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Part-I Indian Society
Class 12 Sociology Chapter 4 Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion
TextualQuestions & Answers
1. How is social inequality different from personal inequality?
Ans: Personal inequality refers to differences among individuals in natural abilities, talents, hard work, intelligence, health, etc. These arise from birth or from individual effort. Social inequality, on the other hand, refers to a condition in which one group of people receives more advantages and rights than another group as a result of rules, customs, institutions, and the distribution of power created by society. Social inequality is structural and relatively permanent in nature; it is not merely the result of individual differences but rather the outcome of the system of social stratification. For example, inequality of opportunities based on caste, gender, class, religion, etc. is social inequality. Therefore, personal inequality is related to individual ability, whereas social inequality is related to the structure of society and the distribution of power.
2. What are the characteristics of social stratification?
Ans: Social stratification is the system by which society is divided into different layers or levels. Its main characteristics are:
a) It is social in nature, not individual.
b) It is ancient and exists in all societies.
c) It is relatively permanent and structural; therefore, it continues from one generation to another.
d) It is based on inequality; some people obtain more power, resources, and prestige.
e) It is supported by ideals, beliefs, and values.
f) It is formed on different bases such as caste, class, gender, religion, occupation, etc. As a result of social stratification, divisions such as high–low, rich–poor,
powerful–powerless appear in society.
3. How is prejudice different from opinion or belief?
Ans: Prejudice is a preconceived, irrational, and evidence-less negative attitude toward a person or a group. It usually depends on wrong information, rumors, or socially transmitted assumptions. On the other hand, an opinion may be based on reasoning and information and can change through discussion and criticism. A belief is related to personal or religious faith. Prejudice is generally rigid, irrational, and biased, whereas opinions and beliefs can change through discussion and experience.
4. What is meant by social exclusion?
Ans: Social exclusion refers to the process by which an individual or a group is deprived of participation in the mainstream of society. As a result, that group does not receive opportunities in areas such as education, health, employment, and political participation. For example, the deprivation of Dalits, Adivasis, or minority groups from major resources and rights of society is an example of social exclusion. Social exclusion is not only economic; it also includes social and cultural deprivation.
5. What is the relationship between caste and economic inequality in present society?
Ans: In present society, a close relationship is seen between caste and economic inequality. Historically, people of lower castes were deprived of education, property, and better occupations. As a result, they became economically weak. Although modernization and constitutional safeguards have brought some changes, in many cases people of lower castes are still economically backward. Thus, caste inequality strengthens economic inequality. However, not all people of lower castes are poor and not all people of upper castes are rich; but overall, there exists a historical and structural relationship between the two.
6. What is untouchability?
Ans: Untouchability is a social practice in which certain castes are considered “impure” and physical and social contact with them is avoided. In India, it was mainly applied to lower castes or Dalits. Article 17 of the Constitution of India declares that untouchability is abolished. Untouchability is a clear violation of social equality and human rights.
7. Describe the measures taken to eliminate caste-based discrimination.
Ans: The Government of India has adopted several constitutional and legal measures to eliminate caste-based discrimination.
a) The Constitution ensures the Right to Equality (Articles 14–18).
b) Article 17 abolishes untouchability.
c) Reservation has been provided for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in education, employment, and legislatures.
d) The SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is used to prevent atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis.
e) Scholarships, hostels, and special development schemes have been implemented.
These measures aim to establish social justice and equality.
8. How are Other Backward Classes different from Dalits or Scheduled Castes?
Ans: Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are generally socially and educationally backward, but historically they were not considered“untouchable”. On the other hand, Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Dalits faced untouchability and severe social discrimination. The social position of OBC was comparatively somewhat better than that of SCs. Therefore, although both groups receive reservation benefits, their historical experiences and social positions are different.
9. What are the main issues or problems of Adivasis in recent times?
Ans: The major problems of Adivasis in recent times are:
a) Loss of land and forest rights
b) Displacement due to development projects
c) Poverty and lack of education
d) Crisis of cultural identity
e) Health and nutrition problems. Another important issue is the lack of adequate participation of Adivasis in development policies.
10. What issues have been highlighted by the feminist movement in history?
Ans: The feminist movement has highlighted issues such as gender inequality, property rights, the right to education, political voting rights, equal wages, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. Feminism criticizes the patriarchal social system and demands equal rights and dignity for women.
