Chapter 3: Gender, Religion and Caste
Overview
Here’s a detailed explanation of Chapter 3: Gender, Religion, and Caste from the NCERT Class 10 Political Science book. This includes all major concepts, examples, case studies, and explanations to help you understand the topic thoroughly.
Gender and Politics
Gender refers to the social and cultural differences between men and women. Despite progress, gender inequality continues to exist in many aspects of life, including politics, education, and employment.
Gender Division
- Gender division is a form of social division seen everywhere, often rooted in stereotypes and traditional roles assigned to men and women.
- Women have been historically assigned domestic roles, while men have dominated public spheres such as politics and employment.
- Gender inequality is reflected in lower literacy rates, wage gaps, and underrepresentation in decision-making bodies.
Women’s Political Representation
- Women’s representation in political institutions remains low in most countries, including India.
- In India, only a small percentage of parliamentarians are women.
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) provided for one-third reservation of seats for women in local government bodies (Panchayati Raj and municipalities).
- There is a growing demand for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies through the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Diagram: Gender Division in Society
(A diagram showing gender-based roles in public and private spheres)
Diagram: Women’s Political Representation in India
(A chart or graph displaying women’s representation in Parliament, State Assemblies, and local bodies)
Religion and Politics
Religion is an important aspect of social life, but when combined with politics, it can create challenges in governance.
Secularism in India
- India is a secular country, meaning there is no official state religion.
- The Constitution provides the following safeguards to ensure secularism:
- No discrimination by the state based on religion.
- Equal treatment of all religions.
- Freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion (Article 25-28).
- No religious instruction in government educational institutions.
Communalism
- Communalism is a situation where religion is used as the primary identity in politics, often leading to conflicts.
- It can take various forms, such as:
- Prejudices and stereotypes about religious communities.
- Political mobilization based on religion.
- Communal violence, riots, and conflicts.
- Examples of Communal Conflicts in India: Partition of India (1947), Anti-Sikh Riots (1984), Babri Masjid demolition (1992), Gujarat riots (2002).
Steps to Prevent Communalism
- Strict enforcement of laws against discrimination and hate speech.
- Promoting interfaith dialogue and communal harmony.
- Educating people about secular values and constitutional provisions.
Diagram: Secularism and Religion in Politics
(A flowchart explaining the principles of secularism in India)
Caste and Politics
Caste is a social division based on birth, historically determining one’s occupation, social status, and access to resources.
Caste in Indian Society
- The caste system was traditionally hierarchical, with Brahmins (priests) at the top and Dalits (formerly untouchables) at the bottom.
- It led to discrimination and denial of opportunities to lower castes.
- The Indian Constitution abolished untouchability (Article 17) and promotes equality (Article 14-16).
Caste in Politics
- Political parties in India often mobilize caste groups for votes.
- Caste-based reservation policies have been implemented to uplift marginalized groups (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes).
- However, caste-based politics sometimes leads to vote bank politics, reinforcing caste identities rather than eliminating them.
Reservation Policy in India
- Scheduled Castes (SCs): Historically oppressed communities, given reservations in education and government jobs.
- Scheduled Tribes (STs): Indigenous tribal groups with special provisions for upliftment.
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs): Socially and educationally backward communities granted reservations after the Mandal Commission Report (1991).
Diagram: Caste Hierarchy in India
(A pyramid depicting traditional caste structure)
Diagram: Reservation System in India
(A table or chart illustrating SC, ST, and OBC reservation percentages in education and government jobs)
Interlinking Gender, Religion, and Caste in Politics
- All three factors—gender, religion, and caste—play significant roles in shaping political behavior.
- Political parties address these issues to gain electoral support, sometimes positively (social justice movements) and sometimes negatively (divisive politics).
- True democracy ensures that these social divisions do not become sources of discrimination but rather lead to inclusive policies.
Conclusion
- While social divisions like gender, religion, and caste influence politics, a democratic system should ensure fairness, equality, and justice.
- Secularism, reservations, and political representation are essential tools for addressing social inequalities.
- The goal is to build an inclusive society where political participation is based on equality rather than discrimination.