Extra 20 long-answer questions from Chapter:4 Gender, Religion, and Caste (Class 10 CBSE Political Science).
1. What is gender division? How does it affect society?
Answer:
Gender division refers to the unequal roles, responsibilities, and opportunities given to men and women in society. It affects society in the following ways:
Unequal Pay
– Women are often paid less than men for the same work.
Limited Political Representation
– Women are underrepresented in legislatures and decision-making bodies.
Workplace Discrimination
– Women face challenges in promotions and leadership roles.
Unequal Domestic Responsibilities
– Women are expected to take care of household work and children.
Preference for Sons
– In many societies, male children are preferred over female children.
Gender-Based Violence
– Women face harassment, domestic violence, and discrimination.
2. What is the feminist movement? What are its major demands?
Answer:
The feminist movement refers to the organized efforts to achieve gender equality and women's rights. Its major demands include:
Equal Wages
– Women should be paid the same as men for the same work.
Right to Education
– Ensuring that girls have access to quality education.
Political Representation
– More women should participate in politics and leadership.
End to Domestic Violence
– Strict laws to prevent violence against women.
Right to Property
– Women should have equal inheritance rights.
Equal Opportunities
– Women should have the same career and job opportunities as men.
3. How does gender division manifest in politics?
Answer:
Gender division in politics is seen in the following ways:
Low Representation
– Women have fewer seats in legislative bodies.
Women’s Reservation
– Many countries, including India, have reserved seats for women in local governments.
Male Dominance in Politics
– Most political leaders and decision-makers are men.
Gender-Based Issues
– Women’s issues like maternity benefits and domestic violence are often ignored in policy-making.
Feminist Movements
– Women-led organizations demand political reforms for gender equality.
Role of Political Parties
– Many political parties now promote women’s participation in elections.
4. Explain the role of religion in Indian politics.
Answer:
Religion plays a significant role in Indian politics in the following ways:
Political Mobilization
– Religious communities are often mobilized for votes.
Religious-Based Political Parties
– Some parties are formed to represent specific religious groups.
Communal Conflicts
– Religious differences sometimes lead to violence and riots.
Secularism
– The Indian Constitution ensures equal treatment of all religions.
Personal Laws
– Different religions have their own personal laws regarding marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Reservations for Minorities
– Special provisions exist for religious minorities in education and jobs.
5. What is communalism? How does it affect democracy?
Answer:
Communalism is a belief that one’s religion is superior to others, leading to political and social division. It affects democracy in the following ways:
Religious Conflicts
– Leads to riots and violence between religious groups.
Vote Bank Politics
– Politicians use religion to influence voters.
Discrimination
– People from religious minorities may face discrimination in jobs and education.
Threat to Secularism
– Communalism goes against the principle of secularism in democracy.
Breakdown of National Unity
– It creates divisions among citizens based on religion.
Policy Decisions Based on Religion
– Governments may make biased policies
favoring
one religion over others.
6. What are the constitutional provisions in India to ensure secularism?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution provides the following provisions to ensure secularism:
Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28)
– Citizens can practice, profess, and propagate any religion.
No State Religion
– India does not recognize any religion as the official state religion.
No Religious Discrimination (Article 15)
– The state cannot discriminate based on religion.
Equal Treatment (Article 14)
– All citizens are treated equally under the law.
Protection of Minority Rights
– Religious minorities have special protections for education and culture.
State Control Over Religious Institutions
– The state can regulate religious institutions to prevent discrimination.
7. What are the different forms of caste inequalities in India?
Answer:
Caste inequalities in India appear in various forms:
Social Discrimination
– Lower castes face discrimination in public places and social gatherings.
Economic Inequality
– Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) often have lower incomes.
Untouchability
– Though legally abolished, untouchability still exists in some areas.
Educational Disparity
– Lower castes have less access to quality education.
Caste-Based Violence
– Dalits and lower castes sometimes face violence from upper castes.
Caste-Based Occupations
– Traditional caste-based professions still continue in rural areas.
8. How does caste influence politics in India?
Answer:
Caste has a significant influence on politics in India:
Caste-Based Voting
– Many people vote based on caste rather than policies.
Caste-Based Political Parties
– Some parties represent specific caste groups.
Reservations
– Political leaders make caste-based promises to attract votes.
Caste Coalitions
– Political parties form alliances with caste-based groups to win elections.
Caste-Based Leadership
– Many political leaders come from dominant castes.
Demand for More Reservations
– Many caste groups demand reservations in education and jobs.
9. What steps has the Indian government taken to uplift lower castes?
Answer:
The Indian government has taken several measures:
Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17)
– Untouchability is legally banned.
Reservations in Education
– SCs, STs, and OBCs have reserved seats in schools and colleges.
Reservations in Jobs
– Government jobs have quotas for lower castes.
Special Welfare Schemes
– Various programs support SC/ST education and employment.
Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
– Punishes caste-based discrimination.
Economic Support
– Special financial support for businesses owned by lower castes.
10. How has modernization affected caste discrimination?
Answer:
Modernization has helped reduce caste discrimination in several ways:
Urbanization
– In cities, caste identity is less important.
Education
– Awareness about equality has increased.
Economic Development
– People are choosing professions based on skills, not caste.
Legal Measures
– Strong laws prevent caste-based discrimination.
Inter-Caste Marriages
– More inter-caste marriages are happening.
Media Influence
– Television and social media promote equality.
11. Why is political representation of women important?
Answer:
Women’s political representation is essential for democracy and social justice. Its importance includes:
Gender Equality
– Ensures women have an equal role in decision-making.
