Question

Vishesh, a boy from a marginalised community, did not receive admission into a school due to his social background. Many children from his background were systematically excluded from education and employment opportunities.

Which of the following statements is true in the context of the above passage?

• A. This is an example of overlapping social differences.
• B. This is an example of cross-cutting social differences.
• C. These kinds of differences may lead to social divisions.
• D. These differences are easier to handle.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A This is an example of overlapping social differences.
C These kinds of differences may lead to social divisions.

When one social difference overlaps another social difference, it is called Overlapping social difference. It can also be seen as a social difference leading to another social difference. Overlapping social differences may lead to social divisions. In this case, Vishesh was prohibited from taking admission to a school due to his skin colour. This social difference led to other social differences such as he remained poor and illiterate. Cross-cutting differences are easier to handle as compared to overlapping differences.