CAPF AC 2020 Q57: Indian Polity – Political Theory & Concepts
- (a) Socialists analyse society in terms of income distribution
- (b) It emphasises the centrality of community
- (c) Socialists believe that class divisions in society are a fact and therefore irremediable
- (d) It believes that material benefits should be distributed on the basis of need
Answer: (c) Socialists believe that class divisions in society are a fact and therefore irremediable
Explanation
What socialism believes
How to think: socialism wants to end class divisions.
If it thought class divisions could never be cured, there would be nothing to fight for.
So the word irremediable gives the false statement away.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Socialists analyse society in terms of income distribution | True | Their focus is economic inequality |
| (b) It emphasises the centrality of community | True | Community and cooperation come before the individual |
| (c) Class divisions are a fact and therefore irremediable | NOT true | Socialists hold that class divisions can and must be removed |
| (d) Material benefits should be distributed on the basis of need | True | To each according to his need |
Core ideas of socialism:
| Idea | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Community | People are social beings, tied by common humanity |
| Cooperation | Preferred over competition |
| Equality | Social and economic equality |
| Common ownership | Of the main means of production |
Answer: (c) Socialists believe that class divisions in society are a fact and therefore irremediable.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This is true of socialism; it studies society through income and wealth distribution.
- (b) Incorrect. This is true of socialism; community is central to it.
- (c) CORRECT. This is not true: socialists believe class divisions can be remedied.
- (d) Incorrect. This is true of socialism; goods should be shared according to need.
Key point
Socialism: community, cooperation, social and economic equality, distribution by need, common ownership. Class divisions are real but can be ended.
Remember
Socialism says class divisions can be ended, not that they are permanent.
Common mistakes
- Choosing (b), thinking community belongs only to communitarianism; it is central to socialism too.
- Stopping at class divisions are a fact and not reading the word irremediable.
- Mixing up socialism with conservatism, which accepts social hierarchy as natural.
Exam tip
Read to the last word. The first half of option (c) is true; the ending makes it false.
Sources
- Andrew Heywood — Political Ideologies: An Introduction (Socialism)
- NCERT Class XI Political Science — Political Theory (Equality)