Class 12 Sociology Chapter 4 The Challenges of Unity in Diversity

Class 12 Sociology Chapter 4 The Challenges of Unity in Diversity Solutions to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse throughout different chapters SCERT Class 12 Sociology Chapter 4 The Challenges of Unity in Diversity and select needs one.

Class 12 Sociology Chapter 4 The Challenges of Unity in Diversity

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The Challenges of Unity in Diversity

Chapter: 4

SOCIOLOGY

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE  QUESTIONS

Q.1. Which major religions exist in India? 

Ans: Hindus, Islam, Buddha, Christan, Jainism etc. 

Q.2. What do you mean by unity in diversity? 

Ans: The meaning of unity in diversity is that all the people live with each other with peach and harmony even if they have many differences among them. Like many religious cultures, race etc.exist in our country but they live with each other. This unity in diversity cannot be seen anywhere which can be seen only in India. 

Q.3. How does regionalism become an obstacle in the way of national unity? 

Ans: Regionalism puts an extra emphasis on a particular regional identity, which can create obstacles in the way of national unity. 

Q.4. What do you mean by communalism? 

Ans: Communalism is nothing but ideology which tries to encourage religious ideas of one religion among the people and which are totally against the ideas of other religious groups. 

Q.5. Why did constitution makers want to make India a secular state? 

Ans: They were aware of the religious diversities of the country and wanted to see that every religion should get equal respect from the state. They believed that a strong nation could be built only when all sections of people had the freedom to practice their religion. 

Q.6. What is meant by casteism? 

Ans: When politicians try to take advantage of caste consciousness for the electoral gains then this process is known as casteism. Leaders of particular castes always try to cross caste related consciousness so that people could give them their votes. This is Casteism. 

Q.7. Write two effects of casteism on our society. 

Ans: The two effects of casteism on our society are:-

(1) As a result of casteism Indian society stratified on the basis of religious purity and pollution. 

(2) Evils like untouchability arose as a result of casteism. 

Q.8. What is meant by ascriptive identity? 

Ans: Ascriptive identities are determined by the accidents of birth and don’t involve any choice on the part of the individuals concerned. Actually, no one has any choice about which family or community or country they are born into. Ascriptive identities are very hard to shake off even if someone chooses to disown them, others may continue to identify by those very markers of belonging. 

Q.9. What is a Nation? 

Ans: Simply, a nation is short of a large community. It is a community of communities. A nation is a community that believes itself to be a community on the basis of several shared characteristics like common language, geographical  location, history, religion, race, ethnicity etc. However, nations may exist without one or more of such characteristics. 

Q.10. What is the privileged minority? 

Ans: In sociology the nation of minorities involves some sort of relative disadvantages. But some people of minority communities have never faced disadvantages and are extremely privileged. To mean these people the phrase ‘privileged minority’ is used. 

Q.11. What is the sociological meaning of minority? 

Ans: The concept of minority usually involves some sense of relative disadvantage. Minority generally implies a relatively small but  also disadvantaged group. In sociological sense that members of the minority form a collectivity – that is they have a strong sense of group solidarity, a feeling of togetherness and belonging which is also linked to disadvantage. In democratic politics, it is always possible to convert a numerical majority into political power through election. This means that religious or cultural minorities are politically vulnerable. So, to safeguard their distinctive identity they need protection from the state. 

Q.12. How can the caste system be removed from society? 

Ans: To remove the evils of the caste system from our society we need strong legislation. Moreover, education can do a lot in eliminating caste system from our society. 

Q.13. Mention two factors that encourage regionalism? 

Ans: The two factors that encourage regionalism are :-

(1) Diversity on the basis of language, culture, tribal identity, ethnicity etc. encourage regionalism. 

(2) Regional imbalances in the sphere of economy and growth, sentiment of regional deprivation etc. are some other courses of regionalism. 

Q.14. What do you understand by cultural diversity? 

