Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion
What this domain tests
This domain covers how advantages and disadvantages are structured along caste, class, gender, disability and minority status. Expect questions on social exclusion, affirmative action and the difference between inequality and exclusion.
Core concepts
- Social inequality: unequal access to resources, status and power; it is structured, not accidental.
- Social exclusion: processes that keep groups out of institutions, decision-making and public life.
- Caste inequality: untouchability was abolished by Article 17; caste prejudice and discrimination persist.
- Affirmative action: Articles 15(4) and 16(4) permit special provisions and reservation in public employment and education for backward classes.
- Gender: patriarchy shapes work, mobility, property and political voice.
- Intersectionality: caste, class and gender can combine to produce distinct disadvantages.
Worked example
Manual scavenging is overwhelmingly performed by Dalit women. Reasoning: caste assigns the polluted work, while gender assigns it to women within those communities. A caste-only explanation misses the gendered division of labour; a gender-only explanation misses why the work is stigmatised as untouchable. The example shows intersectionality in practice.
Traps that cost marks
Do not use inequality and exclusion as synonyms: inequality is a wider pattern, exclusion is a process of being shut out. Do not reduce reservation to poverty relief; it is a constitutional measure for under-represented groups. Do not claim Article 17 abolished caste itself; it abolished untouchability. Avoid treating patriarchy as merely individual sexism.