Class 11 Political Science Short Questions with Answers - Social Justice

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What do you mean by social justice?

• The term justice means giving individuals what they are entitled to.
• In ancient India, justice was closely linked to dharma, which involves moral duties and maintaining social order.
• Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, believed that rulers should uphold justice by punishing wrongdoers and rewarding the virtuous.
• Plato, in his book The Republic, discussed justice as a balance of responsibilities among different groups in society.
• The essence of justice today still revolves around giving individuals their rightful due.

Q2. How you will explain justice as one’s due?
Ans: The concept of justice revolves around what each person is entitled to within society. This understanding has evolved over time and varies across cultures. Today, it is widely accepted that every individual deserves what is fair as a human being. According to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant, every person possesses dignity. If we recognise this dignity, then everyone should have the opportunity to:

• Develop their skills
• Pursue their dreams

Justice requires us to treat all individuals with equal consideration and respect. This principle is essential for acknowledging each person's entitlements.

Q3. What are the essentials of justice in modern society?
Ans: The concept of justice in modern society includes several essential elements:

• Equal treatment for everyone
• Meeting basic needs for all individuals
• Impartiality in decision-making
• Commitment to truth and honesty

Q4. What do you mean by distributive justice?
Ans: Distributive justice refers to the fair allocation of resources and opportunities within a society. It is grounded in the idea that:

• Resources, rewards, and benefits should be distributed based on the worth and talents of individuals.
• Positions and roles in society should reflect a person's contributions and abilities.
• Social goods and responsibilities must be shared among all members of society.

This concept is essential for ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed and that societal resources are used justly.

Q5. How equality of treatment is essential for justice?
Ans: Equality of treatment is essential for justice as it ensures that everyone is treated fairly. Key points include:

• Everyone deserves to be treated the same, regardless of caste, colour, region, religion, or sex.
• All individuals have equal hopes, dreams, and feelings, which means they deserve equal respect.
• Democratic societies strive to provide equal rights in civil, political, and economic matters.
• Equal treatment is vital for fairness and allows people to grow and develop.

Q6. What do you mean by proportionate justice?
Ans: Proportionate Justice The principle of proportionate justice suggests that rewards and benefits should be distributed based on the effort and quality of work, rather than treating everyone equally in all circumstances. Key points include:

• Equal treatment is not always just; similar conditions must be considered.
• Justice means rewarding individuals according to their effort and the quality of their contributions.
• Different types of work may require different rewards based on factors like effort, skill, and risk.
• Some workers, such as miners or police officers, may not receive fair compensation compared to others.
• Balancing equal treatment with the principle of proportionality is essential for a just society.

Additionally, recognising the special needs of individuals is important in promoting social justice. This principle does not contradict equal treatment but rather extends it to ensure fairness for all.

Q7. How the principle of recognition for special needs is conducive to the concept of justice?
Ans: Justice is often viewed as giving each person their due. However, some individuals or groups have been denied their rightful place due to various physical and environmental factors. To achieve true justice, these barriers must be addressed by meeting the special needs of these individuals. This approach promotes justice by recognising that people with disabilities require additional support and consideration.

• Justice involves ensuring everyone receives what they deserve.
• Some individuals face challenges that prevent them from achieving equality.
• Addressing special needs is essential for promoting social justice.
• People with disabilities deserve tailored assistance to ensure fairness.

Q8. How does the reservation help in social justice?
Ans: Reservation aims to address historical injustices faced by certain communities. It serves to meet the specific needs of those who have been affected by a negative socio-economic environment. Here are some key points about its role in promoting social justice:

• It acts as a corrective measure to balance societal inequalities.
• Reservation is a form of positive discrimination, which may seem to contradict the principle of equality.
• Its ultimate goal is to establish justice across various levels of society.

Q9. What is the position of reservation in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: In Indian society, a significant portion of the population has faced exploitation and injustice, particularly the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. To address this, the makers of the Indian Constitution recognised their plight and introduced the concept of reservation in employment and legislative bodies.

• The aim of reservation is to promote social harmony.
• It seeks to create a more equitable society by ensuring representation.
• Reservations help to uplift disadvantaged groups in various sectors.

Q10. Give some measures of the Indian Constitution whose purpose is to establish social justice.
Ans: The Constitution of India includes several measures aimed at establishing social justice. Key provisions include:

• Fundamental Rights that guarantee individual freedoms.
• Reservation in employment and educational institutions.
• Quotas in legislative bodies, such as Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Abolition of untouchability to promote equality.
• Directive Principles of State Policy that guide the government in ensuring social welfare.

