Gender, Religion and Caste
जाति, धर्म और लैंगिक मसले
📘 RBSE Board
📗 CBSE Board
📙 Class 10 Political Science
⭐ Board Exam 2026
📌 Chapter at a Glance
| Chapter Name | Gender, Religion and Caste |
|---|---|
| Hindi Name | जाति, धर्म और लैंगिक मसले |
| Subject | Political Science (Civics) |
| Class | 10th |
| Board | RBSE / CBSE |
| Key Topics | Gender Division, Feminism, Communalism, Secularism, Caste |
| Women Reservation | 33% in Panchayats |
| Sex Ratio (India) | 943 per 1000 males |
| Board Weightage | 5-6 Marks |
| Question Types | MCQ, Short, Long Answer |
This chapter examines three important social divisions that affect politics in India and around the world — Gender, Religion, and Caste. These are not just social categories; they have deep political implications.
We will explore questions like: Why are there fewer women in politics? How does religion affect democracy? Is caste still relevant in modern India? Understanding these issues is essential for understanding how democracy works in diverse societies.
The chapter discusses how these social divisions can be sources of discrimination but also how democracy can address these inequalities through representation, reservation, and secular policies.
📋 Table of Contents
1. 👫 Gender and Politics
1.1 What is Gender Division?
📖 Definition
Gender Division is a form of hierarchical social division based on social expectations and stereotypes about men and women. Unlike biological differences (sex), gender roles are socially constructed — created by society, not nature.
Gender division is based on the belief that:
- Women are meant for household work (cooking, cleaning, childcare)
- Men are meant for outside work (earning money, politics, public life)
- This is called the Sexual Division of Labour
1.2 Sexual Division of Labour
⚠️ The Problem
In most societies, there is a sexual division of labour:
- Women do domestic work (unpaid, inside home)
- Men do public work (paid, outside home)
- Women's work is considered less valuable
- This is NOT natural — it is socially created
| Aspect | Women's Work (Traditionally) | Men's Work (Traditionally) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside home (Private sphere) | Outside home (Public sphere) |
| Payment | Unpaid / Low paid | Paid |
| Recognition | Not valued, invisible | Valued, visible |
| Examples | Cooking, cleaning, childcare, fetching water | Office work, business, farming, politics |
| Decision Making | Limited role | Major decisions |
1.3 The Reality of Gender Inequality
943
Sex Ratio in India
(Females per 1000 males)
(Females per 1000 males)
65%
Female Literacy Rate
(vs 82% Male)
(vs 82% Male)
14%
Women in Lok Sabha
(2019)
(2019)
| Indicator of Gender Inequality | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Literacy Gap | Female literacy (65%) lower than male (82%) |
| Sex Ratio | Only 943 females per 1000 males (should be equal or more) |
| Wage Gap | Women paid less than men for same work (Equal Pay Act exists but not fully implemented) |
| Higher Education | Fewer girls reach higher education compared to boys |
| Political Representation | Only about 14% women in Lok Sabha |
| Health & Nutrition | Girls often get less food and healthcare than boys |
| Property Rights | Women rarely own property in their own name |
1.4 Feminist Movement
✊ What is Feminism?
Feminism is a movement and ideology that advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women and men. It challenges the traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures that discriminate against women.
Key Demands of Feminist Movement:
- ✅ Equal wages for equal work
- ✅ Equal access to education
- ✅ Political representation for women
- ✅ End to domestic violence and harassment
- ✅ Reproductive rights
- ✅ Property and inheritance rights
- ✅ Challenge to patriarchal mindset
💡 Did You Know?
Patriarchy literally means "rule of the father." It refers to a social system where men hold primary power in family and society. Feminism challenges this system and demands equality.
