BAL BHARATI PUBLIC SCHOOL, PITAMPURA, DELHI

Democracy and Diversity (2013-14) POLITICAL SCIENCE

CLASS- X HALF YEARLY TERM -1
Ques.-1 Mention the origins of social differences? Ans.-1 a) By virtue of birth-We all experience social differences based on accident of birth in our everyday lives. People around us are male or female, they are tall and short, have different kinds of complexions, or have different physical abilities or disabilities. b) By virtue of choice-Some of the differences are based on our choices. For example: Some people are atheists. They dont believe in God or any religion. Some people choose to follow a religion other than one in which they are born. Most of us choose what to study, which occupation, to take up and which games or cultural activities to take part in. All these lead to formation of social groups that are based on our choices.

Ques.-2 Mention the two types of social differences? Ans.-2 a) Overlapping social differences: It creates conflicts. Example-Northern Ireland b) Crossing cutting: It may not create conflicts. Example-Netherlands

Ques.-3 When do social division takes place? Explain with example. Ans.-3 Social division takes place when social differences overlap with other differences (economic differences). For example: a) USA- The differences between the blacks and whites becomes a social division in the US because the blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against by the whites. b) In India, Dalits tend to be poor and landless. They often face discrimination and injustice. c) Northern Ireland- In this country, class and religions differences overlap with each other. Christians are broadly divided into Catholics (are poor and have suffered a history of discrimination), Protestants (who are effluent).The Catholics and the protestants have constant- conflicts with one another.

Ques.-4 What are the effects of social division on politics? Explain with examples. Ans.-4 Democracy involves competition among various political parties which in turn divides a society. In fact social diversities can turn into political divisions thereby, leading to conflict, violence and disintegration of society (country). This has happened in many countries. For example: 1). Northern Ireland- This region of UK has been for many years the site of violent and bitter ethno political conflict. Its population is divided into 2 major groups of Christianity53% of its population was Protestants (represented by unionists who wanted to remain in

UK which is predominantly Protestants) and 44% of Ireland population is Roman Catholic (represented by nationalist party who demanded that the Northern Ireland should be unified with the republic of Ireland which is predominantly Catholic country).Hundreds of civilians, militants, and security forces were killed in the fight between the nationalists and unionists and between the security forces of the UK and Nationalists. It was only in 1998, that the UK government and the Nationalists reached a peace treaty after which the latter suspended their armed struggle. 2).Yugoslavia- Political competition along religious ending ethnic lines led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia into six independent countries. 3).India- Social divisions affect voting in most countries. People from one community tend to prefer some party more than others. In many countries there are parties that focus only on one community. Yet all this does not lead to disintegration of the country.

Ques.-5 What are the factors which decide the outcome of politics on social divisions? OR What are the three determinants which are crucial in deciding the outcomes of politics of social divisions? Ans.-5 1.) Peoples perception- If people see their identities in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes very difficult to accommodate. As long as people in Ireland saw themselves only as Catholics or Protestants, their differences were difficult to reconsult. It is much easier if people see their identities as multiple and complimentary with the national identity. Example- A majority of Belgians now feel that they are as much Belgian as they are Dutch or German speaking. This helps them to stay together. 2.) Raising of demands by political leaders-It is easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework, and are not at the cost of another community. Example- The demand for only Sinhala was at the cost of the interest and identity of the Tamil community. 3.) Reaction of the government to the demands of different groups- If the rulers are willing to share the power to accommodate the reasonable demands of the minority community, then the social divisions become less threatening for the country. Example- Belgium

Ques.-6 Define the following terms. 1.) Civil Rights Movement in the USA (1954-1968)- It refers to a set of events and reform movements aimed at abolishing legal racial discrimination against AfricansAmericans. Led by Martin Luther King Jr., this movement practiced non- violent methods of civil disobedience against racially discriminatory laws and practices. 2.) African- American Afro- American, Black American, or Black are the terms used to refer mainly to the descendants of Africans who were brought into America as slaves between the 17th century and early 19th century. 3.) The Black Power- Movement emerged in 1966 and lasted till 1975, which was a more militant anti- racist movement, advocating even violence if necessary to end racism in the US. 4.) Homogeneous society- A society that has similar kinds of people, especially where there are no significant ethnic differences.

5.) Migrant- Anybody who shifts from one region or country to another region within a
country or to another country, usually for work or other economic opportunities.