Q1. Explain the sexual division of labour.
Ans: The sexual division of labour in India assigns specific roles to men and women, often leading to unequal treatment. Key aspects include:
- Women’s Responsibilities: Women are primarily responsible for housework and raising children. This includes cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
- Rural Work: In rural areas, women also work in the fields and collect water and fuel, often without pay.
- Urban Employment: In urban settings, middle-class women may work in offices, while poorer women often serve as domestic helpers.
- Wage Disparity: Women generally earn less than men, even when performing the same jobs.
- Men’s Roles: Men typically do not engage in housework unless it is paid work, such as in hotels.
Q2. What forms can caste take in politics?
Ans: Caste can take various forms in politics:
- Political parties often select candidates based on their caste to reflect the caste composition of their voters.
- Many voters tend to vote according to caste, which can lead to unsuitable candidates being elected.
- When forming a government, parties ensure representation from different castes and tribes.
- During elections, parties frequently appeal to caste sentiments to gain support.
- Parties have made lower castes aware of their rights, promoting political consciousness.
Q3. Explain the major factors responsible for the rigid caste system disappearing from India. Give two suggestions of your own.
Ans: Major factors responsible for the rigid caste system disappearing from India:
- Social reformers like Gandhi, Jyotiba Phule, B.R. Ambedkar, and Ramaswami Naickar have advocated for a society free from caste inequalities.
- Increased literacy and education have promoted awareness and opportunities.
- Economic development has weakened the power of traditional landlords.
- The Constitution of India prohibits caste-based discrimination.
- Fundamental rights ensure equality for all citizens.
To further reduce the caste system:
- Promote education across all caste groups.
- Encourage inter-caste marriages to break down barriers.
Q4. Describe the influence of politics on caste system.
Ans: Politics influences the caste system in several ways:
- Caste groups aim to expand by including neighbouring castes or sub-castes that were previously excluded.
- Different caste groups often form coalitions with others, leading to dialogue and negotiation.
- New political categories have emerged, such as ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ caste groups.
This interplay allows caste to play various roles in politics:
- It provides disadvantaged communities, like Dalits and OBCs, a platform to demand their share of power.
- Political and non-political organisations advocate for an end to discrimination and for better access to resources.
However, focusing solely on caste can have negative consequences:
- It may distract from critical issues such as poverty, development, and corruption.
- Caste divisions can lead to tensions, conflict, and violence.
Q5. Is the ideological basis of communalism flawed? Substantiate your views. [HOTS]
Ans: Communal politics is based on the flawed idea that religion is the main basis for social community. Here are some key points highlighting its flaws:
- It assumes that all followers of a particular religion belong to a single community.
- It suggests that their fundamental interests are identical.
- It claims that people of different religions cannot coexist in the same social community.
- It leads to the belief that differing religions must result in conflict.
- In extreme cases, it implies that individuals of different religions cannot be equal citizens in one nation, often resulting in the formation of separate nations, as seen with Pakistan.
Communalism can manifest in various ways, including:
- Everyday beliefs that promote religious prejudices and stereotypes.
- Political mobilisation that uses religious symbols and emotional appeals.
- Violence and riots, as witnessed during the Partition of India and Pakistan.
To combat communalism, a secular state is essential, as outlined in the Indian Constitution, which does not endorse any official religion. This secular framework is vital for maintaining democracy and ensuring equality among all citizens.
Q6. Discuss the socio-economic conditions of women in our society. Has the political expression of gender division really helped? [HOTS]
Ans: Socio-economic conditions of women:
- The literacy rate among women is only 54%, compared to 76% for men.
- Women hold a small proportion of highly paid jobs.
- In most sectors, women earn less than men for the same work.
- In many regions, there is a preference for sons, leading to gender-selective abortions.
Political expression of gender division has made some progress, but more is needed:
- Women now occupy over 10 lakh elected positions in local government due to reservations.
- However, societal change is essential to fully address gender divisions.
Despite improvements, issues affecting women’s well-being often lack attention. Many believe that without women in power, their problems will remain overlooked. Increasing women’s representation in politics is crucial for addressing these issues.