NCERT Class 12 Sociology Part 1 Chapter 5, Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion, deals with how certain groups in society face unequal treatment and restricted opportunities. It explains concepts like social stratification, caste-based discrimination, gender inequality, economic disparity, and exclusion of marginalised communities. The chapter also includes examples from India, showing how these patterns operate in rural and urban areas, and how policies and social movements try to address them.
I am writing about this chapter because social inequality is not just a topic in sociology—it is something we can see in our surroundings every day. From the wage gap between men and women to the lack of access to quality education for certain castes, these issues affect the nation’s growth and fairness. For students, understanding these patterns is important not only for exams but also for becoming socially aware citizens. This chapter gives clear examples, case studies, and government initiatives that help explain the topic better. Sharing the official NCERT PDF will make it easy for students to get the authentic material they need for preparation.
Main Topics Covered in Chapter 5: Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion
- Social Stratification – How society is divided into layers based on caste, class, and power
- Caste and Discrimination – Historical and present-day examples of caste-based exclusion
- Economic Inequality – Wealth and income gaps in rural and urban India
- Gender Inequality – Differences in education, employment, and wages for men and women
- Disabilities and Social Barriers – Challenges faced by differently-abled people
- Religious Minorities – Issues related to representation and social acceptance
- Efforts to Reduce Inequality – Constitutional provisions, laws, and social movements
Examples from India
- Women earning less than men for the same work in many industries
- Dalit students facing social barriers despite reservation policies
- Rural poverty limiting access to healthcare and higher education
- Self-help groups and NGOs improving economic opportunities for marginalised women
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NCERT Class 12 Sociology Part 1 Chapter 5: Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion
