Extra 20 important long-answer questions and answers from Chapter 5: Understanding Marginalisation of Class 8 Civics (CBSE):-
1. What is marginalisation? Why do some communities face marginalisation?
Answer:
Definition
– Marginalisation refers to the social, economic, and political exclusion of certain groups.
Lack of Representation
– Marginalised communities have little or no voice in decision-making.
Economic Disadvantages
– Many marginalised groups live in poverty with limited job opportunities.
Social Discrimination
– Prejudices based on caste, religion, or ethnicity push these communities to the margins.
Loss of Cultural Identity
– Many marginalised groups struggle to preserve their traditions and customs.
Examples
– Adivasis, Dalits, and religious minorities in India.
2. Who are Adivasis? Why are they considered marginalised?
Answer:
Indigenous Communities
– Adivasis are India’s original inhabitants, living in forests and remote areas.
Loss of Land
– Large-scale industrial projects and deforestation have displaced them.
Economic Hardships
– Limited access to education and jobs keeps them in poverty.
Cultural Marginalisation
– Their traditions and languages are often ignored by mainstream society.
Discrimination
– Considered backward, they face exclusion from political and social spheres.
Example
– Santhals, Gonds, and Bhils.
3. How has the development process affected Adivasis?
Answer:
Displacement
– Mining, dams, and industries force them to leave their land.
Loss of Livelihood
– Dependence on forests is disrupted by deforestation and commercial farming.
Forced Migration
– Many Adivasis move to cities, where they work in low-paying jobs.
Cultural Erosion
– Urbanisation threatens their traditions and languages.
Lack of Government Support
– Rehabilitation programs often fail to provide long-term solutions.
Example
– Displacement due to the Narmada Dam project.
4. Why do Dalits face marginalisation in India?
Answer:
Caste Discrimination
– Dalits have historically been treated as "untouchables" and denied basic rights.
Limited Economic Opportunities
– Many work in low-paying, unskilled jobs due to caste barriers.
Social Exclusion
– Discriminated against in schools, workplaces, and public places.
Violence and Oppression
– Face atrocities and caste-based violence in some parts of India.
Lack of Political Representation
– Though reservations exist, many Dalits still lack political power.
Example
– Incidents of manual scavengers being mistreated.
5. What are the effects of marginalisation on religious minorities?
Answer:
Discrimination
– Prejudice in education, employment, and social life.
Lack of Political Power
– Underrepresented in government decision-making.
Economic Backwardness
– Many minorities have lower income levels and fewer job opportunities.
Stereotyping
– Often portrayed negatively in media and public discourse.
Social Isolation
– Ghettos and separate settlements limit their integration into mainstream society.
Example
– Muslim community facing lower literacy rates in India.
6. How does the Constitution protect marginalised groups?
Answer:
Fundamental Rights
– Guarantees equality, freedom, and protection against discrimination.
Reservation Policies
– Provides quotas in education, jobs, and politics for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Abolition of Untouchability
– Article 17 outlaws caste-based discrimination.
Cultural Protection
– Safeguards minority languages and traditions.
Special Welfare Schemes
– Scholarships, economic aid, and land rights for marginalised communities.
Example
– Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
7. What are the major government schemes for Adivasis?
Answer:
Forest Rights Act (2006)
– Grants land rights to tribal communities.
Eklavya Model Schools
– Provides quality education to tribal children.
SC/ST Scholarships
– Financial aid for higher education.
Tribal Sub-Plan
– Allocates funds for tribal welfare programs.
PESA Act (1996)
– Gives local governance rights to tribal communities.
Example
– Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana for tribal empowerment.
8. What is the role of education in reducing marginalisation?
Answer:
Promotes Equality
– Helps break caste, gender, and religious barriers.
Increases Employment Opportunities
– Better education leads to better jobs.
Empowers Marginalised Groups
– Knowledge helps them fight for their rights.
Social Awareness
– Reduces prejudice and promotes inclusivity.
Government Initiatives
– Mid-day meal schemes, free textbooks, and scholarships for SCs/STs.
Example
– Right to Education Act ensures free schooling for children.
9. What is social exclusion? How does it affect marginalised groups?
Answer:
Definition
– When a group is denied equal access to resources, rights, and opportunities.
Economic Impact
– Leads to unemployment and poverty.
Education Gap
– Marginalised communities have lower literacy rates.
Political Underrepresentation
– Lack of voice in decision-making bodies.
Psychological Effects
– Leads to inferiority complex and social alienation.
Example
– Dalits facing exclusion in certain rural areas.
10. What are some examples of resistance by marginalised communities?
Answer:
Tribal Movements
– Protests against displacement and land grabbing.
Dalit Movements
– Campaigns for equality and social justice.
Women’s Rights Movements
– Fights against discrimination within communities.
Legal Activism
– Filing cases for justice and constitutional rights.
