12. Social Movements in India Flashcards
(176 cards)
1
Q
What is a social movement?
A
A social movement is a collective, organized, and sustained effort by a group of people who share common goals or ideals, seeking to bring about social, political, economic, or cultural change.
2
Q
How does Charles Tilly define a social movement?
A
Charles Tilly defines a social movement as a series of contentious performances, displays, and campaigns by which ordinary people make collective claims on others.
3
Q
What is Herbert Blumer’s definition of social movements?
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Herbert Blumer defines social movements as collective, conscious, and sustained efforts by a significant number of people to change or resist change in some aspects of society.
4
Q
According to Sidney Tarrow, what are social movements?
A
Sidney Tarrow sees social movements as contentious politics involving collective challenges by people with common purposes and solidarity in sustained interactions with elites, opponents, and authorities.
5
Q
What characterized pre-independence movements in India?
A
Pre-independence movements in India were characterized by responses to the exploitative policies of British colonial rulers, focusing on achieving political rights, social reforms, and economic justice simultaneously.
6
Q
What was the role of the Indian National Congress in pre-independence movements?
A
The Indian National Congress, formed in 1885, initially served as a platform for political dialogue and evolved into a pivotal force in the independence movement.
7
Q
What is the significance of the Salt March in the context of the Independence Movement?
A
The Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a symbolic act of civil disobedience against the British salt tax, galvanizing public support for the independence movement.
8
Q
What were the main goals of the Green Revolution in post-independence India?
A
The Green Revolution aimed at agricultural modernization to achieve food self-sufficiency and improve rural livelihoods in India during the 1960s.
9
Q
What was the Chipko Movement and its primary objective?
A
The Chipko Movement, initiated in 1973, centered around nonviolent protests for forest conservation, with local communities hugging trees to prevent deforestation.
10
Q
What were the demands of the Mandal Commission Agitation in the 1990s?
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The Mandal Commission Agitation demanded reservation in jobs and education for socially and economically disadvantaged groups in India.
11
Q
How did grassroots movements emerge during the Emergency Period in India?
A
During the Emergency Period (1975-77), widespread protests against authoritarian rule led to the emergence of grassroots movements focused on democratic values.
12
Q
What is the Narmada Bachao Andolan?
A
The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a social movement that protested against dam construction on the Narmada River, highlighting environmental and displacement issues.
13
Q
What role does technology play in contemporary social movements?
A
Technology, particularly social media, is utilized for mobilization and advocacy in contemporary social movements, addressing diverse issues such as corruption, women’s safety, and LGBTQ+ rights.
14
Q
What is the Marxist perspective on social movements in India?
A
The Marxist perspective views conflict as the core of social movements, emphasizing class struggle as the driving force for resistance against domination and highlighting the economic basis of class conflict.
15
Q
How do Marxists view the role of the state in social movements?
A
Marxists assert that the state represents the interests of the ruling classes and employs coercive and persuasive power to maintain hegemony, viewing parliamentary democracy as inadequate in addressing exploitation.
16
Q
What is the focus of social movements according to Marxist analysis?
A
According to Marxist analysis, social movements are strategic efforts by exploited classes to challenge the dominant political system, aiming for revolutionary change in the ownership of means of production.
17
Q
What is the significance of the ‘Subaltern Studies’ group within Marxism?
A
The ‘Subaltern Studies’ group critiques traditional historians for neglecting the history of the masses, although it faces debates regarding the emphasis on cultural factors over structural ones.
18
Q
How do non-Marxist scholars view social movements?
A
Non-Marxist scholars, including liberals, vary in their views on social movements, with some labeling mass movements as extremist and anti-democratic, differing from the Marxist perspective.
19
Q
What are the post-independence views regarding social movements in India?
A
Some Indian scholars, while supporting independence agitation, condemn post-independence movements as ‘dangerous’ and ‘dysfunctional’ for a ‘civilized society.’ Liberal perspectives may favor political change within existing structures rather than revolutionary transformations.
20
Q
What is the Political Development Theory in the context of social movements?
