CBSE-Class-10-Social-Science-Assignment-Political-Science-Chapter-3-Democracy-and-Diversity

Class 10^th Social Science- Democracy and Diversity

DEMOCRACY AND DIVERSITY

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Q.1. Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.

Ans. First : It depends on how people see their identities. Are they Irish first and then Protestant

and Catholics? Are they Belgians or Dutch-speaking and French-speaking first? Are we Indians

or Bengali or Punjabi, Hindu or Muslim? If people realise they have multiple identities and

give precedence to the national identity, there will be no trouble in the country.

Second : It also depends on how political parties support the claims or raise the demands of

any community. The demand to give importance only to ‘Sinhala language’ and ‘Buddhism’ at

the cost of Tamil-speaking Hindus and Muslims has led to civil war in Sri Lanka.

Third : The attitude of the government and its reaction to demands of different communities

also affect the outcomes. In Belgium, or Netherlands, the government was willing to share

power with different ethnic groups unlike Sri Lanka or Yugoslavia.

Thus, in a democracy, it is considered healthy to have political expressions of social divisions.

It allows those who are at a disadvantage or marginalized to express their grievances. It

strengthens and deepens democracy. It is not easy for those in power to accommodate other

groups but democracy shows us the path how to fight for equality and justice.

Q.2. When does a social difference become a social division?

Ans. A social difference becomes a social division when it overlaps with some other social

difference. For example, the Whites were rich and powerful and the Blacks were poor and

homeless and discriminated against. When one kind of social difference becomes more

important than the other, then it leads to division.

Q.3. How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.

Ans. In politics, there is competition between political parties. If these political parties use this

competition in support of some social divisions, it can lead to political divisions. This can lead

to conflict, violence or even disintegration of a country.

(i) One example is of Northern Ireland where religious divisions led to ethno-political

conflict. Two major sects of Christianity : 53% Protestants and 44% Catholics dominate

the country. The Catholics wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland and the

Protestants wanted to remain with UK. This led to years of violence where thousands were

killed. Only in 1998, peace returned when the UK government and the Nationalists reached

a peace treaty and stopped all violence.

(ii) The second example is of Yugoslavia where the political parties refused to accommodate

each other. Each ethno-religious group wanted to dominate the other. Result –

disintegration of Yugoslavia into seven independent countries.

Q.4. Fill in the blanks :

______________ social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions.

_____________ social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.

Ans. Overlapping; Cross-cutting.

Q.5. In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is NOT correct

about democracy?

A. Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.

B. In a democracy, it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a peaceful

manner.

C. Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.

D. Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

Ans. (d) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

Q.6. Consider the following three statements.

A. Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.

B. It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.

C. Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) A, B and C (b) A and B

Ans. (b)

Q.7. Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by

using the code given below :

A. But all the political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.

B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.

C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.

D. Some social differences may result in social divisions.

(a) DBCA (b) DBAC

Ans. (b)

Q.8. Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the

basis of religious and ethnic identities?

(a) Belgium (b) India

Ans. (c)

Q.9. Read the following passage from a famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.

Which social division is he talking about? What are his aspirations and anxieties? Do you

see a relationship between this speech and the incident in Mexico Olympics mentioned in

this chapter?

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not

be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. Let freedom ring.

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring — when we let it ring from every

village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day

when all of God’s children—Black men and White men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and

Catholics — will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual : ‘Free

at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’ I have a dream that one day this

nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed : ‘We hold these truths to be

self-evident : that all men are created equal’.”

Ans. The social division he is talking about is of racism. American society has been divided into

Black and White races, where the Blacks are discriminated against because of the colour

of their skin.

His aspirations are for his children and citizens of America to live in a country which is

truly free — free of prejudices of colour and race, religion, gender and class, where

everyone is equal. He does not want his people or his children to be judged because of

colour of their skin but appreciated or condemned because of their character.

He wants all American citizens to believe that “all men are created equal and it’s only the

strength of our character that makes us better than others. “Free at last” is to be free of all

prejudices, social divisions that affect a person’s life.

