Class 10 Social Science Chapter 16 Gender, Religion and Caste (Civics) Practice Paper 1

Subject: Social Science - Class: X Session: 2025-26 Political Science Chapter: 03 - Gender, Religion and Caste Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. What does the term 'sexual division of labour' refer to?
(a) Division of work between men and women in offices
(b) A system where housework is done by women or organized by them
(c) Distribution of industrial work between genders
(d) Equal sharing of all types of work

Q2. Which country has achieved the highest women's representation in parliament among the following regions?
(a) Arab States
(b) Pacific
(c) Nordic countries
(d) Asia

Q3. The literacy rate among women in India is:
(a) 54 per cent
(b) 65 per cent
(c) 76 per cent
(d) 82 per cent

Q4. What does the term 'communalism' refer to?
(a) Living in a community
(b) Religion as the principal basis of social community
(c) Community development programs
(d) Communal harmony initiatives

Q5. Which Act provides that equal wages should be paid for equal work?
(a) Equal Rights Act, 1950
(b) Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
(c) Women's Rights Act, 1980
(d) Gender Equality Act, 1990

Q6. What was the child sex ratio in India according to Census 2011?
(a) 850
(b) 919
(c) 950
(d) 990

Q7. The term 'patriarchy' literally means:
(a) Rule by father
(b) Rule by mother
(c) Rule by elders
(d) Rule by community

Q8. What percentage of seats are reserved for women in Panchayati Raj bodies?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 33 percent
(c) 40 percent
(d) 50 percent

Q9. According to the National Sample Survey 2004-05, what is the approximate proportion of OBCs in India's population?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 33 percent
(c) 41 percent
(d) 50 percent

Q10. What does the term 'feminist' mean?
(a) A woman who hates men
(b) A person who believes in equal rights for women and men
(c) Only women who fight for their rights
(d) A person who believes women are superior

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. Explain the concept of 'public-private division' in the context of gender roles.

Q12. How does the Indian Constitution ensure secularism? Mention any two provisions.

Q13. What is meant by 'occupational mobility' and how has it affected the caste system in India?

Q14. Why do political parties consider caste composition while choosing candidates?

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. "Women's work is not valued and does not get recognition." Justify this statement with three reasons based on the chapter.

Q16. Explain three different forms that communalism can take in politics.

Q17. How does caste influence politics in India? Mention any three ways.

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Discuss the status of women's representation in Indian politics. What steps have been taken to improve it? Do you think these steps are sufficient? Give reasons for your answer.

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow: The Time Use Survey conducted by the Government of India in six states showed that an average woman works for 7 hours and 30 minutes daily, while an average man works for 6 hours and 30 minutes. However, women spend only 2 hours and 40 minutes on income-generating work compared to men's 6 hours. Women spend 5 hours on household work while men spend only 30 minutes. Despite working longer hours, women's work remains largely unpaid and invisible.

(a) How much more time does an average woman work compared to an average man daily? (1 mark)
(b) Why is women's work considered 'invisible'? (1 mark)
(c) What does this data reveal about gender division of labour in India? (2 marks)

Q20. Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow: Census data shows that Hindus constitute 79.8% of India's population, Muslims 14.2%, Christians 2.3%, Sikhs 1.7%, and others 2%. Since Independence, the total population of each community has increased substantially, but their proportion hasn't changed much. The Scheduled Castes comprise 16.6% and Scheduled Tribes comprise 8.6% of the population. Expert estimates suggest that the Muslim proportion might increase by only 3-4% in the next 50 years.

(a) What percentage of India's population are Muslims according to the 2011 Census? (1 mark)
(b) Why is there a common misconception about Muslim population growth in India? (1 mark)
(c) How does this data help in countering communal propaganda? (2 marks) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 01

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Answer 1:
(b) A system where housework is done by women or organized by them Explanation: Sexual division of labour refers to a system where all work inside the home is either done by women of the family or organized by them through domestic helpers. This division reflects social expectations rather than biological necessity. Answer 2:
(c) Nordic countries Explanation: Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland) have achieved the highest women's representation in parliaments globally at 42.3%, far above the world average of 24%.

Answer 3:
(a) 54 per cent Explanation: The literacy rate among women in India is only 54% compared to 76% among men, showing a significant gender gap in education. Answer 4:
(b) Religion as the principal basis of social community Explanation: Communalism is based on the idea that religion is the principal basis of social community, leading to the belief that followers of different religions cannot belong to the same social community. Answer 5:
(b) Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 Explanation: The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provides that equal wages should be paid for equal work, though in practice women are often paid less than men for the same work.

