Get summary, textual answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF to NBSE Class 12 (Arts) Sociology Chapter/unit 4 Social Inequality. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Introduction
The chapter explores social inequality in India, focusing on the caste system, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The caste system is a unique stratification system in India, deeply influencing the nation’s socio-cultural dynamics, despite modern democratic influences. The fourfold varna system, including Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra, forms the basis of the caste system, with each varna traditionally associated with a specific occupation.
‘Scheduled Caste’ is a politico-legal term for castes given special compensatory provisions for positive discrimination. These castes, previously known as ‘Untouchables’ or ‘Dalits’, indicating their oppressed status, face numerous issues including poverty, deprivation, lack of education, and health problems due to their placement at the bottom of the caste hierarchy.
The Constitution of India has provisions for protective discrimination of SCs, which includes abolishing untouchability, reservation in educational institutions, and jobs in government service. However, these measures have only marginally improved the condition of SCs, with a vast majority still suffering from various deprivations.
The chapter also highlights the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who occupy a middle position in the caste system. The Mandal Commission suggested a 27% reservation in government jobs for OBCs and categorized them into two groups: economically and educationally backward, and more advanced. Yet, the benefits of reservation have disproportionately favored the more advanced groups, leading to calls for further divisions within OBCs and exclusion of the ‘creamy layer’ from these benefits. The caste system and its complex hierarchy continue to be a contentious issue in India’s socio-political landscape.
Video tutorial
Textual questions and answers
Very short answer questions
1. Define ‘caste’.
Answer: Caste is one of the basic pillars of Indian society. It is a unique system of stratification found in India. It is one of the most complex, hierarchical, and interrelated systems and is one of the oldest institutions. The social, religious, political, economic, and cultural life of Indians is influenced by the caste system.
2. Who are the Scheduled Castes?
Answer: The term ‘Scheduled Caste’ is a politico-legal term first used by the Simon Commission and then incorporated into the Government of India Act of 1935. It was adopted by the Constitution of India for those castes which were given special provisions under the system of compensatory or positive discrimination. Thus, a Scheduled Caste is one which is scheduled or listed for positive discrimination.
3. What is the meaning of ‘Dalit’ ?
Answer: The term ‘Dalit’, which is originally a Marathi word and means “broken to pieces”, is used by the radical elements among the Scheduled Castes. This term ‘Dalit’ was popularised by B.R. Ambedkar and the Dalit Panther Movement.
4. What is the legal term for ‘untouchables’?
Answer: The legal term for ‘untouchables’ is ‘Scheduled Castes’.
5. What is the name given to the Scheduled Castes by M.K. Gandhi?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi called the Scheduled Castes ‘Harijan’ (son of Hari or God).
6. Who are the OBCs?
Answer: In our caste system, all castes do not occupy equal positions. There are several castes whose position in the caste system was in the middle, i.e., in between higher castes and lower castes. All castes whose position in the caste system was below the upper castes but above the lower castes have been termed, politically and constitutionally, the Other Backward Classes (OBC) following the report of the Mandal Commission.
11. Which Article of the Constitution of India deals with Nagaland?
Answer: Article 371(A) deals with Nagaland.
12. What is meant by the term status of women?
Answer: The term ‘status of women’ means the position of women in society. Compared to the status of men, the status of women is low. In India the status of women deteriorated over time. During the ancient period of Indian history the status of women gradually deteriorated.
13. What is the gender ratio or sex ratio in India as per the Census of India 2011?
Answer: The gender ratio or sex ratio in India as per the Census of India 2011 is 940.
14. Define the term minorities.
Answer: Minorities are groups of people which have smaller population size, and are differentiated on the basis of identifiable features like race, language, and religion. Any community or group which does not constitute 50% of the population is called a minority.
Short answer questions
1. Write about Annexure-I and Annexure-11 of OBCs.
Answer: In the Mandal Commission Report, the OBCs have been divided into two categories: a) Those listed in Annexure I – these OBCs who were extremely backward, economically and educationally for example, Mallah, Nonia, Kahar, etc. b) Those listed in Annexure II – these are backward castes which were economically and educationally more advanced, such as Yadav, Kurmi, Koeri, Bania, etc.