11. In what context can physical disability be considered a social issue rather than merely a physical one?
Ans: Physical disability is not only an individual’s physical limitation; in many situations, it is a social issue. If society does not provide necessary facilities such as ramps, special education, assistive devices, and inclusive policies, persons with disabilities become excluded. In other words, the barrier lies not only in the body but also in the structure and attitudes of society.
Therefore, in modern sociology, disability is often understood through the’Social Model of Disability’, which sees disability as the result of social barriers.
Additional Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
Q: What is social inequality mainly the result of?
(a) Individual talent
(b) Structural system of society
(c) Physical strength
(d) Personal desire
Ans: (b)
Q: Social stratification is related to what?
(a) Individual intelligence
(b) Social division into layers
(c) Biological differences
(d) Personal taste
Ans: (b)
Q: In which Article of the Indian Constitution is untouchability prohibited?
(a) Article 14
(b) Article 15
(c) Article 17
(d) Article 19
Ans: (c)
Q: Social exclusion results in deprivation in which areas?
(a) Only in the economic field
(b) Only in the political field
(c) In education, health, and employment
(d) Only in the religious field
Ans: (c)
Q: The caste-based system is an example of which type of stratification?
(a) Open stratification
(b) Closed stratification
(c) Communist stratification
(d) Modern stratification
Ans: (b)
Q: What is the Assamese meaning of the word ‘Prejudice’?
(a) Opinion
(b) Belief
(c) Blind belief or misconception
(d) Decision
Ans: (c)
Q: Which law was enacted for the protection of SCs and STs?
(a) Right to Education Act
(b) SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
(c) Forest Act
(d) Panchayati Raj Act
Ans: (b)
Q: What is the short form used for Other Backward Classes?
(a) SC
(b) ST
(c) OBC
(d) GEN
Ans: (c)
Q: What is a main characteristic of social stratification?
(a) It is temporary
(b) It is based on equality
(c) It is based on inequality
(d) It is individual
Ans: (c)
Q: Which law is related to the land rights of Adivasis?
(a) Forest Rights Act, 2006
(b) RTI Act
(c) MGNREGA
(d) Consumer Protection Act
Ans: (a)
Q: What is the main objective of the feminist movement?
(a) Political domination
(b) Gender equality
(c) Religious reform
(d) Caste domination
Ans: (b)
Q: Social inequality is related to what?
(a) Unequal distribution of power and resources
(b) Personal preference
(c) Physical structure
(d) Age
Ans: (a)
Q: Why is disability considered a social issue?
(a) It is only a physical problem
(b) Deprivation occurs because of social barriers
(c) It is not congenital
(d) It is a personal problem
Ans: (b)
Q: What is the main objective of the reservation policy?
(a) To increase discrimination
(b) To establish social justice
(c) To help the rich
(d) To prevent personal development
Ans: (b)
Q: The process of social exclusion is generally what type?
(a) Inclusive
(b) Equality-based
(c) Depriving
(d) Communist
Ans: (c)
Short Questions and Answers
1. What is social inequality?
Ans: Social inequality refers to the condition of unequal distribution of resources, status, and power in society.
2. What is meant by social stratification?
Ans: Social stratification refers to the system of dividing society into different layers or levels.
3. What is untouchability?
Ans: Untouchability is the practice of considering certain castes as impure and avoiding social contact with them.
4. What is social exclusion?
Ans: Social exclusion refers to the process of depriving an individual or a group from participation in the mainstream of society. As a result, opportunities in education, health, and employment are reduced.
5. What is prejudice?
Ans: Prejudice is a preconceived negative attitude without logic or evidence.
6. Caste-based stratification is an example of what?
Ans: It is an example of closed stratification.
7. What is Article 17 of the Constitution related to?
Ans: It is related to the abolition of untouchability.
8. What does OBC mean?
Ans: OBC means Other Backward Classes, that is, socially and educationally backward communities.
9. Mention one major demand of the feminist movement.
Ans: Ensuring equal rights for women.
10. Mention one major problem of Adivasis.
Ans: Loss of land rights.
11. What is the relationship between social inequality and economic inequality?
Ans: Social inequality limits economic opportunities; therefore, lower social groups often remain economically backward.
12. Write one characteristic of social stratification.
Ans: It is based on inequality.
13. When was the SC, ST Atrocities Act enacted?
Ans: It was enacted in 1989.
14. Give one example of social exclusion.
Ans: Preventing Dalits from entering temples.
15. What is meant by the social model of disability?
Ans: The social model of disability explains disability not only as an individual physical limitation but as the result of social structures and barriers.
