Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Sociology with Solutions and marking scheme Set 10 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Sociology Set 10 with Solutions
Time Allowed:- 3 hours
Maximum Marks:- 80
General Instructions:
- The question paper is divided into four sections.
- There are 35 questions in all. All questions are compulsory.
- Section A includes question no. 1-16. These are MCQ-type questions. As per the question, there can be one answer.
- Section B includes question no. 17-25. These are Very Short Answer-type questions carrying 2 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 30 words.
- Section C includes question no. 26-32. They are Short Answer type questions carrying 4 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 80 words.
- Section D includes question no. 33-35. They are Long Answer type questions carrying 6 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 200 words each.
- Question no. 33 is to be answered with the help of the given graphics. Question no. 34 is to be answered with the help of the given passage.
Section-A (16×1=16 Marks)
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Assertion (A): Policies promoting integration are different in style but not in overall objective. [1]
Reason (R): They insist that the public culture be restricted to a common national pattern, while all ‘non-national’
cultures are to be relegated to the private sphere.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Assimilationist policies also require non-dominant or subordinated groups in society to give up their own cultural values and adopt the prescribed ones.
Question 2.
Malthus’s theory of population growth had ____________ approach. [1]
(A) Optimistic
(B) Radical
(C) Pessimistic
(D) Classical
Answer:
(C) Pessimistic
Explanation: Malthus’s theory of population growth- outlined in his Essay on Population (1798)- was a rather pessimistic one.
Question 3.
How did the Indian Nationalist movement impact the vision of democracy in India? [1]
(A) The Indian Nationalist movement sought to establish a democratic system of governance in India.
(B) The Indian Nationalist movement rejected the idea of democracy and aimed for a different form of government.
(C) The Indian Nationalist movement did not have a significant impact on the vision of democracy in India.
(D) The Indian Nationalist movement advocated for a hybrid system of governance combining democratic and authoritarian elements.
Answer:
(A) The Indian Nationalist movement sought to establish a democratic system of governance in India.
Explanation: The Indian Nationalist movement, led by prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, strongly advocated for the establishment of a democratic system of governance in India. The movement aimed to free India from colonial rule and create an independent nation built on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. The leaders emphasized the importance of democratic values, such as popular participation, representative government, and protection of individual rights.
Question 4.
Who envisaged each village as a self-sufficient unit conducting its own affairs and saw gram-swarajya to be an ideal model to be continued after independence? [1]
(A) Gandhiji
(B) Dr. Ambedkar
(C) Jawaharlal Nehru
(D) JyotibaPhule
Answer:
(A) Gandhiji
Explanation: The concept of local government was dear to Gandhiji too. He envisaged each village as a self-sufficient unit conducting its own affairs and saw gram-swarajya to be an ideal model to be continued after independence.
Question 5.
Assertion (A): People from present-day Jharkhand moved to Assam to work on the tea plantations. [1]
Reason (R): People were carted in ships from China to work on other colonized lands in distant Asia, Africa and Americas.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(C) A is true but R is false.
Explanation: People were carted in ships from India to work on other colonised lands in distant Asia, Africa and Americas.
Question 6.
Which of the following government schemes are monitored by the members of Panchayat? [1]
I. Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP)
II. Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS)
III. NIRVIK Scheme (Niryat Rin Vikas Yojana)
IV. National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
(A) I, II and III
(B) I and IV
(C) I and II
(D) I and III
Answer:
(C) I and II
Explanation: Many government schemes like the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) and Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) are monitored by members of the panchayat.
Question 7.
Identify the reasons for not completing the demographic transition in India till date. [1]
I. Increase in mortality rate
II. Decrease in mortality rate
IV. Increase in birth rate
III. Decrease in birth rate
(A) I and IV
(B) I, II, III and IV
(C) I, II and IV
(D) II and IV
Answer:
(D) II and IV
Explanation: In India, the demographic transition is not yet complete as the mortality rate has been reduced but the birth rate has not been brought down to the same extent.