Better Policy Making
– Women leaders focus on education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Addressing Women’s Issues
– Helps in addressing problems like domestic violence and workplace discrimination.
Breaking Stereotypes
– Encourages women to take leadership roles.
More Representation in Legislatures
– Women make up half the population but have lower representation in politics.
Encouraging Future Generations
– Inspires young girls to participate in politics and governance.
12. What are the major challenges faced by women in India?
Answer:
Despite legal rights, women in India face several challenges:
Gender Discrimination
– Unequal opportunities in education, jobs, and wages.
Violence Against Women
– Cases of domestic violence, harassment, and crimes like dowry deaths.
Limited Political Participation
– Fewer women in leadership roles in politics and administration.
Lack of Economic Independence
– Women often rely on family members for financial security.
Preference for Sons
– Female foeticide and neglect of girl children in some communities.
Unequal Household Responsibilities
– Women are expected to do most household work, even if they work outside.
13. What steps can be taken to improve gender equality in India?
Answer:
To achieve gender equality, the following steps should be taken:
Equal Pay Laws
– Ensure that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.
Increased Education for Girls
– More schools, scholarships, and awareness campaigns.
Strict Laws Against Gender Discrimination
– Implementation of laws to prevent workplace harassment and violence.
Encouraging Women in Politics
– Reservation for women in Parliament and Assemblies.
Economic Independence
– More job opportunities and financial support for women entrepreneurs.
Social Awareness
– Campaigns to change social attitudes toward women’s roles.
14. How does religion sometimes lead to social division?
Answer:
Religion can lead to division in society in the following ways:
Communalism
– When religion is used for political or social advantage, it creates tensions.
Religious Conflicts
– Differences in religious beliefs sometimes lead to riots and violence.
Discrimination Against Minorities
– Some religious groups face social and economic discrimination.
Interference in Personal Laws
– Disputes over marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws among different religious communities.
Political Exploitation
– Politicians use religious identity to gain votes, leading to division.
Stereotyping
– People from certain religious communities may be unfairly
labelled
or judged.
15. What are the negative effects of caste-based politics?
Answer:
Caste-based politics has several negative impacts:
Division in Society
– Caste-based voting creates divisions among communities.
Inefficient Leadership
– Leaders are chosen based on caste rather than merit.
Increase in Caste Conflicts
– Political rivalry leads to caste-based violence.
Slow Progress
– Development issues take a backseat when caste politics dominates elections.
Reservations Used for Political Gain
– Some political parties misuse reservation policies to gain votes.
Favouritism
in Policies
– Instead of focusing on national welfare, leaders
favour
only specific caste groups.
16. How does caste influence social and economic status in India?
Answer:
Caste plays a significant role in social and economic status:
Traditional Occupations
– Certain castes are associated with specific occupations.
Educational Disparities
– Upper castes historically had better access to education.
Economic Inequality
– Lower castes, especially Dalits, still face poverty and fewer job opportunities.
Social Exclusion
– People from lower castes often face discrimination in housing and workplaces.
Marriage Restrictions
– Caste plays a major role in arranged marriages in India.
Reservation System
– Helps lower castes access education and government jobs.
17. How has the reservation system helped in reducing caste inequality?
Answer:
Reservations have played an important role in reducing caste inequality:
Increased Educational Opportunities
– SCs, STs, and OBCs get reserved seats in schools and colleges.
Government Job Reservations
– Helps lower castes get government employment.
Political Representation
– Reserved seats for SCs and STs in legislatures ensure their voice in governance.
Economic Upliftment
– Quotas in financial assistance programs and loans for lower castes.
Encourages Social Mobility
– Helps lower castes rise in social status through education and jobs.
Awareness and Legal Protection
– Protection from discrimination under the law.
18. What measures can be taken to remove caste-based discrimination?
Answer:
To eliminate caste discrimination, the following steps can be taken:
Strict Implementation of Laws
– Enforcing anti-discrimination laws like the SC/ST Act.
Promoting Inter-Caste Marriages
– Encouraging social integration through inter-caste marriages.
Equal Educational Opportunities
– More schools and scholarships for lower castes.
Employment-Based Growth
– More job opportunities based on merit rather than caste.
Awareness Campaigns
– Educating people about caste discrimination and equality.
Economic Upliftment Programs
– Financial assistance and skill development programs for lower castes.
19. How can we promote religious harmony in India?
Answer:
To promote religious harmony, the following measures should be taken:
Strict Laws Against Hate Speech
– Preventing speeches that incite religious violence.
Education on Religious Tolerance
– Schools should teach respect for all religions.
Equal Treatment by the Government
– Policies should not
favor
any particular religion.
Interfaith Dialogue
– Encouraging discussions between religious leaders to build mutual understanding.
Celebration of Diversity
– Promoting national unity by celebrating different religious festivals.
Media’s Positive Role
– Encouraging unbiased reporting on religious issues.
20. What are the advantages of a secular state like India?
Answer:
A secular state like India offers several benefits:
Equal Rights for All Religions
– No religion is given special privileges by the government.
Freedom of Worship
– Citizens can follow any religion or choose to be non-religious.
Prevention of Religious Conflicts
– Secularism helps in maintaining peace and unity.
No Discrimination Based on Religion
– Government policies are neutral and fair to all.
Encourages National Unity
– People of different religions coexist peacefully.
Promotes Rational Thinking
– Encourages scientific and logical thinking over religious dogma.
