Social Inequality and Exclusion
Indian Society, Unit III. Covers Caste prejudice, SCs and OBCs; Marginalisation of tribal communities; Struggle for women’s equality; Religious minorities; Differently abled.
About this unit
This unit explains how social inequality differs from simple individual differences. Inequality is social when access to resources, dignity and opportunity is shaped by the group one is born into, such as caste, tribe, gender, religion or disability. Social exclusion refers to the ways people are kept from full participation in society, often involuntarily and over generations. The unit covers Dalits and OBCs, Adivasis, women, religious minorities and the differently abled, and the struggles and laws that challenge their exclusion.
Key ideas
- Social stratification: inequality that is systematic, persists across generations and is backed by beliefs
- Prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination
- Untouchability: exclusion, humiliation-subordination and exploitation
- Constitutional and legal protection: abolition of untouchability, reservations, minority rights
- Social, cultural and economic capital as resources unequally distributed
- Disability as a social rather than only a medical condition
How to prepare
Learn the difference between prejudice (attitude) and discrimination (action). Remember the major laws and committees, such as the Mandal Commission and the report Towards Equality, without memorising unnecessary numbers. Expect case questions that ask you to identify the form of exclusion in a situation.
Topics in this chapter
Caste prejudice, SCs and OBCs
Untouchability, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes.
5 questionsMarginalisation of tribal communities
Exclusion of Adivasis.
5 questionsStruggle for women’s equality
Gender inequality and the women’s movement.
5 questionsReligious minorities
Protection of religious minorities.
5 questionsDifferently abled
Disability and inclusion.
5 questions