Students often refer to SCERT Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf and Class 9 History Chapter 8 Towards a Gender Neutral Society Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.
Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Social Science History Notes Chapter 8 Towards a Gender Neutral Society
Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 8 Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus Towards a Gender Neutral Society
Class 9 History Chapter 8 Notes Kerala Syllabus English Medium
Question 1.
This is a news report about an observation made by the Honourable High Court of Kerala on 8 August 2023. What do you notice from this news?
Answer:
- Gender and Sex are two different concepts.
- Every individual has the right to choose gender.
Question 2.
In which official documents are mentioned the terms ‘gender’ and ‘sex?
Answer:
- Aadhaar card
- School admission records
- Birth certificate
- Ration card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
Question 3.
Expand the table.
Answer:
| Sex | Gender |
| Refers to biological features | Refers to social, cultural and psychological features |
| Categorises individuals as biologically male or female | Makes masculinity or femininity |
| It is an ascribed status | Gender is an achieved status |
Question 4.
Haven’t you listened to the conversation among three friends? What is your response to this conversation? Have you heard the statement that certain jobs should be done only by individuals of a certain gender? Do jobs actually need such gender discrimination?
Answer:
Yes, the statement point out that certain jobs are “better suited” to a specific gender, like saying men should be engineers or women should be teachers. However, jobs don’t actually require such gender- based restrictions. Skills, interests, and abilities are unique to each person, not tied to their gender. Limiting jobs by gender not only holds back talented individuals but also reinforces outdated stereotypes. When people choose work based on their strengths and passions, workplaces are more effective and diverse, benefiting everyone involved.
Question 5.
Are duties allocated based on gender in your school? Typically, who performs most of the following duties in your school? Complete the checklist.
Answer:
| Duties | Boys | Girls |
| Singing the prayer song in school assembly | ✓ | ✓ |
| Arranging benches and desks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Arranging the digital tools in the classroom | ✓ | |
| Discharge duties outside, which are not of the class | ✓ | ✓ |
Question 6.
Look at the following statements. Classify them into laws and norms.
- Do not waste drinking water
- Do not physically harass anyone
- Respect the elderly citizens
- Two-wheeler riders should wear helmets
- Do not discriminate anyone on the basis of physical features
- Every individual has the right to legitimate elections
- Protect the elderly citizens
- Giving and accepting dowry is a crime
Answer:
| Laws | Norms |
| Do not physically harass anyone | Respect the elderly citizens |
| Two-wheeler riders should wear helmets | Do not waste drinking water |
| Every individual has the right to legitimate elections | Protect the elderly citizens |
| Giving and accepting dowry is a crime | |
| Do not discriminate anyone on the basis of physical features |
Question 7.
Why do illegal norms still exist in society today? Write your comments in the activity book.
Answer:
Illegal norms still exist today because they’re often supported by long-standing beliefs, cultural traditions, or peer pressure, even when they go against the law. Sometimes, people are unaware of the law, or they may feel the rules are unfair and choose to ignore them. In other cases, these norms persist because the laws aren’t always enforced consistently, so people don’t see consequences for breaking them. Changing these norms takes time and often requires both stronger enforcement and a shift in societal attitudes.
Question 8.
Can you find out examples of gender stereotypes? Add them below.
Answer:
- Women are good as nurses. Men are not fit for that
- Men are suitable for military jobs.
- Men need freedom and respect, and women need care and protection.
Question 9.
Have you noticed the advertisements that appear on television and online streaming platforms? Who do you think comes more on screen to endorse the products? women or men. Note your observations.
- Curry powder
- Dishwashing implements
- Bikes and cars
- Cosmetics
- Sports products
- Utensils, stove and tools used in kitchen
- Financial institutions
Answer:
| Generally Women | Generally Men |
| Curry powder | Bikes and cars |
| Dishwashing implements | Sports products |
| Cosmetics | Financial institutions |
| Utensils, stove and tools used in kitchen | Cement |
Question 10.
Observe more advertisements. Which gender is predominantly represented among them?
Answer:
Women
Question 11.
Identify gender-inclusive terms in the languages, list the words and exhibit them in the classroom.
Answer:
Manager, professor, police, designer, photographer.
Question 12.
Organise a debate on “Language, family, art, literature, and educational institutions reinforce gender stereotypes” and make notes.
Answer:
Sides of the Debate:
For the Motion: These parts of society reinforce (or strengthen) gender stereotypes.