Answer 6:
(b) 919 Explanation: The child sex ratio (number of girl children per thousand boys) in India declined to merely 919 according to Census 2011, largely due to sex-selective abortions. Answer 7:
(a) Rule by father Explanation: Patriarchy literally means 'rule by father' and refers to a system that values men more and gives them power over women in family and society. Answer 8:
(b) 33 percent Explanation: One-third (33%) of seats in Panchayati Raj bodies are reserved for women, resulting in more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies.

Answer 9:
(c) 41 percent Explanation: The National Sample Survey 2004-05 estimates the OBC population to be around 41% of India's total population. Answer 10:
(b) A person who believes in equal rights for women and men Explanation: A feminist is a woman or man who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men, not someone who hates men or believes in female superiority.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Answer 11: Public-Private Division in Gender Roles The public-private division refers to the traditional assignment of different spheres of work to men and women: • Private sphere (women): Women are expected to handle all domestic work inside the home such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and childcare. This work is unpaid and often invisible. • Public sphere (men): Men are expected to work outside the home in paid employment and public affairs. Their work is valued and recognized because it generates income.

This division is not based on biological capabilities but on social expectations and stereotypes. Women in villages fetch water and work in fields, while poor urban women work as domestic helpers, showing they do work outside home too, but it remains undervalued. Answer 12: Constitutional Provisions for Secularism The Indian Constitution ensures secularism through the following provisions:

1. No official religion: Unlike Sri Lanka (Buddhism), Pakistan (Islam), or England (Christianity), India has no official state religion. All religions are treated equally.

2. Freedom of religion: The Constitution provides all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice, and propagate any religion, or not to follow any religion. (Any two of the following could also be mentioned): • Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion • State can intervene in religious matters to ensure equality (e.g., banning untouchability) Answer 13: Occupational Mobility and Caste System Occupational Mobility: It refers to the shift from one occupation to another, usually when a new generation takes up occupations different from those practiced by their ancestors.

Effect on Caste System: • With economic development and urbanization, people are no longer restricted to their traditional caste occupations • Members of different castes now work in modern industries, offices, and various professions • This has weakened the rigid hereditary occupational division that was the basis of the caste system • However, effects of centuries of advantages and disadvantages continue, with upper castes still dominant in better-paid jobs Answer 14: Caste Composition and Candidate Selection Political parties consider caste composition while choosing candidates for the following reasons:

1. Electoral calculations: Parties analyze the caste composition of voters in a constituency and nominate candidates from different castes to ensure they can muster necessary support to win elections.

2. Vote mobilization: Having candidates from dominant caste groups in a constituency helps parties appeal to those caste groups and secure their votes. This is seen as a practical strategy for electoral success.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Answer 15: Why Women's Work is Not Valued Women's work is not valued and does not get recognition for the following reasons:

1. Unpaid domestic labour: The bulk of women's work is household-related (cooking, cleaning, childcare) which remains unpaid. Since it doesn't generate direct income, society doesn't value it despite it being essential and time-consuming.

2. Invisibility of work: Even when women do paid work in addition to domestic labour, their work outside is often in informal sectors (domestic help, agricultural work) which is poorly paid and not properly documented or recognized.

3. Gender pay gap: Even when women do the same work as men in factories, fields, sports, or cinema, they are paid less than men. The Equal Remuneration Act exists but is poorly enforced, showing systemic devaluation of women's work. Supporting data: Time Use Survey shows women work 7.5 hours daily vs men's 6.5 hours, but women spend only 2:40 hours on income-generating work while men spend 6 hours, making women's work appear less valuable despite them working longer hours. Answer 16: Forms of Communalism in Politics Communalism can take the following forms in politics:

1. Everyday beliefs and prejudices: The most common form involves religious prejudices, stereotypes of religious communities, and belief in the superiority of one's religion over others. This is so widespread that we often fail to notice it even when we believe in it.

2. Quest for political dominance: A communal mind often leads to seeking political dominance of one's own religious community. For majority communities, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For minority communities, it may take the form of desire to form a separate political unit.

3. Political mobilization on religious lines: This involves using sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeals, and fear to bring followers of one religion together in the political arena. In elections, this means making special appeals to voters of one religion in preference to others. (A fourth form could be mentioned): Communal violence, riots, and massacres represent the most ugly form of communalism, as seen during Partition and in various post-Independence communal riots. Answer 17: Influence of Caste on Politics Caste influences politics in India in the following ways:

1. Candidate selection: When political parties choose candidates for elections, they keep in mind the caste composition of the electorate and nominate candidates from different castes to muster necessary support. When governments are formed, parties ensure representatives of different castes find a place in it.

2. Electoral appeals: Political parties and candidates make appeals to caste sentiment to gather support. Some political parties are known to favor certain castes and are seen as their representatives. This mobilizes caste-based voting.