Question 8.
What are some of the challenges faced by workers in the unorganized sector in India? [1]
(A) Lack of social security benefits
(B) Exploitative working conditions
(C) Limited access to healthcare and insurance
(D) All of the above
Answer:
(D) All of the above
Explanation: Workers in the unorganized sector in India face numerous challenges that impact their livelihood and well-being. One major challenge is the lack of social security benefits, such as pension, healthcare, and maternity benefits, which leaves them vulnerable to economic shocks and social hardships. Exploitative working conditions, including long working hours, unsafe environments, and lack of legal protection, are also prevalent in the sector.
Question 9.
With the opening up of the market and removal of restrictions to the import of many products, we have many more products from different corners of the world in our neighbourhood shops. Since when has all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports been withdrawn? [1]
(A) April 1, 2001
(B) April 1, 2000
(C) April 11, 2001
(D) April 10, 2000
Answer:
(A) April 1, 2001
Explanation: With the opening up of the market and removal of restrictions to the import of many products, we have many more products from different corners of the world in our neighbourhood shops. Since April 1, 2001, all types of quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports were withdrawn.
Question 10.
Discrimination can be very hard to prove because: [1]
(A) It is open or explicitly stated.
(B) It carried no evidence with itself.
(D) It described attitudes and opinions.
(C) It is not open or explicitly stated.
Answer:
(A) It is open or explicitly stated.
Explanation: Stereotypes treat an entire community as though it were a single person with a single all-encompassing trait or characteristic.
Question 11.
Assertion (A): Cultural identities enable one to mobilise large number of people. [1]
Reason(R): Cultural identities are very powerful and arouse intense passion.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Cultural identities are very powerful and arouse intense passion. Cultural identities enable one to mobilise large number of people.
Question 12.
Which of the following aspects of globalisation is often associated with illegal activities? [1]
(A) Information technologies
(B) Economic forces
(C) Communication technologies
(D) Global interconnections
Answer:
(B) Economic forces
Explanation: Globalisation refers to the growing interdependence between different peoples, regions and countries in the world as social and economic relationships come to stretch worldwide. Although economic forces are an integral part of globalisation, it would be wrong to suggest that they alone produce it.
Question 13.
Assertion (A): Social exclusion is voluntary.
Reason (R): Exclusion is practiced regardless of the wishes of those who are excluded. [1]
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
(D) A is false and R is true.
Explanation: Since it is practiced regardless of the wishes of those who are excluded, social exclusion is involuntary.
Question 14.
The well-known scholar ___________ has thus argued that newspapers helped the growth of nationalism, the feeling that people who did not even know of each other’s existence feel like members of a family. [1]
(A) Johann Gutenberg
(B) Jawaharlal Nehru
(C) AmitaRao
(D) Benedict Anderson
Answer:
(C) AmitaRao
Explanation: In his work, Benedict Anderson proposed that newspapers played a crucial role in fostering nationalism. By disseminating information and creating a shared narrative, newspapers contributed to a sense of collective identity among individuals who were previously unaware of each other. This sense of belonging, akin to a familial bond, helped cultivate a broader national consciousness.
Question 15.
Dominant Indian language newspapers such as Malayala Manorama and the Eenadu launched the concept of _________. [1]
(A) National news
(B) Global news
(C) Local news
(D) Sports news
Answer:
(C) Local news
Explanation: Dominant Indian language newspapers such as Malayala Manorama and the Eenadu primarily focus on (C) Local news. These newspapers cater to regional audiences and provide news and information about local events, politics, culture, and other regional interests.
Question 16.
Gentrification is a process characterized by ____________. [1]
(A) The conversion of rural areas into urban areas
(B) The displacement of lower-income residents by wealthier residents in urban neighbourhoods!