2. 🗳️ Women's Political Representation
2.1 Women in Indian Politics
| Institution | Women's Representation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Lok Sabha (2019) | ~14% (78 out of 543) | Highest ever, but still very low |
| State Assemblies | ~9% average | Varies by state |
| Panchayats | 33%+ (Reserved) | 73rd Amendment ensures reservation |
| Municipalities | 33%+ (Reserved) | 74th Amendment ensures reservation |
| Cabinet Ministers | Very few | Token representation usually |
2.2 Women's Reservation
📜 Constitutional Provisions
| Amendment | Year | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| 73rd Amendment | 1992 | At least 1/3 (33%) seats reserved for women in Panchayats (all three tiers) |
| 74th Amendment | 1992 | At least 1/3 (33%) seats reserved for women in Municipalities |
| Women's Reservation Bill | Pending | Proposes 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies (not yet passed) |
🎯 Impact of Reservation in Panchayats
- More than 10 lakh (1 million) women elected to local bodies
- Women have become Sarpanches, Pradhans, Chairpersons
- Women now discuss and decide on village development, education, health
- This has empowered women and given them political experience
- Some states like Bihar have increased reservation to 50%
3. 🛕 Religion, Communalism and Politics
3.1 Religion and Politics: Two Views
| View | Argument | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Gandhian View | Politics should be guided by ethics from religion (truth, non-violence, compassion) | Using values is fine, but should be universal, not specific to one religion |
| Communal View | Politics should be based on religious identity; religious communities have different interests | Dangerous — leads to hatred, violence, and division |
3.2 What is Communalism?
⚠️ Definition of Communalism
Communalism is a belief that holds that:
- Religion is the principal basis of community
- Followers of a religion must belong to one community
- Their interests are the same and different from other religious communities
- Followers of different religions cannot live together as equal citizens
3.3 Forms of Communalism
| Form | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Prejudice | Believing one's religion is superior to others | Stereotypes about other religions, jokes, discrimination |
| Majoritarianism | Majority religious community trying to dominate government and society | Demanding that laws follow one religion's rules |
| Political Mobilization | Using religious symbols, leaders, emotions to get votes | Appeals to vote on basis of religion |
| Communal Violence | Riots, massacre, terror against people of other religion | Communal riots in various parts of India |
🚨 Why Communalism is Dangerous
- ❌ Creates hatred between communities
- ❌ Leads to violence and riots
- ❌ Divides society along religious lines
- ❌ Threatens national unity
- ❌ Violates principles of democracy
- ❌ Against constitutional values
4. ☮️ Secularism in India
📖 What is Secularism?
Secularism means that the state has no official religion, treats all religions equally, and does not interfere in religious matters. Citizens are free to follow any religion or no religion.
4.1 Indian Secularism: Key Features
| # | Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No Official Religion | India has no state religion (unlike Pakistan - Islam, UK - Christianity) |
| 2 | Freedom of Religion | Every citizen has right to profess, practice, and propagate any religion (Article 25-28) |
| 3 | Equality Before Law | No discrimination based on religion |
| 4 | No Religious Instruction in Govt Schools | Government schools cannot promote any religion |
| 5 | State Can Intervene | State can intervene in religious matters for social reform (e.g., ban on untouchability, Triple Talaq) |
| 6 | Support to All Religions | State can provide equal support to all religious institutions |
🇮🇳 Indian Secularism vs Western Secularism
| Aspect | Western Secularism (USA, France) | Indian Secularism |
|---|---|---|
| Separation | Complete separation of state and religion | State can intervene for reform |
| Support | State does not support any religion | State can support all religions equally |
| Personal Laws | Uniform civil code for all | Different personal laws for different religions |
| Religious Symbols | Often banned in public (France) | All religious symbols allowed |
5. 🏛️ Caste and Politics
5.1 What is Caste System?
📖 Caste System
The caste system is a form of social stratification unique to India where people are divided into hierarchical groups based on birth. It determines occupation, social status, and whom one can marry.