2. What are the Constitutional measures for Scheduled Tribes with regard to education?
Answer: Measures with regard to education for Scheduled Tribes include the following:
a) Reservation of seats in educational institutions like colleges and professional colleges.
b) Relaxation in requirements for admission to professional colleges.
c) Scholarships, particularly post-matric scholarships and research scholarships. There are also several other measures like hostels for tribal boys and girls, vocational training, and Ashram Schools in TSP areas.
6. Give any three reasons for the low status of women in India.
Answer:
- Preference for a male child
- Female foeticide and female infanticide
- General neglect of women and poor health
7. State the Constitutional provisions for the minorities under Article 350(B) of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Article 350(B) makes a provision for a special officer for linguistic minorities to investigate all matters relating to safeguards provided to linguistic minorities.
8. State any two constitutional provisions for the religious minorities.
Answer: Two constitutional provisions for the religious minorities:
- Article 15 (1): There should be no discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth8.
- Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion9.
9. What is meant by the term minorities?
Answer: Minorities are groups of people which have smaller population size, and are differentiated on the basis of identifiable features like race, language, and religion. Any community or group which does not constitute 50% of the population is called a minority.
Essay type questions
1. State the Constitutional provisions for the Scheduled Castes in India.
Answer: Measures with regard to education include the following:
a) Reservation of seats in educational institutions like colleges and professional colleges.
b) Relaxation in requirements for admission to professional colleges.
c) Scholarships, particularly post-matric scholarships and research scholarships.
Measures with regard to employment include the following:
a) Reservation of jobs in government service and it is now proposed to extend such reservation even in the private sectors.
b) Various schemes for encouraging self-employment through the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation.
Measures with regard to political rights include the following:
a) Reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and State legislatures and in local bodies like panchayats.
b) Setting up of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to look after the welfare and development of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
2. Mention any eight problems of the Scheduled Caste.
Answer: Eight problems of the Scheduled Castes are:
- Scheduled Castes have the lowest social status in the caste hierarchy.
- They are segregated in villages and towns because they are forced to live away from others. They cannot move about freely.
- There are religious restrictions imposed on them and they cannot enter temples. They are also forbidden to use religious rituals of the upper castes.
- They cannot use common wells or tanks for drawing or getting drinking water. In many places, they are also prevented from using common facilities like schools.
- They do not have a choice of occupation, but must take up their traditional occupations which are considered impure or defiling or dirty.
- They suffer from poverty and deprivation because they cannot own land and other forms of wealth. Most of them are landless labourers.
- They are educationally backward because they have no access to schools.
- They often live in unhygienic conditions, so health and nutrition are major problems among them.
3. Who are the OBCs? Discuss the main problems of OBCs.
Answer: In our caste system, all castes do not occupy equal position. There are several castes whose position in the caste system was in the middle, i.e., in between higher castes and lower castes. Most of them had traditional occupations. They were tenant cultivators, traders and artisans under the jajmani system. All castes whose position in the caste system was below the upper castes but above the lower castes have been termed, politically and constitutionally, the Other Backward Classes (OBC) following the report of the Mandal Commission.
We can identify the main problems of OBCs as follows:
i. Lack of Interaction: In villages, OBCs live in separate hamlets or sections. The children of upper castes do not have interaction with the children of OBCs. There is also no 45 interaction between women of higher castes and OBCs. The younger generation OBCs take it ill because they are also advanced now economically and educationally. This leads to conflict between forward castes and backward castes.
ii. No exchange of Invitation: The higher castes do not have exchange of invitation to OBCs. While OBCs rendering labour under jajmani system participate in all functions and ceremonies of upper castes, upper castes do not accept their invitation.
iii. Dependency on Higher Castes: It is true that the backward castes of Annexure-II are economically and educationally advanced. They are not dependent on higher castes for their livelihood. But a good number of backward castes of Annexure-I are fully dependent upon higher castes for their livelihood especially in rural areas. They work as casual attached labour.
iv. Problem of Share-cropping: Undoubtedly, a good number of OBCs of Annexure-II own sufficient land. But it is also true that a majority of OBCs of Annexure-I are marginal farmers. They do not have sufficient land for cultivation. They take land from higher castes for share-cropping.
