Topic:Role of women and women’s organization
Q1. “In India, economic modernisation has outpaced social reform.” How does this divergence shape pattern of inequality? What are its implications for social justice? Suggest measures to bridge this gap. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
Growing concerns about rising inequality despite high economic growth, highlighted in reports like NITI Aayog MPI and debates on inclusive development, make it important to assess the gap between economic and social transformation.Key Demand of the question
The question requires linking the divergence between economic modernisation and slow social reform with emerging patterns of inequality in India. It further demands examining its implications for social justice and suggesting measures to correct this imbalance.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly indicate the contrast between rapid economic growth post-liberalisation and persistence of social hierarchies like caste, gender and region.Body
- Divergence explanation: Show how economic progress has outpaced social change, leading to structural gaps.
- Impact on inequality: Indicate how this mismatch creates intersectional, regional and opportunity-based inequalities.
- Implications for social justice: Highlight issues of limited substantive equality, exclusion and social tensions.
- Measures to bridge gap: Suggest need for inclusive policies, social sector investment and institutional reforms.
Conclusion
Give a forward-looking line on aligning growth with equity for achieving substantive social justice.
