CBSE Class 10 Social Science Political Science Chapter 3 Gender, Religion, and Caste Notes 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 Social Science Political Science Chapter 3 – Gender, Religion and Caste Notes help students understand how these three important social factors influence people’s lives and shape our democracy. The gender, religion and caste class 10th notes explain how equality and justice are connected to everyday experiences in society. This chapter encourages students to think about issues like discrimination, inequality, and representation in politics in a simple and relatable way.

Through the Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 PDF, students learn that gender refers to the social roles and expectations linked to being male or female, while religion and caste are systems that often create social divisions. The gender religion and caste class 10 notes show how these divisions affect access to education, employment, and political participation. Real-life examples and case studies in the Class 10 Civics Chapter 3 Notes Gender, Religion and Caste make the ideas easier to understand and remember.

The gender caste and religion class 10 note also highlights how reformers and movements have fought against inequality and worked toward women’s empowerment, secularism, and caste equality. By studying this chapter, students learn how social identities influence politics and how laws like the Women’s Reservation Act and constitutional rights promote equality.

These Gender Religion and Caste Class 10 Handwritten Notes are helpful for revision, exams, and developing awareness about social harmony. The Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 Question Answer section helps students test their knowledge and strengthen their understanding of key concepts. Overall, the gender religion and caste class 10 notes pdf prepare students to become responsible citizens who value equality, respect diversity, and contribute to building an inclusive and democratic society.

Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 PDF

The Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 PDF provides a clear and detailed understanding of how these three social factors—gender, religion, and caste—shape people’s lives and influence society. It explains how social divisions can create inequality and affect access to education, jobs, and political participation. The notes highlight real-life examples, such as women’s movements for equality, the role of religion in politics, and the ongoing effects of caste discrimination. 

By studying this chapter, students learn how social identities impact democracy and understand the importance of equality and justice in a diverse country like India. The PDF helps learners connect textbook concepts with real-world issues, making it an essential resource for exam preparation and building awareness about social harmony and inclusion.

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Notes

Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10th Notes

Gender and Politics

Understanding Gender Division

Gender division means the unequal treatment of people based on whether they are male or female. It is not a biological difference but a social concept created by traditions, beliefs, and expectations. In society, certain roles are seen as “men’s work” and others as “women’s work.” For example, men are expected to work outside, while women are expected to handle household duties. This is called the sexual division of labour.

In most families, household work—like cooking, cleaning, and childcare—is either done by women or managed by them. Even when women work outside, they still carry the burden of domestic responsibilities.

Impact of Gender Division

Although women make up nearly half of the world’s population, their participation in public life, especially politics, is limited. This inequality results in women having fewer opportunities to influence decisions that affect their lives. The Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 Notes explain that this lack of representation is one of the main challenges in achieving gender equality.

The Feminist Movement

Women across the world have fought for equal rights in what is called the Feminist Movement.

They demanded:

• The right to vote
• Equal political and legal rights
• Better education and job opportunities
• Equality within family life

Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland are good examples where women’s participation in politics is very high.

Forms of Discrimination Against Women

1. Education:
   Women’s literacy rate is only 54%, while men’s is 76%. Many families prefer to educate their sons rather than daughters.
2. Employment:
   Women are underrepresented in higher-paying jobs and leadership positions.
3. Unequal Wages:
   Despite the Equal Wages Act, women are often paid less than men for the same work in sports, agriculture, and other industries.
4. Sex-Selective Abortions:
   Many girl children are aborted before birth. This has reduced the child sex ratio to 919 girls for every 1000 boys.
5. Violence and Harassment:
   Women face physical, emotional, and sexual violence both inside and outside their homes.

Political Representation of Women

• Lok Sabha (Parliament): In 2019, 14.36% of elected members were women.
• State Legislatures: Less than 5% of total members are women.
• Local Government: The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution reserve one-third (33%) of seats for women in Panchayats and Municipalities.

To further improve representation, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Act, 2023) was passed. It provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus.

Religion, Communalism, and Politics

Religion in Politics

Religion plays a significant role in Indian society. It influences people’s beliefs, festivals, and community life. But when religion mixes with politics, it can become problematic.

