Worksheet Solutions: Equality | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: According to the Constitution of India, which of the following is a basis for discrimination?
(Answer choices: Religion, Gender, Caste, All of the above) 
Ans: All of the above
The Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, gender, caste, or place of birth. Hence, all of the options are bases for discrimination.

Q2: Equality upholds the notion that every individual possesses equal worth, regardless of their __________, __________, __________, or __________.
Ans: gender, race, colour, nationality
Equality emphasizes that every individual has equal worth, regardless of their gender, race, color, or nationality.

Q3: __________ is a significant moral and political force inspiring human society.
Ans: Equality
Equality is a significant moral and political force that has been inspiring human society for centuries.

Q4: Inequality still persists in various forms such as unequal distribution of wealth, limited opportunities, and unequal distribution of __________.
Ans: power
Inequality exists in various forms, including the unequal distribution of power, which means that some groups or individuals have more control or influence than others.

Q5: The ideal of equality is widely accepted, but inequality is still prevalent in almost all aspects of life, creating a significant __________.
Ans: paradox
The persistence of inequality despite the acceptance of the ideal of equality creates a significant paradox in society.

Q6: Equality implies that the treatment we receive and the opportunities we have must not be predetermined by __________ or social circumstances.
Ans: birth
Equality implies that one's treatment and opportunities should not be predetermined by their birth or social circumstances.

Q7: Social inequalities are created by __________ and may treat people differently based on their race, color, gender, or caste.
Ans: society
Social inequalities are produced by societal norms and practices that may result in different treatment of individuals based on factors such as race, color, gender, or caste.

Q8: __________ inequalities are distinct from socially-produced inequalities, which emerge due to inequalities of opportunity or exploitation.
Ans: Natural
Natural inequalities arise from inherent differences in individuals, while socially-produced inequalities result from inequalities of opportunity or exploitation within society.

Q9: Affirmative action is based on the idea that it is not sufficient to establish formal equality by law and may take many forms, such as __________ and __________.
Ans: scholarships, hostels
Affirmative action is based on the idea that formal legal equality is not enough, and it can take various forms, such as providing scholarships and hostels to disadvantaged groups.

Q10: Differential or special treatment may be considered to realize the goal of equality, but it requires justification and careful __________.
Ans: reflection
Differential or special treatment may be used to achieve equality, but it must be justified and thoughtfully considered.

Match the Column

Q1: Match the types of equality with their descriptions.

Ans: 1. Political Equality - B. Granting equal citizenship and basic rights to all members of the state, including the right to vote and freedom of expression.
2. Social Equality - C. The need for equal opportunities for different groups to compete for social goods and opportunities.
3. Economic Equality - A. Economic inequality measured by differences in wealth, property, or income.
4. Marxism - D. An ideology that advocates for public control over essential resources and property.
5. Liberalism - E. An ideology that upholds competition as a fair way of distributing resources and rewards in society.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Equality matters because it ensures fairness and justice in society.
Reason: Equality promotes unequal opportunities for individuals based on their background.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true because equality ensures fairness and justice. However, the reason is false; equality promotes equal opportunities, not unequal ones.

Q2: Assertion: Affirmative action is based on the idea that it is not sufficient to establish formal equality by law.
Reason: Affirmative action aims to deny equal treatment to all sections of society.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is true because affirmative action acknowledges that formal legal equality may not be enough. The reason is false; affirmative action seeks to provide equal opportunities, not deny equal treatment.

Q3: Assertion: Economic inequality can be measured by differences in wealth, property, or income.
Reason: Social equality focuses on granting equal citizenship and basic rights to all members of the state.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains that economic inequality is related to differences in wealth, property, or income.

Q4: Assertion: Differential or special treatment may be considered to realize the goal of equality.
Reason: Differential treatment is always unjust and should be avoided in all cases.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Both the assertion and reason are false.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true as sometimes differential treatment is necessary for equality. The reason is false; differential treatment is not always unjust and can be justifiable.

Very Short Answers Type Questions

Q1: Define political equality.
Ans: Political equality grants equal citizenship to all members of the state, including basic rights such as the right to vote, freedom of expression, and freedom of belief.

Q2: What are natural inequalities?
Ans: Natural inequalities arise between individuals due to their diverse capabilities and talents.

Q3: Provide an example of a socially-produced inequality.
Ans: Socially-produced inequalities can include unequal access to education, discrimination based on race, gender, or caste, and differences in treatment based on societal values.

Q4: What is affirmative action?
Ans: Affirmative action is a policy based on the idea that it is not sufficient to establish formal equality by law. It includes measures such as scholarships, special consideration for admissions, or quotas to provide equal opportunities to deprived groups.

