NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political science (Political Theory) Chapter 3 Equality

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 3 Social Science Political Science

Class : 11th

Subject : Political science

Chapter : 3

Chapter Name : Equality

Q1 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 society. Which view do
you support? Give reasons.

Answer. The latter argument is acceptable as it is primarily based upon the rational premises
that the equalities are natural but the inequalities are subject to the social formations. The
French Revolution of 1789, was based upon the basic ideas that, "All men are equal". The
major reason for supporting the latter one is because the equal principles pertaining to humanity
varies as we talk about the avenues of natural inequalities and social inequalities. The natural
inqualities are considered as in association with different elements while as social inequalities
are created upon the socially constructed lines like caste, creeed, colour,gender, sex etc. All
these inequalities are empowered by the various societal parameters of economic and social
privileges belonging to an individual associated with a particular group.

Q2 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
poorest members of society. Do you agree?

Answer.​ Yes, it is quite idealistic and utopic to consider that the absolute economic equality can
be achieved. The whole avenue of economic development is based upon the ideologies of
'capitalism' and based ideas of 'profit'. It results in the concentration of wealth among the
privileged sections of the society and creates the economic imbalance in the economic
paradigm of the respective country. But the socialistic perspective to the political thought
creates a space for the sustainable economic development and aims towards the minimal gap
of economical privilege ascribed to each section of the society.

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 3 Social Science Political Science

Q3 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
citizens

(c) Equal Rights (iii) Every child should get free education

Answer.

(a) Affirmative action (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior
citizens

(b) Equality of opportunity (iii) Every child should get free education

(c) Equal Rights (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote

Q4 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. The prescribed recommendation does not violate the basic principles of equality as it
merges it with the notion of 'equity'. The creation of MSP's (Minimum Support Prices) is a
towering example of affirmative action or positive discrimination as it aims towards the growth of

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 3 Social Science Political Science

the underpriveleged sections and creating a level-playing field for everyone to create a desirable
space for sustainable and socialistic development.

Q5 Which of the following violate the principles of equality? And why?

(a) Every child in 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.

(a) Access to some forest areas is reserved for certain tribal communities.

Answer. (b) The Canadian Government only allowing the white immigrants to the country is the
basic violation of the principle of equality as it decides the qualifications of the individuals to
enter the country, on the basis of their colour. This is a classic example of 'racism' and violates
the basic idea of equality.

Q6 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 by denying them the
right to vote.

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 3 Social Science Political Science

Answer. (b) The statement is consistent with the terms of equality as it accepts the idea that the
representation and active participation of the women community is necessary for the
establishment and functioning of smooth governance.

Page : 52 , Block Name : Exercises

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