WOMEN STUDIES
WOMEN STUDIES SYLLABUS
(The syllabus may change from time to time. Please check with the relevant Public Service Commission websites for any changes in the syllabus)
Paper II & Paper III (Part A & Part B) Syllabus
Unit – I
Concept and need for Women’s Studies – Scope of Women’s Studies – Women’s Studies as an academic discipline.
Women’s Movements – Pre-independent, Post-independent and Current women’s movements.
National Committees and Commissions for Women – Government. Organizations for Women – Department of Women and Child Development.
Unit – II
Liberal Feminism – Rationality, Freedom, Education.
Marxist Feminism – Production, Reproduction, Class, Alienation, Marriage and Family.
Radical Feminism – Gender, Patriarchy, Reproductive Technology, Motherhood.
Socialist Feminism – Class and Gender, Division of Labour, Unified and Dual System, Exploitation.
Indian Women – Family, Caste, Class, Culture, Religion, Social System.
Unit – III
Women’s Education – Gender bias in enrolment – Curriculum content – Dropouts.
Negative capability in Education – Values in Education – Vocational Education.
Recent Trends in Women’s Education – Committees and Commissions on Education.
Adult Literacy and Non – formal education for women’s development.
Unit – IV
Concept of Work – Productive and non – productive work – Use value and market value.
Gender Division of Labour – Mode of Production – Women in organised and unorganised sector.
Training, skills and income generation.
New Economic Policy and its impact on Women’s Employment – Globalization – Structural Adjustment Programs.
Unit – V
Concept and meaning – Importance of Entrepreneurship – Entrepreneurial traits – Factors contributing to women Entrepreneurship – Micro Enterprises.
Gender and Technology – Technology and Production – Technology Transfer – Appropriate Technology – Emerging Technologies.
Information Technology – Impact on Women’s Development.
Unit – VI
Gender in Health – Health status of women in India – Mortality and Morbidity factors influencing health – Nutrition and health – HIV and AIDS control programme.
National Health and Population Policies and Programmes – Maternal and Child Health (MCH) to Reproductive and Child health approaches, Issues of old age.
Women and Environment – Nature as feminine principle – Basic needs in Rural and Urban Environments – Care and management of natural resources – Depletion of natural resources – Sustainable environment and impact on women.
Unit – VII
Girl Child in Society – Child labourers – Changing role of women – Marriage – Single parent – Motherhood – Widows.
Theories of Development – Empowerment – Alternative approaches – Women in Development (WID), Women and Development (WAD) and Gender and Development (GAD) – State Policy and Programmes.
Women Development approaches in Indian Five – Year Plans – Collectivity and Group dynamics – Self – helf Groups women and leadership – Panchayati Raj – Political Role and Participation – NGOs and Women Development – National and International Funding Agencies.
Unit – VIII
Indian Constitution and provisions relating to women.
Personal laws – Labour Laws – Violence against, women – Legal protection – Family Courts – Enforcement machinery – Police and Judiciary.
Human Rights as Women’s Rights.
Unit – IX
Portrayal of women in Mass Media (Cinema, TV Print media).
Role of women in media – Development of Communication Skills – Alternative Media – Folk Art, Street Play and Theatre – Women as change agents.
Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) act, 1986 – Impact of media on women.
Unit – X
Limitations of methodology of social science, Research for women’s studies, Scope and significance of research in women’s studies.
Research Design and Methods – Survey – Exploratory – Diagnostic, Experimental, Action Research.
Qualitative verses Quantitative Research – Case Studies.
Paper II & Paper III (Part A & Part B) Syllabus
Unit – I
Concept and need for Women’s Studies – Scope of Women’s Studies – Women’s Studies as an academic discipline.
Women’s Movements – Pre-independent, Post-independent and Current women’s movements.
National Committees and Commissions for Women – Government. Organizations for Women – Department of Women and Child Development.
Unit – II
Liberal Feminism – Rationality, Freedom, Education.
Marxist Feminism – Production, Reproduction, Class, Alienation, Marriage and Family.
Radical Feminism – Gender, Patriarchy, Reproductive Technology, Motherhood.
Socialist Feminism – Class and Gender, Division of Labour, Unified and Dual System, Exploitation.
Indian Women – Family, Caste, Class, Culture, Religion, Social System.
Unit – III
Women’s Education – Gender bias in enrolment – Curriculum content – Dropouts.
Negative capability in Education – Values in Education – Vocational Education.
Recent Trends in Women’s Education – Committees and Commissions on Education.
Adult Literacy and Non – formal education for women’s development.
Unit – IV
Concept of Work – Productive and non – productive work – Use value and market value.
Gender Division of Labour – Mode of Production – Women in organised and unorganised sector.
Training, skills and income generation.
New Economic Policy and its impact on Women’s Employment – Globalization – Structural Adjustment Programs.
Unit – V
Concept and meaning – Importance of Entrepreneurship – Entrepreneurial traits – Factors contributing to women Entrepreneurship – Micro Enterprises.
Gender and Technology – Technology and Production – Technology Transfer – Appropriate Technology – Emerging Technologies.
Information Technology – Impact on Women’s Development.
Unit – VI
Gender in Health – Health status of women in India – Mortality and Morbidity factors influencing health – Nutrition and health – HIV and AIDS control programme.
National Health and Population Policies and Programmes – Maternal and Child Health (MCH) to Reproductive and Child health approaches, Issues of old age.
Women and Environment – Nature as feminine principle – Basic needs in Rural and Urban Environments – Care and management of natural resources – Depletion of natural resources – Sustainable environment and impact on women.
Unit – VII
Girl Child in Society – Child labourers – Changing role of women – Marriage – Single parent – Motherhood – Widows.
Theories of Development – Empowerment – Alternative approaches – Women in Development (WID), Women and Development (WAD) and Gender and Development (GAD) – State Policy and Programmes.
Women Development approaches in Indian Five – Year Plans – Collectivity and Group dynamics – Self – helf Groups women and leadership – Panchayati Raj – Political Role and Participation – NGOs and Women Development – National and International Funding Agencies.
Unit – VIII
Indian Constitution and provisions relating to women.
Personal laws – Labour Laws – Violence against, women – Legal protection – Family Courts – Enforcement machinery – Police and Judiciary.
Human Rights as Women’s Rights.
Unit – IX
Portrayal of women in Mass Media (Cinema, TV Print media).
Role of women in media – Development of Communication Skills – Alternative Media – Folk Art, Street Play and Theatre – Women as change agents.
Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) act, 1986 – Impact of media on women.
Unit – X
Limitations of methodology of social science, Research for women’s studies, Scope and significance of research in women’s studies.
Research Design and Methods – Survey – Exploratory – Diagnostic, Experimental, Action Research.
Qualitative verses Quantitative Research – Case Studies.
WOMEN STUDIES MCQs
1. Which feminist thought suggests thatgender equality can be realized by eliminating the cultural notion of gender?
(A) Socialist feminism
(B) Post-modern feminism
(C) Radical feminism
(D) Neo classical feminism
Ans: (C)
2. AYUSH is a part of _______ Health Programme.
(A) NFHS
(B) NRHM
(C) RCH
(D) NACO
Ans: (B)
3. Gender Roles:
(A) Are result of differences in biological aptitude.
(B) Are roles ascribed by men and women.
(C) Roles assigned by the society to each sex.
(D) Roles assigned by the society to men.
Ans: (C)
4. Who was the first Indian Woman Chief Minister of an Indian State?
(A) Smt. Jayalalitha
(B) Sheila Dikshit
(C) Mrs. Sucheta Kripalani
(D) Sarojini Naidu
Ans: (C)
5. Choose the correct expansion of UNIFEM:
(A) United Nations Development Fund for Women
(B) United Nations International Fund for Women
(C) United Nations International Fund for Education of Women
(D) United Nations Development Fund for Education of Women
Ans: (B)
6. Which one of the given issues is not raised by the women’s organisations in the post-independence period?
(A) Lack of maternity benefit.
(B) Lack of child care provisions.
(C) Wage discrimination between men and women.
(D) Replacement of male workers with female workers.
Ans: (D)
7. Match the List – I (Authors) with List – II (Books)
List – I List – II
a. Juliet Mitchell 1. The History of Doing
b. RadhaKumar 2. The Second Sex
c. Maithreyee Choudari 3. Women’s Estate
d. Simone de Beauvoir 4. Indian Women’s Movement
Codes:
a b c d
(A) 3 1 4 2
(B) 3 4 1 2
(C) 4 1 2 3
(D) 2 1 3 4
Ans: (A)
8. Arrange the chronological sequence of the legislations according to their year of enactment:
i. Domestic Violence Bill
ii. Juvenile Justice Act
iii. Child Labour (Prohibition and Protection) Act
iv. National Commission for Women Act
Codes:
(A) iii, iv, ii, i
(B) iii, i, ii, iv
(C) iv, i, ii, iii
(D) i, ii, iii, iv
Ans: (A)
9. Among the following pair which is not correctly matched?
(A) Krishna Teerath – Minister for Women and Child Welfare
(B) Medha Patkar – Eco-Feminist
(C) Jayanti Patnaik – Chairperson, NCW
(D) Vandana Shiva – Booker Prize Winner
Ans: (D)
10. Assertion (A): In India, large percentage of women cannot take decision independently not even related to their own life.
