Important Questions: On Equality | Social Studies (SST) Class 7 PDF Download

Clear all your Class 7 doubts with EduRev Join for Free

Join for Free

Q1: How can you say that establishment of equality in society is a continuous struggle? 
Ans: Despite numerous efforts by the government, inequalities persist in society. Low-caste individuals still face discrimination and unequal treatment. This is largely due to a widespread refusal to view them as equals, even though the law mandates equality. The reasons for this ongoing struggle include:

• Deeply ingrained societal attitudes that cannot change overnight.
• People's awareness of the law against discrimination does not always translate into equal treatment.
• Discrimination occurs based on various factors, including caste, religion, economic status, disability, and gender.

For true equality to be established, society must recognise that every person deserves to be treated with dignity. Changing these attitudes is a gradual process, which is why the establishment of equality in society remains a continuous struggle.

Q2: What is universal adult franchise?
Ans: Universal adult franchise is a crucial element of democracy. It ensures that:

• All adults, aged 18 and above, have the right to vote.
• This right is granted regardless of an individual's social or economic background.

This principle promotes equality and inclusiveness in the electoral process.

Q3: Describe the provisions in the Indian Constitution regarding recognition of equality.
Ans: The Indian Constitution includes several important provisions regarding equality:

• Equality before the law: Every individual, from the President to a daily wage worker, must follow the same laws.
• No discrimination: Individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their caste, class, religion, gender, race, or place of birth.
• Equal access to public places: Everyone has the right to access public amenities such as playgrounds, markets, shops, roads, and wells.
• Abolition of untouchability: The practice of untouchability has been officially abolished.

Q4: What is the condition of the African-Americans despite the legislations to stop inequality?
Ans: Despite laws aimed at ensuring equality, many African-Americans still face significant challenges:

• They remain largely impoverished, struggling to make ends meet.
• Most can only attend government schools, which often lack essential facilities.
• These schools typically have poorly qualified teachers compared to those in private institutions.

As a result, the educational opportunities for African-American children are severely limited.

Q5: What is the challenge of democracy?
Ans: No country can be described as being completely democratic. There are many communities and individuals persistently pushing for greater recognition of equality in existing and new issues.

Q6: Describe the benefits of the midday meal.
Ans: The following are the benefits of the midday meal scheme:

• Increased attendance: More students are enrolling and regularly attending school due to this scheme.
• Uninterrupted work for mothers: Mothers no longer need to leave work to feed their children at home during lunch.
• Reduction in caste prejudices: Children from various castes eat together, promoting equality. In many cases, Dalit women are employed to prepare the meals.
• Better concentration: When students are not hungry, they can focus better on their studies.

Q7: Describe the struggle for equality faced by the African-Americans initially.
Ans: In the United States, African-Americans, whose ancestors were enslaved, have faced significant discrimination and inequality. Some examples of this unequal treatment include:

• African-Americans were often required to sit at the back of the bus.
• They had to give up their seats for white passengers.

One notable incident occurred on 1 December 1955, when Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, refused to give up her seat to a white man after a long day at work. Her act of defiance sparked a major movement against the unfair treatment of African-Americans, known as the Civil Rights Movement. This movement aimed to end racial discrimination and led to significant changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.

Q8: Mention two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our country. Give examples.  [V. Imp.]
Ans: Two different kinds of inequalities that exist in our country are:

• Caste-based inequality: Omprakash Valmiki, a dalit, faced severe discrimination. His headmaster forced him to sweep the school and playground, highlighting the unfair treatment based on caste.
• Religious inequality: The Ansaris experienced discrimination when trying to rent an apartment. Despite their interest, the landlady refused to rent to them upon learning their names, demonstrating bias based on religion.

Q9: What was the condition of the African-Americans in the United States of America prior to 1950s? 
Ans: Before the 1950s, African-Americans in the United States faced severe inequality and were denied basic rights through discriminatory laws. Key points include:

• They were often forced to sit at the back of buses or give up their seats for white passengers.
• Many were subjected to separate schools that were poorly funded and equipped.
• Despite some legal changes, a significant number remained among the poorest in the country.
• Access to quality education was limited, with most children attending under-resourced government schools.

The struggle for equality intensified in the late 1950s, leading to the Civil Rights Movement, where African-Americans demanded equal rights and an end to racial discrimination.

Q10: Write a note on equality in Indian democracy.  
Ans: The Indian Constitution recognises every person as equal. This means that individuals, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or economic background, are acknowledged as equals. While inequality still exists, the principle of equality is fundamental in democratic India. Key aspects of equality in Indian democracy include:

• Every person is equal before the law, meaning all must obey the same laws.
• No one can be discriminated against based on religion, race, caste, or gender.
• Access to public places, such as parks and shops, is available to all.
• Untouchability has been abolished, promoting dignity for all.

Although laws now exist to protect individuals from discrimination and ensure they are treated with respect, the journey towards true equality is ongoing.

Q11: What is known as the Civil Rights Movement?  [V. Imp.]
Ans: The Civil Rights Movement was significant in the USA during the late 1950s. Its main goals included:

• Demanding equal rights for African-Americans.
• Ending racial discrimination in various aspects of life.
• Challenging laws that enforced inequality.

Q12: Write a brief note on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Ans: The Civil Rights Act was enacted in 1964 to combat discrimination. Key points include:

• Prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
• Mandated that all schools must be open to African-American children, ending the practice of separate schools.
• Despite these advancements, many African-Americans still face significant economic challenges.

Q13: What is the major factor that would help in reducing/eliminating inequality?
Ans: The key factor in reducing or eliminating inequality is a shift in people's mindset and attitude. This involves:

• Recognising that no one is inferior to another.
• Understanding that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
• Fostering a culture of respect and equality among all individuals.

Such changes are essential for creating a more equitable society.