If you are a Class XII student searching for high-quality AHSEC Class 12 Sociology Chapter 11 Social Movements notes to improve your exam performance, then this Ready Guide is for you. It includes all the important question-answers prepared by a team of experts. Our language is very easy to understand and remember. Begin your study journey with us for a bright future.
Part-II Social Change and Development in India
Class 12 Sociology Chapter 11 Social Movements
Textual Questions & Answers
1. Imagine a society where there has been no social movement.
Ans: If a society has no social movements, then there will be no organized protest against injustice, inequality, and exploitation. As a result, social inequality would remain permanent. The rights of deprived groups such as women, workers, and tribal communities would not be protected. Democratic consciousness would become weak. Social change would become very slow or almost stop. Therefore, social movements are essential in society for the growth of justice, equality, and awareness of rights.
2. Short Notes
(a) Women’s Movement
Ans: The women’s movement is an organized movement for equal rights of women, opportunities for education, rights to property, political participation, and the end of gender discrimination. In India, it began with earlier reform movements such as the legalization of widow remarriage and the abolition of the Sati system. In modern times, movements are also seen against domestic violence and sexual harassment in the workplace.
(b) Tribal Movement
Ans: Tribal movements are mainly organized for land rights, the right to use forest resources, cultural autonomy, and political recognition. For example, in different regions, movements have developed demanding autonomy.
3. It is quite difficult to determine the difference between old social movements and new social movements in India. Discuss.
Ans: Old social movements were generally organized against colonial rule and socio-economic exploitation. Their main focus was on class struggle, land rights, and national liberation. New social movements give more importance to issues such as identity, environment, gender equality, and human rights. These movements include not only economic exploitation but also issues of cultural and social recognition. However, in practice, it is difficult to draw a clear boundary between the two, because many movements combine both economic and identity aspects.
4. Most environmental movements often combine economic and identity-related aspects. Discuss.
Ans: Environmental movements (such as forest conservation or river protection movements) usually begin with the aim of protecting the environment. However, economic aspects are closely related because the livelihoods of local people depend on forests and natural resources. At the same time, identity-related aspects are also involved, especially for tribal
societies, since forests are part of their culture and identity. Therefore, environmental movements are a meeting point of economic and cultural rights.
5. Distinguish between peasant movements and new farmers’movements.
Ans: The differences between peasant movements and new farmers’movements are as follows.
Peasant Movements
Main aim: Land rights and reduction of taxes/rent.
Period: Colonial period and early years after independence.
Leadership: Political parties or organized groups.
Issue: Opposition to the zamindari system.
New Farmers’ Movements
Main aim: Fair prices, loan waivers, and market protection.
Period: After the 1980s.
Leadership: Independent farmers’ organizations.
Issue: Effects of globalization and economic liberalization.
In summary, peasant movements mainly opposed land exploitation,
whereas new farmers’ movements focus on market systems and agricultural policies.
Additional Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is the main objective of social movements?
Ans: (b) To bring social change.
2. What is the main goal of the women’s movement?
Ans: (b) Establishing gender equality.
3. Tribal movements are generally related to what?
Ans: (a) Rights over forests and land.
4. What do new social movements emphasize more?
Ans: (c) Identity and rights.
5. What is one major issue of environmental movements?
Ans: (b) Forest conservation.
6. What was the main demand of peasant movements?
Ans: (c) Land rights and fair rent.
7. New farmers’ movements were organized against what?
Ans: (a) Globalization and market policies.
8. What may happen in a society without social movements?
Ans: (b) Increase in inequality.
Short Questions and Answers
1. What is meant by a social movement?
Ans: An organized effort to remove injustice or inequality in society.
2. Mention one aim of the women’s movement.
Ans: To establish equal rights for women.
3. Write one reason for tribal movements.
Ans: To protect rights over forests and land.
4. Write one characteristic of new social movements.
Ans: They emphasize identity and human rights.
5. Why do environmental movements arise?
Ans: For protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.
6. Against what were peasant movements organized?
Ans: Against zamindari exploitation and high rent.
7. Write one demand of new farmers’ movements.
Ans: To ensure fair prices for agricultural products.
8. Why are social movements important for society?
Ans: They increase justice, equality, and awareness of rights in society.
