NCERT Class 8 Social Science Social And Political Life: Chapter 6 — Confronting Marginalisation
This chapter, 'Confronting Marginalisation,' from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science textbook 'Social And Political Life,' explores how marginalized groups like Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, and women challenge existing inequalities. It highlights their struggles against exclusion and discrimination, emphasizing their reliance on the Indian Constitution and Fundamental Rights to seek justice and equality. The chapter details how groups invoke rights like Article 17 (abolition of untouchability) and Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination) to combat injustice and demand respect. It explains that these rights are translated into laws, and the government is pushed to create policies and enforce laws to protect these groups from exploitation and promote their access to development, fostering a more inclusive democratic society.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Social And Political Life |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Confronting Marginalisation |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 493 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of marginalisation and its impact on different groups.
- Recognize the role of the Indian Constitution and Fundamental Rights in challenging inequality.
- Identify specific constitutional articles (e.g., Article 17, Article 15) used by marginalized groups.
- Explain how struggles of marginalized groups influence government policies and laws.
- Appreciate the strategies adopted by groups to overcome their situation.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Marginalisation | The process of being relegated to the fringes of society, treated as insignificant or peripheral. |
| Discrimination | The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability. |
| Inequality | Lack of fairness or justice; the state of not being equal. |
| Adivasis | Indigenous tribal communities of India. |
| Dalits | A group historically considered 'untouchable' in the Indian caste system. |
| Fundamental Rights | Basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India. |
| Untouchability | A historical practice of discrimination against certain castes, now abolished by law. |
| Public facilities | Services and amenities provided for use by all members of a community. |
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Practice questions
- What does it mean that untouchability has been abolished according to Article 17 of the Constitution? Answer: It means that no one can prevent Dalits from educating themselves, entering temples, or using public facilities, and that practising untouchability is illegal and will not be tolerated.
- Which constitutional article prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth? Answer: Article 15 of the Constitution.
- How have marginalized groups used their Fundamental Rights? Answer: They have used them to insist on their rights, forcing the government to recognize injustice, and to push the government to enforce these laws.
- What are some of the strategies marginalized groups have adopted to overcome their situation? Answer: Strategies include religious solace, armed struggle, self-improvement, education, and economic uplift.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 6 of Social and Political Life for Class 8?
The chapter 'Confronting Marginalisation' discusses how marginalized groups fight against inequality and discrimination using their constitutional rights.
Which groups are considered marginalized in this chapter?
The chapter mentions Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, women, and other groups who face exclusion or domination.
How does the Indian Constitution help marginalized groups?
The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights that marginalized groups invoke to demand justice, equality, and respect from the government.
What is the significance of Article 17?
Article 17 abolishes untouchability, making it illegal to discriminate against Dalits and ensuring their access to education, temples, and public facilities.
What is the purpose of Article 15?
Article 15 prohibits discrimination against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, promoting equality.
What is the government's role concerning marginalized groups?
The government is responsible for enforcing laws that protect these groups from exploitation and for formulating policies to promote their access to development.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Social And Political Life — Chapter 6 — Confronting Marginalisation. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.