UPSC Mains 2024 GS1 Q20 — Indian Social Structure
Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India's cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Critically analyse
- Scope keywords
- high correlationIndia's cultural diversitiessocio-economic marginalities
- Implicit sub-parts
- Evidence showing how specific cultural identities (Tribal, Linguistic, Religious, Caste-based) intersect with economic deprivation.
- Counter-arguments or exceptions where cultural diversity has led to prosperity rather than marginalization.
- Structural and historical reasons for why this correlation exists in the Indian context.
- The role of State policy and Constitutional safeguards in bridging this gap.
- Common pitfalls
- Defining cultural diversity too broadly without specifically linking it to marginalized groups like PVTGs or religious minorities.
- Failing to 'critically' analyze—i.e., not mentioning success stories like the Parsi community or certain prosperous linguistic enclaves.
- Confusing 'diversity' with 'disparity' without explaining the causal link between unique cultural traits and systemic exclusion.
- Writing a generic essay on poverty without focusing on the 'Identity' aspect of socio-economic data.
- Dimensions required
- Sociological (Caste and Class intersectionality)Geographical (Regional imbalances and tribal belts)Economic (NFHS data on wealth distribution among social groups)Constitutional (Special provisions for Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas)Historical (Colonial legacies of criminal tribes or exclusionary education)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend 50 words defining the correlation with data like NFHS-5; 100 words illustrating the correlation across tribal and minority groups; 60 words for the 'Critical' perspective showing exceptions and progress; and 40 words for a way forward focusing on inclusive policy.
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