1.
The Challenge of Ascriptive Identity and Community
Case: In a multi-ethnic city, tensions rise between two communities, Community A and Community
B, over a public festival. Community A, a majority group in the area, insists on celebrating its festival
in a way that Community B, a minority group, perceives as aggressive and disrespectful to its own
cultural symbols. Both communities have lived in the city for generations. Their respective identities
are deeply tied to their birth and shared history.
Questions:
A. Based on the concept of ascriptive identity, explain why the conflict between Community A and
Community B is so difficult to resolve.
B. How do community identities provide a sense of security to individuals, and how can this same
sense of security become a source of conflict in a diverse society?
C. What role can a neutral third party, such as a Civil Society Organisation, play in mediating such a
conflict?
2. The Nation-State and Cultural Diversity
Case: The government of a diverse nation-state embarks on a 'national integration' campaign. It
promotes a single national language, a uniform civil code, and a shared set of national symbols and
holidays. The government argues that this is necessary to create a cohesive society and prevent
regional and communal divisions. However, some minority groups feel that this policy is an attempt
to assimilate their unique cultures and identities into the dominant one, effectively erasing their
distinctiveness.
Questions:
A. Using the concepts of assimilationist and integrationist policies, analyze the government's
approach.
B. Why are states often suspicious of cultural diversity? What do they fear will happen if diverse
identities are given political recognition?
C. In your opinion, how can a nation-state balance the need for national unity with the protection
and promotion of its diverse cultural communities?
3. Regionalism and the Linguistic Reorganisation of States
Case: The State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in India was formed to redraw state
boundaries based on language. While this led to the formation of new states like Andhra Pradesh
and Maharashtra, it also sparked new demands and conflicts. In some regions, a new form of
regionalism has emerged, with movements demanding statehood based on shared tribal identity
and grievances over economic development and control of natural resources.
Questions:
A. The linguistic reorganisation of states was seen as a way to resolve regional tensions. How did it
both help and harm India in managing its cultural diversity?
B. What are the key factors, other than language, that contribute to regionalism in the Indian
context?
C. Discuss how regionalism, while sometimes seen as a threat to national unity, can also be viewed
as a legitimate expression of identity and grievances within a federal structure.
4. Communalism and Secularism
Case: Following a religious procession, a small skirmish breaks out between members of two
different religious communities. The incident quickly escalates as rumors spread on social media,
fueled by politicians and media outlets with vested interests. The conflict is framed as a clash of two
opposing religious faiths, even though the initial issue was a localized misunderstanding. This leads
to a larger communal riot.
Questions:
A. Define communalism and explain how it differs from a simple communal or religious identity.
B. How is the incident in the case an example of how communalism is an aggressive political
ideology based on religious identity?
C. Discuss how India's unique model of secularism, which involves the state's intervention in
religious matters to ensure equality, can both help and hinder the management of communal
tensions.
5. Minority Rights and Protection
Case: A minority religious community, while economically well-off, feels a sense of political
vulnerability. Despite having a long history in the country, they are numerically small and fear that
their cultural and religious institutions could be suppressed by the dominant majority through
democratic means. They seek constitutional protection to safeguard their rights to maintain their
distinct identity, including their educational institutions and cultural practices.
Questions:
A. Based on the sociological definition, explain what makes this community a minority even though
it is economically privileged.
B. Why are minorities, particularly cultural and religious minorities, considered politically vulnerable
in a democratic system?
C. Analyze the role of constitutional provisions, such as those guaranteeing the right to cultural and
educational rights, in protecting the interests of minorities in a diverse country like India.
