Class 10 : Social Science (In English) – Lesson 15. Gender, Religion and Caste
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
🔵 Introduction
🌿 In a democracy, equality is one of the most important principles.
⚡ However, inequalities based on gender, religion, and caste continue to exist in Indian society.
💡 This lesson explains how democracy addresses these inequalities and works toward justice.
🟢 Gender and Politics
Gender Inequality in Society
🌿 Women face discrimination in education, employment, and wages.
⚡ Their literacy rate is lower, and wage gaps exist despite similar work.
💡 Social expectations limit women’s opportunities.
Women’s Political Representation
🏛️ Women are under-represented in legislatures and decision-making bodies.
⚡ In Lok Sabha, less than 15% of members are women.
🌍 Global average also shows male dominance in politics.
Steps Toward Equality
💡 1/3rd seats reserved for women in local governments (Panchayati Raj institutions).
🌿 This brought lakhs of women into politics at the grassroots.
✔️ Still, more representation in state assemblies and Parliament is needed.
🔴 Religion, Communalism and Politics
Religion in Indian Society
🌿 India is a multi-religious country with followers of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and others.
💡 People practise different customs, festivals, and rituals.
Communalism and Its Dangers
⚡ When religion is used in politics to create division, it is called communalism.
🌍 Communalism leads to suspicion, violence, and undermines democracy.
💡 Example: Partition of India in 1947 was influenced by communal politics.
Secularism in India
🏛️ Indian Constitution declares India a secular state.
🌿 Government does not favour any one religion.
⚡ Fundamental Rights guarantee freedom of religion to all citizens.
✔️ Religion and politics can interact positively, but communalism must be avoided.
🟡 Caste and Politics
Caste Inequality
🌿 The caste system divided society into hierarchies, leading to discrimination.
⚡ Dalits and backward castes faced untouchability and exclusion.
💡 Constitution abolished untouchability and guaranteed equality.
Caste in Politics
🏛️ Political parties consider caste when nominating candidates.
⚡ Caste identities influence voting patterns in many regions.
🌿 Sometimes caste-based mobilisation strengthens democracy by giving representation to weaker sections.
Caste Discrimination Today
⚡ Still exists in rural areas through social exclusion and unequal access to resources.
💡 Reservation in education, jobs, and politics helps uplift backward classes.
🔵 Positive Role of Social Divisions in Democracy
🌿 When recognised and respected, social differences become healthy for democracy.
⚡ They ensure representation of diverse groups.
💡 Example: Reservation for women and Scheduled Castes has improved their participation.
✔️ But if differences are used for hatred, they weaken democracy.
🟢 Challenges to Democracy
❌ Gender bias in politics and society.
❌ Communalism leading to violence and discrimination.
❌ Caste-based exclusion and exploitation.
✔️ Democracy must work to reduce these inequalities and provide equal opportunities to all.
🔴 Conclusion
🌍 Democracy is meaningful only when gender, religion, and caste inequalities are addressed.
⚡ India’s Constitution provides tools — equality, secularism, and reservations — to achieve justice.
💡 Active participation of people is necessary to strengthen democracy and reduce discrimination.
📝 Summary
🌿 Gender: Women under-represented in politics; reservation improved participation.
🌍 Religion: Secularism ensures equality, but communalism threatens democracy.
⚡ Caste: Inequalities persist, but reservation helps uplift backward groups.
💡 Democracy: Functions best when diversity is respected and inequalities reduced.
📝 Quick Recap
🔵 Gender equality is vital in democracy.
🟢 Secularism prevents communal politics.
🔴 Caste-based discrimination still exists.
🟡 Democracy must ensure fairness for all.
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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK
🔵 Question 1: Mention different aspects of life in which women are discriminated or disadvantaged in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Education: Female literacy rate is lower than male literacy.
⚡ Employment: Women earn less than men for the same work.
💡 Politics: Women have very low representation in legislatures.