Reason (R): In India, large percentage of women do not have political power.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
(C) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(D) (A) is true, (R) is false.
Ans: (B)
11. Which States have Literacy Rate above 90% as per 2011 census?
(A) Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram
(B) Kerala, Lakshadweep, Mizoram
(C) Kerala, Manipur, Goa
(D) Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram
Ans: (B)
12. Assertion (A): Teaching of feminism and women’s studies in India has been depending on western feminist theory.
Reason (R): The body of theoretical knowledge based on empirical research have not been established in India.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
(C) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true.
Ans: (A)
13. Arrange the following chronologically according to the year:
i. New Population Policy of India
ii. Towards Equality
iii. National Empowerment Policy for Women.
iv. Shram Shakti Report
(A) i ii iii iv
(B) ii iii i iv
(C) iv i ii iii
(D) ii iv i iii
Ans: (D)
14. According to the Marriage Act, in which year the minimum age at marriage has been raised to 18 years for girls?
(A) 1961
(B) 1981
(C) 1975
(D) 1978
Ans: (D)
15. Assertion (A): Mental health is an important dimension of women’s health.
Reason (R): Mental health is viewed as interface between domestic violence and health.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(C) (A) is false, (R) is true.
(D) (R) is false, (A) is true.
Ans: (B)
16. Reproductive rights include the rights of all individual and couples :
i. Reproduction free of discrimination.
ii. Reproduction without coercision and violence.
iii. Reproduction without wedlock.
iv. Reproduction without safe motherhood.
Codes:
(A) i and iv only correct.
(B) ii and iii only correct.
(C) i and ii only correct.
(D) i, ii and iv only correct.
Ans: (B)
17. Marxist feminist attempt to explain how
i. Gender relations operate in a society.
ii. Gender relations are universal.
iii. Gender relations are connected with processes of production and reproduction.
iv. Gender relations are crucial for property.
Codes:
(A) i and iii only
(B) i, ii, iv only
(C) i, iii, iv only
(D) ii and iv only
Ans: (A)
18. Assertion (A): Gender budgeting focuses on women.
Reason (R): Nearly two third of illiterate people in the world are women.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
Ans: (C)
19. Match List – I (Thinkers) with List – II (View):
List – I List – II
a. Clara Zetkin, Juliet Mitchel 1. Liberty of education and employment
b. Jane Flax, Margaret Benston 2. Women’s work outside home and domestic work
c. Mary Wollstone Craft, Betty Friedan 3. Equality in terms of women’s rights for reproduction
d. Kate Millet, Mary Daly 4. Equality with reference to masculine and feminine traits
Codes:
a b c d
(A) 3 1 2 4
(B) 1 2 4 3
(C) 1 2 3 4
(D) 3 2 1 4
Ans: (D)
20. Friedrich Engels in his book “The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State”, said:
(A) Women’s sub-ordination was biological.
(B) The overthrow of mother right constituted the world historic defeat of the female sex.
(C) Biology is destiny.
(D) Invisibility of women’s work in pre-history period.
Ans: (B)
21. Assertion (A): Laws do not automatically change social structure.
Reason (R): Laws are generally improperly enforced and are subject to the executive control of the State.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R)is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
(C) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(D) (A) is true, (R) is false.
Ans: (A)
22. Which is not the form of qualitative research?
(A) Case study
(B) Oral history
(C) Survey
(D) Focus group discussion
Ans: (C)
23. What is the expansion for IWRAW?
(A) Indian Women’s Association for Women’s Rights.
(B) International Women’s Rights Action Watch.
(C) International Women’s Rights and Welfare Association.
(D) Indian Women’s Rights Action Watch.
Ans: (B)
24. Among the following which pair is not correctly matched?
(A) Women in Modern India -Neera Desai
(B) Manushi –Madhu Kishwar
(C) Second Stage –Betty Friedan
(D) Women and Society –Uma Chakravarti
Ans: (D)
25. List out the group of autonomous organisations under Ministry of Women and Child Development:
(A) NIPCCD, NCW, CSWB
(B) NIPCCD, CSWB, DWCRA
(C) NCW, RMK, NRHM
(D) CSWB, NIPCCD, NRHM
Ans: (A)
26. Among the following pair which is correctly matched?
(A) Sarala Devi Chaudhuri – Founder of Bharat Stree Mahamandal
(B) Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay – Founder of Indian Association for Women’s Studies
(C) Vina Mazumdar – Founder of Women India Association
(D) Sarojini Naidu – Founder of National Council for Women
Ans: (A)
27. Assertion (A): Women and girls bear more consequences of gender based violence as compared with that of men.
Reason (R): Women and girls are the primary target for gender based violence.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true, (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true.
Ans: (C)
28. Arrange chronologically the following Chairpersons of National Commission for Women from present to past:
(A) Mohini Giri, Jayanti Patnaik, Girija Vyas, Poornima Advani.
(B) Girija Vyas, Poornima Advani, Mohini Giri, Jayanti Patnaik.
(C) Girija Vyas, Jayanti Patnaik, Mohini Giri, Poornima Advani.
(D) Girija Vyas, Mohini Giri, Poornima Advani, Jayanti Patnaik.
Ans: (B)
29. Which pair of feminist advocated interactive methodology?
(A) Margret Eichler and Rose Mary Tong
(B) Nancy Kleiber and Linda Light
(C) Mary Maynard and Arlie Russell
(D) Hanley and Marilyn J.
Ans: (B)
30. Arrange the chronological sequence of the establishments according to the year of their initiation.
i. Dept. of Women and Child Development
ii. National Perspective Plan for Women
iii. UGC-Centres for Women’s Studies
iv. Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan
Codes:
(A) i, ii, iii, iv
(B) ii, i, iii, iv
(C) iii, i, ii, iv
(D) i, iii, ii, iv
Ans: (A)
31. ‘Women’s Component Plan’ was initiated in which five year plan?
(A) 6th five year plan
(B) 7th five year plan
(C) 5th five year plan
(D) 9th five year plan
Ans: (D)
32. Among the following which is not an objective of Rashtriya Mahila Kosh?
(A) To advise the government on all policy matters affecting women.
(B) To promote the provision of micro credit to poor women.
(C) To demonstrate and replicate participatory approach in the organisation of women’s group.
(D) To link with thrift and savings with credit.
Ans: (A)
33. Assertion (A): The self-help group of women have been found very effective in organizing and sensitizing women.
Reason (R): The self-help group of women are supported by educated women.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Ans: (C)
34. The chief barriers of female education in India are:
i. Shortage of female teachers.
ii. Inadequate school facilities.
iii. Gender bias in school curriculum.
iv. Inadequate English schools.
Codes:
(A) i, ii only
(B) i, ii, and iii only
(C) iv only
(D) iii, and iv only
Ans: (B)
35. Which International Conference had the thrust on the concept of empowerment?
(A) Mexico
(B) Beijing
(C) Copenhagen
(D) Nairobi
Ans: (D)
36. The Department of Women and Child Development provides for the schemes.
i. Short stay homes for women and girls.
ii. Hostels for working women.
iii. Condensed courses of education for elderly women.
iv. Family Counselling Centres.
Codes:
(A) i, ii, iii only
(B) ii, iii, and iv only
(C) i, ii, and iv only
(D) i, iii, only
Ans: (C)
37. Match the following from List – I (Authors) and List – II (Books):
List – I List – II
a. Pandita Rama Bai 1. Recasting Women Essays in Colonial History
b. Neera Desai 2. High Caste Hindu Women
c. Sangari. K 3. Decade of Women’s Movement in India
d. K. Jayawandana 4. Feminism and Nationalism in Third World
Codes:
a b c d
(A) 2 3 1 4
(B) 1 3 2 4
(C) 4 2 1 3
(D) 4 1 2 3
Ans: (A)
38. Which Social Reformer viewed “The subjugation of women as an instrument for maintaining Brahminical dominance in Indian society”?
(A) Jyotiba Phule
(B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(C) I.C. Vidya Sagar
(D) Karve
Ans: (A)
39. What are the indicators used for calculating the dimension ‘A long and healthy life’ of Human Development Index?
i. 7+ Literacy Rate
ii. Infant Mortality Rate
iii. Life expectancy at age I
iv. Maternal Mortality Rate
Codes:
(A) i, ii, iii and iv are correct.
(B) ii, and iii are correct.
(C) ii, iii, and iv are correct.
(D) i only correct.
Ans: (B)
40. According to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the percentage of women beneficiaries shall be:
(A) 50 %
(B) 75 %
(C) 33 %
(D) 100 %
Ans: (C)
41. Which article of the Constitution of India provides ‘The State to make any special provision in favour of women and children’?
(A) Article 14 (A)
(B) Article 39 (C)
(C) Article 19 (2)
(D) Article 15 (3)
Ans: (D)
42. Among the following which is not an ideology of feminism?
(A) Identifying the existing social realities from the standpoint of women.
