This chapter explores the impact of gender, religion, and caste on politics and society, highlighting the challenges and progress in achieving equality and social justice.
Gender, Religion and Caste - Quick Look Revision Guide
Your 1-page summary of the most exam-relevant takeaways from Democratic Politics.
This compact guide covers 20 must-know concepts from Gender, Religion and Caste aligned with Class X preparation for Social Science. Ideal for last-minute revision or daily review.
Complete study summary
Essential formulas, key terms, and important concepts for quick reference and revision.
Key Points
Define gender division.
Gender division refers to the hierarchical social division between men and women, based on social expectations and stereotypes, not biology. It leads to unequal roles in society.
Explain sexual division of labour.
Sexual division of labour is a system where all work inside the home is done by women or organized by them, while men work outside. This division is not natural but socially constructed.
What is feminism?
Feminism is the belief in equal rights and opportunities for women and men. It advocates for gender equality in personal, family, and public life.
State the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, mandates equal wages for equal work, aiming to eliminate gender-based pay discrimination in India.
Define patriarchy.
Patriarchy is a system that values men more and gives them power over women, leading to male dominance in society and politics.
Explain communalism.
Communalism is the belief that religion is the principal basis of social community, often leading to conflict between different religious groups.
What is a secular state?
A secular state does not promote any religion as the state religion and ensures equality and freedom to all religions. India is a secular state.
Define caste system.
The caste system is a form of social stratification unique to India, based on hereditary occupational division, sanctioned by rituals, leading to social inequalities.
Explain caste in politics.
Caste in politics involves political parties considering caste composition for candidate selection and mobilizing caste sentiments to garner votes.
What is caste hierarchy?
Caste hierarchy refers to the ladder-like formation where caste groups are placed from 'highest' to 'lowest', based on social status and occupation.
State the impact of urbanization on caste.
Urbanization weakens caste hierarchy by promoting occupational mobility and reducing caste-based discrimination in urban areas.
Define family laws.
Family laws deal with matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance, varying by religion in India, often discriminating against women.
Explain political mobilization on caste lines.
Political mobilization on caste lines involves appealing to caste sentiments and interests to secure votes, often leading to caste-based politics.
What is the role of women in politics?
Women's role in politics is minimal due to patriarchal norms, but reservations in local bodies aim to increase their participation.
State the child sex ratio in India.
The child sex ratio in India was 919 girls per 1000 boys in 2011, indicating a preference for male children leading to sex-selective abortions.
Explain the reservation for women in local bodies.
One-third of seats in Panchayats and Municipalities are reserved for women to ensure their participation in local governance.
Define occupational mobility.
Occupational mobility refers to the shift from one occupation to another, often seen when new generations take up different jobs than their ancestors.
What is the significance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam?
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, reserves 33% seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, enhancing women's political representation.
Explain the concept of a vote bank.
A vote bank refers to a large bloc of voters from a particular community or caste who consistently support a specific political party.
State the impact of caste on economic status.
Caste continues to influence economic status, with upper castes generally better off, while lower castes face disadvantages, despite legal prohibitions.
Power-sharing is a concept in political science that emphasizes the distribution of power among different levels and organs of government to ensure no single entity holds absolute authority.
Federalism explores the division of power between central and state governments, ensuring a balance of authority and autonomy within a country.
Explore the role, functions, and importance of political parties in a democracy, including their structure, challenges, and reforms in the Indian context.
Understand the functioning and outcomes of democratic systems, evaluating their effectiveness in achieving social, economic, and political goals.
