CBSE Class 10 | Political Science Chapter: Gender, Religion and Caste

Gender, Religion and Caste

Introduction

Democracy is not just about elections and institutions. It is also about the principles of equality, freedom, and dignity. However, societies are often divided on the basis of gender, religion, and caste, which challenges the essence of democracy. In this chapter, we explore how these social divisions impact political life, and how democracy responds to these inequalities.Gender Religion and Caste Class 10

Understanding these aspects is crucial for young citizens, as it helps them recognise discrimination, challenge injustice, and participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Let’s explore these divisions one by one, understand their impact, and evaluate how democratic institutions attempt to balance them.

I. Gender and Politics

✨ The Reality of Gender Inequality

While the Indian Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of gender, the lived reality often differs.

Although women make up half the population, they are underrepresented in most spheres of life—education, employment, and politics.
In several regions, especially in rural areas, girls continue to face limited access to health care and education.
Gender-based violence, dowry deaths, domestic abuse, and workplace harassment are common concerns that restrict the full participation of women in society.

Gender inequality is not just a social issue—it’s a deeply political one. Any true democracy must address it through structural reforms and cultural transformation.

Women in Politics

Globally, women hold only about 25% of parliamentary seats, highlighting a global gender gap in political participation.
In India, the number of women MPs in the Lok Sabha (2024) stands at about 14%, a slight improvement but still far from equal.
Political representation of women is essential for policy changes that favour gender equality in education, health, and employment.

When women enter political spaces, they tend to raise issues that are often ignored—such as domestic violence, sanitation, child care, and maternal health.

Local Success Stories

The 73rd Amendment (1992) introduced a major breakthrough by reserving one-third of all seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions (local rural governance bodies) for women.
In several states like Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Kerala, this has enabled thousands of women to participate in decision-making.
Case studies have shown how women leaders have worked for better water supply, primary schools, sanitation, and healthcare in their villages.

These grassroots experiences highlight that women are not just capable leaders but also transformative ones when given opportunities.

Challenges to Women Empowerment

Patriarchal attitudes continue to dominate social thinking, where women’s roles are often confined to domestic responsibilities.
Political parties often hesitate to field women candidates, citing their “winnability.”
The Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, has been pending in Parliament for years.

To make democracy more inclusive, institutional reforms, political will, and societal change must go hand in hand.

II. Religion, Communalism, and Politics

Religion as a Social Identity

Religion shapes cultural practices, rituals, food habits, and moral values for millions of Indians.
India’s diversity includes major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The Indian Constitution recognises this diversity and guarantees freedom of religion as a Fundamental Right.

A secular democracy ensures that religious differences do not translate into political inequality.

Communalism: A Threat to Democracy

Communalism is a political ideology that uses religion to promote hatred and division.
It believes that one religion’s interests are opposed to others and justifies unequal treatment or exclusion.
Communalism leads to ghettoisation, polarisation, and even violence.

In India’s history, events like the partition, anti-Sikh riots (1984), and Gujarat riots (2002) stand as grim reminders of communalism’s dangers.

Forms of Communalism

Everyday Communalism: Subtle prejudices, jokes, and stereotypes about other religions.
Political Communalism: Use of religious rhetoric and identities by political leaders to garner votes.
Communal Violence: Riots, targeted attacks, and organised hatred against specific religious groups.

Secularism in India

The Indian state is secular, which means:

There is no official religion of the state.
It does not favour or discriminate against any religion.
It provides all individuals and communities the freedom to profess, practise, and propagate any religion.

Secularism ensures that public policies are not dictated by religious beliefs. For example, in cases involving religious sentiments and law, the judiciary upholds constitutional values.

However, the real challenge lies in implementation. Political parties must resist communal polarisation and promote inclusive development instead.

III. Caste and Politics

✨ Historical Background

The caste system is an ancient form of social stratification unique to the Indian subcontinent.
It categorises people into hierarchical groups determined by birth—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Dalits (formerly known as ‘untouchables’).
This structure governed occupations, marriages, and social interactions for centuries, enforcing discrimination and exclusion.

Despite legal reforms, caste continues to influence many aspects of Indian society.

Caste in Contemporary India

Urbanisation, literacy, and economic mobility have eroded some traditional caste boundaries.
Inter-caste marriages and reservations have brought social changes, though at a slow pace.
Yet caste persists as a cultural identity, and it plays a role in elections, job opportunities, and social networks.

Social discrimination, particularly against Dalits and Adivasis, continues in various forms—be it manual scavenging, educational dropouts, or honour killings.

Caste in Politics

Caste and politics are deeply interlinked in India.

Political parties often select candidates based on caste demographics in a region.
Voters, too, sometimes prefer candidates from their own caste group, assuming they will be better represented.
Caste associations and regional parties mobilise voters by promoting caste identity.

While this is seen as a distortion of democratic ideals, it is also a reflection of how marginalised communities seek representation.

Positive Political Impact

Caste-based mobilisation has allowed historically oppressed groups to participate in politics.
Leaders from OBCs and Dalit communities have risen to power, challenging upper-caste dominance.
Affirmative action policies, such as reservation in education and jobs, have opened up opportunities for disadvantaged sections.

Caste, once a source of oppression, is being used by some as a tool of empowerment.

Negative Outcomes

Overemphasis on caste has often led to vote-bank politics, where merit and issues take a backseat.
Reservation policies are sometimes manipulated for electoral gains.
Incidents of caste-based violence, like lynchings or honour killings, show that caste discrimination still runs deep.

India’s democracy must aim to transcend caste identities while ensuring justice for those historically wronged.

IV. Role of Democratic Institutions in Addressing Inequality

Constitutional Provisions

Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Article 17 abolishes untouchability.
Article 25–28 guarantees freedom of religion.

Legal Safeguards

The Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955) and SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act (1989) aim to prevent caste-based discrimination and violence.
The National Commission for Women, National Commission for Minorities, and National Commission for Scheduled Castes are statutory bodies ensuring equality.

Public Awareness and Education

Media, civil society organisations, and educational institutions play a key role in sensitising people.
Campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao promote gender equality.
NGOs promote communal harmony through cultural exchange and peace-building initiatives.

Conclusion

Social divisions based on gender, religion, and caste are a reality in India. But democracy provides tools to address these inequalities. Through legal safeguards, political participation, and public awareness, we can reduce discrimination and move towards a more just society.

Students must understand that being aware and active citizens helps in challenging stereotypes and demanding equality. Democracy thrives when every citizen—regardless of gender, religion, or caste—is treated with dignity and given equal opportunities.

True democracy goes beyond mere elections—it reflects a commitment to justice, inclusivity, and human dignity. The responsibility lies not just with the state, but also with us as individuals, to uphold the principles of equality in everyday life.