Against the Motion: These parts of society do not reinforce or break down gender stereotypes.
Points “For the Motion” (Yes, they reinforce gender stereotypes)
Language: Certain words or phrases can reflect gender stereotypes (e.g., “act like a lady” or “man up”).
Language often has gendered roles; for example, using “he” for leaders or doctors.
Family: Families sometimes have different expectations for boys and girls.
Some families encourage boys to be strong and girls to be nurturing, leading to stereotypes.
Literature: Books may show male characters as brave or adventurous and female characters as sensitive or caring.
Many classic stories often place women in support roles and men as main characters.
Educational Institutions: Schools may divide activities by gender, like boys in sports and girls in arts.
Some teachers or textbooks might unintentionally treat boys and girls differently, leading to stereotypes.
Points “Against the Motion” (No, they do not reinforce gender stereotypes)
Language: Language is evolving, and people are challenging gender stereotypes by using neutral terms like “they” or inclusive titles.
Words like “leader” or “hero” can apply to anyone, regardless of gender.
Family: Many families today encourage both boys and girls to follow their interests and treat them equally. Families are more aware of the importance of giving the same opportunities to all children.
Literature: Newer books often have diverse characters who don’t follow gender norms.
Authors create stories where characters break stereotypes, such as female heroes or sensitive male characters.
Educational Institutions: Schools encourage all students to try various activities, like sports, science, and arts. Many educational programs now focus on equality and reducing stereotypes.
Question 13.
a) What arc the social issues indicated in these news headlines?
b) Are these atrocities based on gender?
c) Is there gender equality in our society?
d) Is the existence of these types of atrocities apt for a just society?
Answer:
a) Sexual harassment, female foeticide, dowry issues, problems faced by transgenders.
b) Yes
c) No
d) No
Question 14.
Collect news and pictures related to gender violence and make a collage. Exhibit your response to gender violence in the form of slogans along with the collage. Also, prepare a short speech to be delivered in the exhibition.
Answer:
Slogans against gender discrimination:
- “Equal status, equal freedom!”
- “Forget the genders; see only human beings!”
- “It’s not you and me; it’s us. Let’s stop the violence!”
Speech
Dear classmates,
Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone,
Thank you for being herẹ today to discuss a very serious issue gender violence. This means any kind of harm or unfair treatment because of a person’s gender. It happens around the world in many forms, like at home, at work, or even online. The pictures and slogans you see here show both the pain of those affected and the hope for change. Ending gender violence is everyone’s responsibility. By supporting those who need it, speaking out, and treating everyone equally, we can make a big difference. Let’s work together to create a world free from violence. Thank you.
Question 15.
What can be done to eliminate gender discrimination and ensure constitutional equality and freedom for all genders? Discuss in the class.
Indicators for Discussion:
Education that promotes gender equality
Challenging gender stereotypes
Challenging norms that encourage gender stereotypes
Ensuring gender-inclusive and equitable workplaces
Answer:
Goal: To talk about ways to stop gender discrimination and make sure everyone is treated fairly and equally.
Key Points for Discussion
- Teaching Gender Equality in Schools
- Schools should teach kids that all genders are equal and deserve respect.
- Stories, games, and activities should show different types of strong characters-both girls and boys.
- Schools can help kids understand why treating everyone fairly is important.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes
- Encourage kids and adults to question ideas like “boys are tough” or “girls are gentle.”
- TV shows, movies, and books should show people in all types of roles-like men as nurses or women as scientists.
- Let everyone choose hobbies and activities based on what they like, not based on what’s “normal” for their gender.
Changing Gender “Rules” in Society
- Society often has “rules” for how boys and girls should act, like men being strong or women being caring. We need to break-these old ideas.
- Support public messages that promote equality.
- Celebrate people who break these “rules” so others see that it’s okay to be different.
Creating Fair Workplaces for All Genders
- Workplaces should have rules to make sure everyone is treated fairly, like equal pay for the same work.
- Companies should teach staff to respect all genders and create a safe work environment.
- Workplaces should support both moms and dads, like giving both parents time off for family.
Towards a Gender Neutral Society Class 9 Extended Activities
Question 1.
Collect real-life stories of women who fought against gender discrimination and develop a digital album.
Answer:
- She established the Mahila Seva Mandal to raise awareness on issues related to women’s rights.
- She also called for a gathering place for women who do not have caste discrimination or any kind of discrimination.