(B) Questioning the gender blindness of mainstream theories.
(C) Questioning the power of dominant classes.
(D) Promoting the replacement of dominant classes.
Ans: (D)
43. Women’s studies became an academic discipline during:
(A) Second wave feminism
(B) First wave feminism
(C) Third wave feminism
(D) Fourth wave feminism
Ans: (A)
44. Name the Crèche Scheme introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for the children of working mothers in 2006.
(A) Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme
(B) Indira Gandhi National Creche Scheme
(C) Sishu Vikas Creche Scheme
(D) Jawahar National Creche Scheme
Ans: (A)
45. Queer theory relates to
i. gay and lesbian politics.
ii. Question of usefulness of Gendered binary distinctions.
iii. Promotion of heterosexuality.
iv. Promotion of sexual identities.
Codes:
(A) i and iv only correct
(B) i, ii and iv are correct
(C) i and ii are correct
(D) i, ii, iii and iv are correct
Ans: (B)
Read the following paragraph and answer question numbers 46 to 50.
The increasing participation of women in the waged labour force has brought into focus a number of gender related issues, including inequality and sexual harassment at the work place. However, what constitutes sexual harassment, especially in the less severe form, is still being debated (Wise and Stanley, 1987, Ramazanoglu, 1987). The term sexual harassment came first into use in 1974 during a Cornell University course on “Women and Work” in which women were encouraged to talk about their experiences in the work force (Farley, 1978: xi). Unlike rape, sexual harassment had occurred for centuries without being named, as such (Bulsarnik, 1978, Backhouse and Cohen, 1978, Farley 1978, this has important implications. In Mc Kinnon’s words lacking a team to express it, sexual harassment was literally unspeakable which made a generalized shared and social definition of it inaccessible. The unnamed could not be mistaken for the non-existent.
That sexual harassment could be prevalent and yet nameless is a paradox. This may be understandable in the context of the private/public split, the “desexualisation” of organisations, and “male sexual prerogative”.
The private/public division is featured prominently in much feminist literature. There it is viewed as crucial in understanding gender relation and power allocation between men and women and between adult and children (Elshtain, 1981. Stacey and Price 1981. Hamilton, 1978). Until this century men have dominated the public realm, women have been identified with the private realm, unpaid labour biological functions and nature (Sydie, 1988).This is not to say that men have not been also dominant in the private domain.
The private/public split is crucial in understanding how sexuality views. As Hearn and Parkin comment. “Sexuality is often considered primarily biological and socially part of the private domain. Both these assumptions have been disputed.” Until very recently organisations have been viewed as “desexualized” apparently inhabited, the words of Hearn and Parkin by “a bread of strange, a sexual eunuch figures”. This portrayal, it is argued is partly related to the way organisational theorists have neglected the more general issue of gender. This avoidance has been described as “bizarre”. In addition, the process of asexual portrayal of organisation and their desexualisation have involved a number of developments. These include: Privatizing sexuality, rationality and control over the body and time.
46. According to Elshtain the use of private and public division in feminist literature is useful in
i. Understanding gender relations between men and women.
ii. Understanding power allocation between men and women.
iii. Understanding the relations in private realm.
iv. Understanding the relations in public realm.
Codes:
(A) iii and iv only correct.
(B) ii and iii only correct.
(C) i and ii only correct.
(D) i, ii and iii only correct.
Ans: (C)
47. Assertion (A): Sexuality is often considered primarily biological and socially the part of private domain.
Reason (R): Men dominate over women in sexual relations.
Codes:
(A) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(B) (R) is true, (A) is false.
(C) (A) and (R) both are false.
(D) (A) and (R) both are true.
Ans: (D)
48. The term ‘Bizarre’ is associated with
(A) Inclusion of sexual harassment issues at workplace.
(B) Exclusion of sexual harassment issues at workplace.
(C) Desexualisation of workplace.
(D) Advocacy against sexual harassment at workplace.
Ans: (C)
49. Sexual harassment at workplace prevalent and yet nameless because:
i. of biological division of labour.
ii. of male sexual prerogative.
iii. of male dominance at work place.
iv. Women do not accept sexual harassment as normal behaviourof men.
Codes:
(A) i and ii are correct.
(B) i and iii are correct.
(C) iii and iv are correct.
(D) i, ii and iii are correct.
Ans: (D)
50. What is the need for the term ‘sexual harassment’?
i. Sexual harassment remained unspeakable for centuries.
ii. Sexual harassment being prevalent but nameless.
iii. Increased workforce participation of women in wage labour.
iv. Sexual harassment reduces the women’s workforce participation.
Codes:
(A) i and ii only correct.
(B) i, ii and iii only correct.
(C) iii and iv only correct.
(D) iv only correct.
Ans: (B)
(A) Socialist feminism
(B) Post-modern feminism
(C) Radical feminism
(D) Neo classical feminism
Ans: (C)
2. AYUSH is a part of _______ Health Programme.
(A) NFHS
(B) NRHM
(C) RCH
(D) NACO
Ans: (B)
3. Gender Roles:
(A) Are result of differences in biological aptitude.
(B) Are roles ascribed by men and women.
(C) Roles assigned by the society to each sex.
(D) Roles assigned by the society to men.
Ans: (C)
4. Who was the first Indian Woman Chief Minister of an Indian State?
(A) Smt. Jayalalitha
(B) Sheila Dikshit
(C) Mrs. Sucheta Kripalani
(D) Sarojini Naidu
Ans: (C)
5. Choose the correct expansion of UNIFEM:
(A) United Nations Development Fund for Women
(B) United Nations International Fund for Women
(C) United Nations International Fund for Education of Women
(D) United Nations Development Fund for Education of Women
Ans: (B)
6. Which one of the given issues is not raised by the women’s organisations in the post-independence period?
(A) Lack of maternity benefit.
(B) Lack of child care provisions.
(C) Wage discrimination between men and women.
(D) Replacement of male workers with female workers.
Ans: (D)
7. Match the List – I (Authors) with List – II (Books)
List – I List – II
a. Juliet Mitchell 1. The History of Doing
b. RadhaKumar 2. The Second Sex
c. Maithreyee Choudari 3. Women’s Estate
d. Simone de Beauvoir 4. Indian Women’s Movement
Codes:
a b c d
(A) 3 1 4 2
(B) 3 4 1 2
(C) 4 1 2 3
(D) 2 1 3 4
Ans: (A)
8. Arrange the chronological sequence of the legislations according to their year of enactment:
i. Domestic Violence Bill
ii. Juvenile Justice Act
iii. Child Labour (Prohibition and Protection) Act
iv. National Commission for Women Act
Codes:
(A) iii, iv, ii, i
(B) iii, i, ii, iv
(C) iv, i, ii, iii
(D) i, ii, iii, iv
Ans: (A)
9. Among the following pair which is not correctly matched?
(A) Krishna Teerath – Minister for Women and Child Welfare
(B) Medha Patkar – Eco-Feminist
(C) Jayanti Patnaik – Chairperson, NCW
(D) Vandana Shiva – Booker Prize Winner
Ans: (D)
10. Assertion (A): In India, large percentage of women cannot take decision independently not even related to their own life.
Reason (R): In India, large percentage of women do not have political power.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
(C) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(D) (A) is true, (R) is false.
Ans: (B)
11. Which States have Literacy Rate above 90% as per 2011 census?
(A) Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram
(B) Kerala, Lakshadweep, Mizoram
(C) Kerala, Manipur, Goa
(D) Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram
Ans: (B)
12. Assertion (A): Teaching of feminism and women’s studies in India has been depending on western feminist theory.
Reason (R): The body of theoretical knowledge based on empirical research have not been established in India.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
(C) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true.
Ans: (A)
13. Arrange the following chronologically according to the year:
i. New Population Policy of India
ii. Towards Equality
iii. National Empowerment Policy for Women.
iv. Shram Shakti Report
(A) i ii iii iv
(B) ii iii i iv
(C) iv i ii iii
(D) ii iv i iii
Ans: (D)
14. According to the Marriage Act, in which year the minimum age at marriage has been raised to 18 years for girls?
(A) 1961
(B) 1981
(C) 1975
(D) 1978
Ans: (D)
15. Assertion (A): Mental health is an important dimension of women’s health.
Reason (R): Mental health is viewed as interface between domestic violence and health.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(C) (A) is false, (R) is true.
(D) (R) is false, (A) is true.
Ans: (B)
16. Reproductive rights include the rights of all individual and couples :
i. Reproduction free of discrimination.
ii. Reproduction without coercision and violence.
iii. Reproduction without wedlock.
iv. Reproduction without safe motherhood.
Codes:
(A) i and iv only correct.
(B) ii and iii only correct.
(C) i and ii only correct.
(D) i, ii and iv only correct.
Ans: (B)
17. Marxist feminist attempt to explain how
i. Gender relations operate in a society.
ii. Gender relations are universal.
iii. Gender relations are connected with processes of production and reproduction.
iv. Gender relations are crucial for property.