Traditional Features of Caste:
- Hereditary — determined by birth, cannot be changed
- Occupational — each caste had a fixed occupation
- Endogamy — marriage only within same caste
- Hierarchy — unequal ranking of castes
- Ritual purity — some castes considered "pure," others "impure"
- Untouchability — lowest castes treated as "untouchables"
5.2 Changes in Caste System
✅ Positive Changes
- Economic Development: Urbanization and industrialization have weakened caste-based occupations
- Education: Universal education has spread awareness
- Constitutional Provisions: Untouchability abolished (Article 17), discrimination banned
- Reservation: Seats reserved for SC/ST in education and jobs
- Social Movements: Reform movements by Jyotiba Phule, Ambedkar, Periyar
- Inter-caste Marriage: Increasing (though still rare)
⚠️ Continuing Challenges
- Caste still determines marriage choices for most Indians
- Caste-based discrimination continues in many areas
- Caste violence against Dalits still occurs
- Economic inequality often overlaps with caste
- Political mobilization still happens along caste lines
5.3 Caste in Politics
Caste enters politics in several ways:
| How Caste Enters Politics | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate Selection | Parties choose candidates based on caste composition of constituency |
| Vote Banks | Politicians try to secure votes of their own caste |
| Caste-based Appeals | Campaign appeals to caste identity and solidarity |
| Cabinet Formation | Ministers chosen to represent different castes |
| Caste-based Parties | Some parties represent specific caste interests (BSP, RJD) |
6. 🔄 Politics in Caste
While caste affects politics, politics also affects caste. This is a two-way relationship:
🔄 How Politics Affects Caste
- Caste consciousness increases: Political mobilization makes people more aware of caste identity
- New caste groups emerge: Smaller castes unite to form larger political groups (e.g., OBC)
- Caste demands change: From ritual status to economic benefits, reservation, power
- Dalits gain voice: Democracy has given voice to previously voiceless castes
- Dignity politics: Caste movements now demand respect and dignity
6.1 Is Caste in Politics Good or Bad?
| Arguments Against (Negative View) | Arguments For (Positive View) |
|---|---|
| Creates divisions in society | Gives voice to oppressed castes |
| Leads to violence and conflict | Brings their issues to political agenda |
| Promotes vote bank politics | Has led to political empowerment of Dalits and OBCs |
| Merit ignored, caste preferred | Addresses historical injustice through reservation |
| Narrow caste interests over national interest | Deepens democracy by including all sections |
🎯 Balanced View
Politics based exclusively on caste is harmful. But using caste to:
- ✅ Address historical discrimination
- ✅ Give voice to marginalized groups
- ✅ Ensure representation of all sections
...is a legitimate part of democratic politics. The key is that caste should not be the only factor in politics.
7. 📚 Important Terms (Glossary)
Gender Division
Social division based on social expectations and stereotypes about men and women, not biological differences.
Sexual Division of Labour
System where women do household/domestic work and men do public/outside work. This is socially created, not natural.
Feminism
Movement and ideology that advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women, challenging patriarchy and gender discrimination.
Patriarchy
Social system based on male domination where men hold primary power in family and society.
Communalism
Belief that religion is the principal basis of community and followers of different religions cannot live together.
Secularism
Principle that state has no official religion, treats all religions equally, and guarantees freedom of religion.
Caste System
Hierarchical social stratification based on birth, determining occupation, social status, and marriage.
Urbanization
Shift of population from rural to urban areas; has weakened traditional caste occupations.
Sex Ratio
Number of females per 1000 males in a population. India's ratio is 943 (2011), indicating gender inequality.
OBC
Other Backward Classes — castes that are socially and educationally backward, entitled to reservation.
8. 📝 Practice MCQs (Board Exam Pattern)
Q1. What percentage of seats are reserved for women in Panchayats?
✅ Answer: (B) 33%
The 73rd Amendment (1992) reserves at least one-third (33%) seats for women in all Panchayat tiers.
The 73rd Amendment (1992) reserves at least one-third (33%) seats for women in all Panchayat tiers.