A
Scholars adhering to political development theory argue that rising aspirations unmet by rigid political institutions lead to ‘political instability and disorder,’ fostering mass upsurge. Rajni Kothari contends that ‘direct action’ is inevitable in India’s parliamentary democracy context.
21
Q
How does Gandhi’s concept of ‘purity of means’ relate to non-violence?
A
Central to Gandhian ideology is the concept of ‘purity of means’ in resolving conflict. Gandhi strongly advocated for ahinsa (non-violence), believing violence to be not only morally wrong but also ineffective in achieving justice.
22
Q
What distinguishes satyagraha from passive resistance according to Gandhi?
A
Gandhi distinguished between passive resistance and satyagraha, stating that passive resistance lacks the commitment to truth and may involve self-interest. Satyagraha, as a weapon of the strong, prohibits violence under any circumstance and insists on truth.
23
Q
What is the significance of ‘dialogical resistance’ in Gandhi’s approach?
A
David Hardiman refers to Gandhi’s method as ‘dialogical resistance.’ Gandhi saw adversaries as opponents, not enemies, and believed in changing hearts through persuasion and dialogue, while also acknowledging the need for additional political pressure, such as mass demonstrations and non-cooperation.
24
Q
What are the basic tenets of Resource Mobilisation Theory (RMT)?
A
Rooted in rational choice theory, RMT assumes individuals act based on preferences, making rational choices within available constraints and choices.
25
What is Rational Choice Theory in the context of social movements?
Rational Choice Theory posits that individuals, guided by rationality, choose actions likely to maximize their satisfaction, emphasizing that social movements are not solely driven by impulse or emotion.
26
How does Resource Mobilization Theory explain the success of social movements?
Resource Mobilization Theory explains that the success of social movements depends on mobilizing resources, with individuals participating and contributing in anticipation of benefits, and stresses the strategic use of resources to achieve changes in government policies or legislation.
27
What role does entrepreneurial leadership play in Resource Mobilization Theory?
Entrepreneurial leadership in Resource Mobilization Theory emphasizes the skills of movement leaders in mobilizing professional, financial, moral, and networking resources, articulating common goals, creating consensus, and sustaining the movement.
28
What is Relative Deprivation Theory according to Ted Robert Gurr?
Relative Deprivation Theory is the perceived gap between individuals' value expectations and the apparent value capabilities of their environment, arising when people feel entitled to certain goods and conditions of life but perceive limitations in attaining them.
29
What are the motivational links to violence in Relative Deprivation Theory?
In Relative Deprivation Theory, Gurr identifies frustration-aggression and threat-aggression mechanisms as motivational links between relative deprivation and the potential for collective violence, along with concepts like dissonance, anomie, and conflict.
30
What are the three models that describe the impact of differentiation between value expectations and capabilities in Relative Deprivation Theory?
The three models are: 1) Decremental deprivation model, where expectations are stable but capabilities decline; 2) Aspirational model, where capabilities remain the same but expectations increase; 3) J-curve model, where expectations and capabilities initially increase together, but capabilities plateau or decrease while expectations persist.
31
How does Relative Deprivation Theory link aggression to collective action?
Relative Deprivation Theory suggests that individuals perceiving deprivation become aggressive, expressing resentment toward those perceived as having more, indicating that deprivation is primarily psychological and does not address the socio-economic structure that is the source of deprivation.
32
What are civil rights?
Civil rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens, ensuring individuals' freedom from discrimination and unequal treatment based on characteristics such as race, gender, disability, and religion.
33
What role did Mahatma Gandhi play in the Civil Rights Movement in India?
Mahatma Gandhi was a key leader in the Civil Rights Movement in India, advocating for the rights and freedoms of Indians through non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against British colonial rule.
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What was the significance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Civil Rights Movement?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of Dalits and was instrumental in drafting the Indian Constitution, which outlawed caste discrimination and untouchability.
35
How has the Civil Rights Movement in India addressed women's rights?
The movement for women's rights in India has sought to combat gender-based discrimination, dowry, female infanticide, and to promote the right to education and employment for women.
36
What contemporary issues are included in the Civil Rights Movement in India?