v. Indebtedness: The OBCs of Annexure-I are poor. They feed and clothe their family members by wage labour and cultivation of the little land they own. Naturally, they are not in a position to meet their various needs from their income. So, they loans from the land owners or money lenders. They take loans for the purpose of consumption, marriage, festivals, death rituals and celebration of festivals. They have to pay high interests on loans. When they are unable to repay the loan with the interest, they are forced to surrender their land and to become bonded labourers.
vi. Health and Nutrition: Majority of the OBCs under the Annexure-I live in unhygienic conditions. They do not have proper houses to live. Their houses do not have proper ventilation, toilet facilities and drainage. Often they live in the same room as their cattle 46 (cows, goats, buffalos). Most of them do not have safe drinking water. Such unhygienic environment affects their health adversely. As they are not well off economically, they are not able to provide adequate nutrition for themselves. Many of them are below poverty line.
4. Discuss the major problems of the Scheduled Tribes.
Answer: The major problems of the Scheduled Tribes are:
Land alienation: Tribal land, which is rich in natural resources like minerals and forests, has been acquired by the Government and outsiders such as contractors and money lenders. This phenomenon, combined with the tribals’ indebtedness, has led to significant land alienation, a major factor in the impoverishment of tribals.
Poverty and unemployment: Tribals depend on subsistence agriculture, shifting cultivation, and forest produce for their livelihood. However, the alienation of their land for developmental projects has increased their poverty. Moreover, they cannot find employment in their own places and are also unable to secure employment outside due to a lack of education and training. Thus, unemployment is a major problem faced by the Scheduled Tribes.
Indebtedness: Due to their poverty, unemployment, land alienation, and displacement, tribals often resort to borrowing from money lenders. High interest rates make repayment difficult, leading to further indebtedness and the risk of becoming bonded labourers.
Health and Nutrition: Living in inaccessible areas and under unhygienic conditions, tribals lack proper health and medical facilities. Their nutritional status is poor. Alcoholism, partly resulting from the introduction of distilled liquor from outside, has severely impacted their health and exacerbated their poverty and indebtedness.
Illiteracy and lack of Education: Literacy rates among tribals are generally lower than among other sections of society due to a lack of adequate educational facilities like schools.
8. Explain the problems and Constitutional provisions for the religious minorities.
Answer: The primary issue faced by minority groups is discrimination from the majority, largely due to their smaller population size that limits their ability to safeguard their interests.
The most severe challenges confronting minorities include:
- (a) Ensuring the preservation of their identity as a religious or linguistic group.
- (b) Encountering discrimination in social, economic, and political spheres by the majority.
In a democratic society like India, where the majority can protect its interests due to its size, minorities often struggle to do the same. For this reason, the Indian Constitution includes provisions to protect the interests and rights of minority groups.
The Constitution of India provides the following rights for minority groups:
- Article 29(1): This secures the right of minorities to preserve their own language and culture, and it forbids the State from imposing the majority’s culture on linguistic and religious minorities.
- Article 30(1): This article guarantees the right of minorities to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice. It prohibits the State from discriminating in providing aid to minority institutions based on their minority status.
- Article 350(A): This directive obliges the State to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue of linguistic minorities at the primary education stage.
- Article 350(B): This provision creates a role for a special officer for linguistic minorities to examine all matters related to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities.
- Article 15(1): This article prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Article 16(2): This article ensures equality of opportunity in public employment matters. No citizen should be ineligible or discriminated against in any state employment or office on the basis of religion, race, caste, etc.
- Article 25: This article guarantees freedom of conscience and the free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Problem Solving Assessment (PSA)
2. India is a secular country. How secure are religious minorities in India? What can be suggested to Central Government for safeguarding religious minorities in India?
Answer: Religious minorities in India have faced instances of discrimination and violence, despite the nation being secular. There are multiple measures that the Central Government could implement to protect these religious minorities, such as:
- Legislation and Enforcement: Establishing and enforcing laws that protect religious minorities from discrimination and violence can provide a legal framework for protection.
- Training for Law Enforcement and Service Providers: Providing specialized training can equip these individuals with the necessary skills to address cases of discrimination and violence effectively.
- Creating Safe Spaces: Shelters and support groups can offer a safe haven for those who have faced discrimination or violence due to their religious beliefs.