(C) The growth of slums and informal settlements in urban areas
(D) The expansion of public transportation systems in urban areas
Answer:
(B) The displacement of lower-income residents by wealthier residents in urban neighbourhoods!
Explanation: Gentrification refers to the transformation of urban neighborhoods, typically characterized by the influx of wealthier residents, the renovation and upgrading of housing, and the displacement of lower-income residents who can no longer afford to live in the area. It often leads to rising property values, changes in the socioeconomic composition of neighborhoods, and the loss of affordable housing options for marginalized communities.
Section – B (9×2=18 Marks)
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 17.
The concept of social justice isat the core of many social movements. It emphasizes the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges in society. Social justice movements aim to address various forms of inequality and discrimination based on factors such as gender, race, class, and caste. These movements strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.
Based on the passage, answer the following question.
What is the significance of social justice movements in addressing inequality and discrimination in society? [2]
OR
“The harsh working conditions suffered by labourers in Bhagan Bigha were an outcome of the combined effect of the economic power of the Maliks as a class and their overwhelming power as members of a dominant caste.
A significant aspect of the social power of the Maliks was their ability to secure the intervention of various arms of the state to advance their interests. Thus, political factors decisively contributed to widening the gulf between the dominant class and the underclass.”
Based on the passage, answer the following question.
What factors enabled the Maliks to leverage state power for their own benefit?
Answer:
Social justice movements play a crucial role in advocating for the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges in society. They aim to address various forms of inequality and discrimination based on factors such as gender, race, class, and caste. By striving for a more inclusive and equitable society, these movements promote equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.
OR
(i) The Maliks being dominant caste were very powerful politically, economically and socially.
(ii) Because of power they were able to use the power of state for their vested interests.
(iii) They were successfully able to secure the intervention of various arms of the state for their own benefit.
Question 18.
What important point did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasize in the Constituent Assembly as the chief architect of the constitution? [2]
Answer:
The makers of the Indian Constitution were aware that a strong and united nation could be built only when all sections of people had the freedom to practice their religion, and to develop their culture and language. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, made this point clear in the Constituent Assembly. The fertility rate refers to the number of live births per 1000 women in the child-bearing age group, usually taken to be 15 to 49 years.
Question 19.
Define: (i) Fertility Rate and (ii) Total Fertility Rate (TFR). [2]
Answer:
The total fertility rate refers to the total number of live births that a hypothetical woman would have been if she lived through the reproductive age group and had the average number of babies in each segment of this age group.
Question 20.
What are some measures that have contributed to the substantial reduction in famine-related deaths in India? [2]
Answer:
Substantial improvements in the productivity of Indian agricultural (specially through the expansion of irrigation); improved means of communication and more vigorous relief and preventive measures by the state have all helped to drastically reduce deaths from famine.
Question 21.
What factors contributed to the inclusion of anti-untouchability programs in the agenda of the Congress during the colonial rule? [2]
Answer:
Anti-untouchability programmes became a significant part of the Congress agenda so that, by the time independence was on horizon, there was a broad agreement across the spectrum of the nationalist movement to abolish caste distinctions.
Question 22.
What were the reasons behind the British India’s preference for Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai over other cities? [2]
OR
Explain how globalisation has transformed the rural society.
Answer:
The British India’s preference for Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai over other cities can be attributed to several reasons:
- Strategic Location: These cities were strategically located along the coast, facilitating easy access to trade routes and serving as major ports for maritime trade.
- Economic Importance: Mumbai (then Bombay), Kolkata (then Calcutta), and Chennai (then Madras) were important centers of trade, commerce, and industry, contributing significantly to the British colonial economy.
- Administrative Centers: These cities served as administrative hubs for the British East India Company and later the British Raj, housing key government offices, headquarters, and institutions.
- Infrastructure Development: The British invested in the development of infrastructure such as ports, railways, and communication networks in these cities, further enhancing their economic significance.