Mahatma Gandhi believed that religion and politics should not be completely separate, as politics must follow moral values. However, he was against using religion to divide people.

Communalism

Communalism is the use of religion for political advantage. It creates divisions among people of different religions and can lead to tension, hatred, and even violence.

Why Communal Beliefs Are Wrong:

• People belonging to the same religion don’t always share the same interests.
• Each religion has internal differences and many voices that deserve to be heard.
• When one religious group dominates politics, it suppresses other voices.

Forms of Communalism in Politics

1. Everyday Prejudices: Stereotypes and negative images about other religions.
2. Political Dominance: Trying to get more power for one religious group.
3. Religious Mobilization: Using religious leaders, festivals, or emotional appeals to gain votes.
4. Communal Violence: The most dangerous form, resulting in riots and massacres.

India as a Secular State

India is a secular country, meaning the state treats all religions equally.

Key Constitutional Provisions:

• There is no official religion in India.
• The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion—people can follow, practice, and propagate any religion or none at all.
• Discrimination on religious grounds is prohibited.
• The government can intervene in religious practices to ensure equality (for example, banning untouchability).

This ensures that gender, religion, and caste do not divide citizens.

Caste and Politics

Understanding the Caste System

The caste system is a social hierarchy found mainly in India. It divides people based on birth and determines their social status and occupation. People from “lower castes” have historically faced discrimination and exclusion. Access to education, jobs, and social respect was often limited to “upper castes.”

Efforts to Remove Caste Inequality

Reformers like Jyotirao Phule, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar Ramaswami Naicker worked hard to eliminate caste inequality. They promoted education, equality, and social reform to ensure every person received respect regardless of caste.

Do Check: CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Papers

Changes in the Caste System Today

Modern India has witnessed several positive changes:

• Urbanization and economic growth have reduced caste barriers.
• Education and occupational mobility have changed people’s attitudes.
• The Constitution of India prohibits caste-based discrimination and declares untouchability a crime.

However, caste-based divisions haven’t disappeared completely. Many still marry within their caste, and some castes remain economically weaker due to historical disadvantages.

Caste in Politics

Caste continues to play a role in Indian politics:

• Political parties choose candidates considering the caste composition of voters.
• Parties appeal to caste groups to secure votes.
• But since no constituency has only one caste, candidates must seek support from multiple communities.

Myth: Elections are only about caste.
Reality: Political success depends on broader issues and alliances beyond caste identity.

Positive Role of Caste in Politics

Caste-based organizations have also brought positive changes:

• They help disadvantaged groups demand equal rights and representation.
• They have increased political awareness among marginalized communities.
• They push for social justice and access to resources like education and land.

Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 Question Answer

Q1. What is meant by gender division?

Ans: Gender division refers to the unequal treatment of men and women based on social expectations and roles. It assigns different responsibilities to men and women, such as men working outside and women managing household work.

Q2. What is the sexual division of labour?

Ans: The sexual division of labour means that household work and caregiving are mainly done by women, while men are usually involved in paid work outside the home. This division often leads to inequality and undervaluing of women’s work.

Q3. What was the main demand of the feminist movement?

Ans: The feminist movement aimed to achieve equality for women by demanding the right to vote, equal pay, education, job opportunities, and equal treatment in family and public life.

Q4. What is the percentage of women in India’s Lok Sabha?

Ans: In the 2019 Lok Sabha, women constituted about 14.36% of the total members. The Women’s Reservation Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023) now provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.

Q5. What do you mean by communalism?

Ans: Communalism is when religion is used in politics to divide people and promote one religious group’s interests over others. It often leads to hatred, discrimination, and violence among communities.

Q6. How does the Indian Constitution ensure secularism?

Ans: India is a secular state, meaning there is no official religion. The Constitution guarantees freedom to practice, follow, and propagate any religion. It also bans discrimination based on religion and promotes equality for all citizens.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Political Science

Q7. What is the caste system?

Ans: The caste system is a social structure that divides people into groups based on birth. It has existed in India for centuries and often led to discrimination against lower castes and unequal access to resources.

Q8. How has the caste system changed in modern India?

