Social Diversity and Politics in India Chapter
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Questions and Answers

What is a common reason for the dropout of girls from education in some regions?

  • Parents have limited resources and favor boys' education. (correct)
  • Girls are discouraged by their peers.
  • Parents prioritize spending on daughters' education.
  • There are fewer educational facilities for girls.

    • What trend is noted regarding women's pay compared to men's?

  • Women's earnings are equal to men's when performing the same work.
  • Women are paid less than men even for equivalent work. (correct)
  • Women earn more than men in the same jobs.
  • Women earn a higher salary for similar roles.

    • What societal preference is indicated in the content regarding the gender of children?

  • Preference for boys, leading to measures for gender selection. (correct)
  • Equal treatment of sons and daughters.
  • Preference for girls in education.
  • Girls are preferred for certain types of work.

    • How does the participation of women in highly paid and valued jobs compare to men?

    <p>The proportion of women in these jobs is very small. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'working non-stop' imply about the attitude towards domestic work?

    <p>Domestic work is not valued as proper work. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does the Women's Reservation Bill address in Parliament?

    <p>Gender representation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is mentioned as a common consequence of communal riots in India?

    <p>Victimization of religious minorities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, how do religion and politics relate to each other?

    <p>Politics must be guided by ethics from religion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following social divisions is considered universal?

    <p>Gender (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What argument do human rights groups make regarding communal riots?

    <p>They demand special protection for religious minorities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What division is highlighted as not being as universal as gender?

    <p>Religious differences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of social divisions?

    <p>Political ideologies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What relationship between religion and morality is suggested in the content?

    <p>Moral values inform all religions, not just one. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of communal politics?

    <p>Promoting the superiority of one religion over others (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant reason why caste alone cannot determine election results in India?

    <p>Economic status influences voting behavior. (B), Political party influence outweighs caste factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about women's representation in India's legislative bodies is accurate?

    <p>Seats are reserved for women in Panchayati Raj bodies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly matches a form of discrimination faced by women in India?

    <p>Gendered wage gaps (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which constitutional provision supports India's status as a secular state?

    <p>Guarantee of equal rights for all religions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that defines gender divisions in society?

    <p>Socially assigned roles based on gender (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes a wrong aspect of India’s Constitution?

    <p>It allows for the official status of one religion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which social division is particularly unique to India?

    <p>Caste-based stratification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the national average child sex ratio according to the 2011 Census?

    <p>914 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category has a child sex ratio classification of 'Below 800'?

    <p>Below 800 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following categories indicates a ratio of 950 and above?

    <p>950 AND ABOVE (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common issue that children face even within their own homes?

    <p>Beating and harassment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category encompasses a child sex ratio between 800 and 849?

    <p>800-849 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following categories is associated with a lack of data?

    <p>DATA NOT AVAILABLE (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major concern for children found within the documented issues?

    <p>Domestic violence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of child sex ratio, which range is considered above average?

    <p>950 AND ABOVE (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of Scheduled Tribes in rural areas lived below the poverty line during 1999-2000?

    <p>45.8% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which caste group had the lowest percentage of people living below the poverty line in urban areas?

    <p>Sikh Upper Castes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do political parties often appeal to voters in elections?

    <p>By making appeals to caste sentiment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle ensures that every individual has the same voting power?

    <p>Universal adult franchise (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic conditions can influence voting behavior among the same caste members?

    <p>Wealth status. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about the voting behavior of different groups?

    <p>Voters have stronger affiliations to political parties than to caste. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the poverty line spending limit for a person in urban areas, according to the provided information?

    <p>Rs 454 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributes significantly to a new consciousness among people regarding their political choices?

    <p>Mobilization by political leaders. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been the trend in the proportion of the Hindus, Jains, and Christians since 1961?

    <p>Their population proportion has remained stable with a slight decline. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do expert estimates predict for the Muslim population in the next 50 years?

    <p>It is expected to increase by about 3 to 4 percent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the percentage of Scheduled Castes in the country’s population as of 2001?

    <p>16.2 percent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group includes communities that led a secluded life usually in hills and forests?

    <p>Scheduled Tribes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the misconception regarding the Muslim population's proportion?

    <p>It is expected to overtake other religious groups. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the Scheduled Castes is incorrect?

    <p>They are a single unified community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has happened to the overall population balance of different religious groups since Independence?

    <p>It has remained relatively stable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about Scheduled Tribes is true?