- Cultural and Intellectual Centers: Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai were renowned for their cultural and intellectual vibrancy, hosting prominent educational institutions, cultural events, and attracting intellectuals and artists.
- Existing Urban Centers: These cities already had well-established urban settlements and trading communities, making them convenient choices for British colonial expansion.
OR
Globalisation has penetrated the rural society which can be seen from the process of globalisation of agriculture. This has had a direct effect on the farmers as farmers have been incorporated into the larger global market.
Question 23.
What are the potential consequences of stereotypes and prejudice in society? [2]
Answer:
- Reinforcing Discrimination: Stereotypes and prejudiced beliefs can lead to discriminatory practices in various domains such as employment, education, and housing. This perpetuates inequalities and denies equal opportunities to marginalized groups.
- Marginalization and Exclusion: Stereotypes can contribute to the marginalization and exclusion of certain groups, limiting their access to resources, power, and decision-making processes. This can further entrench existing inequalities.
- Stereotype Threat: Stereotypes can create a psychological phenomenon known as stereotype threat, where individuals from stigmatized groups experience anxiety and under performance due to the fear of confirming negative stereotypes.
- Limited Representation: Stereotypes can lead to the under representation or misrepresentation of certain groups in media, literature, and other cultural domains. This reinforces biases and limits diverse perspectives.
- Intergroup Conflict: Prejudiced attitudes can contribute to intergroup conflicts and tensions, hindering social cohesion and cooperation. This can impede efforts for social progress and inclusive development.
- Inequality of Opportunity: Stereotypes and prejudice can limit opportunities for social mobility, denying individuals from stigmatized groups the chance to thrive and contribute fully to society.
Question 24.
What is the central theme or subject matter of Kumud Pawade’s autobiography? [2]
Answer:
Kumud Pawade in her autobiography recounts how a Dalit woman became a Sanskrit teacher. As a student she is drawn towards the study of Sanskrit, perhaps because it is the means through which she can break into a field that was not possible for her to enter on grounds of gender and caste.
Question 25.
“The development activity of the state and the growth of private industry also affected caste indirectly through the speeding up and intensification of economic change.” [2]
Based on the given passage, answer the following question!
Provide two examples that illustrate how the development activity of the state and the growth of private industry indirectly impacted the caste system, as mentioned in the passage.
Answer:
The impact of the development activity of the state and the growth of private industry on the caste system can be observed in various instances. Two examples that illustrate this indirect impact are:
Economic Mobility: The expansion of industries and the rise of urban centers created new economic opportunities. As individuals from lower castes gained access to education and employment in these emerging sectors, they were able to improve their social and economic status, challenging traditional caste-based hierarchies.
Occupational Shifts: The changing economic landscape led to shifts in occupational patterns. Traditional caste-based occupations, such as manual labour or specific artisanal work, became less dominant, while new industries and service sectors emerged. This shift allowed individuals from different castes to engage in diverse professions and break away from the rigid occupational boundaries dictated by the caste system.
Section – C (7×4=28 Marks)
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 26.
Over the last decade or so, the government has scaled down its agricultural development programmes, and ‘agricultural extension’ agents have been replaced in the villages by agents of seed, fertiliser, and pesticide companies.
How have these initiatives affected the farmers? [4]
OR
What factors contribute to the disparity in the status of men and women as agricultural labourers, despite the emergence of women as the main source of agricultural labour and the feminization of the agricultural workforce?
Answer:
- Government has reduced its agricultural development programs in the past decade.
- Traditional agricultural extension agents have been replaced by agents of seed, fertilizer, and pesticide companies.
- Farmers now rely heavily on these agents for information on new seeds and cultivation practices.
- The agents have a vested interest in selling their products, leading to increased dependence on expensive fertilizers and pesticides.
- This increased dependence has resulted in reduced profits for farmers, pushing many into debt.
- The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has created an ecological crisis in rural areas.