What Martin Luther is asking is equality for Blacks, same opportunities as the Whites to

rise in life. The two Americans (Tommie Smith and John Carlos) who protested at the

Mexico Olympics were doing the same — asking for equality, respect and same

opportunities, and making the world aware of the condition of the Blacks in USA, the

injustice done to them, their poverty, their struggle for freedom from racial prejudice.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1. When did the Civil Rights Movement take place in USA?

Ans. (b)

Q.2. Which of these sentences is not correct about the “Black Power Movement”?

(a) It emerged in 1966 (b) It lasted till 1975

Ans. (d)

Q.3. What was special about the 1968 Olympics held at Mexico city?

(a) All the Gold Medals went to US athletes

(b) Protest by African-American athletes against the racial discrimination of African-

Americans

(d) US government announced the end of racism

Ans. (b)

Q.4. Who led the Civil Rights Movement in USA?

(a) Martin Luther (b) Martin Luther King Jr

Ans. (b)

Q.5. How did the San Jose State University honour Tommie Smith and Carlos?

(a) By giving them bravery awards

(b) By installing their statues in the University campus

(d) By giving them jobs

Ans. (b)

Q.6. Which of these sentences is correct?

(a) Every social difference does not lead to social division

(b) Social differences divide similar people from one another

Ans. (d)

Q.7. Which of the communities in India was in a more or less similar position as that of Blacks

in USA?

(a) Brahmins (b) Dalits (c) Vaishyas (d) Kshatriyas

Ans. (b)

Q.8. Name the prominent religious group in Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.

(a) Judaism (b) Christianity (c) Islam (d) None of the above

Ans. (b)

Q.9. Which of these is incorrect about the Catholic Christians of Northern Ireland?

(a) They are likely to be poor.

(b) They may have suffered a history of discrimination.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (c)

Q.10. What is the society with similar kinds of people called?

(a) Homogeneous (b) Heterogenous (c) Humane (d) Humble

Ans. (a)

Q.11. Which of these sentences is not false?

(a) Migrants bring with them their own culture.

(b) They tend to form a different social community.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

Q.12. Which of these sentences is not true?

(a) Democracy involves competition among various political parties.

(b) Their competition tends to unite the country if they compete in terms of existing social

divisions.

(d) It can even lead to the disintegration of the country.

Ans. (b)

Q.13. The percentage of Protestant Christians in Northern Ireland is :

(a) 52 (b) 53 (c) 54 (d) 55

Ans. (b)

Q.14. Which of these sentences is correct?

(a) The Catholics in Northern Ireland were represented by Nationalist parties.

(b) They demanded thet Northern Ireland should be unified with the Republic of Ireland.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

Q.15. Which of these is true about the Protestants of Northern Ireland?

(a) They were represented by the Unionist Party. (b) They wanted to remain with UK.

Ans. (c)

Q.16. When did the Nationalists and the UK government arrive at an agreement?

Ans. (c)

Q.17. Which of these sentences is correct in relation to Yugoslavia?

(a) There was political competition along religious and ethnic lines.

(b) This led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

Q.18. Fill in the blanks.

It is easier if the people see that their identities are _____ and are _______ to national

identity.

(a) Single, contrary (b) Multiple, complementary

Ans. (b)

Q.19. A majority of Belgians feel that they are as much Belgians as they are Dutch or Germanspeaking.

What does it mean?

(a) They have lost their individual identity.

(b) This helps them to stay together.

(d) None of the above.

Ans. (b)

Q.20. Which of these are examples of not accommodating other communities’ demands?

(a) Sri Lanka (b) Yugoslavia (c) Belgium (d) (a) and (b)

Ans. (d)

Q.21. Fill in the blanks.

A factor crucial in deciding the outcome of politics of social divisions is how the _____ react

to the demands of different groups.

(a) Political parties (b) Governments (c) Communities (d) Judges

Ans. (b)

Q.22. Dealing with social divisions, which one of the following statements is not correct about

democracy?

(a) Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.

(b) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

manner.

(d) Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.

Ans. (b)

Q.23. Look at the following sentences—

(i) Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.

(ii) It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.

(iii) Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) (i), (ii) and (iii) (b) (i) and (ii) (c) (ii) and (iii) (d) only (iii)

Ans. (b)

Q.24. Which of these statements is correct?

(a) The assertion of social diversities in a country need not be seen as a source of danger.

