Passage Based Questions: Equality | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The concept of equality Implies that all people, as human beings, are entitled to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents and to pursue their goals and ambitions. This means that In a society people may differ with regard to their choices and preferences. They may also have different talents and skills which results In some being more successful In their chosen careers than others. But Just because only some become ace cricketers or successful lawyers, It does not follow that the society should be considered unequal.

Q1: What does the concept of equality imply in terms of rights and opportunities for individuals?
Ans:

• The concept of equality implies that all individuals, as human beings, are entitled to the same rights and opportunities.
• This includes the opportunity to develop their skills and talents and to pursue their goals and ambitions.

Q2: How does the recognition of individual differences in choices, preferences, talents, and skills relate to the idea of equality within a society?
Ans:

• Acknowledging that people may differ in their choices, preferences, talents, and skills is consistent with the concept of equality.
• Equality does not necessitate uniformity in outcomes; it recognizes that individuals will have varying levels of success in their chosen careers or pursuits.

Q3: Why does the passage argue that societal inequality should not be equated with individual differences in success in specific fields, like becoming ace cricketers or successful lawyers?
Ans:

• The passage argues that societal inequality should not be inferred from individual variations in success because equality is based on the equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of the differing outcomes they achieve in specific careers or endeavors.

Passage - 2

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The concept of equality Implies that all people, as human beings, are entitled to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, and to pursue their goals and ambitions. This means that In a society people may differ with regard to their choices and preferences. They may also have different talents and skills which results In some being more successful In their chosen careers than others. But Just because only some become ace cricketers or successful lawyers, It does not follow that the society should be considered unequal. In other words, It Is not the lack of equality of status or wealth or privilege that Is significant but the Inequalities In people's access to such basic goods, as education, health care, safe housing, that make for an unequal and unjust society.

Q1: What does the concept of equality imply in terms of individuals' entitlement to rights and opportunities, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• The concept of equality implies that all individuals, as human beings, have the right to the same opportunities and rights.
• This includes the opportunity to develop their skills and talents and to pursue their goals and ambitions.

Q2: How does the passage differentiate between the significance of societal equality and the inequalities that may arise from individual choices and talents?
Ans:

• The passage highlights that societal equality is not primarily about the lack of equality in status, wealth, or privilege.
• Instead, it underscores that societal equality is primarily concerned with addressing inequalities in people's access to basic goods such as education, healthcare, and safe housing, which contribute to an unjust society.

Q3: What is emphasized as the key factor in determining societal equality and justice, according to the passage?
Ans:

• The passage emphasizes that the key factor in determining societal equality and justice is the inequalities in people's access to essential goods like education, healthcare, and safe housing, rather than variations in individual success or career choices.

Passage - 3

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Another problem which arises with the Idea of natural differences Is that some differences which be considered natural need no longer be seen as unalterable. For Instance, advances In medical science and technologies have helped many disabled people to function effectively In society.

Q1: What issue does the passage raise regarding the concept of natural differences, and what has challenged the idea of certain differences being unalterable?
Ans:

• The passage raises the issue that some differences traditionally considered as "natural" may no longer be perceived as unalterable.
• Advances in medical science and technologies have challenged the notion of unalterable natural differences by enabling disabled individuals to function effectively in society.

Q2: How has medical science and technology impacted individuals with disabilities, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Advances in medical science and technology have significantly benefited individuals with disabilities by enhancing their ability to function effectively in society.
• These advancements have improved the quality of life and opportunities for those previously limited by their disabilities.

Q3: What is the key point made in the passage regarding natural differences, and how do medical advancements illustrate this point?
Ans:

• The key point is that some differences considered natural can now be altered, challenging the perception of their unalterability.
• The example of advances in medical science and technology demonstrates that what was once viewed as an unchangeable natural difference, such as disability, can now be positively influenced and altered to enable effective social participation.

Passage - 4

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Movement and association and freedom of belief. These are rights which are considered necessary to enable citizens to develop themselves and participate In the affairs of the state. But they are legal rights, guaranteed by the constitution and laws. We know that considerable Inequality can exist even In countries that grant equal rights to all citizens. These Inequalities are often the result of differences In the resources and opportunities which are available to citizens In the social and economic spheres. For this reason a demand Is often made for equal opportunities, or for a level playing field'. But we should remember that although polltlcal and legal equality by Itself may not be sufficient to build a just and egalitarian society, It Is certainly an Important component of It.

Q1: What are the rights mentioned in the passage that are considered essential for citizens to develop themselves and participate in the affairs of the state?
Ans:

• The passage mentions rights such as freedom of movement and association, as well as freedom of belief, which are considered crucial for citizens to develop themselves and engage in state affairs.

Q2: What is highlighted as the source of considerable inequality in countries that grant equal legal rights to all citizens?
Ans:

• The passage underscores that considerable inequality often arises from differences in the resources and opportunities available to citizens in the social and economic spheres, even in countries that grant equal legal rights to all citizens.