Codes:
(A) i and iii only
(B) i, ii, iv only
(C) i, iii, iv only
(D) ii and iv only
Ans: (A)
18. Assertion (A): Gender budgeting focuses on women.
Reason (R): Nearly two third of illiterate people in the world are women.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
Ans: (C)
19. Match List – I (Thinkers) with List – II (View):
List – I List – II
a. Clara Zetkin, Juliet Mitchel 1. Liberty of education and employment
b. Jane Flax, Margaret Benston 2. Women’s work outside home and domestic work
c. Mary Wollstone Craft, Betty Friedan 3. Equality in terms of women’s rights for reproduction
d. Kate Millet, Mary Daly 4. Equality with reference to masculine and feminine traits
Codes:
a b c d
(A) 3 1 2 4
(B) 1 2 4 3
(C) 1 2 3 4
(D) 3 2 1 4
Ans: (D)
20. Friedrich Engels in his book “The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State”, said:
(A) Women’s sub-ordination was biological.
(B) The overthrow of mother right constituted the world historic defeat of the female sex.
(C) Biology is destiny.
(D) Invisibility of women’s work in pre-history period.
Ans: (B)
21. Assertion (A): Laws do not automatically change social structure.
Reason (R): Laws are generally improperly enforced and are subject to the executive control of the State.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R)is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
(C) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(D) (A) is true, (R) is false.
Ans: (A)
22. Which is not the form of qualitative research?
(A) Case study
(B) Oral history
(C) Survey
(D) Focus group discussion
Ans: (C)
23. What is the expansion for IWRAW?
(A) Indian Women’s Association for Women’s Rights.
(B) International Women’s Rights Action Watch.
(C) International Women’s Rights and Welfare Association.
(D) Indian Women’s Rights Action Watch.
Ans: (B)
24. Among the following which pair is not correctly matched?
(A) Women in Modern India -Neera Desai
(B) Manushi –Madhu Kishwar
(C) Second Stage –Betty Friedan
(D) Women and Society –Uma Chakravarti
Ans: (D)
25. List out the group of autonomous organisations under Ministry of Women and Child Development:
(A) NIPCCD, NCW, CSWB
(B) NIPCCD, CSWB, DWCRA
(C) NCW, RMK, NRHM
(D) CSWB, NIPCCD, NRHM
Ans: (A)
26. Among the following pair which is correctly matched?
(A) Sarala Devi Chaudhuri – Founder of Bharat Stree Mahamandal
(B) Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay – Founder of Indian Association for Women’s Studies
(C) Vina Mazumdar – Founder of Women India Association
(D) Sarojini Naidu – Founder of National Council for Women
Ans: (A)
27. Assertion (A): Women and girls bear more consequences of gender based violence as compared with that of men.
Reason (R): Women and girls are the primary target for gender based violence.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true, (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true.
Ans: (C)
28. Arrange chronologically the following Chairpersons of National Commission for Women from present to past:
(A) Mohini Giri, Jayanti Patnaik, Girija Vyas, Poornima Advani.
(B) Girija Vyas, Poornima Advani, Mohini Giri, Jayanti Patnaik.
(C) Girija Vyas, Jayanti Patnaik, Mohini Giri, Poornima Advani.
(D) Girija Vyas, Mohini Giri, Poornima Advani, Jayanti Patnaik.
Ans: (B)
29. Which pair of feminist advocated interactive methodology?
(A) Margret Eichler and Rose Mary Tong
(B) Nancy Kleiber and Linda Light
(C) Mary Maynard and Arlie Russell
(D) Hanley and Marilyn J.
Ans: (B)
30. Arrange the chronological sequence of the establishments according to the year of their initiation.
i. Dept. of Women and Child Development
ii. National Perspective Plan for Women
iii. UGC-Centres for Women’s Studies
iv. Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan
Codes:
(A) i, ii, iii, iv
(B) ii, i, iii, iv
(C) iii, i, ii, iv
(D) i, iii, ii, iv
Ans: (A)
31. ‘Women’s Component Plan’ was initiated in which five year plan?
(A) 6th five year plan
(B) 7th five year plan
(C) 5th five year plan
(D) 9th five year plan
Ans: (D)
32. Among the following which is not an objective of Rashtriya Mahila Kosh?
(A) To advise the government on all policy matters affecting women.
(B) To promote the provision of micro credit to poor women.
(C) To demonstrate and replicate participatory approach in the organisation of women’s group.
(D) To link with thrift and savings with credit.
Ans: (A)
33. Assertion (A): The self-help group of women have been found very effective in organizing and sensitizing women.
Reason (R): The self-help group of women are supported by educated women.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Ans: (C)
34. The chief barriers of female education in India are:
i. Shortage of female teachers.
ii. Inadequate school facilities.
iii. Gender bias in school curriculum.
iv. Inadequate English schools.
Codes:
(A) i, ii only
(B) i, ii, and iii only
(C) iv only
(D) iii, and iv only
Ans: (B)
35. Which International Conference had the thrust on the concept of empowerment?
(A) Mexico
(B) Beijing
(C) Copenhagen
(D) Nairobi
Ans: (D)
36. The Department of Women and Child Development provides for the schemes.
i. Short stay homes for women and girls.
ii. Hostels for working women.
iii. Condensed courses of education for elderly women.
iv. Family Counselling Centres.
Codes:
(A) i, ii, iii only
(B) ii, iii, and iv only
(C) i, ii, and iv only
(D) i, iii, only
Ans: (C)
37. Match the following from List – I (Authors) and List – II (Books):
List – I List – II
a. Pandita Rama Bai 1. Recasting Women Essays in Colonial History
b. Neera Desai 2. High Caste Hindu Women
c. Sangari. K 3. Decade of Women’s Movement in India
d. K. Jayawandana 4. Feminism and Nationalism in Third World
Codes:
a b c d
(A) 2 3 1 4
(B) 1 3 2 4
(C) 4 2 1 3
(D) 4 1 2 3
Ans: (A)
38. Which Social Reformer viewed “The subjugation of women as an instrument for maintaining Brahminical dominance in Indian society”?
(A) Jyotiba Phule
(B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(C) I.C. Vidya Sagar
(D) Karve
Ans: (A)
39. What are the indicators used for calculating the dimension ‘A long and healthy life’ of Human Development Index?
i. 7+ Literacy Rate
ii. Infant Mortality Rate
iii. Life expectancy at age I
iv. Maternal Mortality Rate
Codes:
(A) i, ii, iii and iv are correct.
(B) ii, and iii are correct.
(C) ii, iii, and iv are correct.
(D) i only correct.
Ans: (B)
40. According to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the percentage of women beneficiaries shall be:
(A) 50 %
(B) 75 %
(C) 33 %
(D) 100 %
Ans: (C)
41. Which article of the Constitution of India provides ‘The State to make any special provision in favour of women and children’?
(A) Article 14 (A)
(B) Article 39 (C)
(C) Article 19 (2)
(D) Article 15 (3)
Ans: (D)
42. Among the following which is not an ideology of feminism?
(A) Identifying the existing social realities from the standpoint of women.
(B) Questioning the gender blindness of mainstream theories.
(C) Questioning the power of dominant classes.
(D) Promoting the replacement of dominant classes.
Ans: (D)
43. Women’s studies became an academic discipline during:
(A) Second wave feminism
(B) First wave feminism
(C) Third wave feminism
(D) Fourth wave feminism
Ans: (A)
44. Name the Crèche Scheme introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for the children of working mothers in 2006.
(A) Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme
(B) Indira Gandhi National Creche Scheme
(C) Sishu Vikas Creche Scheme
(D) Jawahar National Creche Scheme
Ans: (A)
45. Queer theory relates to
i. gay and lesbian politics.
ii. Question of usefulness of Gendered binary distinctions.
iii. Promotion of heterosexuality.
iv. Promotion of sexual identities.
Codes:
(A) i and iv only correct
(B) i, ii and iv are correct
(C) i and ii are correct
(D) i, ii, iii and iv are correct
Ans: (B)
Read the following paragraph and answer question numbers 46 to 50.
The increasing participation of women in the waged labour force has brought into focus a number of gender related issues, including inequality and sexual harassment at the work place. However, what constitutes sexual harassment, especially in the less severe form, is still being debated (Wise and Stanley, 1987, Ramazanoglu, 1987). The term sexual harassment came first into use in 1974 during a Cornell University course on “Women and Work” in which women were encouraged to talk about their experiences in the work force (Farley, 1978: xi). Unlike rape, sexual harassment had occurred for centuries without being named, as such (Bulsarnik, 1978, Backhouse and Cohen, 1978, Farley 1978, this has important implications. In Mc Kinnon’s words lacking a team to express it, sexual harassment was literally unspeakable which made a generalized shared and social definition of it inaccessible. The unnamed could not be mistaken for the non-existent.
That sexual harassment could be prevalent and yet nameless is a paradox. This may be understandable in the context of the private/public split, the “desexualisation” of organisations, and “male sexual prerogative”.
The private/public division is featured prominently in much feminist literature. There it is viewed as crucial in understanding gender relation and power allocation between men and women and between adult and children (Elshtain, 1981. Stacey and Price 1981. Hamilton, 1978). Until this century men have dominated the public realm, women have been identified with the private realm, unpaid labour biological functions and nature (Sydie, 1988).This is not to say that men have not been also dominant in the private domain.