(b) Political expression of social divisions is very normal.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (a)

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. When did the Civil Rights Movement take place in USA?

Ans. (b)

Q.2. Which of these sentences is not correct about the “Black Power Movement”?

(a) It emerged in 1966 (b) It lasted till 1975

Ans. (d)

Q.3. What was special about the 1968 Olympics held at Mexico City?

(a) All the Gold Medals went to US athletes

(b) Protest by African-American athletes against the racial discrimination of African-Americans

(d) US government announced the end of racism

Ans. (b)

Q.4. Who led the Civil Rights Movement in USA?

(a) Martin Luther (b) Martin Luther King Jr

Ans. (b)

Q.5. How did the San Jose State University honour Tommie Smith and Carlos?

(a) By giving them bravery awards

(b) By installing their statues in the University campus

(d) By giving them jobs

Ans. (b)

Q.6. Which of these sentences is correct?

(a) Every social difference does not lead to social division

(b) Social differences divide similar people from one another

Ans. (a)

Q.7. Which of the communities in India was in a more or less similar position as that of Blacks

in USA?

(a) Brahmins (b) Dalits (c) Vaishyas (d) Kshatriyas

Ans. (b)

Q.8. Name the prominent religious group in Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.

(a) Judaism (b) Christianity (c) Islam (d) None of the above

Ans. (b)

Q.9. Which of these is incorrect about the Catholic Christians of Northern Ireland?

(a) They are likely to be poor.

(b) They may have suffered a history of discrimination.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

Q.10. What is the society with similar kinds of people called?

(a) Homogeneous (b) Heterogenous (c) Humane (d) Humble

Ans. (a)

Q.11. Which of these sentences is not false?

(a) Migrants bring with them their own culture.

(b) They tend to form a different social community.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

Q.12. Which of these sentences is not true?

(a) Democracy involves competition among various political parties.

(b) Their competition tends to unite the country if they compete in terms of existing social

divisions.

(d) It can even lead to the disintegration of the country.

Ans. (d)

Q.13. The percentage of Protestant Christians in Northern Ireland is :

(a) 52 (b) 53 (c) 54 (d) 55

Ans. (b)

Q.14. Which of these sentences is correct?

(a) The Catholics in northern Ireland were represented by Nationalist parties.

(b) They demanded thet Northern Ireland should be unified with the Republic of Ireland.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

Q.15. Which of these is true about the Protestants of Northern Ireland?

(a) They were represented by the Unionist Party.

(b) They wanted to remain with UK.

(d) None of the above.

Ans. (c)

Q.16. When did the Nationalists and the UK government arrive at an agreement?

Ans. (c)

Q.17. Which of these sentences is correct in relation to Yugoslavia?

(a) There was political competition along religious and ethnic lines.

(b) This led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

Q.18. Which of these are examples of not accommodating other communities’ demands?

(a) Sri Lanka (b) Yugoslavia (c) Belgium (d) (a) and (b)

Ans. (d)

Q.19. Dealing with social divisions, which one of the following statements is not correct about

democracy?

(a) Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.

(b) Democracy always leads to disintegration of society on the basis of social divisions.

manner.

(d) Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisional get reflected impolite.

Ans. (d)

Q.20. Which of these statements is correct?

(a) The assertion of social diversities in a country need not be seen as a source of danger.

(b) Political expression of social divisions is very normal.

(d) All the above.

Ans. (d)

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. What could be the two possible outcomes of politics of social divisions?

Ans. The two outcomes are :

(i) Political divisions could lead to violence and disintegration of a country. Example :

Yugoslavia.

(ii) They could be amicably settled in a democracy where rulers share power, and people think

of themselves as nationalists and then as belonging to a religious or ethnic or linguistic

group. Example : India.

Q.2. When does a social difference become a social division?

Ans. Social division takes place when some social differences overlap with other differences. For

example, the difference between the Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in the US

because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against. Similarly, in our

country, Dalits tend to be poor and landless.

Q.3. Is the combination of social division with politics always explosive? Substantiate with

examples from India. [HOTS]

Ans. The combination of social division with politics is not always explosive. Rather in a

democracy, political expression of social divisions is very normal and healthy. This allows

various disadvantaged and marginal social groups to express their grievances and get the

government to attend to these. This leads to the strengthening of democracy.