Q11. Explain the concept of the veil of ignorance of John Rawls.
Ans: The veil of ignorance is a concept introduced by John Rawls to help create a fair society. It involves imagining that you do not know your future position in society. This thought experiment encourages people to:

• Consider the needs of the worst-off members of society.
• Frame policies that benefit everyone, not just a select few.
• Support rules that ensure basic resources, like education and healthcare, are available to all.

By thinking under this veil, individuals are more likely to choose fair and just rules, as they would want to protect themselves in case they end up in a disadvantaged position. This approach promotes a society where fairness is the priority, leading to rational decisions that benefit everyone.

Q12. What is John Rawl’s ultimate view of social justice?
Ans: John Rawls' ultimate view of social justice is centred on the idea that rational thinking, rather than morality, can guide us in making fair decisions about how to distribute society's benefits and burdens. Key points include:

• Rawls argues that fairness and justice are interconnected.
• He believes fairness should be based on rational distribution, free from moral biases.
• A society is deemed unjust if the gap between the wealthy and the poor is excessively large.
• Rawls posits that policies should benefit society as a whole, not just specific groups.
• Ultimately, he suggests that a fair society serves the interests of all its members.

Q13. How can we decide what are the basic minimum conditions of life needed by people?
Ans: Determining the basic minimum conditions of life required by people can vary across different societies. However, some essential needs are universally recognised. Key factors include:

• Nourishment: A sufficient amount of food to maintain health.
• Housing: Safe and secure living conditions.
• Clean drinking water: Access to safe water for consumption.
• Education: Opportunities for learning and personal development.
• Minimum wage: A fair income to support basic living expenses.

Various national and international organisations, including the World Health Organisation, have developed methods to calculate these needs. Providing these basic conditions is often seen as a responsibility of democratic governments, although it can be challenging, especially in countries with high poverty rates.

Q14. How does a free-market economy affect social justice?
Ans: Supporters of a free-market economy argue that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their economic interests, which they believe is essential for justice. Key points include:

• Individuals can compete in various areas to enhance their quality of life.
• Open competition can lead to better goods and services.
• However, access to these benefits may be limited to a small part of society.
• This can result in a lack of social justice for the broader population.

While free markets can create opportunities, they often favour the wealthy and powerful, potentially denying chances for the disadvantaged. Many argue that the state should intervene to ensure basic services are available to all. In a democratic society, discussions about distribution and justice are vital. They encourage us to consider different perspectives and defend our views. Ultimately, the debate continues on whether free markets or state intervention is the best way to promote social justice.

Q15. What was the proposition of an ideal society according to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
Ans: According to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an ideal society is one where:

• The ascending sense of reverence and
• The descending sense of contempt is eliminated.

This leads to the formation of a compassionate society.

Q16. Explain the concept of justice.
Ans: Justice has always been a crucial concept, though its interpretation varies across different cultures and times. Here are some key points about justice:

• In ancient Indian society, justice was linked to dharma, which means maintaining social order.
• Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, believed that kings should uphold justice by punishing wrongdoers and rewarding the virtuous.
• Plato, in his work The Republic, described justice as the harmonious functioning of three societal classes, each fulfilling its role without interference.
• In modern times, justice is often associated with ensuring equal access to essential life conditions, aiming to create a fair society.

Overall, justice involves giving each person what they are due, reflecting a moral right that individuals can claim. This concept remains central to political discussions and societal structures.

Q17. Justice is one’s due. Explain.
Ans: Justice is often understood as what is owed to each individual, encompassing their rightful place and share in society. However, the interpretation of what constitutes one’s due has evolved over time.

• Historically, philosophers have emphasised different aspects of justice.
• For some, human dignity is paramount, linking it directly to what is due to individuals.
• Justice demands that we give equal consideration to all people.

In modern society, while there is general agreement on the importance of all individuals, determining what is due to each person remains complex. Various principles of justice have been proposed, including:

• The principle of treating equals equally, ensuring that all individuals receive equal rights and opportunities.
• Addressing social and economic inequalities through fair distribution of resources.

Ultimately, justice involves recognising and fulfilling the moral rights of individuals within a society.

Q18. How the principle of equal treatment for equals serve the cause of social justice?
Ans: The principle of equal treatment for equals is vital for achieving social justice in modern society. It ensures that:

• All individuals are recognised as having equal rights and deserve equal treatment.
• Key rights include civil rights (life, liberty, property), political rights (the right to vote), and social rights (equal opportunities).
• Discrimination based on class, caste, race, or gender is prohibited; individuals should be judged on their actions and contributions.

