Important Questions: On Equality | Social Studies (SST) Class 7 (Old NCERT) PDF Download

Q1: How can you say that establishment of equality in society is a continuous struggle? 
Ans: Establishing equality in society is an ongoing struggle due to several factors:

• Deeply ingrained attitudes: Many societal beliefs about caste and discrimination are hard to change.
• Laws vs. reality: Awareness of laws against discrimination does not always lead to equal treatment.
• Multiple forms of discrimination: Inequality can arise from various factors, including caste, religion, economic status, disability, and gender.

For true equality to be achieved, society must acknowledge that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity. Changing these long-standing attitudes takes time, which is why the fight for equality remains a continuous struggle.

Q2: What is universal adult franchise?
Ans: Universal adult franchise is a vital part of democracy. It guarantees that:

• All adults aged 18 and over have the right to vote.
• This voting right is available to everyone, regardless of their social or economic status.

This principle fosters equality and inclusiveness within the electoral process.

Q3: Describe the provisions in the Indian Constitution regarding recognition of equality.
Ans: The Indian Constitution includes several key provisions that promote equality among all citizens:

• Equality before the law: Every individual, from the President to a daily wage worker, must adhere to the same laws.
• No discrimination: Discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, or place of birth is prohibited.
• Equal access to public places: All individuals have the right to access public amenities, including playgrounds, markets, and roads.
• Abolition of untouchability: The practice of untouchability has been officially abolished.

These provisions ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect, reinforcing the principle of equality in Indian democracy.

Q4: What is the condition of the African-Americans despite the legislations to stop inequality?
Ans: Despite laws designed to promote equality, many African-Americans continue to face serious challenges:

• They often live in poverty, struggling to meet basic needs.
• Most attend government schools, which frequently lack essential facilities.
• These schools typically employ poorly qualified teachers, unlike private institutions.

As a result, educational opportunities for African-American children are significantly limited.

Q5: What is the challenge of democracy?
Ans: No country can be described as being completely democratic. There are many communities and individuals persistently pushing for greater recognition of equality in existing and new issues.

Q6: Describe the benefits of the midday meal.
Ans: The following are the benefits of the midday meal scheme:

• Increased attendance: More students are enrolling and regularly attending school due to this scheme.
• Uninterrupted work for mothers: Mothers no longer need to leave work to feed their children at home during lunch.
• Reduction in caste prejudices: Children from various castes eat together, promoting equality. In many cases, Dalit women are employed to prepare the meals.
• Better concentration: When students are not hungry, they can focus better on their studies.

Q7: Describe the struggle for equality faced by the African-Americans initially.
Ans: In the United States, African-Americans, whose ancestors were enslaved, have faced significant discrimination and inequality. Some examples of this unequal treatment include:

• African-Americans were often required to sit at the back of the bus.
• They had to give up their seats for white passengers.

One notable incident occurred on 1 December 1955, when Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, refused to give up her seat to a white man after a long day at work. Her act of defiance sparked a major movement against the unfair treatment of African-Americans, known as the Civil Rights Movement. This movement aimed to end racial discrimination and led to significant changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.

Q8: Mention two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our country. Give examples.  [V. Imp.]
Ans: Two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our country are:

• Caste-based inequality: Omprakash Valmiki, a Dalit, faced severe discrimination. His headmaster forced him to sweep the school and playground, highlighting unfair treatment based on caste.
• Religious inequality: The Ansaris experienced discrimination when trying to rent an apartment. Despite their interest, the landlady refused to rent to them upon learning their names, demonstrating bias based on religion.

Q9: What was the condition of the African-Americans in the United States of America prior to 1950s? 
Ans: Before the 1950s, African-Americans in the United States faced severe inequality and were denied basic rights through discriminatory laws. Key points include:

• They were often forced to sit at the back of buses or give up their seats for white passengers.
• Many were subjected to separate schools that were poorly funded and equipped.
• Despite some legal changes, a significant number remained among the poorest in the country.
• Access to quality education was limited, with most children attending under-resourced government schools.

The struggle for equality intensified in the late 1950s, leading to the Civil Rights Movement, where African-Americans demanded equal rights and an end to racial discrimination.

Q10: Write a note on equality in Indian democracy.  
Ans: The Indian Constitution recognises that every person is equal. This includes individuals of all castes, religions, genders, and economic backgrounds. Although inequality persists, the principle of equality is a cornerstone of Indian democracy. Key aspects include:

• Equality before the law: Every individual, from the President to a domestic worker, must obey the same laws.
• No discrimination: Discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or gender is prohibited.
• Access to public spaces: Everyone has the right to access public places such as parks, shops, and transportation.
• Abolition of untouchability: This practice has been abolished, promoting dignity for all individuals.

While laws exist to protect individuals from discrimination and ensure respect, the journey towards true equality is ongoing. The government has implemented various laws and programmes aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities, striving to create a more equitable society.

Q11: What is known as the Civil Rights Movement?  [V. Imp.]
Ans: The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal movement in the USA during the late 1950s. Its primary objectives included:

• Demanding equal rights for African-Americans.
• Ending racial discrimination in various areas of life.
• Challenging laws that enforced inequality.

This movement aimed to secure basic human rights and promote social justice for African-Americans, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality.

Q12: Write a brief note on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Ans: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ending discrimination in the United States. Its main features include:

• Prohibition of discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
• Integration of schools, ensuring that all educational institutions must accept African-American children, thus ending separate schooling.
• Despite these advancements, many African-Americans continue to face significant economic challenges.

Q13: What is the major factor that would help in reducing/eliminating inequality?
Ans: The key factor in reducing or eliminating inequality is a shift in people's mindset and attitude. This involves:

• Recognising that no one is inferior to another.
• Understanding that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
• Fostering a culture of respect and equality among all individuals.

Such changes are essential for creating a more equitable society.