State, Politics and Development MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for State, Politics and Development - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - K. Karppinen

Key Points

• Naive pluralism
  • Naive pluralism assumes that the media landscape inherently provides diverse viewpoints without considering structural inequalities or power imbalances.
  • This perspective is criticized for being overly simplistic and ignoring the role of economic and political influences in shaping media content.
• K. Karppinen
  • K. Karppinen is a scholar known for examining the limitations of naive pluralism in media politics.
  • He argues that pluralism in media does not automatically ensure equal representation or diversity, as it often overlooks systemic barriers to access and participation.
  • Karppinen emphasizes the need to address power structures to achieve genuine media diversity.

Additional Information

• Media pluralism
  • Refers to the presence of a variety of media sources and viewpoints in a democratic society.
  • It is often linked to the idea of ensuring freedom of expression and public access to diverse information.
  • However, structural issues like media ownership concentration can limit pluralism.
• Criticism of naive pluralism
  • Scholars argue that naive pluralism ignores the impact of corporate interests and political agendas on media diversity.
  • It assumes that the free market alone will foster diversity, which is often not the case due to economic monopolies.
  • As a result, marginalized groups may struggle to have their voices represented in mainstream media.
• Role of regulation
  • To counteract the limitations of naive pluralism, many advocate for media regulations that promote diversity and inclusivity.
  • Examples include public service broadcasting mandates and policies to limit media ownership concentration.

The correct answer is - M.S.A. Rao

Key Points

• M.S.A. Rao
  • Known for his extensive sociological work on social movements in India.
  • He classified social movements into three distinct categories:
    • Reformist movements: Aim to bring about changes within the existing social system without overthrowing it.
    • Transformative movements: Seek fundamental changes in social structures, institutions, and norms.
    • Revolutionary movements: Strive to completely overthrow the existing social order and replace it with a new one.
  • His work provides a framework for understanding the types and goals of social movements in diverse societal contexts.
  • Widely cited in sociological literature for analyzing and categorizing movements based on their objectives and strategies.

Additional Information

• Social movements
  • Defined as organized efforts by groups of people to bring about or resist social, political, or economic change.
  • Can be broadly classified into:
    • Reform movements: Focused on improving specific aspects of society, e.g., women's rights or environmental conservation.
    • Revolutionary movements: Aim to radically change society, e.g., the Russian Revolution or Indian Independence Movement.
    • Transformative movements: Seek to change societal values and norms, e.g., the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.
• Contributions of Indian sociologists
  • Ganshyam Shah: Known for his work on grassroots movements and political mobilization in India.
  • T.K. Oommen: Focused on identity movements and social change.
  • D.N. Dhanagare: Studied peasant movements and agrarian protests in India.

The correct answer is - (A) - (ii), (B) - (i), (C) - (iv), (D) - (iii)

Key Points

• Herbert Blumer
  • Herbert Blumer is associated with the concept of social movements.
  • He emphasized the role of collective behavior in shaping and sustaining social movements.
  • Blumer classified social movements as a form of collective behavior that emerges due to social strains.
• B. Barber
  • B. Barber identified messianic movements, which are centered around a belief in a divinely chosen leader or savior.
  • These movements often have a strong religious or spiritual foundation.
• N.J. Smelser
  • Smelser contributed to the understanding of norm and values-oriented movements.
  • These movements aim to bring about changes in societal norms or values.
  • Smelser’s theory of collective behavior provides insights into how these movements emerge and evolve.
• R. Linton
  • R. Linton is associated with the concept of nativistic movements.
  • Nativistic movements aim to revive traditional cultural practices and resist external influences.
  • These movements are often observed in societies undergoing rapid cultural or social changes.

Additional Information

• Social Movements
  • These are organized efforts by a group of people to bring about or resist social change.
  • Social movements can be classified as revolutionary, reformative, redemptive, or alternative.
• Messianic Movements
  • These movements are often led by a charismatic leader who is believed to have divine authority.
  • Examples include millenarian movements and certain religious revivals.
• Nativistic Movements
  • These movements focus on reviving indigenous cultural practices and traditions.
  • They often arise in response to colonialism or globalization, which threaten local cultures.
• Norm and Values-Oriented Movements
  • These movements aim to change societal norms, values, or ideologies.
  • Examples include movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, or environmental protection.

