Class 11 Political Science - CBSE
Social Justice
The Chapter 'Social Justice' in Class 11 Political Science introduces students to the meaning, evolution, and significance of justice in a democratic society. It explores how fairness is ensured not just legally, but through social, economic, and political equality. Students learn about the principles of treating equals equally, recognizing special needs, and the role of the state in redistributing resources. This chapter is vital for CBSE board exams as it forms the foundation for understanding rights, equality, and secularism, frequently appearing in both short-answer and analytical long-answer questions about contemporary socio-political issues.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Social Justice
The principle that all people should have equal access to wealth, health, well-being, justice, and opportunities without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or race.
Principle of Treating Equals Equally
The idea that people who are similar in critical respects should be treated alike, ensuring no arbitrary discrimination in law or basic rights.
Recognition of Special Needs
The belief that justice sometimes requires treating people differently based on their specific needs, disabilities, or historical disadvantages to achieve true fairness.
Distributive Justice
John Rawls' theory that society must ensure the fair distribution of goods and opportunities, especially benefiting the least advantaged members through the 'veil of ignorance'.
Free Market vs. State Intervention
The debate over whether economic goods should be distributed purely by market forces or regulated by the government to guarantee basic necessities for the poor.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the CBSE Class 11 Political Science exams, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions usually include 1-mark objective questions, 2-mark short answers defining core principles, and 4 to 6-mark analytical questions requiring students to discuss John Rawls' theory or the role of the state in ensuring social justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between legal justice and social justice?
Legal justice is about enforcing laws impartially through courts, while social justice is broader, aiming to remove systemic inequalities and discrimination from society as a whole.
Who is John Rawls and what is his contribution to social justice?
John Rawls was a political philosopher who introduced the 'veil of ignorance' thought experiment to argue that a just society is one designed to protect and benefit its most disadvantaged members.
Why does social justice sometimes require unequal treatment?
To level the playing field, historical victims of discrimination or people with special needs require affirmative action and extra support, because treating unequal people equally only perpetuates injustice.
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