Question

On account of which of the following identity markers, do people often face discrimination and exclusion?
(A) Gender
(B) Ethnicity
(C)
Disability
(D) Caste
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. (A), (C) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Statement A: True. The term "communal" indeed means something related to a community. It can refer to shared resources, common living spaces, or collective activities. In the context of communalism, it refers to the idea of a community based on shared religious or ethnic identities.

Statement B: False. Communalism is not just about religion; it is deeply intertwined with politics. Communalism often involves the use of religious or ethnic identities for political purposes, leading to social and political divisions. It can be a tool for mobilizing support, creating power blocs, or justifying discrimination and violence.

Statement C: True. A devout believer may or may not be communal. Being devout in one's religious beliefs does not necessarily mean that a person will engage in communalism, which involves using religious identity to create or exacerbate divisions. Devoutness is a personal matter of faith, while communalism is a social and political phenomenon.

Statement D: True. Communalism results in constructing the identity of large and diverse groups as singular and homogeneous. This simplification can lead to the overlooking of individual differences and the promotion of a singular identity based on religion or ethnicity. It can also lead to the marginalization of minority groups within the larger community.

Given these points, the correct statements about communalism are indeed (A), (C), and (D), making Option 3 the right choice. Discrimination occurs across multiple identity markers like gender, caste, ethnicity, and disability.