Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 8 Practice Question Answers - Confronting Marginalisation

Q1: What does the term "marginalisation" refer to?
(a) The process of expanding opportunities for all individuals equally.
(b) The practice of including everyone in decision-making processes.
(c) The exclusion of certain groups from the mainstream society and denying them equal rights and opportunities.
(d) The act of celebrating cultural diversity without addressing inequality.
Ans: (c)
Marginalisation refers to the social process where certain groups are pushed to the edges of society, denied access to resources, rights, and opportunities, resulting in their exclusion and unequal treatment.

Q2: Which of the following is an example of economic marginalisation?
(a) Providing scholarships to underprivileged students.
(b) Ensuring equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.
(c) Denying access to quality healthcare based on income level.
(d) Promoting cultural festivals to celebrate diversity.
Ans: (c)
Economic marginalisation occurs when individuals or groups are denied access to essential resources and services such as healthcare, education, and employment due to their economic status.

Q3: What does the term "caste" primarily refer to in the context of marginalisation in India?
(a) Religious festivals celebrated by different communities.
(b) Traditional clothing worn by specific ethnic groups.
(c) Social divisions based on hereditary occupations and hierarchical ranking.
(d) Linguistic diversity among various regions.
Ans: (c)
In India, the term "caste" refers to the social system characterized by hereditary occupational divisions and a hierarchical ranking, leading to the marginalisation of certain groups based on their caste identity.

Q4: How does education contribute to reducing marginalisation?
(a) By encouraging competition among students.
(b) By promoting uniformity in thoughts and beliefs.
(c) By providing equal opportunities and empowering individuals.
(d) By emphasizing traditional values over modern ideas.
Ans: (c)
Education plays a crucial role in reducing marginalisation by offering equal access to knowledge, skills, and opportunities, thus empowering individuals to overcome social inequalities.

Q5: Which movement led by B.R. Ambedkar aimed to combat untouchability and demand equal rights for Dalits?
(a) Quit India Movement
(b) Swadeshi Movement
(c) Civil Disobedience Movement
(d) Dalit Buddhist Movement
Ans: (d)
The Dalit Buddhist Movement, led by B.R. Ambedkar, aimed to fight against untouchability and caste-based discrimination by advocating for the conversion of Dalits to Buddhism as a means of achieving social equality and dignity.

Q6: Explain the concept of "reservation" in the context of confronting marginalisation in India.
Ans: Reservation refers to the policy of allocating a certain percentage of seats, jobs, and opportunities in educational institutions and public services to historically disadvantaged and marginalised groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This policy is intended to address historical injustices and provide these groups with equal access to resources and opportunities, thus promoting social inclusion and reducing marginalisation.

Q7: How does the media play a role in confronting marginalisation?
Ans: The media plays a significant role in confronting marginalisation by influencing public opinion, highlighting social issues, and giving a voice to marginalised groups. It can bring attention to injustices, discrimination, and unequal treatment, fostering awareness and understanding among the general population. Additionally, the media can provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, enabling them to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This visibility can contribute to the reduction of stereotypes and biases, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Q8: Describe one impact of gender-based marginalisation on society and suggest a measure to address it.
Ans: One impact of gender-based marginalisation is the limited representation of women in leadership roles and decision-making positions. This not only deprives society of diverse perspectives but also perpetuates gender inequality. To address this, implementing gender-sensitive policies such as mandatory quotas for women's representation in political bodies and corporate boards can help create more balanced and inclusive spaces. This measure can empower women, challenge stereotypes, and lead to more equitable and just outcomes in various sectors.

Q9: Explain the term "marginalization" and provide an example from a contemporary context.
Ans: Marginalization refers to the process through which certain groups or individuals are pushed to the edge of society and denied equal access to resources and opportunities. An example from a contemporary context is the exclusion of transgender individuals from employment opportunities and social services due to discrimination and lack of awareness.

Q10: How did the caste system contribute to marginalization in India's history?
Ans: The caste system in India contributed to marginalization by creating a hierarchical social structure based on birth. Those in the lower castes faced discrimination, exclusion, and limited access to resources and opportunities. This system perpetuated social inequalities, making it difficult for marginalized groups to improve their socio-economic status.

Q11: Explain the term "social inequality" and provide two examples to illustrate how it contributes to marginalization. Suggest two ways through which communities can collectively address social inequality and reduce marginalization.
Ans: Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among different groups in society. For instance, a lack of access to quality education for marginalized communities can perpetuate inequality. Similarly, unequal healthcare facilities can lead to poorer health outcomes for certain groups. Communities can address social inequality by advocating for policies that ensure equal access to education and healthcare, and by promoting awareness and inclusivity to challenge discriminatory practices.

Q12: Discuss the role of government policies in either promoting or addressing marginalization. Provide two examples of government policies, one each for positive and negative impacts on marginalized communities.
Ans: Government policies play a crucial role in either exacerbating or alleviating marginalization. For instance, affirmative action policies that provide reservations for marginalized communities in educational institutions can uplift them. On the other hand, policies that discriminate against certain communities, like denying them land rights, can perpetuate marginalization. By implementing inclusive policies and addressing historical injustices, governments can actively work towards reducing marginalization.

Q13: Examine how media and popular culture can influence the perception of marginalized communities. Provide two examples of how media representation can reinforce stereotypes and marginalization, and suggest two strategies to promote positive representation.
Ans: Media and popular culture can shape public perceptions of marginalized communities. For instance, portraying certain ethnic groups as criminals can reinforce negative stereotypes. Similarly, depicting women only in traditional roles can limit their opportunities. To promote positive representation, media can ensure diverse portrayals of different communities and provide platforms for marginalized voices. Additionally, media literacy programs can help audiences critically analyze portrayals and challenge stereotypes, contributing to a more inclusive society.

Q14: Define the term "displacement" in the context of marginalization. Give two examples of how displacement of marginalized communities occurs, and discuss the challenges they face due to forced displacement.
Ans: Displacement refers to the forced relocation of individuals or communities from their homes due to various reasons such as development projects or conflicts. For instance, construction of dams can lead to the displacement of indigenous communities from their ancestral lands. Similarly, armed conflicts can result in the displacement of civilians from conflict zones. Forced displacement leads to loss of livelihoods, cultural disruptions, and lack of basic amenities, intensifying the marginalization of already vulnerable groups.

Q15: Explain the concept of "microaggressions" and provide two examples to illustrate how they contribute to the marginalization of certain groups. Suggest two approaches individuals can adopt to address and counteract microaggressions in everyday life.
Ans: Microaggressions are subtle, everyday actions or comments that convey negative messages about marginalized groups, often unintentionally. For instance, asking someone where they are "really" from can perpetuate the idea that they don't belong. Similarly, making assumptions about someone's abilities based on their appearance reinforces stereotypes. To address microaggressions, individuals can engage in open conversations about stereotypes, educate others about their impact, and practice empathy to foster understanding and inclusivity.