CLASS - 10 CH-3 CIVICS QUESTION BANK
CLASS - 10 CH-3 CIVICS QUESTION BANK
CLASS XTH
SUBJECT – CIVICS
CHAPTER – 3 GENDER, RELIGION AND CASTE
Short Questions:
Long Questions:
1. Discuss the role of gender in politics, focusing on the challenges faced by women in
India.
Answer: Gender impacts politics as women are underrepresented in legislative bodies
and often face discrimination and limited access to education and employment. Cultural
norms confine them to domestic roles, leading to minimal influence in decision-making.
Recently, legal steps, like reservations in Panchayati Raj institutions, and feminist
movements have improved their political participation.
2. What is communalism, and how does it affect democracy?
Answer: Communalism is the belief that one’s religion should dominate the nation’s
identity. It leads to communal violence, discrimination, and political mobilization on
religious lines, disrupting social harmony and undermining democracy by fostering
division instead of unity.
3. Explain the ways in which caste-based social divisions are expressed in politics.
Answer: Caste-based social divisions influence political behavior as candidates are
chosen to represent caste demographics. Caste alliances are built for electoral success,
and caste-based reservations aim to empower historically marginalized groups. This
politicization has enabled greater representation but also sometimes reinforces caste
identities over other social issues.
4. Describe the importance of secularism in India, citing constitutional provisions.
Answer: Secularism is vital for maintaining harmony in a religiously diverse India. The
Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, prohibits discrimination based on religion,
and ensures equality before the law. This framework prevents domination by any single
religious group, promoting inclusive governance and national unity.
5. Evaluate the impact of caste in contemporary India. Has it reduced or continued in
new forms?
Answer: While caste-based discrimination is legally prohibited and social mobility has
improved, caste identities persist in political representation, marriages, and economic
inequalities. Caste continues to affect opportunities and social status, particularly in
rural areas, though urbanization and education have weakened traditional caste
hierarchies to some extent.
Case-based Questions:
1. Case: A time-use survey shows that an average woman works more hours than an
average man but earns less.
1. Question: How does this data highlight gender inequality, and what solutions
can be proposed?
Answer: This data shows the undervaluation of women’s unpaid domestic work,
reinforcing economic inequality. Solutions include equal pay laws, recognition of
domestic work’s value, and greater employment opportunities for women.
2. Case: An election in a rural area witnesses mobilization along caste lines, with political
parties selecting candidates based on caste demographics.
2. Question: What are the potential impacts of such caste-based mobilization on
democracy?
Answer: Caste-based mobilization can reinforce caste identities, divert focus
from developmental issues, and increase social division. While it can empower
marginalized groups, it may also limit political choices to caste affiliations rather
than policies or capabilities.
3. Case: In a religiously diverse neighborhood, communal tensions arise after a political
speech claims one religion is superior.
3. Question: How should the state respond to prevent communalism from
escalating into violence?
Answer: The state should enforce laws against hate speech, promote interfaith
dialogues, and encourage community leaders to address grievances peacefully.
Educating citizens on secular values is also essential to prevent tensions.
4. Case: A woman in a remote village is prevented from contesting local elections due to
traditional gender roles.
4. Question: How does this reflect gender discrimination, and what can be done
to encourage women's political participation?
Answer: This reflects patriarchal norms limiting women's public roles.
Implementing reserved seats for women, promoting awareness campaigns on
gender equality, and providing leadership training for women can encourage
their participation.
5. Case: A state government implements policies favoring one religious group over others,
leading to grievances among minorities.
5. Question: How does this affect secularism, and what constitutional measures
could protect minority rights?
Answer: Favoring one group undermines secularism and can lead to social
unrest. Constitutional protections like equal rights, non-discrimination, and
freedom to practice any religion should be upheld to ensure fair treatment for all
communities.