However, equal treatment alone may not suffice. Justice can sometimes require:

• Recognising differences in effort and quality of work, rather than treating everyone the same.
• Rewarding individuals based on their contributions, ensuring fairness in recognition.
• Considering special needs when distributing rewards or responsibilities to promote social justice.

In summary, while equal treatment is essential, it must be balanced with the recognition of individual contributions and needs to foster a truly just society.

Q19. What do you mean by the idea of proportionate justice?
Ans: Proportionate Justice The principle of justice involves more than just equal treatment for everyone. In some cases, treating everyone equally can actually be unfair. For example:

• If all students in a school received the same marks for an exam, it would not reflect their individual performances.
• Students should be awarded based on the quality of their answers and the effort they put in.

In essence, justice means rewarding individuals in proportion to their efforts, provided they start from the same baseline of equal rights. Moreover, while everyone should receive the same reward for the same work, it is fair to differentiate rewards based on:

• The effort required
• The skills needed
• The potential dangers involved

For instance, workers in hazardous jobs, like miners or police officers, may not receive fair compensation compared to others in society. Thus, the principle of equal treatment must be balanced with the principle of proportionality. Additionally, justice should consider the special needs of individuals when distributing rewards or duties, promoting social justice. While equality in rights is essential, it may not be sufficient to ensure overall equality in society.

Q20. What is the concept of special needs? How does it serve the cause of justice?
Ans: The concept of special needs refers to the unique requirements of individuals who may require additional support due to various factors. Recognising these needs is crucial for achieving justice in society. Here are some key points:

• While everyone is treated equally for fairness, some individuals need extra care due to their circumstances.
• People with disabilities or other challenges may require special assistance to ensure they are not disadvantaged.
• Factors such as physical disabilities, age, and lack of access to quality education or healthcare are common grounds for identifying special needs.
• Ignoring these needs can lead to an unequal society, undermining the principles of social justice.
• Justice involves treating people fairly, which may mean providing different levels of support to those who are not equally situated.
• Recognising special needs does not contradict equal treatment; rather, it extends the principle to ensure everyone has a fair chance.

In summary, addressing special needs is essential for promoting a just and equitable society.

Q21. Discuss just distribution as necessary for social justice.
Ans: Achieving social justice requires a fair distribution of goods and services among individuals, groups, and nations. Key points include:

• Equality in Treatment: People must be treated equally under laws and policies.
• Basic Living Conditions: There should be a basic equality of living conditions and opportunities.
• Addressing Inequalities: Significant social and economic disparities must be addressed to promote justice.
• Redistribution of Resources: It may be necessary to redistribute resources to create a level playing field.
• Special Needs Consideration: Justice involves considering the special needs of individuals when distributing rewards or duties.

For example, abolishing practices like untouchability in some countries aims to promote social equality and ensure access to basic rights and opportunities for all. Ultimately, balancing the principles of justice is essential for creating a just society.

Q22. Discuss the John Rawls theory of justice?
Ans: John Rawls' theory of justice focuses on how to create a fair society. He suggests that to achieve fairness, we should imagine ourselves in a situation where we have to decide on the rules of society without knowing our future position within it. This thought experiment is called the veil of ignorance.

• Rawls argues that this approach leads us to support rules that are fair to everyone.
• He emphasises that fairness and rationality are essential for social justice.
• In a society with significant wealth gaps, justice is often lacking.
• Rawls believes that differences in wealth are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society.

Overall, Rawls' theory encourages us to think impartially about how to distribute benefits and burdens in a way that is just for all.

Q23. Describe the idea of ‘veil of ignorance’ as given by John Rawls in his theory of social justice.
Ans: In his theory of social justice, John Rawls introduces the concept of the ‘veil of ignorance’. This idea imagines a scenario where individuals do not know their future position in society, including their social class, wealth, or privileges. Key points about the veil of ignorance include:

• It represents a state of complete ignorance about one's future status.
• People would make decisions based on the interests of the worst-off members of society.
• This approach encourages fairness in distributing essential resources like education, health, and shelter.
• Rawls believes that rational individuals would choose rules that protect everyone, especially the disadvantaged.

Although it is challenging to erase personal identities, the veil of ignorance helps create a framework for justice that does not rely on extraordinary self-sacrifice. Instead, it expects people to act rationally and consider the implications of their choices for all members of society.