Contemporary issues in the Civil Rights Movement in India include environmental justice, digital privacy rights, and protests against governmental policies perceived as discriminatory or undermining civil liberties.
37
What landmark event occurred in 2018 regarding LGBTQ+ rights in India?
In 2018, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality, marking a significant step towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community within the Civil Rights Movement.
38
What is Press Censorship and Control?
Press Censorship and Control refers to strict media censorship and calls for a committed bureaucracy and judiciary that stifle dissent.
39
What are Human Rights Abuses in the context of civil rights movements?
Human Rights Abuses refer to significant violations such as forced sterilization and slum clearances that occur due to certain policies.
40
What is the significance of the inclusion of Fundamental Rights for Non-Citizens in the Constitution?
The inclusion of Fundamental Rights for Non-Citizens showcases a broad commitment to human rights, extending certain rights beyond just citizens.
41
What does the Comprehensive Rights Framework in the Constitution entail?
The Comprehensive Rights Framework includes civil and political rights as well as social and economic rights, reflecting a holistic view of human dignity and welfare.
42
What is the controversy surrounding Preventive Detention (Article 22) in the Constitution?
Preventive Detention has been controversial as it allows for detention even in normal times, raising significant human rights issues, especially during emergencies.
43
What role do grassroots movements play in civil liberties movements in India?
Grassroots movements in India, like the Chipko Movement, emphasize community participation and local leadership, addressing local issues.
44
How do legal avenues like Public Interest Litigations (PILs) contribute to civil liberties movements in India?
Legal avenues such as PILs allow civil liberties movements to seek justice through the judicial system, with the Supreme Court playing a key role in landmark cases.
45
What challenges do civil rights movements in India face?
Civil rights movements face challenges such as legal complexities, political interference, state repression, and public indifference.
46
What is political interference in civil rights issues?
Political interference in civil rights issues refers to the resistance faced by movements from political authorities who may have conflicting interests or may not prioritize the rights being advocated.
47
What is media sensationalism in the context of civil rights movements?
Media sensationalism is the phenomenon where media coverage amplifies the voices of civil rights movements but can also distort narratives and impact public opinion through biased reporting.
48
What challenges do civil rights movements face due to the diversity of issues?
Civil rights movements face challenges in managing the diversity of issues, as different movements may have distinct goals and strategies, making it difficult to create a unified front.
49
How do limited resources affect civil rights movements?
Limited resources, including lack of funding, organizational capacity, and access to technology, can hinder the effectiveness of civil rights movements.
50
What is the impact of public apathy on civil rights movements?
Public apathy, characterized by a general lack of awareness and support among the public, poses a challenge for civil rights movements in influencing policy changes.
51
What role does state surveillance play in civil rights movements?
State surveillance and repression can create challenges for civil rights movements, including government monitoring, restrictions on freedom of assembly, and other forms of state control.
52
What historical context led to the emergence of human rights movements in India?
Human rights movements in India emerged as responses to discrimination and injustice, initially rooted in the struggle against colonial rule and gaining momentum in the post-independence era.
53
What was the significance of the Indian Constitution for human rights?
The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, provided a strong foundation for human rights by guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms to all citizens and emphasizing social and economic rights through the Directive Principles of State Policy.
54
What was the impact of the Emergency period (1975-1977) on human rights activism in India?
The Emergency period marked a critical time for human rights in India, leading to a widespread curtailment of civil liberties and a surge in human rights activism, including the formation of organizations like the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
55
What are the rights of marginalized communities?
Movements advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, including Dalits, Adivasis, and LGBTQ+ communities, which gained momentum in the 1990s and beyond, addressing systemic discrimination and legal battles such as the fight against Section 377 of the IPC.
56
What is the significance of the Women's Rights Movement in India?
The Women's Rights Movement in India gained significant traction, especially after high-profile cases like the Nirbhaya incident in 2012, leading to legal reforms and increased public awareness about gender-based violence and discrimination.
57
How has technology influenced rights activism in India?
The advent of the internet and social media has opened new avenues for human rights advocacy in India, increasing awareness and mobilization for various rights issues.
58
What are the prominent issues related to civil liberties and freedom of expression in India?