Q.4. Discuss the ways is which social divisions are reflected in a democracy.

Ans. (i) In a democracy, it is natural that political parties talk about the social divisions and make

different promises to different communities.

(ii) They look after the representation of various communities and make policies to redress

the grievances of the disadvantaged communities.

(iii) Social divisions affect voting in most countries. People from one community tend to

prefer some party more than others.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. “We all have more than one identity and can belong to more than one social group.”

Discuss the statement with suitable examples.

Ans. It is fairly common for people belonging to the same religion to feel that they do not belong

to the same community, because their caste or sect is very different. It is also possible for

people from different religions to have the same caste and feel close to each other. Rich and

poor persons from the same family often do not keep close relations with each other for they

feel they are different. Example – Carlos and Smith were similar in one way that they both

were Afro-American and thus different from Norman who was white. But they were all athletes

who stood against racial discrimination. Thus we all have more than one social group.

Q.2. Discuss two reasons why differences occur in society. Give an example to show that social

differences do not lead to social division.

Ans. The social differences are mostly based on accident of birth. Normally we do not choose to

belong to our community. We belong to it simply because we were born into it. People around

us are male or female, they are tall or short, having different complexion or have different

physical abilities or disabilities. But all kind of social differences are not based on accident of

birth. Some of the differences are based on our choices. Example – some people are atheists.

They don’t believe in god or any religion. All these lead to formation of social groups that are

based on our choices.

Every social difference does not lead to social division. Social differences divide similar

people from one another, but they also unite very different people.

Q.3. What are the features of a homogeneous society? Mention the name of any one country

having such society?

Ans. Homogenous society is a kind of society that has similar kinds of people, especially where

there are no significant ethnic differences. But these kinds of society are rare, even those

countries such as Germany and Sweden that were once highly homogenous are undergoing

rapid change with influx of people from other parts of the world. Migrants bring with them

their own culture and tend to form a different social community. In this sense, most countries

of the world are multicultural.

Q.4. What was the Black Power movement? Explain.

Ans. The Black power movement emerged in 1966 and lasted till 1975, which was a more militant

anti-racist movement, advocating even violence, if necessary, to end racism in U.S. This

movement became speedy after Olympics of Mexico city in 1968. In it US athletes Tommie

Smiths and John Carlos are Afro-American won the gold and bronze medal respectively. They

received their medals while wearing black socks and no shoes to represent Black poveery. With

this gesture they tried to draw international attention to racial discrimination in the U.S. Their

action succeeded in gaining international attention for the civil right movement in the U.S.

Recently the San Jose State University of which they were former students, honoured them and

installed their statue in the university campus.

Q.5. Explain any three elements that show the diversity in India.

Ans. The elements that show the diversity in India –

(i) India is a land which gave birth to four religions – Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and

Sikhism. Muslims also lived in India having a good population.

(ii) Caste system of India is unique like Indian population is divided into Brahmin, Kshatriya,

Vaisya and Shudra.

(iii) Different kinds of dances are there in India like Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Odyssi, Kathakali

and Bhangra.

Q.6. How were Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power movement different from each

other?’’ Give three features of each.

Ans. Civil rights movement in the US (1954 – 1968) refers to a set of events and reform movements

aimed at abolishing legal racial discrimination against Afro-Americans. Led by Martin Luther

King Jr, this movement practised non-violent methods of civil disobedience against racially

discriminatory laws and practices.

Afro-American, Black American or Black are the terms used to refer mainly to the descendants

of Africans, who were brought into America as slaves between the 17th century and early 19th

century.

The Black power movement emerged in 1966 and lasted till 1975, which was a more militant,

anti-racist movement, advocating even violence, if necessary, to end racism in the U.S.

Q.7. How far is it correct to say that social divisions exist in only big countries like India?

Explain.

Ans. It is not correct to say that social divisions exist in only big countries like India. Here we can

take the example of Belgium. The ethnic composition of this small country is very complex.

Of the country’s total population, 59% live in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language.

Another 40% live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining 1% of the Belgians

speak German. In the capital like Brussels, 80% people speak French while 20% are Dutch speaking.

