Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 7 Practice Question Answers - Understanding Marginalisation

Q1: What is the primary concept associated with the term "marginalisation" in the context of social science?
(a) Redistribution of resources
(b) Concentration of power
(c) Population growth
(d) Technological advancement
Ans: (b)
Marginalisation refers to the process by which certain groups or individuals are pushed to the edges of society, often due to the concentration of power in the hands of dominant groups. This leads to the exclusion of marginalized groups from opportunities and resources.

Q2: Which of the following is an example of economic marginalisation?
(a) A community celebrating a cultural festival
(b) Government providing free education
(c) Unequal access to job opportunities based on gender
(d) Access to clean drinking water for all citizens
Ans: (c)
Economic marginalisation occurs when individuals or groups are denied equal access to economic opportunities, such as jobs, wages, and resources, based on factors like gender, race, or caste.

Q3: In the context of marginalisation, what does the term "social exclusion" refer to?
(a) Inclusion of all individuals in decision-making
(b) Equal distribution of wealth among citizens
(c) Ostracizing certain groups from participating in society
(d) Removal of geographical boundaries
Ans: (c)
Social exclusion refers to the process of isolating or excluding certain individuals or groups from participating fully in social, economic, and political activities, leading to their marginalisation.

Q4: What is the significance of affirmative action policies?
(a) Promoting discrimination against marginalized groups
(b) Maintaining the status quo of marginalisation
(c) Providing equal opportunities to marginalized groups
(d) Reserving resources only for dominant groups
Ans: (c)
Affirmative action policies aim to address historical inequalities and marginalisation by providing special measures or reservations to ensure equal opportunities for marginalized groups in education, employment, and other sectors.

Q5: Which of the following best describes the term "empowerment" in the context of marginalisation?
(a) The process of further marginalising vulnerable groups
(b) Enabling marginalized groups to gain control over their lives
(c) Restricting the rights of dominant groups
(d) Promoting social hierarchy and inequality
Ans: (b)
Empowerment involves enabling marginalized individuals or groups to gain control over their lives, make decisions, and access resources, thereby reducing their vulnerability to marginalisation.

Q6: Explain the concept of "marginalisation" and provide an example from a real-world context.
Ans: Marginalisation refers to the process through which certain individuals or groups are pushed to the edges of society, resulting in their exclusion from opportunities, resources, and participation in social, economic, and political activities. For example, the Dalit community in India historically faced marginalisation due to the caste system, limiting their access to education, jobs, and social acceptance.

Q7: Describe two factors that contribute to the marginalisation of indigenous communities.
Ans: Two factors contributing to the marginalisation of indigenous communities are land displacement and cultural alienation. Land displacement often occurs due to industrialization or development projects, which force indigenous people off their ancestral lands. This disrupts their traditional way of life and access to natural resources. Cultural alienation happens as their cultural practices, languages, and identities are marginalized by dominant cultures, leading to loss of heritage and dignity.

Q8: Explain the role of "social exclusion" in perpetuating marginalisation.
Ans: Social exclusion plays a significant role in perpetuating marginalisation by isolating certain individuals or groups from participating fully in society. When marginalized individuals are excluded from social, economic, and political activities, they lack access to opportunities and resources, thus deepening their marginalisation. This exclusion can be based on factors such as caste, gender, race, or economic status.

Q9: Discuss the importance of affirmative action policies in addressing marginalisation.
Ans: Affirmative action policies are essential tools in addressing marginalisation as they aim to rectify historical injustices and inequalities. These policies provide reserved seats or quotas for marginalized groups in education, employment, and political representation. By doing so, they create pathways for equal participation and opportunities, enabling these groups to overcome systemic barriers and reducing their marginalisation.

Q10: What is the difference between "equality" and "equity" in the context of addressing marginalisation?
Ans: Equality refers to treating everyone the same, while equity focuses on ensuring fairness by providing resources and opportunities based on individual needs. In the context of addressing marginalisation, simply treating everyone equally might not address existing inequalities. Equity takes into account historical disadvantages and provides targeted support to marginalized groups to level the playing field and reduce marginalisation.

Q11: Explain the concept of marginalization and provide two real-life examples to illustrate how it affects individuals and communities. How can society work towards reducing marginalization?
Ans: Marginalization refers to the social process where certain individuals or groups are pushed to the fringes of society, denying them equal opportunities and access to resources. For instance, indigenous communities often face marginalization due to historical injustices, leading to limited access to education and healthcare. Similarly, LGBTQ+ individuals can be marginalized due to discrimination, impacting their mental health and employment prospects. To reduce marginalization, society can implement inclusive policies, raise awareness about diversity, and promote equal opportunities for all.

Q12: Discuss the role of economic marginalization in perpetuating social inequalities. Provide two examples of how economic marginalization can lead to limited access to basic rights and opportunities.
Ans: Economic marginalization occurs when individuals or groups lack access to economic resources, trapping them in cycles of poverty. For instance, child labor is a result of economic marginalization, where children are forced to work instead of attending school due to financial constraints. Another example is the lack of affordable housing, which can lead to homelessness and limited access to healthcare and education. Economic empowerment through skill development and poverty alleviation programs can help address this issue.

Q13: Describe the impact of gender-based marginalization on women's participation in the workforce. Cite two barriers that contribute to this phenomenon and suggest measures to promote gender equality in workplaces.
Ans: Gender-based marginalization restricts women's active participation in the workforce, perpetuating inequalities. For instance, the gender pay gap is a result of marginalization, where women are paid less than men for the same work. Additionally, stereotyping women's roles as caregivers limits their career opportunities. To promote gender equality, workplaces can implement equal pay policies and provide flexible work options. Sensitization programs can challenge stereotypes, enabling a conducive environment for women to thrive in their careers.

Q14: Explain how caste-based marginalization has historically affected access to education in India. Provide examples of caste-based discrimination in educational institutions and discuss the consequences for marginalized individuals.
Ans: Caste-based marginalization has deep-rooted impacts on education in India. Historically, the caste system relegated certain groups to low-status occupations, limiting their access to education. Discrimination is evident in cases where students from marginalized castes face verbal abuse or exclusion by peers and teachers. This hampers their academic performance and psychological well-being. Eradicating caste-based discrimination requires sensitizing educational institutions, providing scholarships, and implementing reservations to ensure equitable access to education.

Q15: Explore the concept of intersectionality in the context of marginalization. Provide two examples of how individuals can experience multiple layers of marginalization, and explain the challenges they might face.
Ans: Intersectionality recognizes that individuals can face overlapping forms of marginalization due to factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status. An example is an immigrant woman from a low-income background facing both gender and economic marginalization, limiting her opportunities and access to healthcare. Another example is a disabled individual from an ethnic minority group, encountering barriers related to disability and racial discrimination. These individuals often face compounded challenges, necessitating comprehensive policies that address multiple dimensions of marginalization.