Gender Religion and Caste Class 10 Worksheet Civics Chapter 1

MCQs

Q1: What step taken to provide representation to women in Panchayats and Municipalities?
(a) Reservation for election to half of the seats for women
(b) Appointment of 1/3 women members
(c) Reservation for election to 1/3 of the seats for women
(d) None of the above
Ans: (c)
Women’s organisations and activists have been demanding a similar reservation of at least one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women.

Q2: In which of these categories of work do you think less time is spent by men?
(a) Household and related work
(b) Sleep, self-care, reading etc.
(c) Income-generating work
(d) Talking and gossiping
Ans: (a)
Household and related work are the categories of work in which less time is spent by men.

Q3: Indian society is of which type?
(a) A matriarchal society
(b) A patriarchal society
(c) A fraternal society
(d) None of these
Ans: (b)
In our country, women still lag much behind men despite some improvement since Independence. Ours is still a male dominated, patriarchal society. Women face disadvantage, discrimination and oppression.

Q4: What is the result of political expression of gender division?
(a) Has helped to improve women’s role in public life
(b) Has provided a superior status to women
(c) The position remains the same, as it was
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a)
The result of political expression of gender division has helped to improve women’s role in public life.

Q5: What is mean by the term ‘Feminist’?
(a) Having the qualities considered typical of women.
(b) A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
(c) The belief that men and women are equal.
(d) Men who look like women.
Ans: (b)
Feminist is a woman or a man who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men.

Q6. Which of these matters deal with the ‘Family Laws’?
(a) Marriage and divorce
(b) Adoption
(c) Inheritance
(d) All of these
Ans: (d)
Family laws: Those laws that deal with family related matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, etc. In our country, different family laws apply to followers of different religions.

Q7: Which of these is true about the most ugly form of communalism?
(a) Communal violence
(b) Riots
(c) Massacre
(d) All the above
Ans: (d)
Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and massacre. India and Pakistan suffered some of the worst communal riots at the time of the Partition.

Q8: What is leading to the breakdown of caste hierarchy?
(a) Large-scale urbanisation
(b) Growth of literacy and education
(c) Occupational mobility
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
With economic development, large scale urbanisation, growth of literacy and education, occupational mobility and the weakening of the position of landlords in the villages, the old notions of caste hierarchy are breaking down.

Q9: The percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha has never reached what per cent of its total strength?
(a) 25%
(b) 15%
(c) 10%
(d) 5%
Ans: (c)
The percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha has never reached even 10 per cent of its total strength.

Q10: In some places in India, by how much the child sex ratio has fallen to as low as?
(a) 927
(b) 840
(c) 820
(d) 800
Ans: (d)
Sex-selective abortion led to a decline in child sex ratio (number of girl children per thousand boys) in the country to merely 914. In some part of India this ratio has fallen below 850 or even 800 in some places.

Fill In The Blank 
Direction: Complete the following statements with appropriate word(s).

Q1: Women’s movements have argued that ______ of all religious discriminate against women.
Ans: family laws

Q2: A communal mind often leads to quest for ______ of one’s own religious community.
Ans: political dominance

Q3: Caste system was based on exclusion of and discrimination against the ______ groups.
Ans: outcaste

True/False 
Direction: Read each of the following statements and write if it is true or false.
Q1: In today’s scenario, we can claim that casteism has completely disappeared from our society and politics.
Ans: False

Q2: Political parties and candidates hardly use caste sentiments.
Ans: False

Q3: Shifting of population from rural to urban areas is known as migration.
Ans: False

Assertion And Reasons
Direction : Mark the option which is most suitable :
Q1: Assertion : Sex-selective abortion led to decline of sex ratio in India.
Reason : Desire of for a male child makes Indian families abort girl.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
Sex-selective abortion led to decline of sex ratio in India. Indian parents want to have son and want ways to abort girl child. However, sex-selective abortion is immoral and legally banned in India. The reason thus explains the assertion. 

Q2: Assertion : Stereotypical gender roles for males and females helps in avoiding conflicts.
Reason : India is a matriarchal society.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (d) Both assertion and reason are false.

Stereotypical|gender roles where females are expected to do household work and males are expected to earn living is unjustifiable. The female should also get equal rights as the male. Also, India is a patriarchial society, Men are in authority over women in different aspects of society.

Q3: Assertion : Communal ism is based on the idea that religion is the principal basis of social community.
Reason : Caste should be kept away from politics.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
Communalism is based on the idea that religion is the principal basis of social community. It considers that people of different religion can’t be equal citizen and one should dominate the other. Caste creates social conflicts and should be kept away from politics as it leads to violence. The reason, however true, does not explain the assertion.