Q2. Sexual division of labour means:
✅ Answer: (B) Women do household work, men do outside work
Sexual division of labour is the socially created system where domestic work is assigned to women and public work to men.
Sexual division of labour is the socially created system where domestic work is assigned to women and public work to men.
Q3. Communalism is based on the belief that:
✅ Answer: (B) Religion is the principal basis of community
Communalism holds that followers of a religion form one community with same interests, different from other religions.
Communalism holds that followers of a religion form one community with same interests, different from other religions.
Q4. Which Article of Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
✅ Answer: (C) Article 17
Article 17 of the Constitution abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form punishable.
Article 17 of the Constitution abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form punishable.
Q5. India's sex ratio as per Census 2011 is:
✅ Answer: (C) 943
India's sex ratio is 943 females per 1000 males (Census 2011), showing gender inequality.
India's sex ratio is 943 females per 1000 males (Census 2011), showing gender inequality.
Q6. The feminist movement is associated with:
✅ Answer: (C) Women's equality
Feminism advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women, challenging patriarchy and gender discrimination.
Feminism advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women, challenging patriarchy and gender discrimination.
Q7. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Indian secularism?
✅ Answer: (C) Complete separation of state and religion
Unlike Western secularism, Indian secularism allows state intervention in religion for social reform.
Unlike Western secularism, Indian secularism allows state intervention in religion for social reform.
Q8. Patriarchy means:
✅ Answer: (C) Male domination in family and society
Patriarchy literally means "rule of the father" — a social system where men hold primary power.
Patriarchy literally means "rule of the father" — a social system where men hold primary power.
Q9. Which Amendment reserved seats for women in local bodies?
✅ Answer: (C) 73rd and 74th Amendment
73rd (Panchayats) and 74th (Municipalities) Amendments of 1992 reserved 33% seats for women.
73rd (Panchayats) and 74th (Municipalities) Amendments of 1992 reserved 33% seats for women.
Q10. Caste system is based on:
✅ Answer: (B) Birth
Caste is determined by birth — one is born into a caste and cannot change it.
Caste is determined by birth — one is born into a caste and cannot change it.
9. ✍️ Important Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
Q1. What is meant by sexual division of labour?
Answer: Sexual division of labour refers to the system where work is divided based on gender:
- Women are assigned domestic/household work (cooking, cleaning, childcare) — unpaid, inside home
- Men are assigned public/outside work (earning, business, politics) — paid, outside home
Q2. What is communalism? How does it affect politics?
Answer: Communalism is the belief that:
- Religion is the principal basis of community
- Followers of different religions have opposing interests
- They cannot live together as equal citizens
- Creates religious prejudice and stereotypes
- Leads to political mobilization on religious lines
- Can cause communal violence and riots
- Threatens national unity and democratic values
Q3. What are the features of Indian secularism?
Answer: Key features of Indian secularism:
- No official religion: India has no state religion unlike Pakistan or UK
- Freedom of religion: Every citizen can follow any religion (Article 25-28)
- Equal treatment: State treats all religions equally, no discrimination
- State can intervene: For social reform (like abolishing untouchability, triple talaq)
- No religious instruction: In government schools
- Support to all: State can provide equal support to all religious institutions
Q4. How has the caste system changed in modern India?
Answer: Changes in caste system:
- Constitutional provisions: Untouchability abolished (Article 17), discrimination banned
- Reservation: Seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC in education and jobs
- Economic changes: Urbanization weakened caste-based occupations
- Education: Spread of education created awareness
- Social movements: Reform by Ambedkar, Phule, Periyar
Q5. What is feminism? What are its key demands?
Answer: Feminism is a movement and ideology that advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women and men. It challenges patriarchy and gender discrimination.
Key demands:
Key demands:
- Equal wages for equal work
- Equal access to education
- Political representation for women
- End to domestic violence and harassment
- Property and inheritance rights
- Reproductive rights
- Challenge to patriarchal mindset and stereotypes
10. 📖 Important Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
Q1. Describe the various forms of communalism with examples. How can communalism be countered?
