Short & Long Questions: Understanding Discrimination and Inequality | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is prejudice?
Ans: Prejudice is having a bad opinion about someone without knowing the facts or reasons. It can create problems in society.

Q2: How can prejudice be harmful?
Ans: Prejudice can lead to conflicts between communities, increase mistrust, and create disunity in society.

Q3: What is discrimination?
Ans: Discrimination is treating someone unfairly based on prejudice, not considering their skills or qualities.

Q4: How can discrimination be reduced?
Ans: Discrimination can be reduced by making strict laws, promoting education, using media positively, and uplifting backward classes.

Q5: What are stereotypes?
Ans: Stereotypes are fixed and oversimplified ideas about groups of people that may not be true for everyone and can lead to misunderstandings.

Q6: What did the leaders of independent India aim to achieve through the Constitution?
Ans: The leaders of independent India aimed to remove inequalities and discriminations of all kinds, ensuring equality among all Indians. They wanted to establish a society where everyone is equal before the law, and where Fundamental Rights are protected.

Q7: Explain the significance of the Right to Equality in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: The Right to Equality ensures that all Indians have equal rights and opportunities. It means that everyone can choose their work without discrimination based on caste, community, gender, or religion. The legal system protects every citizen's Fundamental Rights.

Q8: What are some Fundamental Rights granted by the Indian Constitution?
Ans: Some Fundamental Rights granted by the Indian Constitution include the Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Q9: What does the Preamble to the Constitution of India state?
Ans: The Preamble declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. It aims to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. It was adopted on November 26, 1949, by the Constituent Assembly.

Q10: Describe the journey of Indra Nooyi as highlighted in the text.
Ans: Indra Nooyi, an influential woman and former CEO of PepsiCo, came from a conservative Chennai family to the US for studies. Despite challenges, she worked hard, stayed true to herself, and became one of the most powerful women in the world, believing in her traditions and strength.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the concept of prejudice and its impact on society.
Ans:

• Prejudice is a biased or unfavorable opinion formed about something or someone without examining the facts. It is not based on reason or actual experience.
• Causes of Prejudice include ignorance, lack of sensitivity, and social bias, leading to disharmony in society and hindering progress.
• Prejudice can result in conflicts among communities, strengthen mistrust, and lead to disunity and disharmony.
• Steps to reduce prejudice involve framing stricter laws, spreading education, using media for goodwill, uplifting backward classes, and deconditioning societal biases.
• It is essential for individuals to understand and respect one another, promoting tolerance and harmony in society to combat prejudice effectively.

Q2: Discuss the impact of stereotypes on society and individuals.
Ans:

• Stereotypes are fixed and oversimplified images of a particular group, often leading to feelings of superiority.
• Positive or negative stereotypes can be damaging, as they do not consider individual uniqueness and can create misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Examples of stereotypes include gender-based beliefs like 'girls are not good at mathematics' or racial stereotypes like 'people with disabilities are incapable'.
• Stereotypes can hurt the feelings of others, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings between various communities and groups.
• It is crucial to recognize the uniqueness of individuals and respect diversity, avoiding the pitfalls of stereotyping for a harmonious society.

Q3: Explain the concept of discrimination and its various forms in society.
Ans:

• Discrimination involves the unjust treatment of individuals or groups based on prejudice, disregarding individual merit.
• Discrimination can arise from diversity and lack of equality, leading to social inequalities and unequal access to resources or opportunities.
• Religious, gender, racial, and economic discrimination are prevalent forms in society, resulting in conflicts, inequality, and social disharmony.
• The caste system in India historically led to discrimination, especially against so-called untouchables, depriving them of basic rights and dignity.
• To combat discrimination, societies need to promote understanding, equality, and inclusivity, ensuring fair treatment for all individuals regardless of differences.

Q4: Describe the efforts made towards achieving equality in India post-independence.
Ans:

• Post-independence, India aimed at political, socio-economic, and gender equality, recognizing the need to address inequalities and discriminations.
• Leaders like B.R. Ambedkar played a key role in framing the Indian Constitution, emphasizing equality before the law for all citizens.
• India's Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights such as equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation, promoting unity and justice for all.
• Despite constitutional provisions, inequalities persist, requiring continuous efforts to uphold democratic values and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
• The struggle for equality in India is ongoing, with a focus on eradicating discrimination, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a society based on justice and fraternity.

Q5: Analyze the life stories of a landless farmer in rural India and an urban Indian woman to highlight social disparities and individual struggles.
Ans:

• The case study of the landless farmer illustrates economic disparity, unequal pay, seasonal employment, and reliance on informal jobs for sustenance.
• Gender roles are evident as the farmer's wife juggles household chores with sporadic farm work, while her husband seeks alternative employment in cities.
• On the other hand, the urban Indian woman's story showcases resilience, overcoming cultural barriers, and achieving success through hard work and self-identity.
• Her journey underlines the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing traditions, and breaking stereotypes to excel in a competitive corporate environment.
• Both narratives reflect societal challenges such as economic disparities, gender expectations, and the pursuit of equality and opportunity in different contexts.