Q4: Assertion : A casteist is a person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of community.
Reason : Allcastes are equal and man-made.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
A castiest is a person who thinks that caste is the principal basis of community. However, such a belief is faulty as everyone is equal and no caste is superior to other. Thus, both reason & assertion are true but the reason does not explain the assertion. 

Q5: Assertion : Sometimes a caste group becomes vote bank for a party.
Reason : Selecting the candidate from same caste helps in ensuring better governance.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
Sometimes a caste group becomes vote bank for a party as people select the candidate belonging to their own caste. This helps in representing and communicating their personal interests on a wider front. However, it is wrong to select a candidate on the basis of caste instead of personal abilities. Thus the assertion is true,-the reason is false.

Very Short Answer Type Questions 

Q1: Define a feminist? 
or
By what term is now the person known who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women.
Ans:  Feminist: A person who believes in equal rights and opportunities for all human beings.

Q2: In which constitutional institution have seats been reserved for women? 
Ans:  Panchayats and Municipalities

Short Answer Type Questions 

Q1: How does religion influence the political set up in our country? Explain.
Ans:  The religion in politics is not dangerous as it seems to us. Ethical values of each religion can play a major role in politics.
As a member of any religious community, people should express their political needs. The political leaders regulate the practice of religion so that there should be no discrimination and oppression. If all religions are treated equally then these political acts are correct in any way.

Q2: Describe the three factors which determine the outcome of the politics of social divisions.
Ans:  Factors that decide the outcome of the politics of social divisions.
a. The people’s perception of their identities: When this is singular, the accommodation of other identities becomes difficult.
b. Representation of a community by political leaders: While representing a community, if politicians raise demands that are constitutional, then, it is easier to accommodate those demands.
c. The government’s reaction: If the reasonable demands of a community are suppressed by the government, then it leads to social divisions, which in turns threaten the integrity of the country.

 Q3: Suppose a politician seeks your vote on the religious ground. Why is his act considered against the norms of democracy? Explain. 
Ans:  His act is against the spirit of democracy as the said politician is not working as per the Constitution.
a. It also exploits the social difference.
b. It may create social discard and may lead to social division.
c. It is also biased attitude and neglects the principle of equality.

Q4: Explain the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies. 
Ans: The status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies are as follows:
a. Central legislature: Less than 10% of its total strength are women.
b. State legislatures: Less than 5% of then- total strength are women.
c. Panchayati Raj: One-third of the seats are reserved for women.

Q5: How can communalism pose a great threat to Indian democracy? 
or
How can religion be a source of danger to democratic politics? Explain your view points.
Ans: Communalism can pose a great threat to Indian democracy as:
a. It leads to the belief that people belonging to different religions cannot live as equal citizens within one nation. Either one of them has to dominate the rest or they have to form different nations.
b. Any attempt to bring followers of one religion together in a context other than religion is bound to suppress many voices within that community.

Q6: Define Feminist Movements. Write their objectives.
Ans:  Definition: Agitations or movements demanding enhancement in the political and legal status of women and improving their education and career opportunities are called Feminist Movement. 
Main Objective: The main objective of Feminist Movement is to attain equality among men and women.

Q7: How are religious differences expressed in politics?
Ans: The religious differences are often expressed in the field of politics, i.e.
a. Gandhiji used to say that religion can never be separated from politics, what he meant by religion was not any particular religion like Hinduism or Islam, but moral values that inform all religions.
He believed that politics must be guided by ethics drawn from religion.
b. Human right groups in our country have argued that most of the victims of communal riots in our country are people from religious minorities. They have demanded that the government take special steps to protect religious minorities.
c. Women’s movement has agreed that family laws of all religions discriminate against women, so they have demanded that government should change these laws to make them more equitable.
Q8: Assess the influences of politics on caste system.
Ans:  Influence of politics on Caste:
a. Each caste group tries to become bigger by incorporating within it sub-castes.
b. Various caste groups are required to enter into a coalition with other caste or communities.
c. New kinds of caste groups have entered politics like ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ castes.
d. Politics in caste has allowed many disadvantaged caste groups to demand heir share of power.
Caste politics has helped the Dalits and OBCs to gain better access to decision making.

Q9: What is sexual division of labour? Mention the main demands of the worldwide women’s agitations.
Ans:  Sexual division of labour means division of work on the basis of the gender difference and according to this concept all house work and responsibility of bringing up children is women’s work.
Women all over the world have been demanding:
a. Equal voting rights.
b. Enhancement of political and legal status of women.
c. Improvement of educational and career opportunities for women.

Q10: Define communalism. Explain any three forms of Communalism in the Indian Politics.
Ans: Communalism is a situation when beliefs of one religion are presented as superior to those of other religions. When the demands of one religious group are formed in opposition to another and when state power is used to establish domination of one religious group over the rest.
Various forms of communalism in politics :
a. The most common expression of communalism is in every day beliefs.
b. A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community.
c. Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeals and plan fear.