The correct answer is - 1855

Key Points

• The Santhal Insurrection
  • The Santhal Insurrection was a tribal uprising that occurred in the year 1855.
  • It was led by the Santhal tribal community against the oppressive policies of the British colonial administration and local landlords (zamindars).
  • The rebellion started under the leadership of Sido Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, who were revered leaders of the Santhal tribe.
  • The insurrection is considered one of the earliest movements in India against colonial rule and exploitation.
• Geographical Context
  • The uprising began in the Rajmahal Hills (present-day Jharkhand) and spread across regions in Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa.
  • The Santhals were protesting against the encroachment of their lands and livelihoods by landlords and moneylenders.
• Outcome
  • Although the rebellion was brutally suppressed by the British forces, it raised awareness about the plight of tribal communities.
  • It led to the passing of the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, granting some protections to tribal lands.

Additional Information

• Causes of the Santhal Insurrection
  • The primary cause was the exploitation of Santhals by landlords, moneylenders, and colonial officials.
  • Santhals were subjected to high taxes and forced to repay loans at exorbitant interest rates, leading to severe economic distress.
  • Encroachment on tribal lands by landlords and the imposition of new land revenue policies fueled resentment.
• Significance of the Rebellion
  • The Santhal Insurrection is a significant event in Indian history as it highlighted the oppression of tribal communities during British rule.
  • It inspired later tribal uprisings and movements against exploitation, such as the Munda Rebellion led by Birsa Munda.
  • The rebellion is remembered as an act of early resistance against colonial exploitation and injustice.
• Legislation Following the Rebellion
  • The British government introduced the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, which provided certain safeguards to the tribal population.
  • This act aimed to prevent the alienation of tribal lands and protect the Santhals from exploitation by outsiders.

The correct answer is - Samir Amin

Key Points

• Samir Amin
  • Samir Amin is a notable intellectual associated with the study of new social movements.
  • He contributed to understanding the dynamics of social change, particularly in the context of globalization and economic disparities.
  • His work often explores the role of grassroots movements in challenging capitalism and promoting alternative development models.
  • New social movements emphasize issues like identity, culture, and human rights, which align with Amin's academic focus on global inequalities.

Additional Information

• New Social Movements
  • New social movements emerged in the late 20th century and focus on non-material issues such as identity, environment, and human rights.
  • They differ from traditional movements (e.g., labor movements) by emphasizing decentralization, participation, and cultural change.
  • Examples include the feminist movement, civil rights movement, and environmental activism.
• Contributions of Other Scholars
  • Rudolph Heberle - Known for his work on social movements, particularly their sociological aspects and historical development.
  • Paul Wilkinson - Focused on the political aspects of social movements, especially terrorism and collective violence.
  • Joseph Gusfield - Studied the symbolic aspects of social movements, such as how they shape public discourse and cultural identity.
• Relevance of Samir Amin
  • Samir Amin's work is particularly valuable for understanding the global dimensions of social movements.
  • He highlights the intersection of economic structures and social activism, making his contributions distinct and critical for the study of new social movements.

​In the late nineteenth century, Modern liberalism is a type of social liberalism. 

Key Points

​Minimal state:

• A state with the least possible amount of powers.
• It is a term used in political philosophy where the state's duties are so minimal that they cannot be reduced much further.
• The minimal state is a notion found within a particular variant of the limited-government variety of libertarianism.
• In the conception offered here, it was introduced by Robert Nozick, whose Anarchy, State, and Utopia is the most influential work supporting libertarianism by an American philosopher.
• Although Nozick criticized individualist anarchism, he did hold that the minimal state was the form of government that was morally justifiable.

Additional Information

• Positive liberalism is another name for modern liberalism. 
• It blends beliefs in equality and civil liberties with a checked-and-validated market economy and advocacy for social justice. 
• Modem Modern liberalism does embrace state interference as a cure-all for all the issues that society faces. 
• Modern Liberalism is different from classical liberalism in terms of state interference in the life of individuals. 