India has experienced a high number of internet shutdowns in response to protests, and journalists and activists face arrests under stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
59
What challenges do LGBTQ+ individuals face in India despite the decriminalization of Section 377?
LGBTQ+ individuals in India still face societal stigma and lack legal recognition of same-sex relationships or marriage, despite the landmark step of decriminalizing homosexuality.
60
What is the situation regarding child rights in India?
India has the largest number of child laborers globally, with UNICEF estimating that 10.1 million children aged 5-14 are engaged in child labor, alongside significant issues of trafficking for labor and sexual exploitation.
61
What are the implications of environmental and indigenous rights in India?
Large infrastructure projects, such as the Narmada Valley dams, have led to the displacement of thousands of indigenous people, often without adequate resettlement or compensation, highlighting the conflict between development and indigenous rights.
62
What are Labor Rights in the context of India's informal sector?
Labor Rights refer to the rights of workers in India, particularly in the informal sector, which employs over 90% of the workforce. Violations include low wages, lack of job security, and unsafe working conditions, with concerns raised about the erosion of these rights following the 2020 labor law reforms.
63
What is the significance of Diversity and Complexity in human rights movements in India?
Diversity and Complexity highlight the challenges faced by human rights movements in India due to its immense ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity. Different groups may have distinct needs and perspectives, complicating the promotion and protection of human rights, as emphasized by scholars like Amartya Sen.
64
What is the tension between Economic and Social Rights in India?
The tension between Economic and Social Rights in India arises from the conflict between promoting economic development and protecting social rights. Rapid economic growth has sometimes come at the expense of land rights, environmental protection, and labor rights, as noted by economists like Jean Drèze.
65
How do Historical and Structural Inequalities affect human rights in India?
Historical and Structural Inequalities, particularly stemming from the caste system and discrimination against communities like Dalits and Tribals, pose significant challenges to human rights in India. The work of B.R. Ambedkar highlights these ongoing issues.
66
What is the tension between Economic and Social Rights in India?
The tension arises from the conflict between promoting economic development and protecting social rights, with rapid economic growth sometimes coming at the expense of land rights, environmental protection, and labor rights.
67
How do Historical and Structural Inequalities affect human rights in India?
They pose significant challenges to human rights, particularly stemming from the caste system and discrimination against communities like Dalits and Tribals.
68
What challenges do Gender-Based Rights face in India?
Despite legal protections, women and LGBTQ+ individuals often experience systemic discrimination and violence.
69
What is the dual role of Government and Legislation in human rights?
The state acts as both a protector and a violator of rights, illustrated by controversial laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir.
70
What is the impact of Freedom of Expression and Civil Liberties on human rights in India?
Recent actions, such as the arrest of activists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, reflect the dilemma between national security concerns and individual freedoms.
71
How do Theoretical Perspectives like Utilitarianism, Liberalism, and Marxism view human rights dilemmas?
Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the majority, Liberalism emphasizes individual rights, and Marxism critiques capitalist structures that perpetuate inequalities.
72
What role does International Influence and Pressure play in India's human rights discourse?
It intersects with India's domestic policies, often leading to accusations of external interference in internal matters.
73
How does Economic Inequality challenge the distribution of rights in India?
Economic Inequality challenges equitable distribution of rights, with Amartya Sen's capability approach emphasizing disparities in rights access.
74
What modern dilemmas does Technology pose for human rights in India?
Technology, such as the Aadhaar system, raises dilemmas regarding privacy and surveillance.
75
What are the challenges faced by Human Rights movements in India's Sociopolitical Context?
The context creates a fragmented landscape for advocacy, leading to varied levels of support based on communal identities and biases.
76
What are the Legal and Institutional Barriers to human rights in India?
Barriers include the gap between constitutional ideals and actual implementation, with slow legal processes and misuse of laws being significant issues.
77
What is the relationship between economic development and human rights according to Amartya Sen?
Sen argues that economic development must enhance human rights and freedoms, emphasizing that prioritization of economic growth often overlooks human rights implications.
78
What concerns do political scientists like Arundhati Roy have regarding state repression?