    <p>They are known as Adivasis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Gender Inequality in Education

    Parents prioritizing sons' education over daughters' in India.

    Discrimination in Pay

    Women are paid less than men for the same work in India.

    Preference for Sons

    Parents' preference for having male children in India.

    Women's Limited Opportunities

    Few women in high-paying jobs in India.

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    Female Employment

    Women employed in various sectors like factories and fields but receive less pay than men doing the same work.

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    Child Sex Ratio

    The number of girls per 1000 boys under the age of six in a given region.

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    National Average CSR

    The average Child Sex Ratio across India.

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    CSR Below 800

    Regions with a Child Sex Ratio less than 800 girls per 1000 boys.

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    CSR 800-849

    Regions with a Child Sex Ratio between 800 and 849 girls per 1000 boys.

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    CSR 850-899

    Regions with a Child Sex Ratio between 850 and 899 girls per 1000 boys.

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    CSR 900-949

    Regions with a Child Sex Ratio between 900 and 949 girls per 1000 boys.

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    CSR 950 and Above

    Regions with a Child Sex Ratio of 950 or more girls per 1000 boys.

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    Domestic Violence

    Violence occurring within a household, including physical abuse, harassment, and other forms of mistreatment.

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    Religious Diversity

    The existence of different religions within a population, as seen in countries like India.

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    Communalism

    Division and conflict based on religious differences.

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    Moral Values in Politics

    The belief that politics should be guided by ethical principles derived from religion.

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    Human Rights Groups in India

    Organizations that advocate for the protection of the rights of individuals, including religious minorities.

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    Victims of Communal Riots

    Individuals who suffer harm during violence between religious groups.

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    Government Protection of Minorities

    Measures taken by the state to safeguard the rights and safety of people belonging to smaller religious groups.

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    Women's Movement

    A social movement advocating for the rights and empowerment of women, including addressing issues related to religious minorities.

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    Gender, Religion, and Caste

    Intersecting social divisions that can influence an individual's opportunities and experiences.

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    Religious Proportions

    Although the total population of each religion is increasing, their proportion in the country's overall population has remained relatively stable.

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    Muslim Population Growth

    Expert estimates suggest that the proportion of Muslims in India will increase slightly, by about 3-4%, over the next 50 years.

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    Scheduled Castes (Dalits)

    A group historically categorized as 'outcaste' in the Hindu social order facing exclusion and untouchability.

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    Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis)

    Communities who traditionally lived in secluded areas, often in hills and forests, with minimal interaction with mainstream society.

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    Social Groups in Census

    The Census of India categorizes two major social groups: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

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    Scheduled Castes Percentage

    In 2001, 16.2% of India's population was classified as Scheduled Castes.

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    Scheduled Tribes Percentage

    In 2001, 8.2% of India's population was classified as Scheduled Tribes.

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    Poverty Line

    The income level below which a household is considered poor, based on essential needs like food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education.

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    Scheduled Tribes (STs)

    Groups recognized by the Indian government as socially, economically, and educationally backward, often living in tribal areas.

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    Scheduled Castes (SCs)

    Groups historically considered 'untouchables' in India, facing discrimination based on their birth.

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    Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

    Groups recognized by the Indian government as socially and educationally backward, not included in STs or SCs.

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    Caste in Elections

    Political parties and candidates sometimes use caste to appeal to voters, seeking support from specific communities.

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    Universal Adult Franchise

    The right of all adults to vote in elections, regardless of their caste, class, gender, or any other factors.

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    One-Person-One-Vote

    The principle that each individual has an equal vote, ensuring that everyone's voice counts equally in elections.

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    Other Factors in Voting

    Besides caste, many other things influence voters' choices, including party loyalty, economic conditions, and personal interests.

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    Communal Politics

    Politics based on the idea that people of one religion are superior to others and should have more power. It often leads to tension and conflict between different religious groups.

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    Caste Inequality

    The continuation of traditional social divisions based on birth, where people from lower castes face discrimination and lack opportunities compared to those from higher castes.

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    Secular State

    A state where the government doesn't favor any particular religion and maintains neutrality towards all religions.

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    Women's Representation

    The number of women in elected positions in government bodies, like parliament and state assemblies.

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    Gender Division

    Unequal roles and opportunities assigned to men and women based on social expectations, not biological differences.

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    Panchayati Raj Bodies

    Local self-governing bodies in India where women have reserved seats, ensuring their participation in decision-making at the village level.

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    Caste and Election Results

    Caste alone doesn't determine the winner of an election. Other factors, like development programs and political party strategies, also play a role.

