Short & Long Questions: Prejudice, Discrimination and Inequality | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is prejudice?
Ans:  Prejudice is when people form negative opinions about others without knowing the facts.

Q2: Give one cause of prejudice.
Ans: One cause of prejudice is lack of sensitivity.

Q3: Explain one effect of prejudice.
Ans: Prejudice can lead to conflict and mistrust among communities.

Q4: What is a stereotype? Give an example.
Ans: A stereotype is an oversimplified image of a group of people. An example is saying, "Girls are not good at mathematics."

Q5: What is discrimination?
Ans: Discrimination is treating others unfairly based on prejudice, without considering their individual qualities.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: How is prejudice different from discrimination? Provide an example for each.
Ans: Prejudice is forming negative opinions without knowing the facts. Discrimination is treating others unfairly based on those opinions. For example, if someone believes people from a certain religion are dishonest (prejudice), they might refuse to hire or be mean to someone from that religion (discrimination).

Q2: Explain the causes and effects of prejudice in society.
Ans: Causes of prejudice include ignorance, lack of sensitivity, and social bias. Effects of prejudice include conflicts, mistrust, and disunity in society.

Q3: What are the steps that can be taken to reduce prejudice? Explain each step briefly.
Ans: 

• Governments can make stricter laws against discrimination and implement existing laws effectively.
• Education helps people become more open-minded and understanding.
• The media can promote tolerance and harmony.
• Special efforts can be made to uplift the backward classes to build trust and security.
• Deconditioning involves challenging old beliefs and bringing about positive changes.

Q4: Discuss the concept of stereotypes. Why are they harmful? Provide an example.
Ans: Stereotypes are fixed and oversimplified images of groups of people. They are harmful because they don't recognize the uniqueness of individuals. For example, saying "Boys do not cry" is a stereotype, but it's not true for all boys.

Q5: Explain the different types of discrimination mentioned in the chapter with examples.
Ans: 

• Religious discrimination happens when people of one religion are treated unfairly by those of another. For example, not allowing someone to enter a place of worship because of their religion.
• Caste discrimination was initially meant to help society, but it led to unfair treatment based on caste. For example, not allowing someone to draw water from a public well because of their caste.
• Racial discrimination, like apartheid, happens based on race. In South Africa, non-white people were discriminated against in various ways.
• Gender disparity can lead to inequality, like paying women less than men for the same work.
• Economic inequality arises from unequal distribution of wealth and income. This leads to discrimination against those who are very poor.