NCERT Solutions For Class 10 Political Science: Gender Religion and Caste

Summary of the Chapter

The chapter "Gender, Religion and Caste" examines how these three social divisions are expressed in politics and how they affect democracy. It begins by discussing gender inequality in Indian society and the feminist movement's struggle for equal rights. The chapter then explores the relationship between religion and politics, distinguishing between communal politics and the legitimate expression of religious identities in politics.

The section on caste examines how the caste system has changed and how it continues to influence politics. It discusses various forms of caste in politics and how politics too influences caste. The chapter concludes by emphasizing that politics based on caste, religion, and gender alone is not healthy for democracy, and that these issues need to be expressed in politics to ensure justice and equality for marginalized groups.

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NCERT Textbook Questions and Answers

Exercises (Page 44)

Question 1: Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.

Answer-
Women face discrimination and disadvantage in various aspects of life in India:

1.Education: The literacy rate among women is only 65 percent compared to 82 percent among men.

2.Employment: Women are paid less than men for the same work, and their work is often undervalued.

3.Political representation: Very few women are elected to legislative bodies - only about 10 percent of MPs in Lok Sabha are women.

4.Health and nutrition: Girl children are often neglected in terms of nutrition and healthcare.

5.Sex ratio: The proportion of women in population has been declining, indicating preference for male children.

6.Domestic violence: Many women face violence and harassment within their own families.

7.Property rights: Women often have limited rights to parental property.

Question 2: State different forms of communal politics with one example each.

Answer-
Different forms of communal politics include:

1.Everyday beliefs: Religious prejudices and stereotypes about other communities.
Example: Believing that people of a particular religion are not loyal to the nation.

2.Majoritarian dominance: Majority community trying to dominate minority communities.
Example: Demanding a country only for majority community.

3.Political mobilization: Using religious symbols and leaders to appeal to voters.
Example: Political parties appealing to religious sentiments during elections.

4.Communal violence: Riots and violence between religious communities.
Example: Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002.

Question 3: State how caste inequalities are still continuing in India.

Answer-
Caste inequalities continue in India in various forms:

1.Educational backwardness: Literacy rates among Dalits and Adivasis are much lower than other groups.

2.Occupational segregation: Dalits are still largely engaged in menial jobs.

3.Economic inequality: Proportion of poor among Dalits and Adivasis is higher.

4.Social discrimination: Practice of untouchability continues in many forms.

5.Political underrepresentation: Though reservation has helped, adequate representation is still lacking.

6.Violence: Caste-based violence and atrocities continue to occur.

Question 4: State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.

Answer-
Caste alone cannot determine election results in India because:

1.No parliamentary constituency has a clear majority of single caste: Voters from different castes need to be brought together to win elections.

2.Voters have multiple identities: People vote based on various considerations like development, governance, and party loyalty, not just caste.

3. Coalition building: Political parties form coalitions of different castes and communities to win elections.

4.Other factors: Issues like development, corruption, and leadership also influence voting patterns.

Question 5: What is the status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies?

Answer-
The status of women's representation in India's legislative bodies is very poor:

1.Lok Sabha: Less than 10 percent of MPs are women.

2.State Assemblies: Less than 5 percent of MLAs are women.

3.Panchayati Raj: One-third of seats are reserved for women in local bodies, which has improved women's participation at grassroots level.

4.Cabinet positions: Very few women hold important ministerial positions.

India ranks among the bottom groups of nations in terms of women's representation in parliament.

Question 6: Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.

Answer-
Two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state are:

1.Freedom of religion: The Constitution grants freedom to all citizens to profess, practice, and propagate any religion.

2.Equal treatment: The state cannot discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion.

3.No state religion: There is no official religion for the Indian state.

4.Equality before law: All citizens are equal before law regardless of their religion.

Question 7: When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies

Answer-
(b) Unequal roles assigned by the society to men and women

Question 8: In India, seats are reserved for women in:
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) State Legislative Assemblies
(c) Cabinets
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies

Answer-
(d) Panchayati Raj bodies

Question 9: Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:
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.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) A, B, C, and D
(b) A, B, and D
(c) A and C
(d) B and D

Answer-
(c) A and C
A. One religion is superior to that of others - CORRECT
C. Followers of a particular religion constitute one community - CORRECT

Question 10: Which among the following statements about India's Constitution is wrong? It:
(a) prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) gives official status to one religion.
(c) provides to all individuals freedom to profess any religion.
(d) ensures equality of citizens within religious communities.

Answer-
(b) gives official status to one religion.

Question 11: Social divisions based on _____________ are peculiar to India.

Answer-
Social divisions based on caste are peculiar to India.

Question 12: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:

Codes:
(a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C
(b) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D
(c) 1-D, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B
(d) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D

Answer-
(a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C

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. Castiest
4. A person who does not discriminate others on the basis of religious beliefs - C. Secularist

Question 13: Among the following, which country has high participation of women in public life?
(a) Sweden
(b) India
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Pakistan

Answer-
(a) Sweden

Question 14: Complete the following table by filling in the appropriate information:

Answer-

Additional Questions

Question 15: What is feminist movement? What are its main demands?

Answer-
The feminist movement is a movement aimed at achieving equality for women in personal and family life and public affairs.

Main demands of feminist movement:

1.Equal rights: Equal voting rights, property rights, and legal rights for women.

2.Equal opportunities: Equal opportunities in education and employment.

3.Equal wages: Equal wages for equal work.

4.Political representation: Enhanced participation of women in political bodies.

5.End to discrimination: An end to all forms of discrimination and violence against women.

6.Personal freedom: Freedom for women to make personal decisions about education, marriage, and career.

Question 16: Differentiate between communalism and secularism.

Answer-

Question 17: Explain the various forms of caste in politics.

Answer-
Caste appears in politics in various forms:

1.Political mobilization: Political parties try to mobilize support along caste lines.

2.Caste composition: Parties consider caste composition when choosing candidates.

3.Coalition building: Parties form coalitions of different castes and communities.

4.Universal appeal: While appealing to caste sentiments, parties also make universal appeals to win elections.

5.Reservation politics: Reservation policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs have brought caste into politics.

6.Caste organizations: Various caste associations and organizations influence politics.

7.Election manifestos: Parties include caste-related demands in their election manifestos.

Question 18: Compare the situation of women in India and Sweden.

Answer-

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Important Keywords from the Chapter

• Feminist: A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men
• Patriarchy: A system that values men more and gives them power over women
• Sexual Division of Labour: A system where all work inside the home is done by women
• Communalism: A situation when beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to others
• Secularism: A state that does not have any official religion and treats all religions equally
• Stereotype: A fixed image or idea of a particular type of person or thing
• Caste Hierarchy: A ladder-like formation in which all caste groups are placed from highest to lowest
• Untouchability: A form of discrimination where certain castes are considered polluted
• Universal Adult Franchise: The right to vote for all adult citizens
• Gender Division: A form of hierarchical social division based on social expectations and stereotypes
• Feminist Movement: A movement aimed at achieving equality for women
• Communal Politics: Politics based on religious identity
• Family Laws: Laws that deal with family-related matters like marriage, divorce, adoption
• Occupational Mobility: Shift from one occupation to another, usually when a new generation takes up occupations other than those practiced by their ancestors