Therefore, the Minimal state is an aspect that does Modern Liberalism NOT believe in. 

The correct answer is  D, B, A, C.Key Points

• Community Development Programme: The Community Development Programme (CDP) was launched in 1952, shortly after India gained independence. It was a rural development programme aimed at improving the social and economic conditions of rural communities. The programme was implemented through the establishment of Community Development Blocks and aimed to develop local leadership, promote self-help and cooperative efforts, and improve agriculture, education, health, and other aspects of rural life.
• Reservation of seats in Village Panchayats: In 1992, the Indian government introduced a constitutional amendment to reserve one-third of all seats in village panchayats (local self-government institutions) for women. This move aimed to increase women's participation in local governance and decision-making, and it has been successful in increasing the representation of women in these institutions.
• Integrated Rural Development Programme: The Integrated Rural Development Programme was launched in 1978 as a poverty alleviation programme for rural areas. The programme aimed to provide income-generating assets and employment opportunities to poor families through a mix of subsidies, credit, and training. The programme was implemented through a network of government and non-governmental organizations, and it was later integrated into other rural development programmes.
• Implementation of Panchayat Raj: Panchayat Raj is a system of local self-government in India that was introduced in 1993 with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. The Act aimed to decentralize political power to the grassroots level and establish a three-tier system of panchayats (village, block, and district) with elected representatives. The system aims to promote local democracy, empower rural communities, and promote rural development.

Additional Information

• The Community Development Programme was proposed by the Planning Commission of India and was based on the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave.
• The Integrated Rural Development Programme was proposed by the Ministry of Rural Development. 
• The proposal to establish Panchayat Raj was made by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, which was set up by the Government of India in 1957.

Thus, The correct sequence is  Community Development Programme (1952), Reservation of seats in Village Panchayats (1992), Implementation of Panchayat Raj (1993), and Integrated Rural Development Programme (1978)

​Bureaucracy comes from the Latin word "bureau". 

Key Points

• The term "bureaucracy" alludes to official rule.
• The authority or power that the government departments claim for themselves was also mentioned.
• It denoted the authority of public administration personnel. 
• According to Merton, bureaucrats are instructed to ignore the unique circumstances of particular instances and prioritise formality over human interactions.  
• It makes them come to appear "arrogant" and "haughty."
• Robert K. Merton in his work Merton, Social Theory and Social Structure, said that "bureaucratic officials … resist change in established routines". 

Thus, Propounded the theory of "Bureaucrats resist change." by Robert K. Merton (1957). 

Additional Information

• Lasswell and Kaplan viewed it as a government where the elite are official. 

The correct answer is A - 3, B - 4, C - 2, D - 1Key Points

• Robert Michels believed that the craving for power is inherent in the nature of human beings. Those who acquire power, seek to perpetuate it. Against this backdrop, he propounds that democracy calls for organization, which leads to oligarchy. The trend towards oligarchic rule in party organizations is better known as the Iron Law of oligarchy. 
• Michael Foucault identifies power with domination in conceptual, methodological and political terms. He distinguishes between the character of modern and classical power within the framework of domination. Disciplinary power as modern form of domination stands out in sharp contrast with sovereign power as pre-modern domination. 
• Lukes affirms that all power is attributed to an individual or collective human agents. Often human agents have several options or alternatives before them from which they choose their course of action. “Human agents exercise their characteristic powers when they act voluntarily on the basis of wants and beliefs which provide them with reasons for so acting. This is termed Power as Human agency.
• Anthony Giddens’s concept of power in the context of the interaction is rooted in terms of domination. He distinguishes between power in the broad sense and power in the narrow sense. In the broad sense, power is explained as the transformative capacity of human agency. More specifically, in the narrow sense, power implies dependency upon the agency of others and the capability of an individual to prevail upon them. Thus, power is Dependency and Domination

Additional Information

• Giddens argues that just as an individual's autonomy is influenced by structure, structures are maintained and adapted through the exercise of agency. The interface at which an actor meets a structure is termed “structuration.”
• Paul-Michel Foucault was a French philosopher, historian of ideas, writer, political activist, and literary critic. Foucault's theories primarily address the relationship between power and knowledge, and how they are used as a form of social control through societal institutions.
• Steven Lukes' academic theory is that of the "three faces of power," presented in his book, Power: A Radical View. This theory claims that power is exercised in three ways: decision-making power, non-decision-making power, and ideological power. Decision-making power is the most public of the three dimensions.
• Robert Michels was a German-born Italian sociologist who contributed to elite theory by describing the political behavior of intellectual elites.