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    Constitutional Provisions

    Rules in the Indian Constitution that guarantee fundamental rights and equality for all citizens, regardless of religion.

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    Study Notes

    Overview

    • Social diversity does not threaten democracy; political expression of social differences is possible and often desirable in a democratic system.
    • This chapter examines social differences in India, focusing on gender, religion, and caste.
    • The chapter explores the nature of these divisions in India and how they manifest in politics.
    • It also considers whether differing expressions based on these characteristics are healthy for a democracy.

    Gender and Politics

    • Societal norms often dictate that women are primarily responsible for housework and childcare.
    • This "sexual division of labor" is evident in families, with women handling domestic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and childcare, while men often focus on external work.
    • Though women also participate in tasks outside the domestic sphere in villages and urban areas (e.g., fetching water, farming, or domestic help in urban areas), their contributions are often undervalued and unrecognised.
    • Historically, women's political participation, such as voting and contesting for public office, has been limited in most societies.
    • Women's political roles have improved with greater social recognition of the issue and increased organization advocating for equal rights in various countries.

    Perceptions of Ideal Women

    • Societal expectations and stereotypes influence how women are perceived.
    • These perceptions often assign specific roles and qualities to women (e.g., house wife, beauty standards, or care-givers).
    • These are reflected in media representations of ideal women, which can affect expectations and opportunities.

    Time Use Survey

    • Studies show that women generally work more hours (seven and a half hours) than men (six and a half hours) daily, but much of the woman's work is in the household and is not recorded or valued.
    • This unpaid work, often seen as invisible or domestic labor includes activities like household and related work, childcare, chores, and taking care of other elders in the household.

    Child Sex Ratio

    • The child sex ratio (number of girl children per thousand boys) in India has declined, particularly in several districts.
    • This decline is often linked to sex-selective abortions (where parents choose to have boys rather than girls).
    • The unequal treatment of male and female children in terms of education, resources, and opportunities is also a factor.

    Women's Political Representation

    • Women's political representation in national parliaments is relatively low compared to the global average.
    • India has one of the lowest levels of women's representation in legislative bodies.
    • Various factors contribute to the low representation, including cultural traditions, social norms, and political structures.

    Religion, Communalism, and Politics

    • Religious differences can create social divisions and influence politics.
    • In India, communalism is often expressed as the belief that religion is a primary basis for social community, leading to social and political conflicts.
    • Gandhiji believed that religion and politics are intertwined and cannot be separated.
    • It is also argued that a healthy democracy respects religious diversity and ensures equal participation for all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs.
    • There is also the debate on how to make religion a healthy presence in the political context without allowing it to lead to the dominance of one group over another.

    Caste and Politics

    • Caste inequalities continue in India despite formal legal efforts to curb them.
    • Caste is closely tied to economic status, and upper castes tend to be better off, while lower castes have higher levels of poverty.
    • The practice and perception of 'untouchability exists in some parts of Indian society and is tied to caste inequalities
    • Caste matters in elections, with caste-based appeals often used to build support.
    • Candidates from certain castes (if that is believed to dominate the electorate) are sometimes sought to cater to community requirements, and electoral politics are affected.
    • No parliamentary constituency in India has a majority of a single caste.
    • It's important to note that caste and politics are intricate and complex, and not every voter is based on caste.

    Social and Religious Diversity in India

    • The Indian Census systematically collects data on religious identity, providing information about religious compositions throughout the country and changes over time.
    • The proportions of religious groups, while not dramatically changing, do reflect some variation and, since independence, there are changes in the proportions of different groups.
    • Data on population proportions for various religious groups are available in the census reports.

    Caste Inequality Today

    • Caste continues to be a significant source of economic inequality in India by affecting access to resources.
    • Different castes have accumulated varying levels of advantages and disadvantages over centuries, which influences their access and opportunities for education, resources, and wealth.
    • The average economic status of caste groups typically continues to follow pre-existing social hierarchies, despite laws and efforts to promote equality.
    • Lower castes tend to experience higher poverty rates than upper castes.

    Exercises

    • The exercises given in the text contain questions relating to aspects and nuances of different types of social divisions and their impact and implications in India's democratic set-up.

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    Gender, Religion and Caste PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the complex interplay between social diversity and democracy in India, focusing on the roles of gender, religion, and caste. It examines how these social differences impact political expression and the overall health of democratic processes. Test your understanding of the nuances of social structures and their significance in Indian politics.

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