Ans: Economic growth, urbanization, education, and constitutional laws have reduced the influence of the caste system. However, caste-based discrimination still exists, especially in rural areas and social practices.

Q9. What role does caste play in Indian politics?

Ans: Caste influences voting patterns, candidate selection, and political alliances. However, no single caste dominates elections entirely, and parties need support from multiple communities to win.

Q10. Why is the study of gender, religion, and caste important for students?

Ans: Learning about gender, religion, and caste helps students understand how social divisions affect equality, democracy, and justice. It also builds awareness about the need for fairness and respect in a diverse society.

Importance of Chapter 3 – Gender, Religion and Caste Notes

Understanding Social Divisions

Chapter 3 of Class 10 Civics — Gender, Religion and Caste — helps students understand how these three major social factors shape people’s lives. It shows how gender, religion, and caste affect opportunities, relationships, and the way power and resources are shared in society.

By studying this chapter, students can see why social inequalities exist and how they can be reduced through awareness and collective effort.

1. Awareness of Social Inequality

The chapter explains that gender, religion, and caste often decide how people are treated in society. Some groups enjoy more advantages, while others face discrimination or fewer chances.

Learning about these topics helps students recognize unfair practices like gender bias, religious intolerance, or caste-based discrimination. This understanding builds empathy and a sense of equality among young learners.

2. Link Between Society and Politics

The notes clearly explain how gender, religion, and caste influence politics.

• Political parties often use these identities to gain votes.
• People sometimes vote based on religion or caste rather than policies.
• Women are underrepresented in politics, which affects decision-making.

By understanding these connections, students learn how social identities affect political representation and leadership.

3. Relation to Economy and Daily Life

The chapter also shows how social divisions affect economic opportunities.
For example:

• Women may be paid less than men for the same job.
• People from lower castes may face barriers in employment or education.
• Religious discrimination can affect access to resources or safety.

This helps students understand that equality is not just a social idea, but also an economic and political goal.

4. Developing Critical Thinking

By reading examples, case studies, and stories in the notes, students learn to think critically about fairness and justice. They begin to question:

• Why are some groups treated unfairly?
• What laws or reforms can bring equality?
• How can society become more inclusive?

This chapter builds analytical and ethical thinking, which is important for both exams and real-life understanding.

5. Real-Life Examples and Relevance

The Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 Notes use real-life cases and examples that students can relate to. These include:

• Women’s movements for equality.
• Communal harmony and secularism.
• Caste-based discrimination and reforms.

Such examples make learning interesting and help students see how these issues still exist today.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science

6. Preparation for Exams and Beyond

Understanding this chapter is not only useful for scoring good marks but also for developing social awareness.

Students who grasp these concepts can answer exam questions better because they understand both the facts and their meanings. Moreover, the knowledge gained from this chapter helps young learners become responsible citizens who respect diversity and believe in justice and equality.

Tips for Learning Class 10 Civics Chapter 3 – Gender, Religion and Caste

1. Focus on Key Terms: Pay attention to important concepts such as gender equality, secularism, communalism, and caste system. Understanding these terms will make the entire chapter easier to follow and remember.
2. Study Real-Life Examples: Look at the case studies and examples in the textbook and notes. They show how these issues appear in real situations, like elections, workplaces, or families. Relating theory to reality improves understanding.
3. Summarize Each Topic: After reading a section, write a short summary in your own words. This helps you remember the main ideas and review quickly before exams.
4. Discuss with Others: Talk about the chapter with your classmates, teachers, or friends. Sharing opinions and listening to others helps you understand different perspectives on gender, religion, and caste.
5. Connect to Current Events: Link what you learn in this chapter to news, social issues, or government policies. For example, read about women’s reservation in politics or campaigns promoting equality. This shows how the topics from your notes apply to the real world.
6. Use Visual Aids: Make charts or mind maps that connect gender, religion, and caste to politics and society. Visual learning helps in quick revision and concept clarity.
7. Practice Questions: Review important questions and answers from your Gender, Religion and Caste Class 10 Notes. It strengthens memory and helps you prepare for both objective and long-answer questions in exams.