👩 Social Roles: Household duties are mostly expected from women.
🔵 Question 2: State different forms of communal politics with one example each.
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Everyday Beliefs: Religion used in daily practices to separate people.
⚡ Political Mobilisation: Political leaders appeal to religious sentiments. Example: Election speeches based on religion.
💡 Communal Violence: Riots and conflicts between communities. Example: Partition of India in 1947.
🔵 Question 3: State two caste inequalities still continuing in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Dalits often face untouchability in rural areas.
⚡ Backward castes still lag behind in literacy, jobs, and political participation.
🔵 Question 4: State two reasons to say that caste alone cannot determine election results in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Parties need to secure majority support beyond a single caste group.
⚡ Voters make decisions based on multiple issues like development, leadership, and policies, not caste alone.
🔵 Question 5: What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
🟢 Answer:
⚡ In Lok Sabha, women members are less than 15%.
🌿 In state assemblies, women representation is even lower.
💡 Only in Panchayati Raj, due to 1/3rd reservation, women have significant representation.
🔵 Question 6: Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Freedom of Religion: Citizens can practice, profess, and propagate any religion.
⚡ Equality Before Law: No religion is given official state recognition or preference.
🔵 Question 7: When we speak of gender divisions, we usually refer to:
(a) Biological difference between men and women
(b) Unequal roles assigned by society
(c) Unequal child sex ratio
(d) Absence of voting rights for women in democracies
🟢 Answer: (b) Unequal roles assigned by society.
🔵 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 communal politics:
A. One religion is superior to others.
B. People of different religions can live happily as equal citizens.
C. Followers of a religion constitute one community.
D. State power cannot be used to dominate one religion.
Which are correct?
🟢 Answer: B and D are correct.
🔵 Question 10: Which among the following statements about India’s Constitution is wrong?
(a) Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
(b) Gives official status to one religion.
(c) Provides all freedom to profess religion.
(d) Ensures equality within religious communities.
🟢 Answer: (b) Gives official status to one religion.
🔵 Question 11: Social divisions based on __ are peculiar to India.
🟢 Answer: Caste.
🔵 Question 12: Match List I with List II.
A person who believes in equal rights → (B) Feminist
A person who says religion is principal basis → (A) Communalist
A person who thinks caste is the principal basis → (D) Castiest
A person who does not discriminate on religious grounds → (C) Secularist
🟢 Answer: (a) 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
🔵 Question 1: Which of these is NOT a factor of gender inequality in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) Low female literacy rate
(B) Unequal wages
(C) Equal representation in Parliament
(D) Heavy household duties
🟢 Answer: (C) Equal representation in Parliament
🔵 Question 2: Reservation of 1/3rd seats for women is implemented in:
🟡 Options:
(A) Lok Sabha
(B) Rajya Sabha
(C) Panchayati Raj bodies
(D) State Legislative Assemblies
🟢 Answer: (C) Panchayati Raj bodies
🔵 Question 3: When religion is used in politics to divide people, it is called:
🟡 Options:
(A) Secularism
(B) Communalism
(C) Federalism
(D) Regionalism
🟢 Answer: (B) Communalism
🔵 Question 4: Which article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
🟡 Options:
(A) Article 14
(B) Article 15
(C) Article 17
(D) Article 19
🟢 Answer: (C) Article 17
🔵 Question 5: Which mark represents equality of religion in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) Secularism
(B) Nationalism
(C) Federalism
(D) Regionalism
🟢 Answer: (A) Secularism
🔵 Question 6: Which form of caste discrimination was legally abolished?
🟡 Options:
(A) Patriarchy
(B) Untouchability
(C) Gender bias
(D) Regionalism
🟢 Answer: (B) Untouchability
🔵 Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a women’s right ensured by the Indian Constitution?
