NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Sociology (Indian Society) Chapter 6 The Challenges of Cultural Diversity

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 12th

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Class : 12th
Subject : Sociology
Chapter : 6
Chapter Name : The Challenges of Cultural Diversity

Q1 What is meant by cultural diversity ? Why is India considered to be a very diverse country ?

Answer. 'Cultural Diversity' , is often defined as the diversity or dynamic differences in terms of
cultural, historical and political identities of people. The cultural exclusivity and its
contextualisation is imperative to understand the cultural diversity of the respective country.
India is considered as the diverse country as it is a crucible of ethnic groups where the identities
and diversities are mixed up so inextricably that now you can't demarcate them into clear cut
boundaries. The presence of a variety of cultures and traditions , makes India a diverse country.

Q2 What is community identity and how is it formed ?

Answer. The respective identity which is shared by the people or individuals belonging to the
same group is known as 'community identity'. The community identity is primarily based upon
the basic stratifications of society including, caste, creed, colour and history. The 'community
identities' are formed upon the basis of interaction and association. The same history of
oppression and same needs for future , leads to the formation of community identity.

Q3 Why is it difficult to define the nation? How are nation and state related in modern society ?

Answer. It is quite difficult to define a 'nation' as their is not the presence of established
qualifications for it.A nation can be formed on the basis of the same historical and cultural
background. On the other hand, different identities like same colour, creed, class and caste also
plays an imperative role in the formation of the nation. The respective notion is not feasible in
the diverse and dynamic context and that is why the definition of 'nation' is subjective and
changeable.
Nation and state are connected deeply in the modern society. The medium of governance by
state is often legitimised by the forces of nation , primarily based upon several identities. The
governmental and political structure of state often depends upon the features of the respective
'nation'.

Q4 Why are states often suspicious of cultural diversity ?

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Book Name : Indian Society Ncert Solutions | Chapter-6 Sociology

Answer. States are often suspicious of cultural diversity because :
(a) They affect the fabric of unity of society by laying excessive emphasis upon the native or
indigenous identities.
(b) They promote the notions of regionalism and separatism. The emphasis is given upon the
ideas of regional benefits and it impacts the process of 'nation-building'.
(c) They affect the democratic processes of accommodation and tolerance of different
communities of the respective country.
(d) The organic and inorganic solidarity of the country is affected by the parameters of extreme
cultural diversities.

Q5 What is regionalism ? What factors is it usually based on ?

Answer. The phenomenon which leads to the formation of regionlistic identities on the basis of
their regional affiliations. The closely knitted regions, are based upon these ideas primarily
because they share the same ethnic and historical identities. The factors on which these are
usually based upon are :
(a) Culture.
(b) Traditions.
(c) Ethnic background.
(d) Material needs.

Q6 In your opinion, has the linguistic reorganisation of states helped or harmed India ?

Answer. The linguistic reorganisation of States based upon the State reorganisation Act , helped
India in several ways :
(a) It helped in the extension of proper nation-building method.
(b) It helped to mark the closure of tensions in Southern and Northern India in Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh , Punjab.
(c) It promoted the Article 1 of Indian Constitution that " India that is Bharat , shall be a Union of
states."
(d) It promoted the essence of linguistic diversities of the country.

Q7 What is a 'minority' ? Why do minorities need protection from the state ?

Answer. A 'minority' is the term given to the individuals of the society, which are present in a
very low number and require the protection of state. Dalits, SC, St's etc are considered

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minorities. They need the protection from state and the policies of affirmative action as they are
vulnerable to majoritarianism . They need the support of state to maximise their representation
and participation in the avenues of cultural and political significance.

Q8 What is communalism?

Answer. The phenomenon , which leads to the intolerance in the society because of the
extremist inclination towards one's religion. communalism is the main reasons for the erasal of
pluralistic tendencies of the society. This agenda is mainly fueled by the politically empowered
notions of the society.

Q9 What are the different senses in which 'secularism' has been understood in India ?

Answer. The presence of secularism in the country of India, is itself faced by different
perceptions and contradictions. The concept and the inherent clashes to the respective idea can
be understood under these provisions :
(a) India is tilted towards the 'positive concept of secularism ' but the inherent interference of
state is quite prejudiced and biased to one community.
(b) The secularism of India is only present at surface level, as the contradictions visible because
of the rising communal violence.
(c) Events such as Ghar Wapsi, Beef-Ban etc are the towering specimens of failing secularism.
(d) The vote-bank political issues like Babri-Masjid , Triple Talaq and even the cases of
mob-lynching provide a counter narrative to positive securalism present in the country of India.

Q10 What is the relevance of civil society organisations today ?

Answer. Civil societies are the voluntary organisations to work for the community benefits. It
holds a huge amount of importance as it tackles the authoritative tendencies of the
governmental policies. It mainly aims at preserving the cultural and historical essence of
democratic traditions in the respective territory. It also has done a colossal implementation of
anti-capitalistic notions to work for the establishment of socialistic tendencies in the society.

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