Social Differences MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Social Differences, Divisions, and Democracy

Social differences are an inherent part of any society, arising from various factors like birth, choice, culture, and economic status. While differences are natural, they can become social divisions when certain groups feel marginalized, discriminated against, or when one difference overlaps with others, creating a feeling of ‘us’ versus ‘them’.

Key Concepts Explained:

1. Social Differences: These are distinctions among people based on factors like:
   • Birth: Caste, race, ethnicity are often determined by birth.
   • Choice: Religion, political affiliation, profession, hobbies, etc., are matters of personal choice.
   • Culture: Shared customs, traditions, language, and history.
   • Economic Status: Rich, poor, middle class.
2. Social Divisions: When social differences overlap and reinforce each other, they can lead to social divisions. For example, if a particular caste is consistently poor, uneducated, and discriminated against, it reinforces their sense of being a distinct, disadvantaged group. This can lead to conflict.
3. Overlapping and Cross-Cutting Differences:
   • Overlapping Differences: When one social difference (e.g., caste) coincides with another (e.g., poverty), creating a disadvantaged group. This often leads to social exclusion and discrimination.
   • Cross-Cutting Differences: When people who are ‘different’ on one issue are ‘same’ on another. For example, a rich person and a poor person might both be Hindu. This makes it harder to pit groups against each other and promotes accommodation.
4. Caste, Religion, and Ethnicity:
   • Caste: A form of social stratification based on birth, traditionally linked to occupation and often associated with hierarchy and discrimination in India.
   • Religion: A system of beliefs and practices, often influencing culture, values, and social interactions. Religious differences can lead to communalism if not managed democratically.
   • Ethnicity: A group of people who share a common cultural heritage, including language, religion, ancestry, and traditions. Ethnic identities can be a source of pride but also conflict.
5. Democracy and Diversity:
   • Democracy is the best form of government to handle social differences because it provides mechanisms for negotiation, accommodation, and representation.
   • It allows different groups to express their grievances and demands peacefully.
   • Examples like Belgium show how complex social differences can be accommodated through power-sharing arrangements.
   • India’s constitutional framework, including reservations, aims to address historical inequalities stemming from social differences.

Quick Revision Checklist:

• What are social differences and how do they arise?
• Distinguish between overlapping and cross-cutting differences.
• How do caste, religion, and ethnicity contribute to social identity?
• Explain the role of democracy in resolving social conflicts.
• What is communalism and how does it relate to religious differences?

Practice Questions:

1. Which of the following describes a situation where social differences reinforce each other?
   a) Cross-cutting differences
   b) Overlapping differences
   c) Horizontal division
   d) Social assimilation
   Correct Answer: b) Overlapping differences
2. Belgium successfully accommodated its ethnic diversity by:
   a) Dividing the country into two separate nations.
   b) Granting special powers to the majority Dutch-speaking community.
   c) Sharing power between different linguistic groups.
   d) Imposing a single national language.
   Correct Answer: c) Sharing power between different linguistic groups.
3. Communalism is a belief system where:
   a) All religions are considered equal.
   b) One’s own religious group is superior to others.
   c) State religion is strictly separated from politics.
   d) People from different religions live in perfect harmony.
   Correct Answer: b) One’s own religious group is superior to others.
4. Which factor is NOT typically a part of ethnic identity?
   a) Shared language
   b) Common ancestry
   c) Identical income level
   d) Shared cultural heritage
   Correct Answer: c) Identical income level
5. What is a democratic way to express grievances arising from social differences?
   a) Violent protests
   b) Suppression of minority views
   c) Peaceful demonstrations and political participation
   d) Imposing the will of the majority
   Correct Answer: c) Peaceful demonstrations and political participation