Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Democracy, often understood as a form of government, is fundamentally an order of society – a way of life characterized by specific social relations, values, and institutions. It’s not merely about elections but about the diffusion of power, the recognition of rights, and the fostering of civic engagement. As defined by Giovanni Sartori, democracy is a system of political decisions that are made through a process of open competition. However, the ideal of a participatory democracy often clashes with the reality of limited and unequal participation, particularly in a diverse and stratified society like India. This disparity arises from a complex interplay of socio-economic, political, and cultural factors that systematically prevent a significant portion of the population from fully engaging in the political process.
Democracy as an Order of Society
Democracy, as a social order, impacts various facets of society:
- Social Stratification: While aiming for equality, democracies often coexist with existing social hierarchies. However, democratic principles like equal opportunity and social justice challenge traditional forms of stratification.
- Social Relationships: Democracy promotes horizontal relationships based on citizenship and rights, contrasting with vertical hierarchies based on status or power.
- Values and Norms: Democracy cultivates values like tolerance, compromise, and respect for dissent, essential for a pluralistic society.
- Civil Society: A vibrant civil society – NGOs, community groups, media – is crucial for democratic functioning, acting as a bridge between citizens and the state.
- Political Culture: A democratic political culture emphasizes participation, accountability, and the rule of law.
Factors Preventing People’s Participation in Politics
Numerous factors impede effective political participation. These can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. Socio-Economic Factors
These are arguably the most significant barriers:
- Poverty and Inequality: Individuals preoccupied with basic survival needs have limited time and resources for political engagement. According to the World Bank (2022), approximately 6.3% of the Indian population lives below the poverty line.
- Illiteracy and Lack of Education: Limited education hinders understanding of political issues and processes, reducing informed participation. The National Statistical Office (NSO) data (2019-20) shows a literacy rate of 77.7% in India, indicating a significant portion lacking adequate education.
- Social Exclusion: Marginalized groups – based on caste, religion, gender, or ethnicity – often face systemic discrimination, limiting their access to political spaces.
- Rural-Urban Divide: Rural areas often lack infrastructure and access to information, hindering participation compared to urban centers.
2. Political Factors
These relate to the functioning of the political system itself:
- Criminalization of Politics: The presence of individuals with criminal records in politics erodes public trust and discourages participation. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) consistently reports a significant percentage of candidates with criminal backgrounds contesting elections.
- Corruption: Widespread corruption undermines faith in the political system and creates a sense of powerlessness. India ranked 85 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2023.
- Lack of Internal Democracy within Political Parties: Limited intra-party democracy restricts opportunities for ordinary citizens to influence party agendas and candidate selection.
- Weak Electoral Infrastructure: Issues with voter registration, accessibility of polling booths, and electoral malpractices can discourage participation.
- Dynastic Politics: The dominance of political families limits opportunities for new and diverse voices to emerge.
3. Cultural Factors
These are rooted in societal norms and beliefs:
- Political Apathy: A sense of disillusionment and cynicism towards politics can lead to apathy and non-participation.
- Traditional Social Structures: Rigid social hierarchies and patriarchal norms can limit the participation of certain groups, particularly women and lower castes.
- Lack of Political Awareness: Limited exposure to political information and debate can hinder informed participation.
- Influence of Caste and Religion: Voting patterns often influenced by caste and religious identities, rather than issue-based considerations.
| Factor | Impact on Participation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty | Limits time and resources for political engagement | Migrant laborers often unable to vote due to lack of documentation and travel costs. |
| Criminalization | Erodes public trust and discourages participation | Citizens avoiding contact with local politicians known for corrupt practices. |
| Caste System | Limits participation of marginalized castes | Historically, Dalits facing social ostracization for attempting to exercise their political rights. |
Conclusion
Democracy as a social order necessitates active and informed participation from all citizens. However, a complex web of socio-economic, political, and cultural factors continues to impede this ideal in India. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including poverty reduction, improved education, electoral reforms, strengthening civil society, and promoting a more inclusive and equitable political culture. Investing in civic education and ensuring accessible political processes are crucial steps towards realizing the full potential of Indian democracy and fostering a truly participatory society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.