Ans: Cultural diversity means presence of many different kinds of cultural communities defined by language, religion, region, ethnicity and so on within a particular large national or regional context. 

Q.15. What kind of factors is community identity based on? 

Ans: Community identity is based on birth and ‘belonging ‘ community identity is determined by accidents of birth and doesn’t involve any choice on the part of the individuals concerned. Community ties like family, kinship, caste, ethnicity, language etc.gives a sense of identity to the people. This sense of identity is known as community identity. 

Q.16. Which religion was adopted by Ambedkar and why? 

Ans: Ambedkar adopted Buddhism. To fight against untouchability and to show secular attitude the changed his religion. 

Q.17. Give some names of minority groups of India? 

Ans: Christian, Muslim, Buddhist etc. 

Q.18. What is meant by the Ashrama system? 

Ans: Ashrama system is the traditional Hindu system of education, which is closely linked with the caste system. 

Q.19. In which year the act RTI was passed and came into force. 

Ans: RTI Act. (Right to Information Act) was passed on June 15 in the year – 2005 and came into force on October 13,2005.

Q.20. The term “diversity ” emphasises differences rather than inequalities. (true/false)

Ans: True. 

Short type question and answer

Q.1. What are the evil consequences of religious diversity? 

Ans: As a result of huge religious diversity, as it exists in India, communalism or communal identity may grow up. The state has to make various provisions to satisfy diverse religions groups. The state has to move carefully in each and every sphere, so that religious sentiments of each and every group are respected. Moreover, there is always the possibility of growing up the feelings of suspicion and intolerance among various religious groups, which may create tension in society. 

Q.2. Write something about geographical diversity in India. 

Ans: India is a land of full geographical diversity. On one side of the country, it is surrounded by the great Himalayas and the other maintains, while the other side of the country is surrounded by oceans. Central India is a place of river valley while the entire north-east of the country is hilly areas. While Rajasthan is known for big deserts, Kashmir valley is known for cold and snow-falls. Thus, India is a land of face geographical diversity. 

Q.3. Idea of communalism is a very dangerous comment. 

Ans: Communalism refers to aggressive chauvinism based on religion identity. Communalism is a political ideology that believes that religion supersedes all other aspects of persons or groups identity which is usually accompanied by an aggressive and hostile attitude towards person or groups of other religions identities. 

Hence, it is very dangerous as it may destroy the peace, security and order in a society. The feeling of intolerance which  is associated with communalism, can create tension in a society which is full of diversity. 

Q.4. Explain how ‘India is a secular state? 

Ans: In the western sense, secularism means separation of church and state. Secularism in the west was related to the arrival of modernity and the rise of science and rationality in place of religious beliefs. 

The Indian meaning of secularism includes the western sense along with some other meanings. In India secularism primarily means that the Indian states shows equal respect for all religions, rather than merely separating states from religion. Here the secular Indian state declares public holidays to mark the festivals of all religions. 

In India secularism is also seen as opposition to communalism. In this sense secularism is opposite of religious chauvinism though it need not imply hostility to religion as such. 

The Indian constitution declares India as a secular state in its preamble. The constitution provided fundamental rights to all its citizens irrespective of all artificial differences like religion, caste etc. Thus, India is a secular state. 

Q.5. How does caste play an important role in politics? 

Ans: Caste continues to be a major determinant of political life in India. It has been a determinant of political participation, voting behaviours and almost all other aspects of Indian politics. Caste determines the nature, organisation and working of political parties and interest groups etc. Caste voting, caste based candidatures, caste based riots, caste conflict and the issue of reservation versus non-reservation are all factors of Indian politics. 

Q.6. What is meant by regionalism in Indian context? 

Ans: In positive sense regionalism means the love for one’s area of living. It is something natural. However, in India it’s negative sense is prevailing which means love for one’s own region over and above the country as a whole. In India regionalism implies that religion and  parochial demands are made on the political system, which are opposed to the country as a whole. Now regionalism poses a big strain upon nationalism and nation as a whole. It has been a big hindrance in the process of national integration and nation-building. It continues to plague Indian political system in several forms like demands for secession, demands for separate statehood, inter state disputes, militant regionalism etc. 