Thus, Robert Michels gave The Iron Law of Oligarchy,Steven Lukes considers Power as Human Agency, Anthony Giddens sees power as Dependency and Domination, and Michael Foucault sees Power as domination.

The correct answer is C, E, and B only. Key Points

• A major reason that contributed to the growth of Sociology in the post-independence period can also be attributed to the policy of administration followed by the Indian state declared the practice of untouchability in any form an offense, and the introduction of reservation for Scheduled Castes and Tribes (SCs and ST.
• Moreover, the planning commission and five-year plan led to the growth of economic sociology.
• Similarly, the different section of society and their diversity too was keenly studied post-independence, leading to the growth of cultural sociology.

Additional Information

•  Sociologists would generally state that sociology is primarily focused on three theoretical orientations. These three theoretical orientations are Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism, and Conflict Perspective.
• Structural functionalism, in sociology and other social sciences, is a school of thought according to which each of the institutions, relationships, roles, and norms that together constitute a society serves a purpose, and each is indispensable for the continued existence of the others and of society as a whole.
• Social conflict theorists suggest that crime in any society is caused by class conflict and that those in power create laws to protect their rights and interests. All criminal acts have political undertones, and Quinney has called this concept the "social reality of crime."

Thus, After independence, till 1970, sociological and social anthropological studies have shown a deep concern for cultural, Economic, and Social subjects.

Wangari Mathai got the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2004 for her contribution to Sustainable Development, Democracy, and Peace.

Important Points

• Wangari Mathai was a Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel peace prize laureate.
• She founded the Green Belt Movement, an organization focused on tree planting and environmental conservation, as well as promoting women's rights and democracy in Kenya.
• Mathai was the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.​

Additional Information

• Anil Agarwal was an Indian environmentalist who was also the founder of the Centre for Science and Environment.
• M.C. Mehta is an Indian lawyer who has fought multiple cases related to environmental issues.
• Sundarlal Bahuguna is an Indian environmentalist and social activist who is associated with the Chipko Movement. 

The correct answer is T. H. Marshall.Key Points

• Thomas Humphrey Marshall was an English sociologist who is best known for his essay "Citizenship and Social Class," a key work on citizenship that introduced the idea that full citizenship includes civil, political, and social citizenship.
• Citizenship for Marshall is a status bestowed on those who are full members of a community. Those who possess this status are equal with respect to the rights and duties that come with it. However, there is no universal principle that determines what those rights and duties shall be. Marshall divides citizenship into three parts
  • Civil
  • Poitical
  • Social
• Civil rights were the first to appear, in the eighteenth century. In its formative period, it was a gradual addition of new rights to a status that already existed. With civil citizenship, law and equality were guaranteed to protect the liberty of the people, whether it was the right to work, the right to move freely, etc.

Additional Information

• Civil citizenship paved the way to move toward political citizenship.
• The political element mainly means the right to participate in the exercise of political power, as a member of a body invested with political authority or as an elector of the members of such a body., where the corresponding institutions are parliament and councils of local government. 
• The social element means to be able to live in a society as a civilized being, according to the prevailing standards in society with economic welfare and security to the right to share to the full in the social heritage.
• Gordon Marshall CBE FBA is a British sociologist and former Director of the Leverhulme Trust in England. His main fields of research include social exclusion, equality of opportunity, distributive justice, and the culture of economic enterprise.
• Martin Marshall CBE is a British medical academic and a general practitioner. He is chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners. He works as a GP in Newham, East London.

Thus, T. H. Marshall traced the evolution of citizenship in three key stages Civil rights, Political rights, and Social rights.