OR
- Women are emerging as the main source of agricultural labor, resulting in the feminization of the agricultural workforce.
- Women experience higher levels of insecurity in their agricultural work due to lower wages compared to men.
- Historically, women’s contribution as earners and workers has been overlooked in official statistics.
- The prevailing patrilineal kinship system and cultural practices favoring male rights often exclude women from land ownership.
- Women often work as landless laborers and cultivators, facing barriers to land ownership and economic empowerment.
Question 27.
What is the policy of liberalization implemented by the government in the industrial sector since the 1990s? [4]
Answer:
- The policy of liberalization in the industrial sector aims to reduce government control and promote market-oriented reforms.
- It involves relaxing regulations and restrictions on private businesses and encouraging foreign investment.
- The government has implemented measures to facilitate ease of doing business, such as simplifying licensing procedures and promoting a business-friendly environment.
- Tariffs and trade barriers have been reduced to encourage international trade and competition.
- Privatization of state-owned enterprises has been pursued to increase efficiency and productivity.
- The policy promotes competition and market forces to drive economic growth and innovation in the industrial sector.
- It aims to attract foreign direct investment, technology transfer, and modernization of industries.
- Special economic zones and industrial corridors have been established to provide infrastructure and incentives for industrial development.
- The government has introduced reforms to improve labor laws and create a more flexible and investor-friendly labor market.
- The policy of liberalization seeks to integrate the Indian industrial sector with the global economy and enhance its competitiveness on the international stage.
Question 28.
Provide a detailed account of the progress and challenges in women’s education during the 19th and 20th centuries. [4]
Answer:
- In the 19th century, women’s education was often limited and focused on domestic skills and basic literacy.
- The establishment of women’s colleges and schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries provided opportunities for higher education.
- Women’s education movements, such as the suffrage movement, played a crucial role in advocating for educational rights for women.
- The establishment of co-educational institutions allowed women to study alongside men, although gender-based discrimination persisted.
- The introduction of reforms and policies in the 20th century aimed to promote equal access to education for women, including compulsory
education for girls. - Female literacy rates gradually improved, but significant gender disparities remained, particularly in rural areas and among marginalised communities.
- Challenges such as social norms, patriarchal attitudes, and economic constraints hindered women’s access to education.
- Women’s education became more diversified, with increased participation in various fields such as medicine, law, and engineering.
- Efforts were made to address gender-based discrimination in educational institutions through affirmative action and gender-sensitive policies.
- Women’s education became recognised as a catalyst for social and economic development, leading to further advocacy and investment in women’s educational initiatives.
Question 29.
Explain the principal reasons for the decline in the death rate after 1921 in India. [4]
Answer:
- Control over famines and epidemic diseases played a crucial role in the decline of the death rate after 1921.
- Major epidemic diseases in the past included various fevers, plague, smallpox, and cholera.
- The influenza epidemic of 1918-19, commonly known as the ‘Spanish Flu,’ was the single biggest epidemic, causing significant mortality in India.
- The Spanish Flu had a global impact and resulted in a large number of deaths in a short period of time.
- The influenza pandemic affected the entire population of India, with an estimated death toll of as high as 125 lakh people, accounting for about 5% of the country’s total population at that time.
- The severity and scale of the Spanish Flu epidemic highlighted the need for improved disease control and prevention measures.
- The impact of the influenza epidemic likely influenced the focus on controlling and mitigating the spread of epidemic diseases in subsequent years.
- Efforts to address epidemic diseases involved public health measures, vaccination campaigns, and the establishment of healthcare infrastructure.
- The experiences and lessons learned from the Spanish Flu epidemic contributed to advancements in public health policies and practices.
Question 30.
What is the concept of the contractor system in employment? [4]
Answer:
- The contractor system in employment involves the use of intermediaries or contractors for hiring and managing workers.
- Instead of directly employing workers, employers engage contractors who are responsible for recruitment, supervision, and payment of workers.