The private/public split is crucial in understanding how sexuality views. As Hearn and Parkin comment. “Sexuality is often considered primarily biological and socially part of the private domain. Both these assumptions have been disputed.” Until very recently organisations have been viewed as “desexualized” apparently inhabited, the words of Hearn and Parkin by “a bread of strange, a sexual eunuch figures”. This portrayal, it is argued is partly related to the way organisational theorists have neglected the more general issue of gender. This avoidance has been described as “bizarre”. In addition, the process of asexual portrayal of organisation and their desexualisation have involved a number of developments. These include: Privatizing sexuality, rationality and control over the body and time.
46. According to Elshtain the use of private and public division in feminist literature is useful in
i. Understanding gender relations between men and women.
ii. Understanding power allocation between men and women.
iii. Understanding the relations in private realm.
iv. Understanding the relations in public realm.
Codes:
(A) iii and iv only correct.
(B) ii and iii only correct.
(C) i and ii only correct.
(D) i, ii and iii only correct.
Ans: (C)
47. Assertion (A): Sexuality is often considered primarily biological and socially the part of private domain.
Reason (R): Men dominate over women in sexual relations.
Codes:
(A) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(B) (R) is true, (A) is false.
(C) (A) and (R) both are false.
(D) (A) and (R) both are true.
Ans: (D)
48. The term ‘Bizarre’ is associated with
(A) Inclusion of sexual harassment issues at workplace.
(B) Exclusion of sexual harassment issues at workplace.
(C) Desexualisation of workplace.
(D) Advocacy against sexual harassment at workplace.
Ans: (C)
49. Sexual harassment at workplace prevalent and yet nameless because:
i. of biological division of labour.
ii. of male sexual prerogative.
iii. of male dominance at work place.
iv. Women do not accept sexual harassment as normal behaviourof men.
Codes:
(A) i and ii are correct.
(B) i and iii are correct.
(C) iii and iv are correct.
(D) i, ii and iii are correct.
Ans: (D)
50. What is the need for the term ‘sexual harassment’?
i. Sexual harassment remained unspeakable for centuries.
ii. Sexual harassment being prevalent but nameless.
iii. Increased workforce participation of women in wage labour.
iv. Sexual harassment reduces the women’s workforce participation.
Codes:
(A) i and ii only correct.
(B) i, ii and iii only correct.
(C) iii and iv only correct.
(D) iv only correct.
Ans: (B)
51. What are the sustainable livelihoods?
(A) It comprises of capabilities, assets and activities required for living life free from stress.
(B) It creates both formal and informal institutions.
(C) It comprises and creates assets and outcomes.
(D) Poverty and environmental degradation.
Ans: (A)
52. What do you mean by ‘Glass ceiling’?
(i) The invisible barrier preventing women from ascending to leadership positions.
(ii) Gender constraints
(iii) Chilly climate
(iv) Lack of social capital
Codes:
(A) (i) and (ii) are correct
(B) (iii) and (ii) are false
(C) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct
(D) Only (iii) is correct
Ans: (C)
53. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(A) Laws are adequate but women need to engage with law.
(B) Recognition and de-recognition disqualify women with disabilities from accessing legal rights.
(C) Personal laws and politics hinder the development of a uniform civil code.
(D) Indian women experience uniform citizenship rights.
Ans: (D)
54. What is not the characteristics of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP)?
(A) Privatisation
(B) Non-withdrawal of safety nets
(C) Globalization
(D) De regulation of the market
Ans: (B)
55. What is included in reproductive activities?
(i) Marketing
(ii) Food preparation
(iii) Child care and education
(iv) Health care and home maintenance.
Mark the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes:
(A) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
(B) (iii) only
(C) (ii), (iii), (iv) only
(D) (i) and (ii) only
Ans: (C)
56. Who is the author of Book ‘Discrimination’?
(A) Gary Becker
(B) Marshal
(C) Adam Smith
(D) Robinson
Ans: (A)
57. “The assumption of your own identity equality, and even political power does not mean you stop needing to love, andbe loved by, a man, or that you stop carrying for your own kids.” Which of the following liberal feminists made this statement?
(A) Betty Friedan
(B) Harriet Taylor
(C) Zillah Eisenstein
(D) Elizabeth Holtzman
Ans: (A)
58. Which is not the gender implication of digital divide?
(A) Women represent 10% of researchers and 5% of managers in areas of technology.
(B) Lack of training does not allow them to participate in technology process.
(C) Become better wives and better mothers.
(D) Access to and use of the internet is limited.
Ans: (C)
59. Match the paradigm shifts in planning for women’s advancement through Five Year Plans:
List – I List – II
(Plan Period) (Paradigm Shifts)
a. 6th Plan i. Beneficiary oriented programme
b. 7th Plan ii. Women and Development
c. 8th Plan iii. From development to empowerment
d. 11th Plan iv. Gender empowerment and gender equity
Codes:
a b c d
(A) ii iii iv i
(B) ii i iii iv
(C) i iii ii iv
(D) iv iii i ii
Ans: (B)
60. Assertion (A): Education is a strong vehicle of women’s equality and empowerment.
Reason (R): Resource mobilization and management of mass education is a challenge of Indian educators.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) (A) is true (R) is false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(D) (A) is false (R) is true.
Ans: (C)
61. What is the main focus of gender budget initiatives in India?
(A) Women Component Plan
(B) Complimentary role for effective convergence
(C) Proper utilization and monitoring of funds from various development sectors.
(D) All of the above
Ans: (D)
62. What is the main reason for womenbeing increasingly pushed to the unorganised sector?
(i) Lack of the opportunity to acquire skills and training which could facilitate occupational shifts.
(ii) Unequal structural conditions.
(iii) Women have to bear the major burden of domestic chores.
(iv) Women lost jobs due to globalisation processes.
Codes:
(A) (i) and (iv) are correct.
(B) (ii), (iii) and (i) are false.
(C) (iv) and (i) are correct.
(D) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct.
Ans: (D)
63. “If Men would…. Snap our chains…. They would find us more observant daughters, more faithful wives ….in a word better citizen” Which of the following feminist thinkers made this statement:
(A) Robert Owen
(B) William Thompson
(C) Harriet Taylor
(D) Mary Wollstonecraft
Ans: (D)
64. Assertion (A): The Hindu Succession Act 1956 has failed to reduce social inequalities among women.
Reason (R): Religious traditions and customary practices came in conflict with the act.
Codes:
(A) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are ture.
(C) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Ans: (B)
65. Which is the correct chronological sequence of stages of development of feminist research?
(i) Research on gender as an organizing principle in all social systems.
(ii) Research on sex differences based on biological properties of individuals.
(iii) Research based on men’s experiences.
(iv) Research on individual level sex roles and socialization.
Mark the correct sequence from the codes given below:
Codes:
(A) (i), (ii), (iv), (iii)
(B) (iv), (iii), (i), (ii)
(C) (iii), (iv), (ii), (i)
(D) (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
Ans: (D)
66. Match the items in List – I with List – II:
List – I List – II
(Name of the book) (Author)
a. The position of women in Hindu civilisation i. NeeraDesai
b. Socialisation,Education and womenexplorations inGender identity ii. NitaKumar
c. Women in modern India iii. Karuna Chanana
d. Lessons from schools: The History of Education in Banaras iv. A.S. Altekar
Codes:
a b c d
(A) i iv ii iii
(B) iii ii i iv
(C) iv iii i ii
(D) ii iii iv i
Ans: (C)
67. The reason for low literacy rate of Dalit females is due to
(A) Continued monopolization of resources by middle and upper class groups.
(B) The stronger influence of casteism in the rural areas
(C) The control of Dalit customs over Dalit women.
(D) All the above
Ans: (D)
68. Mark the correct sequence of “Data Collection Techniques” arranged in the descending order according to the size of the sample
(A) Mailed questionnaire, structured interview, observation, participant observation
(B) Observation, structured interview, mailed questionnaire, participant observation
(C) Participant observation, observation, structured interview, mail questionnaire
(D) Structured interview, mailed questionnaire, observation participant observation
Ans: (A)
69. Muted group theory speaks about the women’s
(A) Educational status
(B) Occupational status
(C) Domination
(D) Silence
Ans: (D)
70. Which National Education Policy gave impetus to women’s studies in India?
(A) Kothari Commission 1964-66
(B) National Educational Policy 1986
(C) Recent Education Policy
(D) Education Commission of 1882
Ans: (B)
71. Arrange the chronological sequence of the following programmes and acts related to children on the basis of the year.
(i) Child Labour Prohibition andRegulation Act
(ii) Integrated Child Development Services
(iii) Sarva Shiksha Abhian
(iv) Commission for Protection of Child Right Act
Codes:
(A) (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)
(B) (ii), (i), (iii), (iv)
(C) (ii), (iii), (i), (iv)
(D) (iii), (ii), (i), (iv)
Ans: (B)
Read the passage and answer the following questions (72-75):
A closer analysis carried out by feminists in recent years has revealed that the dominant social relations are also part and parcel of technology itself. We can no longer argue whether reproductive technology or genetic technology as such is good or bad; the very basic principles of this technology have to be criticized no less than its methods. These are based on exploitation and subordination alike of nature, women and other peoples (colonies). In this context lies the inherent sexist, racist and ultimately fascist bias of the new reproductive technologies.
