Chapter 3: Equality and Justice

Choose the correct alternative and complete the following statement.

The base of political equality is ___________.

OPTIONS

democracy
dictatorship
military rule
monarchy

John Rawls was an advocate of ____________ justice.

OPTIONS

distributive
political
economic
gender based

State the appropriate concept for the given statement.

Principle of equality which states that each one should get an opportunity for development of their individual personality -

SOLUTION

Principle of equality which states that each one should get an opportunity for development of their individual personality - Equality of opportunity

Type of equality which says that every citizen has an equal right to participate in affairs of the State -

SOLUTION

Type of equality which says that every citizen has an equal right to participate in affairs of the State -Political equality

Absence of economic exploitation -

SOLUTION

Absence of economic exploitation - Economic equality

Complete the following sentence using appropriate reason.

In India, laws were made regarding abolition of untouchability. Because

OPTIONS

untouchability is a political concept
untouchability is legal concept
social inequality is controlled by State legislation

SOLUTION

Complete the following sentence using appropriate reason. In India, laws were made regarding abolition of untouchability. Because-

Social inequality is controlled by State legislation

Complete the concept map/map.

SOLUTION

State whether the following statement is true or false with reasons.

Democracy denies equality.

OPTIONS

True
False

SOLUTION

This statement is False.

Reasons:

A democratic government is based on the pillars of liberty, equality, justice and fraternity.
Equality signifies equality of opportunity, of political participation and of equal protection of the law which can be ensured only in a democracy.

Equality is a political goal.

OPTIONS

True
False

SOLUTION

This statement is True.

Reasons:

Equality signifies that all human beings have an equal worth irrespective of their race, religion; caste, etc. It, however, does not mean uniformity.
In modern times, equality includes aspects like tolerance and empathy
i.e., a moral and collective dimension. It is also the basis of liberty and justice and is thus considered a political goal.

Social democracy is a foundation of political democracy.

OPTIONS

True
False

SOLUTION

This statement is True.

Reasons:

Social democracy means that there is equality i.e., no distinction among individuals merely on basis of ethnicity, creed, gender, etc. It ensures the dignity of the individual.
Political democracy is expressed in political rights such as the right to vote, to criticize the government, etc. In the absence of social democracy political democracy will be less worthwhile.

Explain co-relation between the following.

Equality and Justice

SOLUTION

Equality refers to equal rights and opportunities to all persons irrespective of their race, creed, gender, etc. It means no person or group will be discriminated against socially, economically, or politically. Similarly, no person or group will have special privileges that are denied to the vast majority in society.

Justice refers to that state of affairs in which every individual get s exactly those burdens and benefits that are due to him. It refers to the absence of socio-economic, political, and legal injustices. In the absence of equality, there will be a denial of justice and the progress of society will be hindered. Justice aims at the reconciliation of individual rights and larger social interests.

Legal Justice and Social Justice

SOLUTION

Legal justice is the application of the abstract concept of justice through the implementation of the law. Justice is a precondition to the law as, without it, the law may become an instrument of tyranny and suppression. Austin considers law as a means to suppress injustice as well as to establish justice. Legal justice signifies an independent and impartial judiciary which observes specific rules for judicial proceedings. Any accused should be charged keeping in mind his/her human rights.·

Social justice is both reformative and distributive. It aims at a revision of the social order by doing away with socio-economic evils for e.g. to eradicate untouchability, there is Article 17 of the constitution as well as laws passed by Parliament. Procedural justice demands equality before law as well as correct interpretation and application of the law. Social justice is also reformative i.e., equitable distribution of goods and services so that underprivileged sections can get an adequate share in this distribution.

Express your opinion of the following.

Casteism is a barrier to social equality.

SOLUTION

Caste system is one of the basic features of Indian society. It implies divisions in society based merely on one's birth into a particular section of society. There was a caste hierarchy in which the upper castes enjoyed privileges that were denied to the lower castes. Even, within the four main Chaturvaranas, hierarchies began to develop. Casteism began to become a social evil, as it resulted in untouchability as well as the exploitation and segregation of lower castes. They were denied equal opportunities to have socio-economic and political rights. Casteism did not permit upward mobility in the caste hierarchy due to marriage or achievement. Intermingling of castes was prohibited. Lower castes were often discriminated against in educational, political, and employment facilities. In some cases, they were denied access to public places like water bodies, hospitals, etc. Social equality means that there has to be no favouring of or discrimination against any person/group on irrelevant aspects like caste and creed. It means that the dignity and intrinsic worth of every person must be recognized. Thus, the rigid hierarchies and discrimination perpetuated by casteism hinders social equality.

Explain Indian concept of justice.

SOLUTION

There exist different kinds of inequalities in India, such as those created through the caste system, through the patriarchal system, etc. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar argued that justice would be achieved when the structure and values associated with these systems undergo a change. He also related the concept of justice to the concept of distribution of resources. The Constitution of India ensures justice through both, procedural justice and social justice. This can be achieved through the educational and economic development of the backward classes.

Justice is implemented through the following policies:

Policy of reservation.
Granting of scholarships, grants, loans, health services, etc. for weaker sections of the society.
Eradication of unjust social and economic practices which exploit the backward classes.

Balbharati Solutions for Political Science 11th Standard Maharashtra State Board Chapterwise List - Free

The answers for the Balbharati books are the best study material for students. These Balbharati Solutions for Political Science 11th Standard Maharashtra State Board will help students understand the concepts better.

• Chapter 1: The State

• Chapter 2: Liberty and Rights

• Chapter 3: Equality and Justice

• Chapter 4: Constitutional Government

• Chapter 5: Concept of Representation

• Chapter 6: Role of the Judiciary

• Chapter 7: Public Administration

• Chapter 8: Development Administration

• Chapter 9: The world since 1945 - 1

• Chapter 10: The world since 1945 - 2