- Contractors act as a bridge between the employer and the workers, handling tasks such as sourcing labor, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
- The contractor system is often utilized in industries that require temporary or seasonal labor, construction projects, and outsourcing arrangements.
- It can provide flexibility to employers by allowing them to adjust the workforce size based on demand, but it can also lead to exploitation and precarious working conditions for workers.
Question 31.
What was Rajni Kothari’s contribution to social movements in India, considering the central role of political parties in old social movements? [4]
Answer:
- Rajni Kothari was a prominent political scientist and social activist in India.
- He played a significant role in analyzing and understanding social movements in the country.
- Kothari emphasized the importance of political parties in mobilising and organising social movements.
- He highlighted the role of political parties as key actors in representing the interests and aspirations of various social groups.
- Kothari’s work focused on studying the relationship between political parties, social movements, and the process of social change in India.
- He advocated for the need to strengthen democratic institutions and processes to effectively address the concerns of marginalized sections of society.
- Kothari’s contributions have provided valuable insights into the dynamics of social movements and their interaction with political parties in India.
- Political scientist Rajni Kothari attributes the surge of social movements in India in the 1970s to people’s growing dissatisfaction with parliamentary democracy.
- Kothari argues that the institutions of the state have been captured by elites.
- Due to this, electoral representation by political parties is no longer an effective way for the poor to get their voices heard.
- People left out by the formal political system join social movements or non-party political formations in order to put pressure on the state from outside.
Question 32.
Discuss the plight of the labourers. “The more mechanised an industry gets; the fewer people are employed.” Explain with a suitable example. [4]
Answer:
It is a fact that machinery creates a problem for workers. We can take the example of a cottage industry of earlier times in which a number of family members were required to make a piece of cloth. Even then it required a lot of time to make a small piece of cloth. But when machines were invented then machines started to make cloth with great speed, in less time and with less cost. In this way work of the cottage industry went over to machines of a textile mill and thousands of workers had to change their occupations. Human labour cannot be matched with the pace at which a machine can work. Hence, machines have been constantly replacing humans. This has led to increased unemployment. The speed of human labour and mechanical technology is unmatched and hence even if humans try, they give up at some point and leave the job.
Section – D (3 ×6=18 Marks)
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 33.
Based on the given graph, answer the following questions. [6]
Table: The Population of India and Its Growth During the 20th Century
Year | Total Population (in millions) | Average Annual Growth Rate (%) | Decadal Growth Rate (%) |
1901 | 238 | – | – |
1911 | 252 | 0.56 | 5.8 |
1921 | 251 | -0.03 | -0.3 |
1931 | 279 | 1.04 | 11.0 |
1941 | 310 | 1.33 | 11.2 |
1951 | 361 | 1.25 | 13.3 |
1961 | 439 | 1.96 | 21.5 |
1971 | 548 | 2.22 | 24.8 |
1981 | 683 | 2.20 | 24.7 |
1991 | 846 | 2.14 | 23.9 |
2001 | 1028 | 1.93 | 21.3 |
2011 | 1210 | 1.63 | 17.7 |
Source: Registrar General of India, compiled from various web pages of the Census of India. See References for details.
Chart 1: Birth and Death Rate in India 1901-2011
1. What were the two principal causes of the decline of the death rate after 1921?
2. What do you infer about the demographic transition?
3. What, according to you, is meant by the term demographic transition and what are the implications of this?
Answer:
(a) Two principal causes for the decline of the death rate after 1921 were:
(i) increased levels of control over famines
(ii) epidemic diseases
(b) The concept of demographic transition is linked with the stages of population growth. In the lines given above, one can see that this demographic transition was witnessed around the decade of 1921 to 1931.