Q11: “Caste has not still disappeared from contemporary India.” Write any three examples to justify the statement.
Ans:  Caste has not disappeared from contemporary India.
Some of the older aspects of caste which are persisting are as follows:
a. Even now most people marry within their own caste or tribe.
b. Untouchability has not ended completely, despite constitutional prohibition.
Effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continued to be felt today

Long Answer Type Questions
Q1: How is gender division understood in Indian society?
To what extent does political mobilization on gender basis help to improve women’s role in public life?
Ans:  a. In Indian society, gender division tends to be understood as natural and unchangeable. It is based on social expectations and stereotypes.
b. This attitude leads to sexual division of labour.
Boys and girls are brought up to believe that the main responsibility of women is housework and bringing up children, whereas all the outside works are to be done by men.
c. The result of this division of labour is that though the women constitute almost half the population, their role in public life in minimal.
d. Political expression and political mobilisation on this question helped to improve women’s role in public life. We now find women working as scientists, doctors, engineers, teachers, etc. Now with lot of efforts 33% seats are reserved for women in local government bodies.

Q2: What form does communalism take in politics?
or
Explain any three forms of communal politics, with examples.
or
Explain how communalism is being expressed in politics ?
or
What does the term communalism mean? Explain any four forms which communalism takes in politics.
Ans:  Communalism: It means attempts to promote religious ideas between groups of people which are identified as different communities.
Communalism can take various forms in politics:
a. The most common expression of communalism is in everyday beliefs. These routinely involve religious prejudices, stereotype of religious communities and belief in the superiority of one’s religion over other religions. This is so common that we often fail to notice it, even when we believe in it.
b. A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community. For those belonging to majority community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For those belonging to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate political unit.
c. Political mobilisation on religious lines is another frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in order to bring the followers of one religion together in the political arena.
d. Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of communal violence, riots and massacre.

Q3: Examine the standard of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies.
or
Assess the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies.
Ans: The status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies is as follows:
a. Central Legislature: Less than 10% of its total strength are women.
b. State Legislature: Less than 5% of its total strength are women.
c. Panchayati Raj: One-third of the seats are reserved for women.
d. India is among the bottom group of nations in the world, in this aspect.
e. Women’s organizations and activists have been demanding a similar reservation of at least one third of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
But the bill to this effect has not been passed.

Q4: Explain the factors that have led to the weakening of the caste system in India.
or
Explain any five reasons for the declining caste system in India.
or
Explain any five socio-economic changes responsible for breaking down the old notion of caste hierarchy in India.
or
What factors have brought about a change in the Indian caste system in modern times? Explain.
Ans:  Decline of the caste system in India:
1. Efforts of social reformers like Phule, Gandhiji, Ambedkar against caste system have helped to promote a tasteless society.
2. Economic development has reduced the emphasis on caste.
3. Large scale urbanisation has diminished the awareness of caste, as people rub shoulders in buses, trains and offices.
4. Growth of literacy and education has helped to decrease the belief in caste.
5. Occupational mobility is possible now and children are not compelled to continue the profession of the family or father.
6. Weakening of the position of landlords in the villages has led to decline of the rigid caste barriers in villages.
7. Constitutional provisions such as Right to Equality of all before law have helped to prevent discrimination legally.
8. Policy of reservation of seats in local selfgovernment bodies and legislatures as well in educational institutes have helped to uplift the political, social and economic position of lower castes.

Q5: Describe the positive and negative aspects of relationship between caste and politics.
or
Describe three advantages and two disadvantages of the political expression of caste differences.
or
Analyse any five advantages and disadvantages of the political expression of caste differences?
Ans:  Advantages:
a. It gives disadvantaged groups the opportunity to demand a share in power and decision making.
b. Many’ political parties take up the issue of ending caste discrimination.
c. Measures for uplifting the status of the backward/ castes will be undertaken.
Disadvantages:
a. Caste-based politics divert attention from main issues such as poverty, corruption, etc.
b. Caste-based politics lead to tensions, conflicts and violence.

Q6: How can the relationship between politics and religion be beneficial and problematic at the same time? Explain.
or
It is inevitable to ignore the relationship between politics and religion. In what way does this relationship impact modern day politics? Explain.
Ans: Beneficial:
a. Influence of religion can make politics value based.
b. Religious communities can politically express their needs and interests.
c. Political authorities can monitor and control religious discrimination and oppression.
Problematic:
a. Religion can become the base for the development of nationalist sentiments which can lead to conflicts.
b. Political parties will try to make political gains by pitting one group against the other.
c. State power may be used to establish the domination of one religious group over another.