Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
Q2. Analyse how demographic diversity shapes social capital in multicultural societies. Discuss the factors that strengthen or weaken social trust. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Increasing demographic diversity due to migration, urbanisation and social mobility has made social trust and social capital central to social cohesion and inclusive development in multicultural societies.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysing the manner in which demographic diversity influences the formation of social capital in multicultural societies and examining the factors that strengthen or weaken social trust among different social groups.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly define social capital and highlight its significance in maintaining cooperation, trust and collective action in diverse societies.
Body
- Demographic diversity and social capital: Explain how diversity influences social networks, civic engagement, cooperation and inter-community relations.
- Factors strengthening social trust: Mention institutional, social and economic conditions that promote trust, inclusion and social cohesion.
- Factors weakening social trust: Discuss conditions that generate exclusion, mistrust, polarisation and social fragmentation.
Conclusion
Emphasise that diversity can become a source of societal strength when supported by constitutional values, inclusive institutions and sustained inter-community engagement.
