Read the below passage and answer the question:
Different kinds of social institutions, ranging from the family to the market, can bring people together, create strong collective identities and strengthen social cohesion. The very same institutions can also be sources of inequality and exclusions. In Indian context, the term 'diversity' emphasizes differences rather than inequalities. When we say that India is a nation of great cultural diversity, we mean that there are many different types of social groups and communities living here. These are communities defined by cultural markers such as languages, religion, sect, race or caste. When these diverse communities are also part of larger entity like a nation, then difficulties may be created by competition or conflict between them. Cultural diversity can present tough challenges. The difficulties arise from the fact that cultural identities are very powerful they can arouse intense passions and are often able to mobilise large number of people. The challenges of cultural diversity can result in communal riots, demands for regional autonomy, caste wars. The major challenges that diversity poses in India - issues such as regionalism, communalism and casteism. The concept of 'community identity' is closely associated with cultural diversity based on birth and 'belonging' rather than on some form of acquired qualifications or 'accomplishment'.
Which of the following are inter-related concepts ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Diversity, difference and inequality
Option (1) Diversity, difference and equality — Incorrect. Diversity and difference go together, but the passage links them to inequality and exclusion, not to equality. The same institutions that bring people together can also become sources of inequality.
Option (4) Diversity, difference and inequality — Correct. The term ‘diversity’ emphasises differences rather than inequalities, yet the two are linked: sometimes cultural differences are accompanied by economic and social inequalities, and measures to address the inequalities of one community can provoke opposition from others. The three ideas are explained through one another.
NCERT (2025-26): “The term ‘diversity’ emphasises differences rather than inequalities. When we say that India is a nation of great cultural diversity, we mean that there are many different types of social groups and communities living here. These are communities defined by cultural markers such as language, religion, sect, race or caste. When these diverse communities are also part of a larger entity like a nation, then difficulties may be created by competition or conflict between them. This is why cultural diversity can present tough challenges. The difficulties arise from the fact that cultural identities are very powerful – they can arouse intense passions and are often able to moblise large numbers of people. Sometimes cultural differences are accompanied by economic and social inequalities, and this further complicates things. Measures to address the inequalities or injustices suffered by one community can provoke opposition from other communities. The situation is made worse when scarce resources – like river waters, jobs or government funds – have to be shared.” |