(c) Between the first stage (low population growth) and the third stage (low growth) phase, there is a transitional stage of movement from a backwards to an advanced stage which is characterised by high rates of growth of population which is known as the phase of demographic transition. The implications of demographic transition are: high growth of population means increased opportunities for potential human resources which can be used when these individuals become a part of the working age group.
Question 34.
Globalisation refers to the growing interdependence between different peoples, regions and countries in the world as social and economic relationships come to stretch world-wide. Although economic forces are an integral part of globalisation, it would be wrong to suggest that they alone produce it. It has been driven forward above all by the development of information and communication technologies that have intensified the speed and scope of interaction between people all over the world. India had significant links with the global world from very early times. Western capitalism as it emerged in Europe was both built upon and maintained by global control over resources of other countries as in colonialism.
(A) Why is electronic economy considered as one of the factors that underpins economic globalisation?
(B) Explain how the relationship between employment and globalisation has been described as one of the key issues regarding globalisation and labour? [6]
Answer:
(A)
- The electronic economy facilitates international financial transactions and fund movements with ease and speed.
- It allows banks, corporations, fund managers, and individual investors to transfer funds globally at the click of a mouse.
- However, this ability also brings risks, as sudden shifts in funds can lead to volatility in stock markets.
- In India, the discussion often revolves around rising stock markets and abrupt fluctuations caused by foreign investors buying and selling stocks for profit.
- These transactions are made possible by the communication revolution, which enables quick and efficient electronic money transfers.
(B)
- Globalisation and the IT revolution have had a significant impact on employment, but the effects are uneven.
- Middle-class youth from urban centers have benefited from globalisation, as it has created new career opportunities for them.
- Instead of pursuing traditional college degrees, they are opting to learn computer languages at computer institutes or working in call centers and BPO companies.
- They are also finding employment as salespersons in shopping malls or in the growing restaurant industry.
- Globalisation has opened up diverse job options for these individuals, allowing them to explore different sectors of the economy.
Question 35.
What are the various reasons cited by demographers and sociologists to explain the decline in the sex ratio in India? [6]
Answer:
Reasons for the decline in the sex ratio in India, as identified by demographers and sociologists:
- Preference for male children: Deeply entrenched cultural and social norms place a high value on male offspring, leading to a preference for male children over females. This preference is often rooted in patriarchal structures and the belief that male children will carry on the family lineage and provide economic support.
- Gender-based discrimination: Discrimination against women and girls, including unequal access to resources, education, and healthcare, contributes to a lower value placed on female lives. This discrimination may result in neglect of female children, limited access to nutrition and healthcare, and a higher likelihood of female infanticide or feticide.
- Son preference and sex-selective practices: The availability of technologies like ultrasound for determining the sex of the fetus has led to an increase in sex-selective practices, particularly in regions where son preference is strong. This has led to a disproportionate number of female fetuses being selectively aborted.
- Differential mortality rates: Girls and women may face higher mortality rates due to factors such as neglect, inadequate healthcare, and malnutrition. Gender biases in healthcare and nutrition access can result in higher female mortality rates at different stages of life, including infancy, childhood, and adulthood.
- Dowry system: The prevalent dowry system in certain communities puts financial burdens on families with daughters, leading to a perception that raising a girl child is an economic liability. This perception may influence decisions related to female infanticide, neglect, or preference for male children.
- Social and economic factors: Factors such as poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities for women can contribute to a decline in the sex ratio. In some cases, families may view having fewer female children as a means to alleviate financial constraints or secure better economic prospects.
- Policy implementation gaps: Challenges in effectively implementing and enforcing laws andpolicies related to gender equality and protection against gender-based discrimination have contributed to the decline in the sex ratio. These gaps may include inadequate awareness, weak enforcement mechanisms, and societal resistance to change.
- Changing demographic patterns: Rapid urbanization, migration, and changes in family structures and dynamics have also impacted the sex ratio. Factors such as increased mobility, changing social norms, and economic aspirations can influence the desire for smaller families and subsequently affect the sex ratio.