- Public Education: Educating the public about religious tolerance and diversity can foster a more accepting society.
- Changing Social Attitudes: Efforts to modify societal attitudes towards religious minorities can lead to a more inclusive society.
In more concrete terms, the Central Government could consider the following actions:
- Establish a National Commission: This body could monitor and address issues of religious discrimination and violence.
- Provide Financial Assistance: Support could be given to religious minority communities to help them recover and rebuild following instances of violence.
- Promote Interfaith Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue and understanding among different religious communities can foster unity and harmony.
- Address Root Causes: Efforts should be made to tackle the root causes of religious discrimination and violence, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
By adopting these measures, the Central Government could promote a more secure and inclusive society for all Indians, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What is the origin of the term ‘caste’ and what is its equivalent in Indian language?
Answer: The term ‘caste’ is derived from the Spanish (also Portuguese) word ‘casta’ which means breed, strain, lineage, or a complex of hereditary qualities. The equivalent term in the Indian language is ‘jati’.
2. Explain the fourfold varna system evolved from the caste system.
Answer: The fourfold varna system evolved from the caste system in India includes Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. These divisions had traditional associations with specific occupations. Brahmins traditionally were priests, scholars, and teachers. Kshatriyas were warriors and rulers. Vaishyas were involved in agriculture, trade, and business activities. Lastly, Shudras were traditionally labourers and service providers.
3. Can you provide M.N. Srinivas’s definition of caste?
Answer: According to M.N. Srinivas, caste is “a hereditary, endogamous, usually localised group having a traditional association with an occupation and a particular position in the local hierarchy of castes. Relations between castes are governed, among other things, by the concepts of pollution and purity, and generally, maximum commensality occurs within the caste.”
4. What are the problems that arise due to the lack of interaction between OBCs and upper castes?
Answer: The lack of interaction between OBCs and upper castes creates a social divide. Children of upper castes do not interact with children of OBCs. Similarly, women of upper castes do not interact with those of OBCs. This lack of interaction fosters feelings of alienation and conflict, particularly among the younger generation of OBCs who have advanced economically and educationally.
5. Describe the problem of exchange of invitations between the OBCs and upper castes.
Answer: The problem of exchange of invitations between OBCs and upper castes is a significant issue. Higher castes do not have an exchange of invitation with OBCs. Although OBCs participating in all functions and ceremonies of upper castes, the latter do not reciprocate this gesture, leading to feelings of exclusion and discrimination among the OBCs.
69. What is the role of society in the empowerment of women and how can the change in attitude towards women contribute to their empowerment?
Answer: Society plays a crucial role in the empowerment of women. Attitudes and perceptions about gender roles are largely shaped by societal norms and beliefs. In many societies, women are perceived as inferior to men, and this perception is reflected in various aspects of life including education, employment, health, and political representation. The text emphasizes the need for a change in attitude towards women as the most important measure for their empowerment. This involves challenging and changing the existing gender stereotypes and biases, and recognizing women as equal to men in all aspects. It requires a concerted effort on the part of all, including the government, civil society, communities, and individuals. This change in attitude, along with appropriate legal and policy measures, can create an enabling environment for women to realize their full potential and contribute to the development of society.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. What is the Spanish word from which ‘caste’ is derived?
A. Clase B. Raza C. Casta D. Linea
Answer: C. Casta
2. What is the equivalent term for ‘caste’ in Indian language?
A. Kul B. Gotra C. Jati D. Vamsa
Answer: C. Jati
3. Who defined caste as “a hereditary, endogamous, usually localised group having a traditional association with an occupation and a particular position in the local hierarchy of castes.”?
A. B.R. Ambedkar B. Mahatma Gandhi C. M.N. Srinivas D. Simon Commission
Answer: C. M.N. Srinivas
4. What was the initial use of the term ‘Scheduled Caste’?
A. Constitution of India B. Simon Commission C. Dalit Panther Movement D. Indian Census
Answer: B. Simon Commission
5. Which castes typically do not interact with OBCs in villages?
A. Forward castes B. Lower castes C. Scheduled castes D. Scheduled tribes
Answer: A. Forward castes
85. Whose concerted effort is required for a change in attitude towards women?
A. Government B. Women C. All D. Men
Answer: C. All
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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