They express concerns about growing state surveillance and the use of laws like UAPA to stifle political dissent.
79
What challenges do gender and sexual minority rights activists face in India?
Despite legal progress, deep-seated societal norms and prejudices hinder the realization of these rights.
80
How does globalization influence human rights in India according to Balakrishnan Rajagopal?
Globalization influences human rights through the role of multinational corporations and international norms in shaping local movements.
81
What is Upendra Baxi's critique of the Indian legal system in relation to human rights?
Baxi discusses how the judiciary has been inconsistent in protecting the human rights of marginalized communities.
82
What distinction does Partha Chatterjee make between civil society and political society?
He suggests that human rights movements often represent civil society interests, while political society needs are sometimes overlooked.
83
What is the significance of listening to 'subaltern' voices according to Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak?
Listening to 'subaltern' voices is crucial for a more inclusive understanding of human rights.
84
What is Judicial Activism and Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
Judicial Activism and PIL refer to the judiciary's role in protecting civil liberties and human rights in India.
85
What is the significance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Indian democracy?
The RTI Act enhances transparency and accountability in government functioning, empowering citizens to seek information.
86
How have environmental movements like the Chipko Movement influenced Indian policy?
They have raised awareness about sustainable development and environmental justice, leading to important judicial pronouncements.
87
What was the impact of the Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India case on LGBTQ+ rights in India?
The case resulted in the decriminalization of homosexuality, showcasing the impact of human rights movements on law.
88
What are the two types of women's movements identified by Gail Omvedt?
Women's Equality Movements seek equal status within existing structures, while Women's Liberation Movements challenge the sexual division of labor.
89
What role have Dalit and Anti-Caste Movements played in Indian society?
They have been crucial in ensuring constitutional safeguards against caste-based discrimination.
90
What is Corporate Feminism?
Corporate Feminism advocates a larger political role for women, emphasizing their unique contributions.
91
What does Liberal Feminism advocate?
Liberal Feminism advocates extending men's rights to women based on the premise of gender equality.
92
What challenges did the women's movement in India face before independence?
Challenges included social orthodoxy, educational disparities, child marriage, and limited legal rights.
93
What were some achievements of the women's movement in India?
Achievements included significant legal reforms, educational initiatives, and raising political consciousness.
94
How did the women's movement impact post-independence movements in India?
The pre-independence movement set the stage for post-independence feminist struggles.
95
What role did cultural constraints play in the women's movement in India?
Cultural constraints shaped the movement, with women navigating traditional roles and the urge for emancipation.
96
What regional variations exist in the women's movement in India?
Variations reflect different challenges and responses in various parts of India.
97
What are the legal rights and representation issues faced by women in the early years of post-independent India?
The focus was on establishing legal rights amidst challenges posed by traditional socio-cultural norms.
98
What significant achievements were made in the women's movement during the early years (1947-1970s) in India?
Achievements included constitutional guarantees of equal rights and the enactment of reform laws.
99
What issues and challenges did the women's movement face during the emergence of organized movements (1970s-1980s)?
The movement faced issues like violence against women and the struggles of rural and marginalized women.
100
What landmark cases and legislation emerged from the women's movement in the 1970s-1980s?
Landmark cases included the Mathura rape case, leading to changes in rape laws.
101
How did economic liberalization in the 1990s affect women's movements in India?
It brought new challenges and opportunities for women in the workforce.
102
What role did international influence play in the women's movement in India during the 1990s-2000s?
India's participation in global conferences influenced local feminist ideas.
103
What challenges do women face in the contemporary era (2000s-Present) in India?
Challenges include online harassment and ongoing issues like marital rape and workplace harassment.
104
What is the significance of the #MeToo movement in India?
#MeToo has highlighted issues of sexual harassment and advocated for women's rights.
105
What legal advances have been made in women's rights in India?
Progressive judgments, such as the decriminalization of homosexuality, have been milestones.
106
How did the focus of women's movements evolve from the 1970s?
The focus shifted to addressing challenges like violence against women due to their gender.
107
What challenges did incidents like Mathura's rape case present to women's development assumptions?
They revealed insensitivity within the state apparatus and societal implications.