Political Participation
– Formation of political parties representing marginalised groups.
Example
– Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s role in Dalit empowerment.
11. How do economic policies contribute to marginalisation?
Answer:
Unequal Resource Distribution
– Wealth and resources are concentrated among the privileged.
Loss of Traditional Livelihoods
– Industrialization and commercial farming displace traditional workers.
Privatisation
– Reduces job opportunities for marginalised communities.
Lack of Financial Support
– Banks and financial institutions hesitate to give loans to the poor.
Unequal Wages
– Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities often earn lower wages than others.
Example
– Many Adivasis lose their land to big industries.
12. How does marginalisation affect women from disadvantaged communities?
Answer:
Double Discrimination
– Marginalised women face both gender and social discrimination.
Limited Education
– High dropout rates due to poverty and family restrictions.
Fewer Job Opportunities
– Engage in low-paying and insecure jobs.
Domestic Violence
– Higher instances of abuse due to lack of legal awareness.
Health Issues
– Limited access to medical facilities and malnutrition.
Example
– Dalit and tribal women facing wage discrimination in factories.
13. How do political factors contribute to marginalisation?
Answer:
Underrepresentation in Government
– Few leaders from marginalised groups in high positions.
Vote Bank Politics
– Marginalised communities are used for votes but ignored after elections.
Weak Implementation of Laws
– Laws for protection exist but are not enforced properly.
Exclusion from Policy Making
– Policies do not always address the real issues of the poor.
Corruption and Bias
– Benefits meant for SCs, STs, and OBCs do not always reach them.
Example
– Dalit leaders struggling to gain powerful positions in national politics.
14. What are the effects of discrimination on marginalised groups?
Answer:
Economic Backwardness
– Fewer job opportunities and low wages.
Educational Barriers
– Limited access to quality education.
Social Isolation
– Denied entry into temples, public spaces, and workplaces.
Poor Health Conditions
– Lack of access to proper healthcare and sanitation.
Increased Crime and Exploitation
– Many are forced into bonded labor or manual scavenging.
Example
– Dalits facing discrimination in certain villages.
15. How do media and literature help in reducing marginalisation?
Answer:
Creates Awareness
– Highlights issues faced by marginalised communities.
Challenges Stereotypes
– Promotes positive representation of oppressed groups.
Inspires Change
– Books, films, and articles encourage social reforms.
Gives Voice to the Marginalised
– Provides a platform for their struggles and opinions.
Brings Policy Changes
– Media exposes injustices, leading to legal reforms.
Example
– Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s writings on caste discrimination.
16. How does globalisation affect marginalised communities?
Answer:
Loss of Traditional Jobs
– Local industries and handicrafts are replaced by big companies.
Cultural Erosion
– Western influence affects traditional practices.
Displacement
– Mining and industrialisation force Adivasis out of their land.
Wage Exploitation
– Many work in factories for low wages under harsh conditions.
Limited Access to Technology
– Poor communities struggle to keep up with modern skills.
Example
– Handloom workers losing jobs due to mass production in factories.
17. What role do NGOs play in helping marginalised communities?
Answer:
Provides Education
– Runs schools and training programs for underprivileged children.
Legal Aid
– Helps fight discrimination and injustice in courts.
Economic Support
– Gives micro-loans and employment training.
Health and Nutrition
– Provides medical camps and awareness programs.
Women Empowerment
– Helps women start self-help groups for financial independence.
Example
– SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) supporting poor women.
18. What steps can individuals take to reduce marginalisation?
Answer:
Promote Inclusive Education
– Support equal learning opportunities for all.
Speak Against Discrimination
– Raise awareness about caste and gender bias.
Support Marginalised Businesses
– Buy products from tribal and Dalit entrepreneurs.
Volunteer for Social Causes
– Help in NGOs and community welfare programs.
Encourage Political Participation
– Motivate marginalised groups to vote and engage in governance.
Example
– Social media campaigns against caste discrimination.
19. How does the reservation system help marginalised communities?
Answer:
Equal Access to Education
– SC, ST, and OBC students get reserved seats in schools and colleges.
Job Opportunities
– Government jobs have quotas for backward classes.
Political Representation
– Reserved constituencies ensure marginalised voices in governance.
Social Empowerment
– Helps break the cycle of discrimination and poverty.
Reduces Economic Gaps
– More employment opportunities improve living standards.
Example
– SC/ST candidates getting government scholarships.
20. Why is understanding marginalisation important for society?
Answer:
Promotes Equality
– Helps create a fair and just society.
Reduces Social Conflicts
– Prevents caste-based and communal tensions.
Strengthens Democracy
– Ensures that all voices are heard and represented.
Improves Economy
– When all groups contribute, the country grows.
Protects Human Rights
– Helps eliminate exploitation and discrimination.
Example
– Laws like the Right to Education benefiting all children.
