NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3 Equality Class 11 Political Science
Book Solutions1
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
Inequality is natural because:
• People are not equal by birth as they differ in traits, ability and talents.
• Human beings differ physically, mentally and intellectual strengths.
• There should be a division of work in society as all people can't do same work to be equal.
• People are not equal by birth as they differ in traits, ability and talents.
• Human beings differ physically, mentally and intellectual strengths.
• There should be a division of work in society as all people can't do same work to be equal.
Exercises
Page Number 51
2
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, I agree with the statement that absolute economic equality is neither possible nor desirable. The most a society can do is to try and reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest members of society. Each person plays a different role in society according to their capability. There are different ranks in the society according to the work served by the person and the rewards are equivalent to the work. Therefore, absolute economic equality cannot be possible. The only thing that a society can do is provide equal opportunity to all by providing basic services such as health education etc. irrespective of economic background.
Exercises
Page Number 51
3
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 citizen
(c) Equal Rights - (iii) Every child should get free education
(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 citizen
(c) Equal Rights - (iii) Every child should get free education
Answer
(a) Affirmative action - (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen
(b) Equality of opportunity - (iii) Every child should get free education
(c) Equal Rights - (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote
(b) Equality of opportunity - (iii) Every child should get free education
(c) Equal Rights - (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote
Exercises
Page Number 51
4
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
Yes, the government report recommendation consistent with the principle of equality because in this case only small and marginal farmers are affected as they do not have sufficient resources and knowledge about the prices of crops in the market.
Exercises
Page Number 51
5(a)
Which of the following violate the principles of equality and why?
Every child in class will read the text of the play by turn.
Every child in class will read the text of the play by turn.
Answer
No, there is no violation of equality as every child is getting an opportunity to read text.
Exercises
Page Number 51
5(b)
Which of the following violate the principles of equality and why?
The Government of Canada encouraged white Europeans to migrate to Canada from the end of the Second World War till 1960.
The Government of Canada encouraged white Europeans to migrate to Canada from the end of the Second World War till 1960.
Answer
Yes, this is a violation of equality as white Europeans were encouraged over coloured people on the basis of their colour differences.
Exercises
Page Number 51
5(c)
Which of the following violate the principles of equality and why?
There is a separate railway reservation counter for the senior citizens.
There is a separate railway reservation counter for the senior citizens.
Answer
No, there is no violation of equality as they have special needs and requirements.
Exercises
Page Number 51
5(d)
Which of the following violate the principles of equality and why?
Access to some forest areas is reserved for certain tribal communities.
Access to some forest areas is reserved for certain tribal communities.
Answer
No, there is no violation of equality as this is done to protects their livelihood rights and culture.
Exercises
Page Number 52
6(a)
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
Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote.
Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote.
Answer
No, this argument is not based on the idea of equality but based on our emotions.
Exercises
Page Number 52
6(b)
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
Decisions of the government affect women as well as men, therefore they also should have a say in choosing the rulers.
Decisions of the government affect women as well as men, therefore they also should have a say in choosing the rulers.
Answer
Yes, this argument is consistent with the idea of equality as it is based on decision making which affect the both men and women.
Exercises
Page Number 52
6(c)
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
Not granting women the right to vote will cause disharmony in the family.
Not granting women the right to vote will cause disharmony in the family.
Answer
No, this argument is not consistent with the idea of equality as giving right to vote has no connection with the family.
Exercises
Page Number 52
6(d)
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
Women constitute half of humanity. You cannot subjugate them for long by denying them the right to vote.
Women constitute half of humanity. You cannot subjugate them for long by denying them the right to vote.
Answer
Yes, this argument is consistent with the idea of equality as it is based on rational thinking. The women constitute half population therefore given equal importance and opportunity to cast their vote.
Exercises
Page Number 52