Q24. Discuss social justice as the objective of the Indian Constitution.
Ans: Indian society faces significant inequalities and injustices due to its feudal and colonial history. The Constitution aims to be a tool for socio-economic change and transformation. Social justice is a core value and objective of the Indian Constitution, highlighted in its preamble. It prioritises social justice in three key areas:

• Social
• Economic
• Political

To realise social justice, several features have been incorporated into the Constitution:

• The economy is structured on a socialistic pattern to ensure fair distribution of resources.
• It aims to meet the minimum needs of all citizens and create an egalitarian society.
• Special provisions are made for weaker sections of society, including reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in jobs and education.
• Social evils, such as untouchability, have been abolished to promote equality.

Q25. What is an egalitarian perspective? How it can be achieved?
Ans: Egalitarianism is a vital perspective for achieving social justice. It asserts that everyone should have access to the minimum needs required to live a decent life. Key principles include:

• All individuals deserve an environment that allows them to live with dignity.
• There should be no unjustified disparities among different groups in society.
• Efforts are ongoing to define the minimum and maximum standards for an egalitarian society.

To achieve this, it is essential to:

• Recognise the needs of individuals with special needs or disabilities.
• Address inequalities in access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
• Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to improve their living conditions.

A just society must provide:

• The basic conditions for a healthy and secure life.
• Equal opportunities for all to pursue their goals.

Determining these basic needs involves various methods, often established by governments and organisations like the World Health Organisation. Overall, the focus should be on creating a fair distribution of resources to promote equality and support those in need.

Q26. How the socialism seeks social justice?
Ans: Socialism emerged as a response to the inequalities and injustices of capitalism, which concentrated economic resources in the hands of a few. This led to significant disparities and a class-based society. Key principles of socialism include:

• Collective ownership of economic resources by society.
• Promotion of the idea: “from each according to his ability, to each according to his need.”
• Focus on cooperation and harmonious relations among different social classes.
• Meeting the basic needs of all individuals to ensure a dignified life.
• Aim to eliminate inhumane competition and promote human values.

Overall, socialism seeks to create a fairer society by addressing the root causes of inequality and striving for social justice.

Q27. Describe the features of a free-market economy.
Ans: A free-market economy allows individuals to own property and engage in business without government interference. Key features include:

• Property Rights: Individuals have the freedom to own and manage their assets.
• Competition: Businesses compete freely, which can lead to better products and services.
• Market Transactions: Supporters believe that voluntary exchanges lead to a fair distribution of resources.
• Merit-Based Rewards: Hard-working and talented individuals are rewarded, while those who do not perform well receive less.

While some state intervention is accepted, such as ensuring basic needs for social justice, the primary role of the government is to maintain a legal framework that supports fair competition. This approach aims to create a society where opportunities are based on skills and talents, rather than personal characteristics. However, critics argue that free markets can favour the wealthy, potentially limiting opportunities for the less advantaged. Thus, a balance between market freedom and government support is often debated to ensure fairness and justice in society.

Q28. How the free market economy is helpful in promoting social justice?
Ans: The free market economy promotes social justice by encouraging individual talent and entrepreneurship without interference. Key points include:

• The market ensures a basic minimum standard of living, allowing everyone to compete on equal terms.
• Private agencies are encouraged to provide essential services, while the state empowers individuals to access these services.
• The state's role is to maintain laws and regulations that ensure fair competition, free from coercion.
• A free market is seen as a foundation for a fair society, focusing on individual talents and skills, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
• Supporters argue that free markets offer more choices for consumers, enhancing the quality of goods and services available.
• However, there is concern that free markets may favour the wealthy, limiting opportunities for the disadvantaged.
• To ensure social justice, some advocate for state intervention to provide basic facilities for all.

Debates continue on whether free markets or government intervention better support the disadvantaged while maintaining fairness for all members of society.

Q29. Discuss the merits of a free-market economy.
Ans: One of the main merits of a free market economy is that it promotes the skills and abilities of individuals, regardless of their background. This system offers consumers a wider range of choices. Key advantages include:

• The free market encourages competition, leading to better quality goods and services.
• It provides a greater variety of products, allowing consumers to select what best meets their needs.
• Overall, it helps to eliminate shortages and ensures that goods are available in sufficient quantities.

In summary, a free market economy fosters innovation and efficiency, benefiting both consumers and producers.

Q30. Give the arguments in favour of State intervention for the promotion of social justice.
Ans: There are several arguments in favour of state intervention to promote social justice:

• The free market can lead to competition that concentrates power in the hands of a few, creating a divide between the rich and the poor.
• State intervention helps to prevent this concentration of resources, ensuring a more equitable distribution.
• It guarantees that basic facilities are accessible to all members of society, promoting fairness.
• The state acts as a mediator in managing resources, ensuring they are distributed fairly.

In a democratic society, discussions about distribution and justice are essential. They encourage us to consider various perspectives and defend our views rationally.