Q3: Why is political and legal equality emphasized as an important component of building a just and egalitarian society, despite its potential limitations?
Ans:

• Political and legal equality is regarded as an important component of building a just and egalitarian society because it provides a foundational framework for ensuring the rights and freedoms necessary for citizens' development and participation in the state's affairs. While not sufficient by itself, it is a crucial step toward achieving a fair and equitable society.

Passage - 5

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In India, a special problem regarding equal opportunities comes not just from lack of facilities but from some of the customs which may prevail In different parts of country, or among different groups. Women, for instance, may not enjoy equal rights of Inheritance In some groups, or there may be social prohibitions regarding them taking part In certain kinds of activities, or they may even be discouraged from obtaining higher education. I state has a significant role In such matters. It should make policies to prevent discrimination or harassment of women In public places or employment, to provide Incentives to open up education or certain professions to women, and other such measures.

Q1: What is highlighted as a special problem regarding equal opportunities in India, particularly concerning women, in the passage?
Ans:

• The passage points out that a special problem related to equal opportunities in India arises from customs prevalent in various regions or among different groups, particularly concerning women.
• Women may not enjoy equal rights of inheritance, face social prohibitions in participating in specific activities, or be discouraged from pursuing higher education.

Q2: What role is attributed to the state in addressing issues related to equal opportunities and women's rights, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• The state is assigned a significant role in addressing these matters, particularly in preventing discrimination or harassment of women in public places or employment.
• The state should also establish policies that provide incentives to open up education and certain professions to women and implement other relevant measures to promote equal opportunities for all.

Q3: What are some specific measures that the passage suggests the state should take to promote equal opportunities for women?
Ans:

• The passage suggests that the state should make policies to prevent discrimination or harassment of women in public places and employment.
• It should also provide incentives to increase access to education and certain professions for women, aiming to eliminate gender-based disparities and enhance equal opportunities.

Passage - 6

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Marxism and Ilberallsm are two Important political Ideologies of our times. Marx was an Important nineteenth-century thinker who argued that the root cause of entrenched Inequality was private ownership of Important economic resources such as 011, or land, or forests, as well as other forms of property. He pointed out that such private ownership did not only make the class of owners wealthy, It also gave them political power. Such power enables them to Influence state policies and laws and this could prove a threat to democratic government. Marxists and socialists feel that economic Inequality provides support to other forms of social inequality such as differences of rank or privilege.

Q1: What is the core argument made by Marx regarding the root cause of entrenched inequality, and how does he link it to political power?
Ans:

• Marx argues that the primary cause of entrenched inequality is the private ownership of vital economic resources like oil, land, and forests, along with other forms of property.
• He contends that private ownership not only generates wealth for the owners but also grants them political power. This political power allows them to influence state policies and laws, potentially posing a threat to democratic governance.

Q2: According to Marxists and socialists, what relationship do they see between economic inequality and other forms of social inequality, and how does it manifest?
Ans:

• Marxists and socialists believe that economic inequality serves as a foundation for other forms of social inequality, such as differences in rank or privilege.
• Economic disparities can bolster and reinforce social hierarchies and unequal power dynamics, leading to various forms of social inequality.

Q3: What important role does Marx attribute to private ownership of economic resources in the context of entrenched inequality and its implications for democratic government?
Ans:

• Marx emphasizes that private ownership of key economic resources not only contributes to entrenched inequality but also provides the owners with the ability to wield significant political influence.
• This political influence can undermine democratic governance by allowing the owners to shape state policies and laws in their favor, potentially undermining the principles of democracy.

Passage - 7

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Social, economic and political Inequalities all over the world have been protected by customs and legal systems that prohibited some sections of society from enjoying certain kinds of opportunities and rewards. Poor people were not granted the right to vote In a large number of countries. Women were not allowed to take up many professions and activities. The caste system In India prevented people from the 'lower' castes from doing anything except manual labour. In many countries, only people from some families could occupy high positions.

Q1: What are the factors mentioned in the passage that have historically protected social, economic, and political inequalities worldwide?
Ans:

• The passage identifies customs and legal systems as the factors that have historically protected social, economic, and political inequalities.
• These customs and legal systems often restricted certain sections of society from accessing various opportunities and rewards.

Q2: Can you give examples of specific inequalities mentioned in the passage, particularly in relation to voting rights and professions?
Ans:

• Poor people were denied the right to vote in many countries, creating a significant political inequality.
• Women were barred from pursuing various professions and activities, leading to gender-based inequalities.

Q3: How does the passage illustrate the impact of the caste system in India on social and economic inequalities?
Ans:

• The passage points out that the caste system in India limited individuals from the 'lower' castes to manual labor, reflecting the social and economic inequalities perpetuated by this system.
• The caste system restricted the opportunities and social mobility of individuals based on their caste, reinforcing social and economic disparities.