Which of the following defines "Chauvinism"?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → An attitude that sees only one’s own group as worthy and other groups as inferior.
Option (1) An attitude that sees only one’s own group as worthy and other groups as inferior. — Correct. Chauvinism is an attitude that sees one’s own group as the only legitimate or worthy group, with other groups seen, by definition, as inferior, illegitimate and opposed. Communalism, for example, is aggressive chauvinism based on religious identity.
Option (3) An attitude of sympathy towards own group. — Incorrect. Feeling for one’s own group is ordinary loyalty. It becomes chauvinism only when the group is seen as the only worthy one and others as inferior.
NCERT (2025-26): “Communalism … In everyday language, the word ‘communalism’ refers to aggressive chauvinism based on religious identity. Chauvinism itself is an attitude that sees one’s own group as the only legitimate or worthy group, with other groups being seen – by definition – as inferior, illegitimate and opposed. Thus, to simplify further, communalism is an aggressive political ideology linked to religion.…” |