Answer:
FORMS OF COMMUNALISM:
1. Religious Prejudice:
FORMS OF COMMUNALISM:
1. Religious Prejudice:
- Believing one's religion is superior to others
- Negative stereotypes about other religions
- Example: Jokes, discrimination, looking down on other religions
- Majority religious community trying to dominate politics
- Demanding that state follow one religion's rules
- Example: Sri Lanka's Sinhala Buddhist majoritarianism
- Using religious symbols, leaders, emotions for votes
- Appeals to vote on basis of religion
- Example: Communal propaganda during elections
- Riots, massacre, terror against other religious communities
- Example: Various communal riots in India's history
- Constitutional methods: Implement secular provisions strictly, punish hate speech
- Education: Promote secular values, teach respect for all religions
- Legal action: Strict laws against communal violence and hate crimes
- Media responsibility: Avoid sensationalism, promote harmony
- Political will: Leaders should avoid communal appeals
- Civil society: Peace committees, interfaith dialogue
- Economic development: Reduce inequality that gets exploited
Q2. Explain the status of women's representation in Indian politics. What steps have been taken to improve it?
Answer:
STATUS OF WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION:
Current Situation (Poor representation at higher levels):
1. Constitutional Amendments:
While local level reservation has empowered millions of women, representation at state and national level remains poor. Passing the Women's Reservation Bill would be a major step forward.
STATUS OF WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION:
Current Situation (Poor representation at higher levels):
- Lok Sabha: Only about 14% women MPs (78 out of 543 in 2019)
- State Assemblies: Average only 9% women MLAs
- Cabinet: Very few women ministers
- India ranks low globally in women's political representation
- Panchayats: 33%+ women due to reservation
- Municipalities: 33%+ women due to reservation
- More than 10 lakh women elected to local bodies
1. Constitutional Amendments:
- 73rd Amendment (1992): 33% reservation in Panchayats
- 74th Amendment (1992): 33% reservation in Municipalities
- Some states increased to 50% (Bihar, Uttarakhand)
- Proposes 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies
- Passed by Rajya Sabha (2010) but pending in Lok Sabha
- Some parties give tickets to women candidates
- Women's wings in all major parties
- Campaigns to encourage women's participation
- Training programs for women in politics
While local level reservation has empowered millions of women, representation at state and national level remains poor. Passing the Women's Reservation Bill would be a major step forward.
Q3. "Caste has not disappeared from contemporary India." Explain how caste still affects politics and how politics affects caste.
Answer:
HOW CASTE AFFECTS POLITICS:
1. Candidate Selection:
1. Increased Caste Consciousness:
Caste and politics are in a two-way relationship. While caste-based politics can be divisive, it has also brought historically oppressed groups into mainstream politics. The solution is not to ignore caste but to ensure it is used for justice and equality, not discrimination.
HOW CASTE AFFECTS POLITICS:
1. Candidate Selection:
- Parties choose candidates based on caste composition of constituency
- A Yadav candidate in Yadav-dominated area, Jat in Jat-dominated area
- Politicians try to secure votes of their own caste
- Caste associations endorse candidates
- Campaign slogans, symbols appeal to caste identity
- "Vote for your own" messages
- Ministers chosen to represent different castes
- Caste balance in government
- BSP (Dalits), RJD (Yadavs), SP (OBCs)
- Explicitly represent caste interests
1. Increased Caste Consciousness:
- Political mobilization makes people more aware of caste identity
- Smaller castes unite to form larger political groups
- Example: Many castes united as "OBC" for political strength
- From ritual status to economic benefits, jobs, power
- Caste movements now demand development, not just dignity
- Democracy has given voice to Dalits and OBCs
- They now have political leaders, parties, representation
Caste and politics are in a two-way relationship. While caste-based politics can be divisive, it has also brought historically oppressed groups into mainstream politics. The solution is not to ignore caste but to ensure it is used for justice and equality, not discrimination.
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