10th Standard, Social, SOCIOLOGY, Chapter 8 – SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

10^th Standard, Social, SOCIOLOGY Chapter – 8

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

EXERCISES

I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words:

1. ‘Truly the whole mankind is one’ is declared by Pampa.

2. ‘Untouchability is a stigma on Hindu religion’. This was told by Mahatma Ghandhi

3. Section 17 of the Constitution declares that practice of untouchability is a punishable offence.

II. Discuss the following in groups and write the answers:

4. What is meant by social stratification?

Answer: Social stratification refers to the practice of classifying people as upper class and lower class on the basis of income, education, caste, colour, gender, occupation, intelligence etc.

5. How has social stratification been created?

Answer: People practice various kinds of discrimination based on caste, gender, region, rich and poor, which create many prejudices in the minds of people. Prejudice is the opinion a person forms about another person or community even before he gets to know them. This kind of opinion may be positive or negative. However, prejudices created by discrimination lead to development of feelings like impatience, contempt, disrespect and hatred. That is how social stratification been created.

6. What is meant by prejudices?

Answer: Prejudice is the opinion a person forms about another person or community even before he gets to know them. This kind of opinion may be positive or negative.

7. What are the constitutional and legal measures undertaken to eradicate untouchability? Explain.

Answer: Section 17 of the Constitution prohibits the practice of untouchability. The ‘Untouchability Crime Act’ was implemented in 1955. Some lacunae of this Act were rectified and the Act was amended as ‘Citizens’ Rights Protection Act’ in 1976. According to this Act, practice of untouchability is a punishable offence. Besides, universal suffrage and right to equality have been guaranteed in the constitution to all citizens of the country. All people belonging to backward castes, especially the scheduled castes, have been provided reservation in educational, political, economic and employment opportunities. The Regulation of 1989 confers special responsibilities to the state governments with regard to eradication of untouchability. In this manner, independent India has been striving to provide equal opportunities to all its citizens by showing great interest in curbing the evil practice of untouchability.

8. What are the suggestions to stop the social evil of untouchability?

Answer: The constitution guarantees the provision of all facilities to people of all classes and castes. People belonging to backward castes and classes are getting special facilities. The practice of untouchability is dying down as a result of the gradual increase in literacy. This is a heartening development, and has helped to promote social harmony. Apart from this Spread of Education, Economic Facilities, Housing Facilities, Employment Facilities, Emancipation from Dirty Occupations, Abolition of Caste System, Encouragement to Inter-Caste Marriages and Propaganda against Untouchability can be done to stop the social evil of untouchability.

III Activity:

1. Read the biographies of social reformers who strived to eradicate untouchability.

IV Project:

1. Write down your suggestions for eradication of untouchability and discuss with your

teacher.

Answer: The suggestions for eradication of untouchability are,

1. To effectively combat untouchability, a multi-pronged approach is needed. This includes promoting education and awareness, providing economic opportunities, and encouraging inter-caste interactions. 
2. Strict enforcement of laws against untouchability and fostering a change in societal attitudes are crucial steps. 
3. Ensuring access to quality education for all, especially those historically marginalized, is fundamental. 
4. Launching targeted campaigns through various media to educate the public about the harmful effects of untouchability and promote equality and social justice. 
5. Promoting and supporting inter-caste marriages as a way to break down social barriers and foster greater understanding and acceptance. 
6. Organizing events, festivals, and gatherings that bring people from different castes together to foster social interaction and break down prejudices. 
7. Establishing mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of laws and policies and evaluating their effectiveness in eradicating untouchability.
8.  While abolishing the caste system entirely might be a long-term goal, efforts should be made to mitigate its impact by promoting social mobility and challenging its hierarchical structure. 
9. Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions and challenge discriminatory practices they witness. 

Additional Questions:

1. What is Social inequality?

Answer: The system of social stratification leads to inequality and differences. It humiliates the people classified as the low class. For example, the blacks in America were not permitted to attend the schools of the whites. In India, untouchables were not allowed to take water from public wells or lakes.

• Who made efforts to wipe untouchability in India?

Answer: Jyotiba Phule, Swami Vivekananda, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and others made immense efforts to wipe out the stigma of untouchability.

• Which Act of the Constitution prohibits the practice of untouchability?

Answer: Section 17 of the Constitution prohibits the practice of untouchability. The ‘Untouchability Crime Act’ was implemented in 1955. Some lacunae of this Act were rectified and the Act was amended as ‘Citizens’ Rights Protection Act’ in 1976. According to this Act, practice of untouchability is a punishable offence.