🧑‍⚖️ Class 10 Civics Chapter 3 – Gender, Religion and Caste

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In this post, we cover Civics Chapter 3 – Gender, Religion and Caste, where you’ll learn how social divisions based on gender, religion, and caste impact Indian democracy, and how these issues are addressed.

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👩 I. Gender and Politics

🔹 1. Gender Inequality

• Women face discrimination at home and outside

• Low female literacy rate, fewer job opportunities

• Underrepresentation in politics and leadership roles

🔹 2. Women’s Political Representation

• India had a woman Prime Minister (Indira Gandhi), but very few women MPs and MLAs

• Women's representation in Lok Sabha is less than 15%

• Global average is around 25%

🔹 3. Feminist Movements

• Aim to empower women and ensure equal rights

• Helped in raising awareness on violence, unequal pay, dowry, etc.

🔹 4. Women’s Reservation

• 33% seats are reserved in local self-governments (Panchayati Raj)

• Many states and parties demand one-third reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies

✅ Gender equality is essential for a true democracy

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🛕 II. Religion and Politics

🔹 1. Role of Religion in Politics

• In a democracy, religious freedom is a right

• People can express beliefs, but the state must not favor any religion

🔹 2. Communalism

• Belief that religion is the basis of a nation

• Leads to violence, hatred, and division

Forms of Communalism:

🔹 3. Secularism in India

• India has no official religion

• Government does not promote or interfere in any religion

• Laws apply equally to all, regardless of religion

✅ Democracy must ensure religious harmony and equality

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🧬 III. Caste and Politics

🔹 1. Caste in Indian Society

• Indian society is traditionally divided into castes

• Caste affects:

  • Marriage

  • Jobs

  • Social status

🔹 2. Caste in Politics

• Caste-based voting and party support are common

• Political parties often select candidates based on caste appeal

🔹 3. Positive Role of Caste in Politics

• Weakened caste system over time

• Encouraged social justice and reservation policies

• Lower castes now participate actively in politics

🔹 4. Negative Role of Caste in Politics

• Casteism can divide people and hinder national unity

• Leads to vote bank politics and discrimination

✅ Caste should not be the sole basis for political decisions

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📚 IV. Key Terms

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📌 Summary

• Gender: Women are underrepresented but gaining space through reservations

• Religion: Must not be mixed with politics; secularism is key

• Caste: Though still relevant, it should not dominate politics

✅ A healthy democracy ensures equality for all, regardless of gender, religion, or caste.