NCERT Solutions i.e. Q&A based on NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 5 ‘Understanding Marginalisation’ in Political Science Textbook. Click here for other chapters of Class 8 Social Science subject.
IN-TEXT QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Explain at least three different reasons why groups may be marginalised.
Ans. Groups may be marginalised due to the following reasons:
(i) They speak different languages.
(ii) They follow different customs.
(iii) They are poor.
2. Why was Dadu forced to leave his village in Orissa?
Ans. Dadu was forced to leave his village in Orissa because the companywallahs took his land for mining iron ore there.
3. List five products that you use at home that come from the forest.
Ans.
(i) Fruit
(ii) Timber
(iii) Gum
(iv) Lac
(v) Honey
4. By whom were the following demands being made on forest land?
- Timber for construction of houses and railways
- Forest land for mining
- Forest land for agriculture by non-tribal people
- Reserved by government as wildlife parks
In what ways would this affect tribal people?
Ans. These demands were made by the British government in India.
This would affect the tribal people as they would be displaced to other areas where they might not find work easily.
5. In your opinion, why is it important that Adivasis should have a say in how their forests and forest lands are used?
Ans. Adivasis have been directly affected by the decisions of government agencies regarding forests and land. Their livelihood and culture depend on forests, so they should have a say in how forest resources are used.
6. Why do we need safeguards for minorities?
Ans. We need safeguards for minorities to protect them from being dominated by the majority and to ensure that their rights are not violated.
7. Read the following content carefully.
“I live in a Muslim-dominated area. Some days back during Ramzan, there was some disturbance that started taking a communal outlook. My brother and I had gone for an Iftar party in the neighbourhood and were dressed in traditional clothes, that is, sherwani and salwar kameez, respectively. On returning home, my brother and I were asked to change our clothes to jeans and T-shirt.
Now, when everything is fine, I wonder what was the reason that we were asked to change our clothes and why I didn’t find it odd. Were our clothes giving away our identity, and is that identity linked to all kinds of fears and discrimination?”
— Ainee A. Farooqi
What do you think she is trying to convey?
Ans. Ainee is trying to convey that people in society often try to hide their identity to avoid conflict or discrimination. Some traditional dresses are linked to specific communities, and during communal tensions, people may avoid wearing them to prevent being targeted.
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Write in your own words two or more sentences of what you understand by the word ‘marginalisation’.
Ans. The word ‘marginalisation’ refers to a situation where an individual or a group is deprived of certain rights and treated differently from others. It can happen due to social, economic, cultural, or political factors.
2. List two reasons why Adivasis are becoming increasingly marginalised.
Ans.
(i) Adivasis prefer to live in their traditional way without external interference.
(ii) They usually resist changes or new ideas, making it difficult for them to adapt to modernization.
3. Write one reason why you think the Constitution’s safeguards to protect minority communities are very important.
Ans. The Constitution’s safeguards are important because minority communities are numerically smaller compared to the majority. Without protection, they may face discrimination or suppression.
4. Re-read the section on Minorities and Marginalisation. What do you understand by the term ‘minority’?
Ans. The term ‘minority’ refers to a group of people that is numerically smaller compared to the rest of the population in a country.
5. You are participating in a debate where you have to provide reasons to support the following statement: ‘Muslims are a marginalised community.’ Using the data provided in this chapter, list two reasons that you would give.
Ans.
(i) Many Muslims do not have access to basic facilities like water and electricity.
(ii) They have limited access to quality education, which affects their socio-economic development.
6. Imagine that you are watching the Republic Day Parade on TV with a friend, and she remarks, ‘Look at these tribals. They look so exotic. And they seem to be dancing all the time.’ List three things that you would tell her about the lives of Adivasis in India.
Ans.
(i) Adivasis wear colourful traditional dresses.
(ii) They live close to forests and depend on them for their livelihood.
(iii) They have their own languages, such as Santhali.
7. In the storyboard, you read about how Helan hopes to make a movie on the Adivasi story. Can you help her by developing a short story on Adivasis?
Ans.
Adivasis have lived close to nature for generations. Their livelihood depends on forests, where they collect fruits, honey, and wood. They prefer a simple life and celebrate festivals by dancing together.
However, modern developments have disturbed their peaceful existence. Many Adivasis have been displaced due to deforestation, mining, and urbanization. Without access to their traditional resources, they are forced to migrate to cities for work. There, they struggle to find stable jobs and often work as labourers for low wages.
Despite these challenges, Adivasis continue to hold on to their traditions and identity, keeping their rich culture alive.
8. Would you agree with the statement that economic and social marginalisation are interlinked? Why?
Ans. Yes, economic and social marginalisation are interlinked because a person’s financial condition affects their social status. People with poor economic backgrounds often face discrimination and lack access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
