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social anD economic Differences

Besides various regional, cultural, religious and linguistic diversities, some social and economic
differences also prevail in Indian society leading to social and economic inequalities.

social inequality

India also faces the problem of ‘Social Inequality’. The age-old hierarchical caste system is an

example of this inequality. A person faces social discriminations in society on account of his
birth in a particular caste group; where by, a son of a potter became a potter, a weaver’s son
became a weaver. All this killed a person’s enthusiasm and enterprise over a period of time,
and create a situation of inequality. People who were deprived of educational opportunities
were deprived of good jobs and remained steeped in ignorance and poverty all their lives.

Besides social inequality, another type of inequality that prevails in India is ‘Economic
Inequality.’ Unequal distribution of wealth among the people in a country has resulted
in economic inequality. India is divided into three classes of people according to their
economic conditions. These are rich, middle and poor classes. It is the poor class which is
not able to fulfil its basic needs, i.e., food, clothes and shelter.

inequality anD Discrimination

Discrimination means treating a person or group differently than others. Discrimination
usually means a worse treatment. This treatment is caused by our prejudices or stereotypes.

When we act on prejudices or stereotypes, we prevent others from taking up certain jobs,
duties and responsibilities. We stop them from enjoying life like us.
For example, many shopkeepers do not employ persons of another community. Also, we
usually do not allow our helpers at home to drink tea in the same cups or glasses, which we
or our guests use. In both the cases, we practice discrimination.
Bases of Discrimination : Discrimination is usually founded on the following reasons:

Diversity may cause discrimination. It may be diversity of religion, language or region.
Unless people are educated, they make discrimination on the grounds of religion, region
and language. It is common for the urban boys to laugh at and tease the simple boys from
villages, who join their school in cities.
Sometimes, even when we are educated, we may practise discrimination as the whites did
against the blacks in South Africa.
Cultural Backwardness is also a cause of discrimination. Tribals and people living in remote
outstretched regions, and some religious groups also face discrimination because their
culture is undervalued. Snake charmers, conjurers (madaris) and acrobats (nuts) face
discrimination because they are culturally backward. Though they entertain us, we cannot

allow them to share our room and untensils.
Economic Diversity : Rich people do not accept the poor easily. They stay away from them.
This kind of discrimination is a world phenomenon. Wealthy nations see other wealthy
nations and poor nations with different eyes. Poor people face discrimination everywhere—

in offices, in hospitals, in schools, etc.
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