Democracy and Diversity Class 10

Democracy and Diversity, chapter 3 of the class 10 social science syllabus covers the intricacies related to democracy in India. It also elaborates upon the response of democracy, social differences, divisions, and inequalities. The details mentioned in the chapter are also given importance as per the syllabus of various competitive exams like UPSC, SSC CGL and many more. So let us begin the Democracy and Diversity Class 10 Notes

Story From Mexico Olympics

Known as a landmark in the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the US, this topic should be retained well. Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the Mexico Olympics in 1968 won gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter race respectively.  During the medal ceremony, the national anthem of the US was played. They both raised their clenched fists with black gloves and bowed their head. They tried to seek the world’s attention towards the racial discrimination faced by blacks in the US. With the black gloves, they symbolized black power. 

But as a result, their medals were taken back. They were accused of violating the spirit of the Olympics by making a political statement. They also had to face a lot of criticism back home. While studying the chapter on Democracy and Diversity, remember that this action gained attention for the Civil Rights Movement in the US.

Differences, Similarities, Divisions

The action of Smith and Carlos was in response to social divisions and social inequalities. However, there are different forms of social differences in different societies. 

Origin of Social Differences

The primary basis of social differences is the accident of birth. For instance, there are differences in gender, height, complexion, physical abilities, disabilities, etc. This is because we cannot choose our community. However, not all disputes are based on birth. Some of the differences are based on our choices. For example, some atheists do not believe in god, while others devote their lives to god. Other differences might be based on education, occupation, field of interest, etc. The chapter on Democracy and Diversity states that all social differences do not lead to divisions. They might sometimes unite different people. For example, all three athletes in the Mexico Olympics were joined by the sport but divided by race.

Overlapping and Cross-Cutting differences

Social differences take place when people discriminate against each other or when one section or a group is given preference over the other. The choice is based on social, economic, or racial inequality. Both these terms are significant with respect to the chapter, thus, we will study them in detail-

Also Read: Streams After 10th

Overlapping

When one social difference overlaps the other, it means overlapping differences. This means that one social difference becomes more important than the other. Here, people have a feeling of belonging to different communities. For example, in India, Dalits belong to low-income families and hence, face discrimination. Another example is Northern Ireland, where class and religion overlap each other.

Cross-Cutting

When one difference cross-cuts each other, it is known as a cross-cutting difference. This means that the people who are on the same side in one contrast might have a different view on another difference. For example, the Netherlands and Northern Ireland have a majority of the Christian population, but the Christians are further divided into Catholics and Protestants.

Science vs Commerce: Which is a Better Choice?

Politics of Social Divisions

The politics of social division is another crucial parameter that describes democracy and diversity in India. When politics and social divisions are combined, the result might be very harmful to the citizens. The competition among different political parties and the rule of the winning party are the outcomes of democracy. If the match starts based on social divisions, these divisions will be transformed into political divisions. This will ultimately lead to conflict, violence and sometimes, even disintegration of the country. A lot of countries have fallen victim to this. 

Also Read: NCERT Class 6 Civics: Chapter 1 Understanding Diversity

Democracy and Diversity: Range of Outcomes of Politics of Social Divisions

Next on democracy and diversity class 10 notes a range of outcomes of politics of social divisions. In Northern Ireland, the politics of social divisions have been in the limelight for many years. As per the examples cited in the chapter on Democracy and Diversity, Christians are predominant but are divided into Catholics (53%) and Protestants (44%). The Nationalist parties represented the Catholics. They demanded to unify Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland because it was predominantly Catholic. 

On the other hand, Unionists started representing Protestants who wanted to stay in the country, predominantly Protestant. These divisions have led to violent and bitter ethnic conflicts. Following this, a dangerous battle happened where hundreds of people lost their lives.

Another example of interest for class 10 students is Yugoslavia, which states that there was a political competition based on religion. This took a drastic turn. As a result, Yugoslavia was divided into six independent countries. However, it should be noted that social division in politics does not always have such results. But in some countries like India, it might affect the voting process.

Also Read: NCERT Class 6 Civics: Chapter 2 Diversity and Discrimination

Democracy and Diversity: Three Determinants

The factors that are responsible for determining the outcome of social divisions are discussed below :

• It depends on the way people perceive their identities. If people see their characters exclusively and singularly, it becomes difficult to reconcile. 
• The way in which the leaders demand their raise in the community is also responsible for this. If the requirements are within the constitutional framework and provide no harm to another neighborhood, it is easier to accommodate.
• If rulers agree to share power and consider the reasonable requirements of minority communities, the social divisions create less threat in a country.

Democracy and Diversity Class 10 PDF

Democracy and Diversity Essay

In a democratic nation, every individual has equal rights. Citizens have the right to elect their representatives. On the other hand, diversity means differences in region, culture, language, and religion in society. Diversity originates with the birth or character of the person. There is a past misconception about democracy that it can smoothly function only if there is similarity within the country. But countries like India and others have busted this myth. India is a diverse nation and a democratic one as well. It has been running smoothly and tackling the challenges. Challenges include corruption, racism, and discrimination. India has made all the necessary amendments and will continue to do so to make it the best democratic nation with diversity in the world.

Must Read: What is Representative Democracy?

Democracy and Diversity Class 10 PPT

Democracy and diversity class 10 from likho2abhi6969

Also Read: Features of Democracy

Democracy and Diversity Class 10 Project

Democracy and diversity CBSE class 10,12project Social Science from Vishvjeet Yadav

Check out: Know the Difference between Democracy and Dictatorship!

Related Links:

• Class 9 Social Science- What is Democracy?
• Features of Democracy
• What is the Difference between Democracy and Dictatorship?
• Challenges to Democracy Class 10 Notes
• Outcomes of Democracy
• Class 9 Social Science -Democratic Rights Notes

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