Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 445 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2011

The concept of ‘creative society’ refers to a phase of development of a society in which a large number of potential contradictions become articulate and active. This is most evident when oppressed social groups get politically mobilised and demand their rights. The upsurge of the peasants and tribals, the movements for regional autonomy and self-determination, the environmental movements, and the women’s movements in the developing countries are signs of emergence of creative society in contemporary times. The forms of social movements and their intensity may vary from country to country and place to place within a country. But the very presence of movements for social transformation in various spheres of a society indicates the emergence of a creative society in a country.

What according to the passage are the manifestations of social movements?

  1. Aggressiveness and being incendiary.
  2. Instigation by external forces.
  3. Quest for social equality and individual freedom.
  4. Urge for granting privileges and self-respect to disparaged sections of the society.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (c)

Statements 3 and 4 accurately reflect the manifestations of social movements as described in the passage.

  • Statement 3: The passage states that a creative society emerges when "oppressed social groups get politically mobilised and demand their rights." It cites examples such as movements for regional autonomy, self-determination, and women's movements. These directly align with a fundamental "quest for social equality and individual freedom."
  • Statement 4: The passage mentions the "upsurge of the peasants and tribals" and "women’s movements" as signs of a creative society. These groups represent disparaged or historically disadvantaged sections of society. Their mobilization and demand for rights inherently signify an "urge for granting privileges" (interpreted as rights and equitable treatment) "and self-respect to disparaged sections of the society."

Incorrect Options:

Statements 1 and 2 are not supported by the passage.

  • Statement 1: The passage describes social movements as articulate, active, and aimed at social transformation. However, it does not characterize them as inherently "aggressive and being incendiary." The passage focuses on their purpose and origin within societal contradictions, not their methods or intensity in a negative light.
  • Statement 2: The passage attributes the emergence of social movements to internal societal dynamics, specifically "potential contradictions becom[ing] articulate and active" and "oppressed social groups get[ting] politically mobilised." There is no mention or implication that these movements are a result of "instigation by external forces."