Reproductive technology and genetic engineering are based on the same principles as physics and other sciences. Like other sciences, they involve the dissection of living organisms into ever smaller particles, molecules, cells, nuclei, genes, DNA and their various recombination’s according to the plan of the (male) engineer. In this process to select desirable elements and eliminate undesirable ones is crucial. In fact, without the principle of selection and elimination the whole technology of reproduction and genetics would make no sense. What purpose would a study of genetics serve if not to promote the propagation of what are considered to be desirable attributes and the elimination of those seen as undesirable? This applies as much to human genetics as to plant and animal genetics and applies equally to reproductive technology, which is based on the selection of fertile elements (Sperm, ova) and their combination outside the female body. This selection and elimination would not be possible if those living organisms were left intact and free to regulate their reproduction in accordance with their own desires, love and lust.
Carolyn Merchant finds a parallel to the dissection and invasion of nature in the torture of women in witch pogroms and shows that both types of violence are intrinsic to the method of modern science and technology. Francis Bacon, founding father of the modern scientific method, perceived nature as a witch whose secrets has to be extracted by force. Force and violence constitute the invisible foundation upon which modern science was built. Hence violence against women in the witch pogroms, and violence against nature which was perceived as a woman.
72. What kind of analysis carried out by feminists in recent years?
(A) Dominant social relations are part and parcel of technology itself
(B) Social constraints are not leading to gender discrimination
(C) Exploitation and oppression are in the roots of technology
(D) All above
Ans: (A)
73. The basic principles of reproductive technology or genetic technology is
(A) Exploitation and subordination alike of nature, women and other people
(B) Superiority over inferiority
(C) Hierarchy and valuation
(D) Women’s reproductive role
Ans: (A)
74. What applies equally to reproductive technology?
(A) The selection of fertile elements
(B) The elimination of undesirable
(C) To select desirable elements
(D) To regulate their reproduction
Ans: (A)
75. Assertion (A): Francis Bacon perceived that nature as a witch whose secrets has to be extracted by force.
Reason (R): Force and violence constitute the invisible foundation. Hence violence against women in the witch pogroms and violence against nature which was perceived as a woman.
Codes:
(A) (A) is false (R) is true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) true.
(C) Both (A) and (R) false.
(D) (A) is true (R) is false.
Ans: (D)
76. Women are highly concentrated in low paying jobs ____ this exemplifies
(A) Matriarchy
(B) Sexual Harassment
(C) Feminisation of Poverty
(D) Institutional Sexism
Ans: (D)
77. Which of the following pair is not correctly matched?
(A) Mrs. Indira Gandhi – First woman winner of Bharat Ratna
(B) Mrs. Sarojini Naidu – First woman Governor of India
(C) Mrs. Leila Seth – First woman Chief Justice of a High Court
(D) Mrs. Vijaya Laxmi Pandit – First woman President of Indian National Congress
Ans: (D)
78. Mark out the incorrect statement about seeking divorce in India
(A) The personal laws do not discriminate between the husband’s and wife’s rights.
(B) The personal laws discriminate between the husband’s and wife’s rights.
(C) The Muslim law grants absolute power to the husband to dissolve the marriage.
(D) In the Muslim law, the wife can seek dissolution only by mutual consent.
Ans: (A)
79. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was launched in the IXth Five Year Plan to
(A) Bridge all the gender and social gaps in education.
(B)Universalisation of Elementary Education.
(C) Education for all.
(D) Education for the weaker sections.
Ans: (B)
80. Which of the following is not an indicator for calculating Human Development Index?
(A) Long and Healthy Life
(B) Dimension of Knowledge
(C) Participation in Decision Making
(D) Decent Standard of Living
Ans: (C)
81. Match the following from List – I and List – II
List – I List – II
(Name of Leaders) (Name of the Country)
(a) Sirimavo Bandaranaike (i) Pakistan
(b) Margaret Thatcher (ii) Sri Lanka
(c) Benazir Bhutto (iii) Ireland
(d) Mary Robinson (iv) Britain
Codes:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(A) (iv) (iii) (i) (ii)
(B) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i)
(C) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)
(D) (ii) (iv) (i) (iii)
Ans: (D)
82. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
(A) Second Stage – Betty Friedan
(B) Pure Lust – Mary Daly
(C) Feminist Politics and Human Nature – Alison Jaggar
(D) The Dialectic of Sex – Kate Millet
Ans: (D)
83. Arrange the chronological sequence of the establishment according to the year of their initiation.
(i) UGC Centres for Women’s Studies
(ii) Department of Women and Child Welfare
(iii) Central Social Welfare Board
(iv) National Rural Health Mission
Codes:
(A) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
(B) (i) (iii) (ii) (iv)
(C) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i)
(D) (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
Ans: (A)
84. CSWI (1974) denotes as
(A) Council on the Status of Women in India
(B) Committee on the Status of Women in India
(C) Centre on the Status of Women in India
(D) Commission on the Status of Women in India
Ans: (B)
85. Who was the chairperson of the National Commission for Self Employed Women in 1987?
(A) Vina Mazumdar
(B) Ela Bhat
(C) Madhuri Sha
(D) Armati Desai
Ans: (B)
86. Who has edited the book on “Narratives from the women’s studies family”?
(A) Devaki Jain and Pam Rajput
(B) Neera Desai and Maithreyi Krishnaraj
(C) Divya Pandey and Meera Sharma
(D) Devaki Jain and Neera Desai
Ans: (B)
87. Assertion (A): One of the constraints faced by women entrepreneurs is the lack of confidence among women.
Reason (R): Members of the family and society are not supportive to the entrepreneurial growth of women.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true, (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the explanation for (A).
Ans: (A)
88. National Commission for Child Rights was established in the year
(A) 1993
(B) 2003
(C) 2001
(D) 2007
Ans: (C)
89. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 seeks to ban the depiction of women in any form which is:
(i) Indecent for women
(ii) Denigrating to women
(iii) Corrupting or injure the public morality of women
(iv) To deprive the women from certain set roles.
Codes:
(A) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
(B) (i) and (ii) only
(C) (ii) and (iii) only
(D) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Ans: (A)
90. Which of the Five Year Plans stressed the need for National Policy for the empowerment of women?
(A) Seventh
(B) Ninth
(C) Fifth
(D) Sixth
Ans: (B)
91. Which of the following pair is correctly matched?
(A) Krishna Teerath – Minister for Education
(B) Arundati Roy – Nobel Laureate
(C) Prema Cariyappa – Chairperson Central Social Welfare Board
(D) Purandeswari – Minister for Women and Child Welfare
Ans: (C)
92. Assertion (A): Sexism refers to the belief or attitude that one sex is inferior and less valuable than the other.
Reason (R): Sexism widely prevails in Indian society.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
Ans: (D)
93. Child Sex Ratio according to 2011 census is
(A) 900
(B) 914
(C) 924
(D) 940
Ans: (B)
94. Feminist Research aims to
(A) Research on women, by men and for women.
(B) Research for women, by women and on women.
(C) Research on women, about women, and of women.
(D) Research of women by women and for women.
Ans: (C)
95. Among the following which is not an objective of National Commission for Women?
(A) Recommends the punishment for offenders of crime.
(B) Recommends remedial legislative measures.
(C) Review of constitutional and legal safeguards for women.
(D) Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women.
Ans: (A)
Read the following paragraph and answer questions numbers 96 to 100:
Feminists with varying intellectual frames of reference have put forth diverse positions about privileging the category of gender over women. The shift from women to gender has been viewed by some as a replacement of the study of sexual inequality with the study of the differences between the sexes (Evans 1990). They make a case for the continuing usefulness of the term ‘woman’ for analysis as against the category of gender. The category ‘gender’ is seen as diverting the focus from specific issues concerning women both in the political and academic sphere. However, feminists, especially third world, black and Dalit feminists, have underlined the dangers of presuming a set of common meanings for the category women. They have argued that the category women universalizes and hemogeneises the experiences of white, middle-class and upper-caste women. On the other hand, the use of the category gender allows for the analyses of differences of race, class, caste, nation and sexual orientation between women. The use of the category woman assumes commonality between all women and can at best allow the analysis of the differences among women in an additive or add-on manner. In the analysis of a caste based society, for instance, such an assumption of commonality amounts to a reiteration of the normative status of the upper-caste women. Often the commonality between women is assumed on the basis of their experiences of victimhood as ‘women’ in a patriarchal society. Such an assumption not only universalizes the concept of patriarchy but also argues as if the oppression of caste and class is located in some ‘non-woman’ part of Dalit women. The use of the category gender allows for an analysis of the interlocking structures of oppression and, in fact, goes beyond the analysis of the differences among women by underlining the gendered nature of caste and class oppression.
96. Mark out the correct answer
(A) The category gender universalizes and homogenizes the experiences of race, class and upper caste women.