🟡 Options:
(A) Right to vote
(B) Right to contest elections
(C) Right to discrimination
(D) Right to equality
🟢 Answer: (C) Right to discrimination
🔵 Question 8: Which one is the greatest threat to democracy in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) Regionalism
(B) Communalism
(C) Secularism
(D) Federalism
🟢 Answer: (B) Communalism
🔵 Question 9: Which country was partitioned in 1947 due to communal politics?
🟡 Options:
(A) Sri Lanka
(B) India
(C) Nepal
(D) Myanmar
🟢 Answer: (B) India
🔵 Question 10: Which of these is NOT a feature of communalism?
🟡 Options:
(A) Religion is the principal basis of politics
(B) One religion is superior to others
(C) All religions can live equally
(D) State should favour one religion
🟢 Answer: (C) All religions can live equally
🔵 Question 11: Women’s representation in Lok Sabha is about:
🟡 Options:
(A) 5%
(B) 10%
(C) 14–15%
(D) 25%
🟢 Answer: (C) 14–15%
🔵 Question 12: Which of these provisions shows India is a secular country?
🟡 Options:
(A) One official religion
(B) Equality of citizens irrespective of religion
(C) Special status to majority religion
(D) Ban on all religions
🟢 Answer: (B) Equality of citizens irrespective of religion
🔵 Question 13: Caste-based political mobilisation in democracy:
🟡 Options:
(A) Always weakens democracy
(B) Always strengthens democracy
(C) Can both strengthen and weaken democracy
(D) Has no impact
🟢 Answer: (C) Can both strengthen and weaken democracy
🔵 Question 14: Gender division is usually based on:
🟡 Options:
(A) Equal roles
(B) Unequal social roles
(C) Equal political rights
(D) Absence of patriarchy
🟢 Answer: (B) Unequal social roles
🔵 Question 15: Which among the following is NOT a caste inequality?
🟡 Options:
(A) Untouchability
(B) Caste-based reservation
(C) Social exclusion
(D) Caste-based discrimination
🟢 Answer: (B) Caste-based reservation
🔵 Question 16: Which form of equality is achieved through reservation for SC/ST/OBCs?
🟡 Options:
(A) Social equality
(B) Political equality
(C) Economic equality
(D) All of these
🟢 Answer: (D) All of these
🔵 Question 17: The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of:
🟡 Options:
(A) Religion only
(B) Caste only
(C) Religion, caste, sex, and place of birth
(D) None of these
🟢 Answer: (C) Religion, caste, sex, and place of birth
🔵 Question 18: Which movement gave rise to the demand for equal political rights for women?
🟡 Options:
(A) Labour Movement
(B) Women’s Movement
(C) Peasant Movement
(D) Civil Rights Movement
🟢 Answer: (B) Women’s Movement
🔵 Question 19: Which of the following best defines secularism in India?
🟡 Options:
(A) State has its own religion
(B) State favours majority religion
(C) State has no official religion
(D) State controls all religions
🟢 Answer: (C) State has no official religion
🔵 Question 20: Mention two examples of gender inequality in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Female literacy rate is lower than male literacy rate.
⚡ Women are paid less wages than men for the same work.
🔵 Question 21: State two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion.
⚡ State does not give official recognition to any religion.
🔵 Question 22: Mention two caste inequalities still found in India.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Untouchability practices in rural areas.
⚡ Dalits and backward castes face economic and educational disadvantages.
🔵 Question 23: Name two steps taken by the government to improve women’s political representation.
🟢 Answer:
🏛️ Reservation of one-third seats in Panchayati Raj institutions.
🌿 Proposal for reservation of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies.
SECTION C — Short Answer (3 marks each; ~60 words)
🔵 Question 24: Why is caste alone not sufficient to determine election results in India?
🟢 Answer:
🌍 No single caste constitutes a majority in any constituency.
⚡ Parties need support from multiple caste groups to win elections.
💡 Other factors like economic policies, leadership, and development also influence voters.
🔵 Question 25: Explain the meaning of communalism with an example.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Communalism is using religion in politics for power or votes.