Use of pubic office for private gain is known as Corruption.Important Points

• Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense which is undertaken by a person or an organization which is entrusted in a position of authority, in order to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one's personal gain.
• Corruption may involve many activities which include bribery, influence peddling and the embezzlement and it may also involve practices which are legal in many countries.

Additional Information

• Abuse is the improper usage or treatment of a thing, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit and involve acts like physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices, crimes, or other types of aggression.
• Insincerity arises when someone feels one way but acts another and an insincere situation looks to have one purpose but really hides another.

The correct answer is- a-iii, b-i, c-ii, d-iv. 

Key Points

Democracy is a political system where the power lies with the people, who exercise their authority through elected representatives or directly in some cases.

• It emphasizes principles such as political equality, individual rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law.
• In a democratic system, citizens typically have the right to participate in decision-making processes through voting, political participation, and civil society engagement.
• Examples of democratic countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and India

• The ruler in an autocratic system typically exercises unchecked power, without meaningful accountability or limitations on their authority.
• Autocracies may suppress political opposition, restrict civil liberties, and govern through coercion or force.
• Examples of autocratic regimes include North Korea under the Kim dynasty, Saudi Arabia under absolute monarchy, and authoritarian regimes like those in Russia and China.

• These elites often control key institutions, resources, and decision-making processes, allowing them to maintain their privileged position and influence policy outcomes.
• Oligarchies may emerge in various forms, including economic oligarchies (where economic elites dominate politics) or aristocratic oligarchies (where hereditary elites hold power).
• Examples of oligarchies include historical societies like ancient Sparta and modern-day contexts where wealthy or influential families dominate politics and economics.

• In a theocracy, religious doctrines or texts serve as the basis for legislation and governance, and religious leaders often play a prominent role in politics and decision-making.
• Theocratic regimes may suppress dissent, restrict individual freedoms, and enforce religious orthodoxy through legal and social means.
• Examples of theocracies include Iran, where Islamic clerics hold significant political power, and historical examples such as the Papal States and the Caliphates of the past.

Additional InformationMonarchy is a political system where sovereignty is vested in a hereditary monarch, such as a king or queen, who serves as the head of state.

• The monarch's powers and duties may vary depending on the specific form of monarchy, ranging from absolute monarchy (where the monarch holds supreme authority) to constitutional monarchy (where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or laws).
• Monarchies often have ceremonial and symbolic roles, with actual governance carried out by elected officials or appointed representatives.
• Examples of monarchies include the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Sweden.

The correct answer is M.N. Srinivas. Key Points

•  M.N. Srinivas is credited with coining the term "vote bank" in the context of Indian politics. Srinivas used this term in his analysis of the Indian political landscape, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.
• In his work, Srinivas observed the role of caste as a significant factor in shaping political behavior and party affiliations in India. He noted that political parties often sought the support of specific castes by addressing their socio-economic concerns and aspirations.
• The term "vote bank" was coined to describe the phenomenon where a particular caste or community becomes a loyal and consistent supporter of a specific political party.
• Srinivas emphasized the idea that certain castes, due to historical, social, or economic reasons, could be considered as a cohesive voting bloc. Political parties, in turn, would tailor their policies and campaigns to appeal to these specific groups, aiming to secure their votes in elections.
• The term "vote bank" thus became a part of the political lexicon in India to describe this strategic targeting of specific social groups by political parties.

Additional Information

• Akshay Ramanlal Desai was an Indian sociologist, Marxist, and social activist. He was a Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Bombay in 1967.
• Kothari: Rajni Kothari (1928–2015) was a prominent Indian political scientist and social activist. He was a key figure in the study of political science in India and made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian politics. Kothari's work often focused on issues of democracy, political participation, and the role of civil society in India.
• B.R. Ambedkar: Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956) was a jurist, social reformer, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He is widely regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution and played a crucial role in the country's social and political transformation. Ambedkar was a champion of social justice and worked extensively for the rights of the Dalits (formerly untouchables) and other marginalized communities.

Thus,  M.N. Srinivas. coined the term vote bank.