive Effects:
Political representation for different groups.
Government policies address social grievances.
Negative Effects:
Political parties may exploit divisions for votes.
Can increase tensions and violence (e.g., Sri Lanka).
Role of Democracy:
Encourages peaceful negotiations.
Provides platforms for marginalized communities.
Examples:
Belgium:
Managed diversity through power-sharing.
Sri Lanka:
Failed to accommodate Tamils, leading to war.
Conclusion:
Political competition must be balanced to strengthen democracy.
12. What lessons does Belgium teach about handling social diversity?
Answer:
Ethnic Composition:
Dutch (59%) vs. French (40%) communities.
Power-sharing Arrangements:
Equal representation for both groups.
Bilingual Government:
Both Dutch and French are official languages.
Autonomy for Communities:
Each group has control over cultural affairs.
Result:
Peaceful coexistence without ethnic conflicts.
Conclusion:
Belgium is an example of how power-sharing maintains social harmony.
13. How did apartheid affect South Africa?
Answer:
Definition:
Apartheid was a policy of racial segregation in South Africa (1948-1994).
Discriminatory Laws:
Black people had no voting rights.
Forced to live in separate areas.
Opposition to Apartheid:
Nelson Mandela
and the African National Congress (ANC) led protests.
End of Apartheid:
1994: Nelson Mandela became the first black president.
Impact:
South Africa became a
multi-racial democracy
.
Lessons for Democracy:
Racial equality is essential for a just society.
14. How does economic inequality affect social diversity?
Answer:
Creates Class Divisions:
Rich vs. poor groups have different opportunities.
Limits Access to Education and Jobs:
Poor people struggle for basic rights.
Political Instability:
Economic inequality leads to protests and social unrest.
Examples:
African-Americans in the USA faced economic discrimination.
Role of Democracy:
Governments introduce welfare policies to reduce economic gaps.
Conclusion:
Reducing inequality strengthens democracy.
15. How does discrimination affect democracy?
Answer:
Violates Equality:
Democracy promotes equal rights, but discrimination denies them.
Reduces Political Participation:
Marginalized groups do not get fair representation.
Increases Social Conflicts:
Discrimination leads to protests and violence.
Examples:
Apartheid in South Africa.
Caste-based discrimination in India.
Solutions:
Affirmative action and reservation policies.
Conclusion:
Democracy must protect all communities to be truly effective.
16. How do language policies impact social diversity?
Answer:
Promotes Inclusion:
Recognizing multiple languages respects diversity.
Prevents Discrimination:
Language-based discrimination causes social unrest (e.g., Sri Lanka).
Encourages National Unity:
Example: India's
Three-Language Formula
balances regional and national languages.
Avoids Conflicts:
Belgium gave equal status to French and Dutch speakers.
Role of Democracy:
Fair language policies ensure representation for all groups.
Conclusion:
A flexible language policy strengthens democracy.