Q5: How can equality be attained according to the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, thereby ensuring equality for all citizens.

Q6: Why do some people argue against affirmative action?
Ans: Some argue against affirmative action because they believe it may deny equal treatment to other sections of society and may not be the most effective way to achieve equality.

Q7: What is the distinction between treating everyone in an identical manner and treating everyone as equal?
Ans: Treating everyone in an identical manner means providing the same treatment to all individuals. Treating everyone as equal means considering the specific needs and circumstances of each individual to ensure fairness and justice.

Q8: Give an example of differential treatment for achieving equality.
Ans: Providing ramps in public spaces for disabled individuals is an example of differential treatment to ensure equal access and opportunities.

Q9: Why is it important to justify differential treatment in the pursuit of equality?
Ans: Justifying differential treatment is essential to ensure that it aligns with the goal of equality and does not lead to unfairness or discrimination.

Q10: What role did the women's movement play in advocating for equality?
Ans: The women's movement in the 19th century advocated for equal rights, including the right to vote, access to education, and the right to work. They recognized the need for special facilities to exercise these rights and contributed to the understanding of differential treatment as a means to promote a just and egalitarian society.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the concept of natural inequalities and their relevance in the pursuit of equality.
Ans: Natural inequalities arise from inherent differences in individuals, such as capabilities and talents. They are relevant in the pursuit of equality because distinguishing between natural and socially-produced inequalities helps assess the fairness of policies and practices.

Q2: Describe the three dimensions of equality and provide examples for each.
Ans: The three dimensions of equality are:

• Political Equality (e.g., the right to vote and freedom of expression).
• Social Equality (e.g., equal access to education or opportunities for different groups).
• Economic Equality (e.g., differences in wealth, property, or income).

Q3: Discuss the principles and arguments of Marxism and liberalism regarding economic inequality.
Ans: Marxism argues that private ownership of essential economic resources leads to entrenched inequality, while liberalism upholds competition as a fair way to distribute resources. Marxists advocate public control, while liberals support open competition.

Q4: Why is affirmative action considered necessary to achieve equality, and what forms can it take?
Ans: Affirmative action is needed because formal legal equality may not suffice to address historical disadvantages. It can take forms like scholarships, special admissions, or quotas to provide equal opportunities to deprived groups.

Q5: What are the key provisions of the Indian Constitution in promoting equality?
Ans: The Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth and abolishes the practice of untouchability, ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Q6: What challenges and debates surround the policy of reservations in India?
Ans: Reservations in India face debates regarding their fairness, effectiveness, and potential impact on other sections of society. Critics argue that they may deny equal treatment to some.

Q7: Differentiate between formal equality and equality of opportunities.
Ans: Formal equality means identical treatment by law, while equality of opportunities focuses on providing all individuals with an equal chance to access resources and pursue their goals.

Q8: How can society justify differential treatment in the pursuit of equality while avoiding unfairness and discrimination?
Ans: Society can justify differential treatment by showing that it is necessary to address historical disadvantages or provide equal opportunities. However, such treatment must be carefully considered to avoid unfairness and discrimination.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the significance of the ideal of equality in society and its role in promoting fairness and justice.
Ans: The ideal of equality is significant because it ensures fairness, justice, and inclusivity in society. It upholds the belief that all individuals have equal worth regardless of their characteristics. This ideal promotes equal opportunities, equal rights, and a harmonious society where everyone can thrive. Equality is essential for creating a just and egalitarian society.

Q2: Analyze the challenges and complexities of distinguishing between natural and socially-produced inequalities in the pursuit of equality.
Ans: Distinguishing between natural and socially-produced inequalities can be challenging. Natural inequalities are based on inherent differences, while socially-produced inequalities arise from societal norms and practices. However, what was once considered natural may no longer be regarded as unalterable due to advances in technology and medicine. These complexities make it difficult to use this distinction as a standard for assessing laws and policies.

Q3: Explore the different dimensions of equality, including political, social, and economic equality, and their role in creating a just society.
Ans: Political equality grants equal citizenship and basic rights, social equality ensures equal access to opportunities and social goods, and economic equality addresses differences in wealth and income. These dimensions play crucial roles in creating a just society by promoting equal rights, access, and opportunities for all citizens.

Q4: Examine the ethical and practical considerations surrounding affirmative action as a means to achieve equality, focusing on its potential benefits and criticisms.
Ans: Affirmative action is justified as it aims to address historical disadvantages and provide equal opportunities. It can take forms like scholarships and quotas. However, critics argue that it may deny equal treatment to some groups. Ethical and practical considerations center around its effectiveness, fairness, and potential impact on other sections of society. The policy must be carefully designed to balance these considerations.