108
What role did women play in new social movements in the late 1980s?
Women actively led movements addressing ecological and environmental concerns.
109
How have women's movements in India addressed political representation?
They have advocated for increased political representation, leading to reservations in local governance.
110
What initiatives have women's movements taken to empower women in marginalized communities?
They have focused on education, skill development, and economic initiatives.
111
What campaigns have been central to addressing violence against women in India?
Campaigns against domestic violence and gender-based violence have led to significant laws.
112
How have women's movements contributed to cultural change in India?
They have challenged patriarchal norms and raised awareness about women's issues.
113
What is the Gulabi Gang?
The Gulabi Gang is a group of women activists advocating for women's rights in rural Uttar Pradesh.
114
What challenges does Flavia Agnes identify for women's movements in India?
She emphasizes the persistence of patriarchal norms that contribute to challenges faced by the movement.
115
How does Nivedita Menon describe the challenges faced by the women's movement?
She points out challenges in addressing intersectionality with class, caste, and religion.
116
What does Uma Chakravarti focus on regarding the women's movement?
She focuses on the hurdles in challenging deeply entrenched gender norms.
117
What challenge does Vina Mazumdar highlight for the women's movement?
She underscores the challenge of sustaining momentum and energy within the movement.
118
What systemic inequalities does Gita Sen emphasize in the context of women's empowerment?
She emphasizes the struggle against economic disparities that disproportionately affect women.
119
What difficulties does Kumud Sharma discuss regarding women's empowerment?
She discusses the difficulties in countering backlash and resistance from conservative forces.
120
What implementation gap does Ranjana Kumari highlight in the women's movement?
She stresses the challenges in translating policy changes into effective implementation.
121
What political representation challenges does Vibhuti Patel identify for the women's movement?
She focuses on hurdles in ensuring meaningful political participation.
122
What cultural challenges does Kavita Krishnan discuss regarding the women's movement?
She discusses the challenges in countering regressive cultural practices and attitudes.
123
What legal reform challenges does Ratna Kapur highlight for the women's movement?
She highlights the challenge of ensuring that legal changes lead to meaningful outcomes for women.
124
What was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's stance on women's participation in politics?
Nehru was supportive of women's participation and emphasized the importance of empowering women.
125
What role did Sarojini Naidu play in women's rights?
Naidu was a prominent freedom fighter and supported the cause of women's rights.
126
What did the 'Towards Equality' report recommend regarding women's participation?
The report highlighted the need for affirmative action to enhance women's participation in decision-making roles.
127
What does the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act mandate regarding women's reservation?
It mandates 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
128
What are advocates for reservations arguing in the context of women's political representation?
They argue that reservations are essential for breaking historical marginalization of women in politics.
129
What is the historic importance of the document 'Towards Equality' (1974) in the women's movement in India?
It provided a comprehensive assessment of women's status and influenced subsequent government policies.
130
How do environmental movements in India emphasize economic justice?
Environmental movements advocate for sustainable practices that also address economic disparities.
131
What do advocates for reservations argue in the context of women's political representation?
They argue that reservations are essential for breaking the historical marginalization of women in politics and provide a necessary corrective measure to address gender imbalances in decision-making bodies.
132
What is the historic importance of the document 'Towards Equality' (1974) in the women's movement in India?
The document 'Towards Equality' is historically important as it provided a comprehensive assessment of women's status since independence, highlighted significant gender disparities, and influenced subsequent government policies aimed at improving women's status.
133
How do environmental movements in India emphasize economic justice?
They emphasize economic justice by focusing on quality of life, indigenous cultural preservation, and people's rights over resources, rather than just resource distribution.
134
What role did Dr. Vina Mazumdar play in the context of the 'Towards Equality' report?
Dr. Vina Mazumdar was a key member of the Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) and emphasized the importance of the 'Towards Equality' report in bringing women's issues to the forefront of policy planning and social reform in India.
135
What is the Chipko movement and its significance in modern environmentalism in India?
The Chipko movement, which began in 1973 in Garhwal, is considered the start of modern environmentalism in India, emphasizing the importance of forests for local ecosystems and communities through peaceful resistance, such as hugging trees to prevent deforestation.