3. Political mobilization: Universal adult franchise and one-person-one-vote principle have compelled political leaders to mobilize and secure support from all sections. This has brought new consciousness among castes that were previously treated as inferior and low, giving them political voice and representation.

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Answer 18: Women's Representation in Indian Politics Current Status of Women's Representation: Women's representation in Indian legislatures has historically been very low and continues to remain inadequate: National Level: • In Lok Sabha, women's representation touched 14.36% of total strength for the first time in 2019 • In state assemblies, women's share is less than 5% • In government cabinets, there are very few women even when a woman becomes Chief Minister or Prime Minister • India ranks among the bottom group of nations globally in women's political representation • India lags behind several developing countries in Africa and Latin America Steps Taken to Improve Representation:

1. Reservation in Panchayati Raj: • One-third of seats in local government bodies (panchayats and municipalities) are reserved for women • This has resulted in more than 10 lakh elected women representatives in rural and urban local bodies • This has been quite successful in bringing women into grassroots politics

2. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act, 2023): • Passed in 2023 after pending for many decades • Provides 33% reservation of seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies • Also includes reservation in Delhi Assembly • This is a major legislative achievement demanded by women's organizations for long Are These Steps Sufficient? These steps are significant but NOT YET SUFFICIENT for the following reasons: Positive aspects: • Reservation in local bodies has proven successful in bringing women into decision-making • The Women's Reservation Act is a major breakthrough that will significantly increase women's representation • These legal measures ensure women get a fair share in political power Limitations and areas needing more work:

1. The Women's Reservation Act was passed only in 2023 - implementation has just begun

2. Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes in society continue to see politics as male domain

3. Women face multiple disadvantages: lower literacy (54% vs 76% for men), limited economic independence, safety concerns

4. Even with reservation, actual participation and decision-making power of women representatives can be limited by male family members acting as proxies

5. Cabinet positions, party leadership positions still have very few women What More is Needed: • Social change in attitudes toward women in public life • Ensuring women's safety and security in political activities • Increased educational and economic opportunities for women • More women in party leadership positions • Combating the practice of male family members controlling women representatives Conclusion: While legal reservations are crucial first steps that ensure women's entry into politics, true representation requires addressing the underlying social, economic, and cultural factors that disadvantage women. The steps taken so far are necessary but not sufficient - sustained efforts at multiple levels are needed to achieve meaningful political equality for women in India.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Answer 19: Time Use Survey Case Study
(a) Time difference: An average woman works one hour more than an average man daily (7 hours 30 minutes - 6 hours 30 minutes = 1 hour).
(b) Why women's work is 'invisible': Women's work is considered invisible because the bulk of it (5 hours) is household-related work which remains unpaid and is not counted in economic calculations. Only work that generates income is considered 'real work' in society's perception, making women's essential domestic labour invisible despite it being crucial for family functioning.

(c) What the data reveals about gender division of labour: This data reveals several important aspects of gender division of labour in India:

1. Unequal burden: Women work longer hours than men (7.5 hours vs 6.5 hours) but spend most of their time on unpaid household work while men's work is primarily income-generating and therefore valued.

2. Double burden on women: Women do both household work (5 hours) AND income-generating work (2:40 hours), while men spend minimal time (30 minutes) on household work. This shows women carry a double burden while men are largely free from domestic responsibilities.

3. Economic inequality: Since men spend much more time on income-generating work (6 hours vs 2:40 hours), they have greater economic independence and their work is more valued, even though women work longer overall. This perpetuates economic inequality and women's dependence on men. Answer 20: Religious Diversity Census Case Study
(a) Muslim population percentage: According to the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 14.2% of India's population.
(b) Common misconception about Muslim population growth: There is a common but mistaken impression that the proportion of Muslims in the country's population is going to overtake other religious communities. This misconception arises from communal propaganda and fear- mongering rather than facts. People often confuse absolute population growth (which affects all communities) with proportional changes.

(c) How this data counters communal propaganda: This census data effectively counters communal propaganda in the following ways:

1. Facts over fear: The data shows that since Independence, while the total population of each religious community has increased substantially, their proportions in the country's population have not changed much. Hindu, Jain, and Christian populations have declined only marginally in percentage terms, while Muslim, Sikh, and Buddhist populations have increased only slightly.

2. Scientific projections: Expert estimates by the Prime Minister's High Level Committee (Sachar Committee) show that Muslim proportion is expected to increase by only about 3-4% in the next 50 years. This proves that claims of Muslims becoming a majority are completely false and based on prejudice rather than demographic reality. The population balance of different religious communities is not likely to change in any significant way, countering alarmist communal propaganda that threatens social harmony.