Indian Constitution adopted the idea of 'Universal Adult Franchise' at the very inception of being a republic. What kind of a social change does it denote?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Modernisation
Modernisation is a broad social change process that involves a shift from a traditional society to a more modern one. This transition includes moving from:
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Ascribed Status to Achieved Status: A person's position in society is no longer determined solely by their birth (e.g., caste, family lineage) but by their individual merit and actions.
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Hierarchical to Egalitarian: Society moves away from rigid hierarchies to a more egalitarian structure, where individuals are treated equally under the law.
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Traditional to Rational Thinking: Decision-making and governance become based on rational, scientific principles rather than tradition or superstition.
By granting every adult citizen, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or wealth, the right to vote, the Indian Constitution took a revolutionary step. It established the principle of political equality for all. This move was a direct challenge to the deeply entrenched traditional hierarchies of Indian society and fundamentally changed the relationship between the citizen and the state. It empowered individuals and was a crucial stride towards creating an egalitarian and democratic society based on modern values.