136
What were the main concerns addressed by environmental movements in the 1970s and 1980s in India?
The main concerns included community rights, sustainability, displacement, and rehabilitation, as these movements critiqued the colonial development model and advocated for the 'environmentalism of the poor.'
137
What are the four strands identified within environmental movements in India?
The four strands identified are moral restraint, dismantling unjust social orders, reconstruction, and employing appropriate technologies.
138
How did the colonial government's approach to environmental policies impact natural resource exploitation in India?
Under British rule, environmental policies were focused on exploiting natural resources, particularly forests, with a utilitarian approach aimed at maximizing resource extraction, which laid the groundwork for future environmental challenges.
139
What role did environmental journalism play in the 1980s in India?
Environmental journalism emerged in the 1980s, with activists like Anil Agarwal raising awareness about environmental issues through media, contributing to a growing public consciousness and institutional response.
140
What was the significance of the Narmada Bachao Andolan in the context of the environmental movement in India?
The Narmada Bachao Andolan was a prominent movement against the construction of large dams on the Narmada river, highlighting the environmental and social impacts of industrialization and urbanization during the era of economic liberalization.
141
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global objectives that emphasize a holistic approach to environmental conservation, social equity, and economic development.
142
What is the significance of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in India?
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 was partly a result of prolonged tribal movements and advocacy for the rights of forest-dwelling communities, ensuring their stewardship over land and resources.
143
How did the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 influence environmental activism in India?
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 caused widespread death and long-term health issues, highlighting the need for environmental regulation in industrial practices and sparking activism among citizens.
144
What role did Vandana Shiva play in the environmental movement in India?
Vandana Shiva critiques the impact of industrial agriculture and globalization on India's environment, advocating for biodiversity conservation and organic farming.
145
What impact did the 'Save Western Ghats Movement' have on environmental policy in India?
The 'Save Western Ghats Movement' influenced the formulation of policies for the protection of bio-diverse regions, leading to stricter environmental regulations.
146
What are some urban environmental issues that have gained focus in recent years?
Increased focus on urban environmental problems like air pollution, waste management, and water scarcity has emerged as a contemporary challenge in environmental activism.
147
How has global environmental awareness influenced activism in India?
Global environmental awareness, sparked by works like Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' and events like the first Earth Day in 1970, has led to increased scrutiny of agricultural chemicals and inspired various environmental education programs in India.
148
What is the relationship between rapid industrialization and environmental activism in India?
Post-independence rapid industrialization in India led to severe environmental issues such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion, which sparked activism and concern among citizens.
149
What is the significance of legal activism and public interest litigation in environmental issues in India?
Legal activism and public interest litigation have made environmental issues increasingly prominent in Indian courts, resulting in significant judgments that impact environmental policy and governance.
150
How has technology influenced environmental activism in India?
The use of technology in environmental activism has facilitated greater integration with global environmental movements, enhancing the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.
151
What is the Chipko Movement?
The Chipko Movement, which means 'to hug', involved villagers, especially women, hugging trees to prevent their felling, raising awareness about forest conservation and sustainable resource use.
152
What was the impact of the Silent Valley Movement?
The Silent Valley Movement aimed to protect the Silent Valley region in Kerala from a hydroelectric project, leading to the project's cancellation and setting a precedent for future environmental activism.
153
What is the Narmada Bachao Andolan?
The Narmada Bachao Andolan is a movement focused on the social and environmental impacts of the Narmada Dam projects, highlighting issues of displacement and ecological damage.
154
How did grassroots movements influence national environmental policy in India?
Grassroots movements like the Chipko Movement and the Narmada Bachao Andolan have significantly influenced national environmental policy by raising awareness and advocating for conservation efforts.
155
What role did media play in environmental movements in India?
Media coverage of events like the Chipko Movement and pollution of the Ganges River has raised public awareness about environmental issues and the need for conservation efforts.
156
What was the significance of India's participation in the Stockholm Conference?
India's participation in the Stockholm Conference in 1972 led to the establishment of the National Council for Environmental Policy and Planning, influencing its environmental policies.