Sl. No.	CONTENTS
PART-1	Introducing Sociology
Chapter 1	Structure of Indian Society
Chapter 2	Social Institutions: Continuity & Change
Chapter 3	Social Inequality & Exclusion
Chapter 4	The Challenges of Unity in Diversity
Chapter 5	Project work
PART-2	Understanding Society
Chapter 6	Process of Social Change in India
Chapter 7	Social Change and the Polity
Chapter 8	Social Change and the Economy
Chapter 9	New Areas of Social Change
Chapter 10	Social Movements

Q.7. What type of diversities can be seen in different parts of India? 

Ans: Caste continues to be a major determinant of political life in India. It has been a determinant of political participation, voting behaviour and almost all other aspects of Indian politics. Caste voting, caste based candidature, caste based riots, caste conflict and the issue of reservation versus non-reservation are all factors of Indian politics. 

But not only in geography, in every spheres of life India is full of diversity. So, on within a particular large national or regional context. 

India is considered to be a very diverse country as there are many different types of social groups and communities living here. 

In terms of religion also, we see diversity. Almost 80% of the population are Hindus, 13% are Muslims, 2.5% are Christian ,1.9% are Sikhs, while 0.8% are Buddhist and 0.4% are jains. So far as language is concerned mainly 22 languages are spoken in India. Thus, India is a country which is full of diversity. 

Long type question and answer

Q.1. What was the impact of casteism in Indian society? 

Ans: One important principle that the caste system imposes in India is the principle of inequality. Caste was a very unequal institution – some castes benefited greatly from the system, while others were condemned to a life of endless labour and subordination. Moreover, the institution of caste is hierarchical, where each caste occupies an ordered rank in a ladder like arrangements arranging from highest to lowest. Thus, the caste system imposes the principle of inequality in our own society. 

Caste system also imposed the principle of purity and pollution in our society. 

Purity is believed to be closer to the sacred, while pollution is something believed to be distant or opposed to the sacred, therefore considered ritually polluting. Caste that are considered ritually pure have high status, while those considered less pure, have low status. Thus, the caste system imposes the principle of purity and pollution in our society. 

Caste system also imposed social division of labour ,as the caste system is linked with occupation. In principle, except that caste system allows no mobility. Thus, the caste system strictly imposes social division of labour. 

Q.2. What is the meaning of secularization? Explain its different elements. 

Ans: Secularisation implies the process of separation of religion from politics. It is the process of progressive retreat of religion from public life. Secularisation, as a process is related to the arrival of modernity and the rise of science and rationality as alternatives to religious ways of understanding the world. 

Secularisation is a multifaceted concept which implies the following principles :-

(1) The doctrine by which state is kept strictly separate from religion i.e Separation of church and state in western sense. 

(2) The doctrine by which the state doesn’t discriminate between different religions and shows equal respect to all. 

(3) In the popular sense it is the antithesis of communalism I.e an attitude which is not based in favour or against any religion. 

Q.3. What is meant by communalism in the Indian context? 

Ans: Communalism refers to aggressive chauvinism based on religion identity. Communalism is a political ideology that believes that religion supersedes all other aspects of person or groups identity which is usually accompanied by an aggressive and hostile attitude towards person or groups of other religions identities. 

Communalism continues to be a sad and hard reality in Indian politics. Even after adoption of the principles of secularism, communalism continues to afflict our polity. Communalism in India has been present in several from but chiefly as communalism between the two largest Indian communities – Hindus and Muslims. The other forms of manifestations have been sectarian violence, religious riots, regional riots, tribal riots etc. 

Communalisation of political power struggle has also been an important factor in giving strength to communalism in India.

Q.4. What are community identities and why they are important? 