Q.8. “We have different identities in different contexts.” Support the statement with three facts.

Ans. (i) It is common for people belonging to the same religion to feel that they do not belong

to the same community, because their caste or sect is different.

(ii) It is also possible for people from different religions to have the same caste and feel close

to each other.

(iii) Rich and poor people from the same family often do not keep close relations with each

other because they feel they are very different.

Thus, we have different identities in different contexts.

Q.9. How is political expression of social divisions in democracy beneficial?

Ans. In a democracy political expression of social division is very normal and healthy. This allows

various disadvantaged and marginal groups to express their grievances and get the government

to attend to these. Expression of various kinds of social divisions in politics often results in

their cancelling one another out and thus reducing their intensity. This leads to strengthening

of a democracy.

Q.10. What did the African-American athletes in Mexico Olympics do in order to draw

international attention to social discrimination in the United States?

Ans. In the 1968 Olympics held at Maxico City two US African-American athletes named Tommie

Smith and John Carlos won gold and bronze medals respectively. During the medal ceremony,

they stood with clenched fists upraised and heads bowed when the national anthem was being

played. They also wore black shocks and no shoes to show the stark poverty among the black

community. With this gesture, they tried to draw international attention to racial discrimination

in the United States. The black gloved and raised clenched fists were meant to symbolise Black

power.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. Discuss the various factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social division.

Ans. (i) All the outcomes depend on how people perceive their identities. If people see their

identities in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes very difficult to accommodate. It is

much better if the people see that their identities are multiple and are complementary

with the national identity. For example, in our country people think of themselves as Indians

as well as belonging to a state or a language group or a social or religious community.

(ii) It depends on how political leaders raise the demands of any community. It is easier to

accommodate demand that are within the constitutional framework and are not at the cost

of another community. The demand for ‘only Sinhala’ was at the cost of the interest and

identity of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.

(iii) It depends on how the government reacts to the demands of different groups. If the

government is willing to share power and accommodate the reasonable demands of the

minority community, social divisions become less threatening for the country, as it

happened in the case of Belgium.

Q.2. Discuss the ethnic problem in Northern Ireland, its outcome and settlement.

Ans. The population of Northern Ireland is divided into two major sects of Christianity : 53 per cent

are Protestants, while 44 per cent are Roman Catholics. For years, this region of United

Kingdom has been the site of a violent ethno-political conflict. The Catholics were represented

by Nationalist parties, who demanded that Northern Ireland be unified with the Republic of

Ireland, a predominantly Catholic country. The Protestants were represented by Unionists, who

wanted to remain with the UK which is predominantly Protestant. Hundreds of civilians,

militants and security forces were killed in the fight between the Unionists and Nationalists

and between the security forces of the UK and the Nationalists. It was only in 1998, that the

UK government and the Nationalists reached a peace treaty, after which the latter suspended

their armed struggle.

Q.3. Why is it said that a positive attitude towards diversity and a willingness to accommodate

it do not come about easily?

Ans. This is so because people who feel marginalized, deprived and discriminated have to fight

against the injustices. But when such a fight takes the democratic path, demands are made in

a peaceful manner based on constitutional methods. But sometimes social differences can

take the form of unacceptable level of social inequality and injustice. The struggle against

such inequalities sometimes takes the path of violence and defiance of state power. However,

it is proved by history that democracy is the best way to fight for recognition and to

accommodate diversity.

Q.4. How did the Olympic Committee react to the protests of the African-American athletes?

Do you think they were justified? What would you have done?

Ans. The Olympic Committee took back the medals from the two athletes. They declared that it was

against the spirit of the Olympics to make a political protest.

I do not think the protest made by Carlos and Smith was political. They had done it to make

the international community take cognizance of Civil Rights Movement in America. It needed

a lot of courage to do so and they had to sacrifice their medals. But the action of the Olympic

Committee was also justified. Sports are meant to unite people as a world community and

cannot become a platform for airing differences, whether political or social. It would have

spoilt the atmosphere of the games.

The world realized later that it was not a political gesture, is seen in San Jose State University

installing 92 foot high sculpture representing the protest of Smith and Carlos in 2005.

Q.5. Write a brief note on two kinds of social differences.

