Social Problems in India
Short Questions
1. What is a social problem according to Fuller and Myers?
Answer: A social problem is a condition defined by many as a deviation from cherished social norms.
2. What is the chronological age used in India to classify the ageing population?
Answer: The age of 60 is used to classify the ageing population in India.
3. Name one health concern faced by the ageing population.
Answer: Physical deterioration, such as issues with bones or vision, is a common health concern.
4. What is unemployment as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
Answer: Unemployment refers to people who are jobless, actively seeking work, and available for a job.
5. What is one cause of unemployment in India?
Answer: Inadequate skills that do not match industry requirements cause unemployment.
6. What is one consequence of farmers’ suicides on their families?
Answer: It causes economic and emotional trauma, especially for the wife and children.
7. What is domestic violence?
Answer: Domestic violence refers to psychological, emotional, verbal, or physical abuse within the family.
8. Name one cause of domestic violence in India.
Answer: Patriarchy, which creates a power imbalance, is a major cause of domestic violence.
9. What is substance addiction?
Answer: Substance addiction is a physical and biological dependence on chemical substances like alcohol or drugs.
10. What is one effect of internet addiction?
Answer: Internet addiction can increase stress or anxiety in individuals.
11. What is the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) meant to address?
Answer: The NPOP addresses the well-being of older persons through care and support provisions.
12. What is one measure to tackle unemployment?
Answer: Skill development programs can help tackle unemployment by equipping individuals with relevant skills.
13. Why is indebtedness a cause of farmers’ suicides?
Answer: Farmers unable to repay loans due to crop failure face psychological and financial burdens.
14. What is one role of NGOs in addressing domestic violence?
Answer: NGOs provide support and legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.
15. What is one measure to tackle addiction problems?
Answer: Creating awareness through educational programs helps tackle addiction issues.
Long Questions
1. Explain the meaning and nature of a social problem with an example.
Answer: A social problem is a condition that a significant number of people find undesirable and believe can be addressed through collective action, as defined by scholars like Fuller and Myers. For instance, unemployment is a social problem because it affects many individuals, deviates from the norm of economic stability, and prompts collective efforts like government job schemes. It differs from individual problems, which are personal and not widely shared, requiring societal intervention to resolve.
2. What are the key characteristics of ageing as described by Strehler?
Answer: Strehler identifies ageing as universal, occurring in all members of a population, unlike diseases which are selective. It is progressive, continuous, intrinsic to the organism, and degenerative, leading to a decline in physical and mental capacities over time. These characteristics highlight ageing as an inevitable biological process with social implications, such as the need for healthcare and support systems.
3. Discuss the problem of loneliness among the ageing population.
Answer: Loneliness is a significant psychological issue for the ageing population, often stemming from real-life experiences like the loss of a spouse or isolation from family. It is particularly acute for those living alone, in remote areas, or neglected by their families, leading to feelings of alienation and depression. This problem underscores the need for social support systems and community engagement to improve their emotional well-being.
4. How does inadequate skills contribute to unemployment in India?
Answer: Inadequate skills that do not align with the demands of modern industries lead to unemployment, as individuals struggle to meet job requirements. Advances in technology have made certain skills, like manual typing, obsolete, leaving workers unprepared for new roles. This mismatch highlights the need for updated educational curricula and skill development programs to enhance employability.
5. What are the consequences of unemployment on national development?
Answer: Unemployment, especially among youth, hampers national development by underutilizing human resources, which stifles economic growth. It leads to increased dependency, reduced productivity, and potential engagement in anti-social activities, weakening societal progress. Long-term unemployment can erode the nation’s future workforce, necessitating urgent measures like vocational training and job creation.
6. Why is farmers’ suicide considered a serious social problem in India?
Answer: Farmers’ suicides are a grave social problem due to their increasing frequency, driven by factors like indebtedness, crop failure, and environmental challenges. These suicides devastate families, leaving them without financial and emotional support, and create a ripple effect of despair in rural communities. The issue demands collective action, such as policy interventions and support systems, to address its socio-economic roots.
7. How does patriarchy contribute to domestic violence in Indian society?
Answer: Patriarchy fosters domestic violence by perpetuating a power imbalance where male authority is often unquestioned, normalizing abusive behaviors. It lowers the status of women, children, and transgender persons, making them vulnerable to emotional, verbal, or physical abuse. This societal structure requires awareness campaigns and legal measures to promote equality and curb violence.
8. What are the psychological effects of addiction on individuals?
Answer: Addiction, whether to substances, the internet, or mobile phones, creates a psychological dependency that leads to stress, anxiety, and emotional instability. Addicts may obsess over validation, such as social media likes, or experience withdrawal symptoms, impacting their mental health. This dependency often requires professional intervention, like counseling, to restore psychological well-being.
9. How can the role of education help tackle the problems of the ageing population?
Answer: Education can address ageing issues by fostering awareness and sensitivity toward the elderly through school programs like community service and NSS activities. These initiatives instill values of care and respect, encouraging students to engage with and support senior citizens. By promoting empathy and understanding, education helps create a supportive environment for the ageing population.
10. What measures can be taken to address the problem of farmers’ suicides in India?
Answer: To tackle farmers’ suicides, measures like crop and life insurance can provide financial security against crop failures and personal crises. Eliminating middlemen through direct sales channels ensures farmers receive fair profits, while water harvesting improves irrigation reliability. Additionally, counseling services and government support for multi-cropping can alleviate psychological and economic pressures, fostering sustainable farming practices.
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