Civics- Gender, Religion and Caste
Short Answers Type Questions
Q.1) What is communalism?
Ans) When beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to those of other religions, when the demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to another and when state power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest. This manner of using religion in politics is communal politics.
Q.2) What is the importance of secular state?
Ans) Communalism was and continues to be one of the major challenges of democracy in our country. The makers of our constitution were aware of this challenge. That is why they chose the model of a secular state. This was reflected in several constitutional provisions.
Secularism is not just an ideology of some parties or persons. This idea constitutes one of the foundations of our country. Communalism should not be seen as a threat to some people in India. It threatens the very idea of India. That is why communalism needs to be combated. A secular constitution like ours is necessary.
Q.3) What is the basis of Gender division?
Ans) The gender division tends to be understood as natural and unchangeable. However, it is not based on biology but on social expectations and stereotypes.
Q.4) What are “feminist movements”?
Ans) Earlier only men were allowed to participate in public affairs, vote and contest for public offices. Gradually the gender issue was raised in politics. Women in different parts of the world organised and agitated for equal rights. There were agitations in different countries for the extension of voting rights to women. These agitations demanded enhancing the political and legal status of women and improving their educational and career opportunities. More radical women’s movement aimed at equality in personal and family life as well. These movements are called feminist movements.
Q.5) How has the political expression of gender division help to improve women’s role?
Ans) Political expression of gender division and political mobilisation on this question helped to improve women’s role in public life. We now find women working as scientists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, managers and college and university teachers who were earlier not considered suitable for women. In some parts of the world like in scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland, the participation of women in public life is very high.
Q.6) State two reasons to say that caste alone can not determine election results in India.
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Q.7) What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
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Q.8) Mention any two constitutional provisions that make India a secular state.
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