Question 1.
Some people argue that inequality is natural while others maintain that it is equality which is natural and the inequalities which we notice around us are created by the society. Which view do you support? Give reasons.
Answer:
Natural inequalities:
- These inequalities emerge due to differences in personal traits either physical, or mental or emotional.
- These inequalities are the result of different characteristics and abilities of inborn qualities of a man.
- These natural differences cannot be changed also.
Social inequalities:
- Socially produced inequalities are emerged as a result of inequal opportunities, i.e. family background, educational factors, etc.
- Social differences reflect the values of society, which may appear to be unjust.
Conclusion:
- The discrimination’s based on gender, colour, race, etc. have been made by society rather than based on inborn characteristics.
- Some natural differences have become alterable also, i.e. progress in medical sciences and technology has helped to several disabled persons to work more efficiently.
- Certain inequalities have been existing for centuries seem justified, and based on natural inequalities, i.e. women are considered weaker than man in every aspect, hence to deny them equal rights is considered the justifiable.
Question 2.
There is a view that absolute economic equality is neither possible nor desirable. It is argued that the most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and the poorest members of society. Do you agree?
Answer:
Economic equality: It refers to availability of equal opportunities to one and all present in the society, without any discrimination:
- Absolute economic equality of income has never existed in society. But democratic set up provides equal opportunities to at least those who are capable and possess potential with equal opportunities, inequalities may exist between individuals, but one’s position may be improved with the sincere efforts in the society.
Economic inequalities:
- Economic inequality exists if there are differences in wealth, property or income between different sections of society.
- It enhances the gap between the upper, middle, poor-rich and persons living below poverty line.
Measurement of economic inequalities:
- To estimate the number of people who are living below poverty line.
- To find out the differences between the rich and poor.
Importance of economic equality:
- Economic equality guarantees each and everybody equal opportunities to improve one’s potential and capabilities.
- Economic equality reduces the gap between the rich and the poor or high or middle class, etc.
- Economic disparities can make society more violent because the reforms cannot take place in such a society.
Question 3.
Match the following concepts with appropriate instances:
| (a) Affirmative action | (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote. |
| (b) Equality of opportunity | (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen |
| (c) Equal Rights. | (iii) Every child should get free education. |
Answer:
(a) Affirmative action: Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen.
Appropriate instances:
- Senior citizens have contributed to the development and service of society throughout their age.
- Their age increases but their income decreases due to medical needs and social needs.
(b) Equality of opportunity: Every child should get free education
Appropriate instances:
- Every child should get an equal opportunity to get education, i.e. no one should be discriminated on any ground.
- This type of inequalities is against the principle of equality.
(c) Equal Rights: Every adult citizen has a right to vote.
Appropriate instances:
- This principle is based on one person one vote one value, i.e. every adult citizen enjoys the right to vote.
- No citizen should be discriminated on any ground to exempt from enjoying right to vote.
Question 4.
A government report on farmers’ problems says that small and marginal farmers cannot get good prices from the market. It recommends that the government should intervene to ensure a better price but only for small and marginal farmers. Is this recommendation consistent with the principle of equality?
Answer:
Yes, this recommendation is consistent on the basis of the principle of equality:
- A democratic country should have the provisions to protect the interests of small and marginal farmers.
- The small and the marginal farmers can get assistance from government for their betterment.
- The farmers (medium and small) can get social, economic and political justice due to this arrangements.
Question 5.
Which of the following violates the principles of equality? And why?
(a) Every child in the class will read the text of the play by turn.
(b) The Government of Canada encouraged white Europeans to migrate to Canada from the end of the Second World War till 1960.
(c) There is a separate railway reservation counter for the senior citizens.
(d) Access to some forest areas is reserved for certain tribal communities.
Answer:
- This does not violate the principle of equality because every child is asked to perform the same activity without any discrimination.
- This violates the principle of equality due to discrimination on the basis of colour.
- It is not violating the principle of equality because senior citizens should be honoured and every individual one day can enjoy the same privileges.
- This violates the principle of equality because all tribal people should be treated equally, no one should be discriminated by reserving forest areas for some only.
Question 6.
Here are some arguments in favour of the right to vote for women. Which of these are consistent with the idea of equality? Give reasons.
(a) Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote.
(b) Decisions of the government affect women as well as men, therefore, they also should have a say in choosing the rulers.
(c) Not granting women the right to vote will cause disharmony in the family.
(d) Women constitute half of humanity. You cannot subjugate them for long time by denying them the right to vote.
Answer:
The statement
(a) and
(d) both are consistent with the idea of equality because:
- Decisions of government affects every individual either men or women equally.
- Women should not be discriminated on the basis of gender.
- Equality and freedom are the two vital principles in a society, hence women cannot be denied the right to vote
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