Ans: Community identity is based on birth  and ‘belonging ‘ community identity is determined by accidents of birth and doesn’t involve any choice on the part of the individual concerned. Community ties like family, kinship, caste, ethnicity, language etc.give a sense of identity to the people. This sense of identity is known as community identity. 

Community identity is formed mainly by the accidents of birth. When people are born in a particular family, religion or cultural pattern, they learn to speak a particular language, practice a particular religion or cultural pattern. Thus, a sense of community identity arises in their minds. 

As community identity is based on birth and belonging, rather than some form of acquired – qualifications, we are emotionally attached to our community identity. Expending and overlapping circles of community like family, kinship, castes, language, religion etc.give meaning to our world and give us a sense of identity. 

Another important feature of community identity is that they are universal. Everyone has a motherland, a mother tongue, a family etc. Hence, community identity is very important for human beings. 

Q.5. What do you know about minority commission? 

Ans: It was in 1978 that the union home ministry envisaged the need for setting up a special commission as an additional step for security among the minorities a sense of security and participation in national life. However, only in 1993, the National Commission for Minorities was constituted. It consists of a chairperson for Minorities. It consists of chairperson, vice chair chairperson and 5 members. They are nominated by the central Government. All the members, including the chairman and vice-chairman belong to minority communities. 

Functions of the minority commission includes the following :-

(1) To monitor and evaluate the progress of the development of minorities. 

(2) Monitor the operational safeguard for protecting the interest of minorities. 

(3) To make recommendations for an effective implementation of safe guard and laws. 

(4) To study the problems faced by minorities and to suggest remedial actions etc. On the basis of the reports and recommendations of the commission, the govt. takes necessary steps for securing the interest of minorities. Now,the National Commission for Minorities now enjoys a constitutional status. 

Q.6. What role minorities can play in maintaining – national unity? 

Ans: In a country like India, we have religious and linguistic minorities. The Muslim are the largest religious minority in India constituting 13.4%of the population in 2001. The minority’s weather based on religion or language, can play a big role in maintaining national unity. Dr. Ambedkar – once opened that minorities are an explosive force, which it erupts can blow up the whole – fabric of the state. 

In India we have seen that the feeling of alienation among some Muslims in India in the post-independence period has created a lot of tensions so far as national integration is – concerned. Other than Muslims, we have Christians. Sikhs and Buddhist as religious minorities. Dr. Ambedkar on protection of minorities once remarked that the minorities in India have agreed to place their existence in the hands of the majority. So tried to make string provision in the constitution to safeguard the right of the minorities. Religious or cultural minorities need special protection because of the demographic – dominance of the majority. If their rights and identities are well protected, they can do a lot in achieving national integration. 

Q.7. What are the basic characteristics of communalism? 

Ans: Communalism is described as a tool to mobile people for or against by raising an appeal on communal lines,  Following are the basic characteristics of communalism –

(1) Communalism is an ideological concept. 

(2) It mostly rests on prejudices, 

(3) It has a broader base which encompasses social, economic and political aspects, for its manifestations, 

(4) It causes rivalry and violence among masses, 

(5) It is used by the higher class people and elites as an instrument for divisions and exploitations. 

(6) It strikes at the roots of secularism and national integration. 

Q.8. What are the major challenges faced by UNITY IN DIVERSITY. 

Ans: Though many religious groups, cultures, languages, tribes etc.exists in India but they live with each other unitedly. But sometimes this unity in diversity faces many challenges due to some reasons. 

Following are some of the major challenges faced by unity in diversity :-

(1) Communalism :- Communalism is nothing but an ideology which tries to encourage religious ideas of one religion among the people and which are totally against the ideas of other religious groups. 

(2) Casteism :- The partial or extreme one side loyalty to one’s own caste may be termed as casteism. Casteism has led to many problems of society and became a major treat to national integration. 

(3) Regionalism :- When anyone starts to love his region other then this is known as regionalism. 

(4) Linguism :- Linguism is the extreme love and loyalty to one’s own language and hate for others. Linguism also create a major problem in the unity of our nation.