NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political science (Political Theory) Chapter 4 Social Justice

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Class : 11th

Subject : Political science

Chapter : 4

Chapter Name : Social Justice

Q1 What does it mean to give each person his/her due? How has the meaning of “giving each
his due” changed over time?

Answer. The idea of giving each and everyone his 'due' is imperative to understand as it forms
the basic tenet of the idea of 'justice'. It relies upon the principles that the individuals of the
society should be provided with all the things which they deserve as they are considered as the
important members of the society. The concept has changed due to the considerable impact of
many factions and political analysts upon it as now an individual is given his 'due' not only
because of the job performed by him but also by the basic idea that he is considered as a
'human being' with the desire to sustain his dignity and exercise his rights.

Q2 Briefly discuss the three principles of justice outlined in the chapter? Explain each with
examples.

Answer. The three principles of 'Justice' are as follows:
(a) The first principle is that everyone is to be considered 'equal'. It determines the principle that
everyone is equal when it comes to any distribution and representation in all avenues. For
example: Every individual in a democratic country is allowed to have 'right to vote' and they are
given the political equality in elections and other law-making procedures.
(b) The second principle is based upon the idea that the discriminations should not be done on
the basis of caste, creed, colour, gender etc. For example: Many country have banned the
discrimination of the basis of colour and have opened up the public places for the oppressed
section.
(c) The third principle is based upon the ideas that the principle of equity should be exercised. It
ststes that the compensation or positive discrimination does not violate the basic avenues of
democratic representation. For example: The affirmative action policies for the SC/ST's to
increase the occupational mobility and decrease social inequality on the basis of caste.

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Q3 Does the principle of considering the special needs of people conflict with the principle of
equal treatment for all?

Answer. The principle of considering the basic needs of the people does not violate the basic
principles of 'justice'. The affirmative action policies create a space for the proper and equitable
representation and participation of the lower-castes. The lower-caste mobilisation among the
avenues of legislative and executive importance can be marginally achieved by the reservation
and positive idea of social consciousness among the masses.

Q4 How does Rawls use the idea of a veil of ignorance to argue that fair and just distribution
can be defended on rational grounds?

Answer. Rawl's idea of 'veil of ignorance' is based upon the idea of individuality. It determines
the idea of individual preferences and ignorance of that respective individual regarding his
identities. It strips off an individual from all the identities associated with the parameters of
caste, creed, colour, gender, sex etc. It states that such condition is known as 'veil of
ignorance', where individuals are not subjected to social baggage and live on an individual basis
in an "environmental and farcical bubble".

Q5 What are generally considered to be the basic minimum requirements of people for living a
healthy and productive life? What is the responsibility of governments in trying to ensure this
minimum to all?

Answer. The basic minimum requirements for a healthy and acceptable life include:

(a) The basic sustainable parameters of safe drinking water, electricity and housing.

(b) The basic economic parameters include employment and equal economic opportunities.

(c) The basic political parameters include right to vote and to participate in political processes.

(d) The basic societal parameters include right to equality and nullification of discrimination on
the basis of caste, creed, colour, gender etc.

The governing bodies often work for the establishment of the above parameters by creating
affirmative action policies and avenues of basic employment. They also work to ensure the
proper working conditions for all within basic wages and working hours.

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 4 Social Science Political Science

Q6 Which of the following arguments could be used to justify state action to provide basic
minimum conditions of life to all citizens?

(a) Providing free services to the poor and needy can be justified as an act of charity.

(b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living is one way of ensuring
equality of opportunity.

(c) Some people are naturally lazy and we should be kind to them.

(d) Ensuring basic facilities and a minimum standard of living to all is a recognition of our
shared humanity and a human right.

Answer. (b) Providing all citizens with a basic minimum standard of living is one way of
ensuring equality of opportunity.

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