157
What is the role of NGOs in promoting environmental awareness in India?
NGOs like the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) play a significant role in promoting environmental awareness and action through various initiatives and educational programs.
158
What is the significance of International Attention in the context of environmental movements?
International Attention refers to the global awareness and concern regarding the plight of people affected by large dam projects, highlighting the social and environmental impacts of such developments.
159
How did the Appiko Movement contribute to forest conservation?
The Appiko Movement, inspired by Chipko, mobilized local communities in Karnataka to protect the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, demonstrating the effectiveness of grassroots activism in conservation efforts.
160
What critique does Ramachandra Guha provide regarding India's development models?
Ramachandra Guha critiques India's development models by highlighting how large-scale projects like dams and mining operations often lead to environmental degradation and social displacement.
161
What is the focus of Vandana Shiva's work in ecofeminism?
Vandana Shiva's work in ecofeminism focuses on the intersection of environmental issues and feminism, arguing that women in rural India are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation due to their close relationship with natural resources.
162
What role does Madhav Gadgil advocate for in biodiversity conservation?
Madhav Gadgil advocates for the documentation of local biodiversity through People's Biodiversity Registers, emphasizing the importance of community participation in conservation efforts.
163
How does Bina Agarwal's analysis contribute to understanding gender dynamics in environmental issues?
Bina Agarwal emphasizes the importance of women's land rights for environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, showing that women's participation in collective action leads to better conservation outcomes.
164
What is Anil Agarwal's contribution to environmental journalism in India?
Anil Agarwal, as a pioneering environmental journalist and founder of the Centre for Science and Environment, brought environmental issues to public and policy discourse, advocating for sustainable development practices suited to India's context.
165
What approach does Sunita Narain advocate for in urban environmentalism?
Sunita Narain advocates for addressing issues like air pollution and sustainable urbanization, while critiquing the unequal burdens in global environmental governance and promoting equitable approaches.
166
What are the challenges posed by GATT and WTO agreements to Indian agriculture?
GATT and WTO agreements demand subsidy reduction, leading to farmer resistance and accusations of discriminatory practices by developed countries.
167
How does globalization affect the working classes in India?
Globalization prompts privatization, causing job loss threats, retrenchments, and changes in labor laws that reduce job security and bargaining power.
168
What impact does globalization have on women in India?
Globalization adversely affects women by leading to a decline in organized sector employment and contributing to the feminization of poverty, while patriarchal norms persist.
169
How do social movements contribute to democracy in India?
Social movements act as catalysts for democratic processes and mechanisms for expressing dissent and demanding accountability, shaping and nurturing democracy.
170
What role did the Indian Independence Movement play in establishing democratic principles?
The Indian Independence Movement was a struggle for democratic self-rule and laid the foundation for democratic principles in India, influencing the framing of the Indian Constitution.
171
What was the significance of the Emergency period (1975-1977) in relation to social movements?
The Emergency period is significant as social movements played a crucial role in preserving democracy during a time of civil rights suspension under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
172
What is the significance of the Chipko Movement in the context of civil liberties?
The Chipko Movement became a platform for expressing dissent against authoritarianism and was essential in re-establishing democratic norms post-Emergency in India.
173
How did the Dalit Panther movement contribute to democratic discourse in India?
The Dalit Panther movement and subsequent movements for Dalit rights have been pivotal in bringing the issues of marginalized communities into the democratic discourse, fighting for their inclusion and representation in political and social arenas.
174
What was the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) movement in India?
The RTI movement led to the enactment of the RTI Act in 2005, empowering citizens to participate more actively in the democratic process by holding the government accountable for transparency and accountability in governance.
175
What role did the India Against Corruption movement play in public policy?
The India Against Corruption movement mobilized public opinion and raised awareness about governance issues, significantly influencing public policy and reform agendas, particularly advocating for the Jan Lokpal Bill.
176
How have social movements in India contributed to societal change?
Social movements in India have played a transformative role in societal change, advocating for human rights and gender equality, and demonstrating resilience and grassroots activism to shape India's future towards inclusivity and positive transformation.
