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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate9 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 1 explores the concept of equality within Indian democracy, emphasizing that the Indian Constitution recognizes all individuals as equal, regardless of caste, gender, religion, or economic background. Despite this, the chapter acknowledges continuing inequalities and discrimination in real life, highlighting the need for government intervention through laws and programs like the midday meal scheme to promote equality. It also discusses global issues of equality, referencing the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, and touches on the slow change of societal attitudes towards true equality.
Key Topics
- •Equality in Indian Democracy
- •Provisions of the Indian Constitution
- •Challenges to Equality
- •Midday Meal Program
- •Dalit Discrimination
- •Global Issues of Equality
- •Civil Rights Movement
- •Universal Adult Franchise
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the constitutional provisions for equality in India.
- ✓Recognize the ongoing challenges in achieving equality.
- ✓Explore the impact of government programs on promoting equality.
- ✓Compare equality issues in India with those in other democracies.
- ✓Analyze the importance of societal attitudes in achieving true equality.
- ✓Evaluate the role of historical movements, like the Civil Rights Movement, in promoting equality.
Questions in Chapter
In a democracy why is universal adult franchise important?
Page 9
Re-read the box on Article 15 and state two ways in which this Article addresses inequality?
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What do you understand by the term ‘all persons are equal before the law’? Why do you think it is important in a democracy?
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According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, persons with disabilities have equal rights, and that the government should make possible their full participation in society. The government has to provide free education and integrate children with disabilities into mainstream schools. This law also states that all public places including buildings, schools, etc., should be accessible and provided with ramps. Look at the photograph and think about the boy who is being carried down the stairs. Do you think the above law is being implemented in his case? What needs to be done to make the building more accessible for him? How would his being carried down the stairs affect his dignity as well as his safety?
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the significance of the midday meal program in promoting equality.
mediumAnswer: The midday meal program is significant because it improves school attendance among poor children, reduces caste prejudices by bringing children of different castes together for meals, and provides employment to Dalit women in some regions. By addressing hunger directly, it ensures children can focus on learning rather than being distracted by an empty stomach.
Discuss the role of the Indian Constitution in addressing social inequalities.
hardAnswer: The Indian Constitution plays a crucial role in addressing social inequalities by legally recognizing all citizens as equal, prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, gender, or place of birth, and abolishing untouchability. It sets the foundation for laws and policies aimed at protecting the rights of marginalized communities.
What are the challenges faced in achieving full equality in democratic societies?
hardAnswer: Achieving full equality in democratic societies is challenged by slow-changing societal attitudes, economic disparities, and ingrained biases. Even though legal frameworks exist to protect equality, cultural and social factors continue to impede the realization of true equality.
How did the Civil Rights Movement in the United States help in addressing inequality?
mediumAnswer: The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was instrumental in challenging and overturning laws that enforced racial segregation, leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This movement raised awareness and pressured the government to enact laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin, catalyzing further actions toward achieving equality.
Why is slow societal change mentioned as a barrier to equality?
mediumAnswer: Slow societal change is a barrier because, despite legal advancements, prevailing prejudices and discriminatory practices persist at a social level, highlighting the gap between legal equality and real-life experiences of discrimination.