(B) The category women allows for the analysis of differences of race, class and sexual orientation between women.
(C) The category women assume commonality between all women.
(D) All are correct.
Ans: (C)
97. The category gender is useful for
(A) An analysis of the interlocking structures of oppression.
(B) The analysis of the differences among women.
(C) The analysis of nature of oppression of low caste women.
(D) The analysis of nature of oppression of both caste and class women.
Ans: (A)
98. What is the danger perceived by the feminists in using category gender over women?
(A) It will break the commonality between women.
(B) It diverts the focus from specific issues concerning women in the political and academic sphere.
(C) It will analyze the experiences of victimhood as women.
(D) It will not help in universalizing the concept of patriarchy.
Ans: (B)
99. The shift from women to gender for some feminist implies
(A) The study of differences between the sexes.
(B) The study of sexual inequality.
(C) Both the study of sexual inequality and the differences between the sexes.
(D) The study with the focus of women issues.
Ans: (A)
100. Assertion (A): The shift from women to gender for some feminists is a replacement of the study of the differences between the sexes.
Reason (R): There is the continuing usefulness of the term “woman” for analysis as against the category of gender.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is not the explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true and (R) is false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Ans: (B)
(A) It comprises of capabilities, assets and activities required for living life free from stress.
(B) It creates both formal and informal institutions.
(C) It comprises and creates assets and outcomes.
(D) Poverty and environmental degradation.
Ans: (A)
52. What do you mean by ‘Glass ceiling’?
(i) The invisible barrier preventing women from ascending to leadership positions.
(ii) Gender constraints
(iii) Chilly climate
(iv) Lack of social capital
Codes:
(A) (i) and (ii) are correct
(B) (iii) and (ii) are false
(C) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct
(D) Only (iii) is correct
Ans: (C)
53. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(A) Laws are adequate but women need to engage with law.
(B) Recognition and de-recognition disqualify women with disabilities from accessing legal rights.
(C) Personal laws and politics hinder the development of a uniform civil code.
(D) Indian women experience uniform citizenship rights.
Ans: (D)
54. What is not the characteristics of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP)?
(A) Privatisation
(B) Non-withdrawal of safety nets
(C) Globalization
(D) De regulation of the market
Ans: (B)
55. What is included in reproductive activities?
(i) Marketing
(ii) Food preparation
(iii) Child care and education
(iv) Health care and home maintenance.
Mark the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes:
(A) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
(B) (iii) only
(C) (ii), (iii), (iv) only
(D) (i) and (ii) only
Ans: (C)
56. Who is the author of Book ‘Discrimination’?
(A) Gary Becker
(B) Marshal
(C) Adam Smith
(D) Robinson
Ans: (A)
57. “The assumption of your own identity equality, and even political power does not mean you stop needing to love, andbe loved by, a man, or that you stop carrying for your own kids.” Which of the following liberal feminists made this statement?
(A) Betty Friedan
(B) Harriet Taylor
(C) Zillah Eisenstein
(D) Elizabeth Holtzman
Ans: (A)
58. Which is not the gender implication of digital divide?
(A) Women represent 10% of researchers and 5% of managers in areas of technology.
(B) Lack of training does not allow them to participate in technology process.
(C) Become better wives and better mothers.
(D) Access to and use of the internet is limited.
Ans: (C)
59. Match the paradigm shifts in planning for women’s advancement through Five Year Plans:
List – I List – II
(Plan Period) (Paradigm Shifts)
a. 6th Plan i. Beneficiary oriented programme
b. 7th Plan ii. Women and Development
c. 8th Plan iii. From development to empowerment
d. 11th Plan iv. Gender empowerment and gender equity
Codes:
a b c d
(A) ii iii iv i
(B) ii i iii iv
(C) i iii ii iv
(D) iv iii i ii
Ans: (B)
60. Assertion (A): Education is a strong vehicle of women’s equality and empowerment.
Reason (R): Resource mobilization and management of mass education is a challenge of Indian educators.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(B) (A) is true (R) is false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(D) (A) is false (R) is true.
Ans: (C)
61. What is the main focus of gender budget initiatives in India?
(A) Women Component Plan
(B) Complimentary role for effective convergence
(C) Proper utilization and monitoring of funds from various development sectors.
(D) All of the above
Ans: (D)
62. What is the main reason for womenbeing increasingly pushed to the unorganised sector?
(i) Lack of the opportunity to acquire skills and training which could facilitate occupational shifts.
(ii) Unequal structural conditions.
(iii) Women have to bear the major burden of domestic chores.
(iv) Women lost jobs due to globalisation processes.
Codes:
(A) (i) and (iv) are correct.
(B) (ii), (iii) and (i) are false.
(C) (iv) and (i) are correct.
(D) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct.
Ans: (D)
63. “If Men would…. Snap our chains…. They would find us more observant daughters, more faithful wives ….in a word better citizen” Which of the following feminist thinkers made this statement:
(A) Robert Owen
(B) William Thompson
(C) Harriet Taylor
(D) Mary Wollstonecraft
Ans: (D)
64. Assertion (A): The Hindu Succession Act 1956 has failed to reduce social inequalities among women.
Reason (R): Religious traditions and customary practices came in conflict with the act.
Codes:
(A) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are ture.
(C) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Ans: (B)
65. Which is the correct chronological sequence of stages of development of feminist research?
(i) Research on gender as an organizing principle in all social systems.
(ii) Research on sex differences based on biological properties of individuals.
(iii) Research based on men’s experiences.
(iv) Research on individual level sex roles and socialization.
Mark the correct sequence from the codes given below:
Codes:
(A) (i), (ii), (iv), (iii)
(B) (iv), (iii), (i), (ii)
(C) (iii), (iv), (ii), (i)
(D) (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)
Ans: (D)
66. Match the items in List – I with List – II:
List – I List – II
(Name of the book) (Author)
a. The position of women in Hindu civilisation i. NeeraDesai
b. Socialisation,Education and womenexplorations inGender identity ii. NitaKumar
c. Women in modern India iii. Karuna Chanana
d. Lessons from schools: The History of Education in Banaras iv. A.S. Altekar
Codes:
a b c d
(A) i iv ii iii
(B) iii ii i iv
(C) iv iii i ii
(D) ii iii iv i
Ans: (C)
67. The reason for low literacy rate of Dalit females is due to
(A) Continued monopolization of resources by middle and upper class groups.
(B) The stronger influence of casteism in the rural areas
(C) The control of Dalit customs over Dalit women.
(D) All the above
Ans: (D)
68. Mark the correct sequence of “Data Collection Techniques” arranged in the descending order according to the size of the sample
(A) Mailed questionnaire, structured interview, observation, participant observation
(B) Observation, structured interview, mailed questionnaire, participant observation
(C) Participant observation, observation, structured interview, mail questionnaire
(D) Structured interview, mailed questionnaire, observation participant observation
Ans: (A)
69. Muted group theory speaks about the women’s
(A) Educational status
(B) Occupational status
(C) Domination
(D) Silence
Ans: (D)
70. Which National Education Policy gave impetus to women’s studies in India?
(A) Kothari Commission 1964-66
(B) National Educational Policy 1986
(C) Recent Education Policy
(D) Education Commission of 1882
Ans: (B)
71. Arrange the chronological sequence of the following programmes and acts related to children on the basis of the year.
(i) Child Labour Prohibition andRegulation Act
(ii) Integrated Child Development Services
(iii) Sarva Shiksha Abhian
(iv) Commission for Protection of Child Right Act
Codes:
(A) (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)
(B) (ii), (i), (iii), (iv)
(C) (ii), (iii), (i), (iv)
(D) (iii), (ii), (i), (iv)
Ans: (B)
Read the passage and answer the following questions (72-75):
A closer analysis carried out by feminists in recent years has revealed that the dominant social relations are also part and parcel of technology itself. We can no longer argue whether reproductive technology or genetic technology as such is good or bad; the very basic principles of this technology have to be criticized no less than its methods. These are based on exploitation and subordination alike of nature, women and other peoples (colonies). In this context lies the inherent sexist, racist and ultimately fascist bias of the new reproductive technologies.
Reproductive technology and genetic engineering are based on the same principles as physics and other sciences. Like other sciences, they involve the dissection of living organisms into ever smaller particles, molecules, cells, nuclei, genes, DNA and their various recombination’s according to the plan of the (male) engineer. In this process to select desirable elements and eliminate undesirable ones is crucial. In fact, without the principle of selection and elimination the whole technology of reproduction and genetics would make no sense. What purpose would a study of genetics serve if not to promote the propagation of what are considered to be desirable attributes and the elimination of those seen as undesirable? This applies as much to human genetics as to plant and animal genetics and applies equally to reproductive technology, which is based on the selection of fertile elements (Sperm, ova) and their combination outside the female body. This selection and elimination would not be possible if those living organisms were left intact and free to regulate their reproduction in accordance with their own desires, love and lust.
