Question 1

Q1: 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...

Accepted Answer

I support the view that it is equality which is natural, and the inequalities we notice around us are created by society. The chapter provides strong reasons to support this perspective. First, the concept of equality is rooted in our shared humanity. As the text states, all human beings have an equ...

Question 2

Q2: 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 th...

Accepted Answer

Yes, I agree with the view that absolute economic equality is neither possible nor desirable, and that a society's primary goal should be to reduce the gaps between the richest and poorest. The chapter suggests that the ideal of equality does not mean eliminating all forms of differences. People hav...

Question 3

Q3: Match the following concepts with appropriate instances: (a) Affirmative action (i) Every adult citizen has a right to vote (b) Equality of opportunit...

Accepted Answer

The correct matches are as follows:    (a) Affirmative action — (ii) Banks offer higher rate of interest to senior citizen: Affirmative action, as described in the chapter, involves positive measures to help disadvantaged or specific groups. Providing a higher interest rate to senior citizens is a f...

Question 4

Q4: A government report on farmers' problems says that small and marginal farmers cannot get good prices from the market. It recommends that the governmen...

Accepted Answer

Yes, this recommendation is consistent with the principle of equality. The chapter makes a crucial distinction between treating everyone in an identical manner and treating everyone as equals. It argues that to achieve the goal of equality, it is sometimes necessary to treat people differently. This...

Question 5

Q5: Which of the following violate the principles of equality? And why? (a) Every child in class will read the text of the play by turn. (b) The Governmen...

Accepted Answer

Based on the principles discussed in the chapter, here is an analysis of each situation:    (a) Every child in class will read the text of the play by turn.     This does not violate the principle of equality. It is an example of treating everyone in an identical manner in a specific situation to en...

Question 6

Q6: 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. (a) Women are...

Accepted Answer

The arguments consistent with the idea of equality are (b) and (d).    (a) Women are our mothers. We shall not disrespect our mothers by denying them the right to vote.     This argument is not consistent with the idea of equality. It bases the right to vote on a specific social role (motherhood) an...

NCERT Solutions