Ans. (i) Generally, social differences are based on accident of birth. We do not choose our religion,

we are born to it. It depends on the religion followed by our family. Our looks, our physical

attributes, our complexions, our gender, or even our abilities and disabilities are not based

on our choice. The friends, neighbors, all depend on the family we are born into.

(ii) The second difference is based on our choices. For example, (i) We may not believe in any

God or religion and become an atheist by choice. (ii) We may even change our religion

when we grow up. (iii) We have the choice to choose our own area of study, different from

that of our parents, we may choose a different occupation, different cultural activities.

These differences lead to formation of different social groups based on our choices.

Q.6. Refer to ‘I have a Dream’ speech of Martin Luther King. Describe his dream. Has all of

his dream been fulfilled? [HOTS]

Ans. His dream was to end the social division created by the discrimination of blacks by the whites.

He dreamt of America which would be free of all prejudices of colour and race, religion,

gender and class, and where everyone would be equal. His aspirations were that his children

and the citizens of America should live in a country where they should not be judged by their

colour but by their character.

Through the Civil Rights Movement in USA and various incidents like the one at Mexico

Olympics, efforts have been made to attract international attention to it. The legal – racial

discrimination has been abolished against the African-Americans and Blacks are also provided

with the same opportunities, the mindset of people may take some more time to change.

However, the waves of change are already evident in the election of Barack Obama, a Black,

for the post of President of America.

Q.7. Describe the episode of the Mexico Olympics which took place is 1968. Do you think the

athletes were justified in raising the issue? [HOTS]

Ans. In 1968 Olympics at Mexico City, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the US athletes won gold

and bronze medals respectively. During the medal ceremony, they stood with clenched fists

upraised and head bowed when the national anthem was being played. They wore black socks

and no shoes to represent Black poverty.

Yes, I think they were justified in raising the issue to the International event because the

poverty and discrimination being faced by the Black community was not being attended by the

government, there was – legal racial discrimination against the African-Americans. Their

action succeeded in gaining international attention for the Civil Rights Movement in the US.

Q.8. What is the difference between overlapping social differences and cross-cutting social

differences?

Ans. Overlapping social difference refers to the situation when one kind of social difference

becomes more important than the other and people start feeling that they belong to different

communities. For example, the difference between the Blacks and Whites in the US is

overlapping because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against. These

overlapping differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions. On the other

hand, cross-cutting social differences are easier to accommodate. For example, in Netherlands,

class and religion tend to cut across each other. Catholics and Protestants are about equally

likely to be rich or poor. So there are no conflicts between the two communities there.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. “Some people conclude that politics and social divisions should not be allowed to mix.”

Support this idea with two arguments.

Ans. It is true that politics and social divisions should not be allowed to mix. It leads to negative

results. We can see this when caste starts influencing politics –

(i) Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within it new kinds of

neighboring castes or sub castes which it had excluded earlier. New kinds of caste groups

like backward and forward emerge. This is not healthy for democracy and can lead to

tensions, conflicts and even violence. It diverts attention from other pressing issues like

poverty, development and corruption.

(ii) Political parties and candidates in elections make appeals to caste sentiment to minister

support. Some political parties are known to favor some castes and are seen as their

representatives. This is bad, because it gives the impression that elections are about castes

and nothing else. This is far from true.

Q.2. How do social divisions affect politics? Explain with examples.

Ans. At first, it appears that the combination of politics and social divisions is very dangerous.

Democracy involves competition among various political parties. Their competition tends to

divide any society. If they start competing in terms of some existing social divisions, it can

make social divisions into political divisions and lead to conflict, violence or even

disintegration of a country.

In Northern Ireland there was a violent ethno-political conflict between Catholics and

Protestants and the government. Similarly, in Yugoslavia, political competition along religious

and ethnic lines led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia into six independent countries. But

every expression of social divisions in politics does not lead to disasters. In a democracy, it

is only natural that political parties would talk about these divisions, make different promises

to different communities and make policies to redress the grievances of the disadvantaged

communities. Yet all this does not lead to the disintegration of the country.

Democracy and Diversity

Class 10th Social Science- Democracy and Diversity

Class 10^th Social Science- Democracy and Diversity