Carolyn Merchant finds a parallel to the dissection and invasion of nature in the torture of women in witch pogroms and shows that both types of violence are intrinsic to the method of modern science and technology. Francis Bacon, founding father of the modern scientific method, perceived nature as a witch whose secrets has to be extracted by force. Force and violence constitute the invisible foundation upon which modern science was built. Hence violence against women in the witch pogroms, and violence against nature which was perceived as a woman.
72. What kind of analysis carried out by feminists in recent years?
(A) Dominant social relations are part and parcel of technology itself
(B) Social constraints are not leading to gender discrimination
(C) Exploitation and oppression are in the roots of technology
(D) All above
Ans: (A)
73. The basic principles of reproductive technology or genetic technology is
(A) Exploitation and subordination alike of nature, women and other people
(B) Superiority over inferiority
(C) Hierarchy and valuation
(D) Women’s reproductive role
Ans: (A)
74. What applies equally to reproductive technology?
(A) The selection of fertile elements
(B) The elimination of undesirable
(C) To select desirable elements
(D) To regulate their reproduction
Ans: (A)
75. Assertion (A): Francis Bacon perceived that nature as a witch whose secrets has to be extracted by force.
Reason (R): Force and violence constitute the invisible foundation. Hence violence against women in the witch pogroms and violence against nature which was perceived as a woman.
Codes:
(A) (A) is false (R) is true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) true.
(C) Both (A) and (R) false.
(D) (A) is true (R) is false.
Ans: (D)
76. Women are highly concentrated in low paying jobs ____ this exemplifies
(A) Matriarchy
(B) Sexual Harassment
(C) Feminisation of Poverty
(D) Institutional Sexism
Ans: (D)
77. Which of the following pair is not correctly matched?
(A) Mrs. Indira Gandhi – First woman winner of Bharat Ratna
(B) Mrs. Sarojini Naidu – First woman Governor of India
(C) Mrs. Leila Seth – First woman Chief Justice of a High Court
(D) Mrs. Vijaya Laxmi Pandit – First woman President of Indian National Congress
Ans: (D)
78. Mark out the incorrect statement about seeking divorce in India
(A) The personal laws do not discriminate between the husband’s and wife’s rights.
(B) The personal laws discriminate between the husband’s and wife’s rights.
(C) The Muslim law grants absolute power to the husband to dissolve the marriage.
(D) In the Muslim law, the wife can seek dissolution only by mutual consent.
Ans: (A)
79. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was launched in the IXth Five Year Plan to
(A) Bridge all the gender and social gaps in education.
(B)Universalisation of Elementary Education.
(C) Education for all.
(D) Education for the weaker sections.
Ans: (B)
80. Which of the following is not an indicator for calculating Human Development Index?
(A) Long and Healthy Life
(B) Dimension of Knowledge
(C) Participation in Decision Making
(D) Decent Standard of Living
Ans: (C)
81. Match the following from List – I and List – II
List – I List – II
(Name of Leaders) (Name of the Country)
(a) Sirimavo Bandaranaike (i) Pakistan
(b) Margaret Thatcher (ii) Sri Lanka
(c) Benazir Bhutto (iii) Ireland
(d) Mary Robinson (iv) Britain
Codes:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(A) (iv) (iii) (i) (ii)
(B) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i)
(C) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)
(D) (ii) (iv) (i) (iii)
Ans: (D)
82. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
(A) Second Stage – Betty Friedan
(B) Pure Lust – Mary Daly
(C) Feminist Politics and Human Nature – Alison Jaggar
(D) The Dialectic of Sex – Kate Millet
Ans: (D)
83. Arrange the chronological sequence of the establishment according to the year of their initiation.
(i) UGC Centres for Women’s Studies
(ii) Department of Women and Child Welfare
(iii) Central Social Welfare Board
(iv) National Rural Health Mission
Codes:
(A) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
(B) (i) (iii) (ii) (iv)
(C) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i)
(D) (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
Ans: (A)
84. CSWI (1974) denotes as
(A) Council on the Status of Women in India
(B) Committee on the Status of Women in India
(C) Centre on the Status of Women in India
(D) Commission on the Status of Women in India
Ans: (B)
85. Who was the chairperson of the National Commission for Self Employed Women in 1987?
(A) Vina Mazumdar
(B) Ela Bhat
(C) Madhuri Sha
(D) Armati Desai
Ans: (B)
86. Who has edited the book on “Narratives from the women’s studies family”?
(A) Devaki Jain and Pam Rajput
(B) Neera Desai and Maithreyi Krishnaraj
(C) Divya Pandey and Meera Sharma
(D) Devaki Jain and Neera Desai
Ans: (B)
87. Assertion (A): One of the constraints faced by women entrepreneurs is the lack of confidence among women.
Reason (R): Members of the family and society are not supportive to the entrepreneurial growth of women.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(C) Both (A) and (R) are true, (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the explanation for (A).
Ans: (A)
88. National Commission for Child Rights was established in the year
(A) 1993
(B) 2003
(C) 2001
(D) 2007
Ans: (C)
89. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 seeks to ban the depiction of women in any form which is:
(i) Indecent for women
(ii) Denigrating to women
(iii) Corrupting or injure the public morality of women
(iv) To deprive the women from certain set roles.
Codes:
(A) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
(B) (i) and (ii) only
(C) (ii) and (iii) only
(D) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Ans: (A)
90. Which of the Five Year Plans stressed the need for National Policy for the empowerment of women?
(A) Seventh
(B) Ninth
(C) Fifth
(D) Sixth
Ans: (B)
91. Which of the following pair is correctly matched?
(A) Krishna Teerath – Minister for Education
(B) Arundati Roy – Nobel Laureate
(C) Prema Cariyappa – Chairperson Central Social Welfare Board
(D) Purandeswari – Minister for Women and Child Welfare
Ans: (C)
92. Assertion (A): Sexism refers to the belief or attitude that one sex is inferior and less valuable than the other.
Reason (R): Sexism widely prevails in Indian society.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are false.
(C) (A) is true, (R) is false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation for (A).
Ans: (D)
93. Child Sex Ratio according to 2011 census is
(A) 900
(B) 914
(C) 924
(D) 940
Ans: (B)
94. Feminist Research aims to
(A) Research on women, by men and for women.
(B) Research for women, by women and on women.
(C) Research on women, about women, and of women.
(D) Research of women by women and for women.
Ans: (C)
95. Among the following which is not an objective of National Commission for Women?
(A) Recommends the punishment for offenders of crime.
(B) Recommends remedial legislative measures.
(C) Review of constitutional and legal safeguards for women.
(D) Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women.
Ans: (A)
Read the following paragraph and answer questions numbers 96 to 100:
Feminists with varying intellectual frames of reference have put forth diverse positions about privileging the category of gender over women. The shift from women to gender has been viewed by some as a replacement of the study of sexual inequality with the study of the differences between the sexes (Evans 1990). They make a case for the continuing usefulness of the term ‘woman’ for analysis as against the category of gender. The category ‘gender’ is seen as diverting the focus from specific issues concerning women both in the political and academic sphere. However, feminists, especially third world, black and Dalit feminists, have underlined the dangers of presuming a set of common meanings for the category women. They have argued that the category women universalizes and hemogeneises the experiences of white, middle-class and upper-caste women. On the other hand, the use of the category gender allows for the analyses of differences of race, class, caste, nation and sexual orientation between women. The use of the category woman assumes commonality between all women and can at best allow the analysis of the differences among women in an additive or add-on manner. In the analysis of a caste based society, for instance, such an assumption of commonality amounts to a reiteration of the normative status of the upper-caste women. Often the commonality between women is assumed on the basis of their experiences of victimhood as ‘women’ in a patriarchal society. Such an assumption not only universalizes the concept of patriarchy but also argues as if the oppression of caste and class is located in some ‘non-woman’ part of Dalit women. The use of the category gender allows for an analysis of the interlocking structures of oppression and, in fact, goes beyond the analysis of the differences among women by underlining the gendered nature of caste and class oppression.
96. Mark out the correct answer
(A) The category gender universalizes and homogenizes the experiences of race, class and upper caste women.
(B) The category women allows for the analysis of differences of race, class and sexual orientation between women.
(C) The category women assume commonality between all women.
(D) All are correct.
Ans: (C)
97. The category gender is useful for
(A) An analysis of the interlocking structures of oppression.
(B) The analysis of the differences among women.
(C) The analysis of nature of oppression of low caste women.
(D) The analysis of nature of oppression of both caste and class women.
Ans: (A)
98. What is the danger perceived by the feminists in using category gender over women?
(A) It will break the commonality between women.
(B) It diverts the focus from specific issues concerning women in the political and academic sphere.
(C) It will analyze the experiences of victimhood as women.
(D) It will not help in universalizing the concept of patriarchy.
Ans: (B)
99. The shift from women to gender for some feminist implies
(A) The study of differences between the sexes.
(B) The study of sexual inequality.
(C) Both the study of sexual inequality and the differences between the sexes.
(D) The study with the focus of women issues.
Ans: (A)
100. Assertion (A): The shift from women to gender for some feminists is a replacement of the study of the differences between the sexes.
Reason (R): There is the continuing usefulness of the term “woman” for analysis as against the category of gender.
Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is not the explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true and (R) is false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Ans: (B)