⚡ It believes one religion is superior to others.
💡 Example: Partition of India in 1947 was a result of communal politics.
🔵 Question 26: Why is women’s participation in politics important?
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Women constitute nearly half of the population.
⚡ Their representation ensures inclusive policies and gender equality.
💡 It strengthens democracy by giving voice to diverse sections.
🔵 Question 27: What is the status of women’s representation in India’s Parliament?
🟢 Answer:
🌿 In Lok Sabha, women representation is about 14–15%.
⚡ In State Assemblies, it is even lower.
💡 Only in local bodies (Panchayati Raj), women have significant representation due to reservation.
🔵 Question 28: How does secularism strengthen democracy in India?
🟢 Answer:
🌍 Ensures equal treatment of all religions.
⚡ Prevents domination of one religion over others.
💡 Protects minority rights and promotes harmony in society.
SECTION D — Long Answer (5 marks each; ~120 words)
🔵 Question 29: Describe different forms of communal politics.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Everyday Beliefs: Religion used casually to separate groups.
⚡ Political Mobilisation: Leaders use religious appeals in elections.
💡 Communal Violence: Riots and conflicts between communities.
✔️ All these undermine secularism and threaten democracy.
🔵 Question 30: Analyse the role of caste in Indian politics.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Caste influences candidate selection and voting behaviour.
⚡ Parties appeal to caste sentiments to secure votes.
💡 Caste mobilisation sometimes empowers backward groups by giving them representation.
✔️ But excessive caste politics can weaken democracy.
🔵 Question 31: “Gender inequality still persists in India.” Justify with examples.
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Female literacy rate is lower than male literacy.
⚡ Women are paid less than men for same work.
💡 Political representation of women is very low.
✔️ Thus, despite progress, gender inequality continues.
🔵 Question 32: How has the Constitution tried to remove caste-based inequalities?
🟢 Answer:
🌿 Abolished untouchability (Article 17).
⚡ Prohibits discrimination on grounds of caste.
💡 Provides reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs in education, jobs, and legislatures.
✔️ Promotes equality and social justice.
SECTION E — Case/Source-Based (4 marks each; 1+1+2)
🔵 Question 33 (Case 1):
“In a village election, a candidate appealed to voters of his caste only.”
(i) Which practice is this? (1)
(ii) Is it healthy for democracy? (1)
(iii) Give one suggestion to improve the situation. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Caste-based mobilisation.
(ii) ❌ No, it weakens democracy.
(iii) Promote awareness and development-based voting.
🔵 Question 34 (Case 2):
“A political leader promises special benefits only to one religion.”
(i) Which practice is this? (1)
(ii) Which principle of democracy is violated? (1)
(iii) Suggest a remedy. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Communalism.
(ii) Secularism is violated.
(iii) Strict enforcement of laws and voter awareness.
🔵 Question 35 (Case 3):
“Women in a Panchayat successfully bring safe drinking water to their village.”
(i) Which reform made this possible? (1)
(ii) Why is it significant? (1)
(iii) Give one more example of women’s role in governance. (2)
🟢 Answer:
(i) Reservation of seats for women in Panchayati Raj.
(ii) Ensures women’s participation in decision-making.
(iii) Women sarpanches promoting education and healthcare.
SECTION F — Map/Practical Skill (5 marks)
🔵 Question 36 (a): On an outline map of India, mark two states with strong women’s movements.
🟢 Answer:
Kerala.
Bihar.
🔵 Question 36 (b): Name two states where caste-based political mobilisation is strong.
🟢 Answer:
Uttar Pradesh.
Tamil Nadu.
For Visually Impaired Candidates:
(i) Kerala and Bihar are states with active women’s movements.
(ii) Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu show strong caste-based mobilisation.
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ONE PAGE REVISION SHEET
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MISCONCEPTIONS “ALERTS”
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MIND MAPS
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