The socialisation process involves a continuous dialogue, negotiation and even struggle against significant others (those directly involved in our lives) like our parents, family, kin group and our community. … It also anchors our self-identity. Community identity is based on birth and 'belonging' rather than on some form of acquired qualifications or 'accomplishment'. It is what we 'are' rather than what we have 'become'. … These kinds of identities are called 'ascriptive' – that is, they are determined by the birth and do not involve any choice on the part of the individuals concerned. It is an odd fact of social life that people feel a deep sense of security and satisfaction in belonging to communities in which their membership is entirely accidental.
The passage also leaves out a line that contrasts accidental community membership with another kind of belonging. With what does that line contrast it?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Belonging to a profession or team
Option (1) Belonging to a political party or pressure group — Incorrect. A political party or pressure group is a body people join by choice to shape public decisions. The contrast drawn in the line is with a profession or team, where entry needs proven skill.
Option (2) Belonging to a social class or trade union — Incorrect. A social class is a group shaped by economic position, and a trade union is a body of workers. Neither is the contrast drawn here.
Option (3) Belonging to a profession or team — Correct. Accidental community membership is very unlike belonging to a profession or team. Doctors or architects must pass exams, and a team demands a certain level of skill and performance.
Option (4) Belonging to a civil society group or NGO — Incorrect. A civil society group or NGO is a voluntary body working outside the state. The line does not set community against such groups.
NCERT (2026-27): “6.1 The Importance of Community Identity … |