- She was also an anti-infanticide activist.
- she was opposed to child marriage and advocated widow remarriage.
- She worked to reclaim the civil rights of women and slaves.
- She was also active in social reform activities, especially in abolitionism.
- She founded the Women’s Loyal National League to campaign for the abolition of slavery.
- She campaigned for equal rights for African Americans and women, especially for the right to vote.
- She raised his voice against slavery and gender discrimination.
- She raised his voice for the rights of women and African Americans.
Question 2.
Collect and exibit in the class, reports on those who have survived discrimination based on gender.
Answer:
Std 9 History Chapter 8 Notes Kerala Syllabus Extra Question Answer
Question 1.
What is the difference between sex and gender?
Answer:
Sex refers to the biological characteristics that define males and females. It refers to the difference between males and females in chromosomes, physical structures, hormones, genitalia, and other physical factors. Gender refers to the social, cultural and psychological characteristics associated with the categories of male and female through particular social contexts.
Question 2.
What does the term ‘gender role’ mean?
Answer:
The term ‘Gender Role’ refers to the societal expectations regarding what men and women should do, think, say and wear, and how they should behave. Gender Roles represent the specific characteristics, attitudes, and actions that a society associates with masculinity and femininity.
Question 3.
What is the difference between ascribed status and achieved status?
Answer:
Ascribed status is the social status an individual gets by birth. Achieved status is the social status achieved by individuals through their own ability and choice. They are learned from society in course of time.
Question 4.
Who are considered transgender individuals?
Answer:
A transgender is a person whose gender does not correspond with the gender he was assigned at the time of birth. This includes Transman and Transwoman.
Question 5.
How do societies categorise high-status and low-status individuals?
Answer:
Every society categorises its members based on their status, leading to social stratification. Thus, individuals are defined as high status or low status individuals in the society.
Question 6.
What is an example of a gender role related to work?
Answer:
Men should be the primary breadwinners, while women should manage domestic duties.
Question 7.
Why is gender considered a social construct?
Answer:
Gender is considered a social construct because it is shaped by societal expectations, cultural norms, and social interventions rather than biological factors. It varies across cultures and changes over time.
Question 8.
Explain the given Terms.
- Social Stratification
- Socialisation
Answer:
- Social stratification is the social placement of individuals in society into different hierarchical layers or strata without equality. Historical examples of social hierarchies include slavery and the caste system.
- Socialisation is a lifelong process from birth and continues till death. In order to get integrated as a part of the society, they learn the values and practices of the society at different stages. This learning process is called socialisation.
Question 9.
Classify the following as Ascribed status and Achieved status.
(Age, educational qualification, Sex, income, occupational skills, race)
Answer:
| Ascribed status | Achieved status |
| Age, race, sex | Educational Qualification, income, occupational Skills |
Question 10.
What do you mean by stereotypes?
Answer:
A stereotype is a social classification of people into groups based on oversimplified and generalised assumptions. Stereotypes are formed on the basis of class, caste, religion, occupation, language, gender and the like.
Question 11.
Define ‘Just society’.
Answer:
A just society is one in which every individual receives equal social, economic and political justice irrespective of caste, religion or gender.
Question 12.
How are stereotypes formed?
Answer:
Stereotypes are formed on the basis of class, caste, religion, occupation, language, gender and the like.
Question 13.
What are the reasons for the gender inequality?
Answer:
Gender roles, norms, and stereotypes are the reasons for gender inequality.
Question 14.
What are the factors that reinforce gender stereotypes?
Answer:
Media, languages, family educational institutions, art and literature.
Question 15.
Write an example of the struggles fought by women who faced gender discrimination.
Answer:
Upper Cloth Revolt, Kallumala Uprising
Question 16.
What is gender discrimination?
Answer:
Gender discrimination is the process of suppressing other genders for the sake of dominance of one gender.
Question 17.
What is Article 15 of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
The Article 15 states that no individual shall be discriminated against based on gender.
Question 18.
Match Coloum A with Coloum B.
Answer:
| Article 14 | Equality of all genders |
| Article 15 | There shall be no gender-based discrimination against any individual |
| Article 16 | Equality of opportunity for all genders |
| Article 19 (1) (a) | All genders have the right to freely express their gender identity through dress, behaviour and action |
| Article 21 | All genders have the right to dignity, individual liberty and privacy |
| Article 15A (e) | It is the fundamental duty of the Indian citizens to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women |