NCERT Political Science Class 10 Chapter 5 Notes | Accommodation Of Social Diversity
Topic & sub-topics covered: “Accommodation Of Social Diversity” and MCQs Questions: Outcomes of Democracy (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).
We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 10th about “Accommodation Of Social Diversity” from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 10th chapter 5 “Outcomes of Democracy“.
Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 10 Chapter 5 Outcomes of Democracy PDF Notes
Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 5 “Outcomes of Democracy” PDF Notes to revise key concepts quickly. This chapter explains how democracy affects a country’s governance, economy, social equality, and citizen rights. It discusses whether democratic systems meet people’s expectations by being accountable, inclusive, and respecting individual dignity. These notes offer a concise summary—perfect for exam prep or quick understanding.
Accommodation Of Social Diversity
1. Expectations of Democracy in Promoting Harmony:
- Democracy is expected to foster a peaceful and harmonious social life among citizens.
- Democracies are known to accommodate various social divisions through dialogue and negotiation.
- Example of Belgium: Demonstrates how differences among ethnic groups can be successfully negotiated in a democratic setup.
2. Conflict Resolution in Democracies:
- Democracies evolve procedures for peaceful competition, reducing the risk of tensions escalating into violence.
- No society can fully eliminate conflicts, but democracies help by:
a. Encouraging respect for differences.
b. Establishing mechanisms to negotiate conflicts peacefully.
3. Comparison with Non-Democratic Regimes:
- Non-democratic regimes tend to suppress or ignore social differences, which can worsen conflicts.
- Democracies are better at handling social divisions and conflicts, enhancing their credibility as systems of governance.
4. Conditions for Harmony in Democracy:
- Democracies must meet two key conditions for harmonious outcomes:
a. Majority Cooperation with Minorities:
I. The majority opinion must collaborate with minorities to represent the general view of the population.
II. Majority and minority opinions are dynamic and not permanent. - Avoidance of Permanent Majoritarianism:
a. Rule by majority must not become rule by a permanent majority community based on religion, race, or language.
b. Every citizen should have the chance to be part of the majority at some point, ensuring inclusivity.
5. Outcomes of Democratic Politics on Social Divisions:

- Positive Outcome Example: Democracies can create mechanisms to bridge social divisions and reduce discrimination, fostering unity.
- Negative Outcome Example: In some cases, unresolved tensions or biased governance may exacerbate social divisions, leading to discord.
6. Conclusion:
- Democracy ceases to be accommodative when individuals or groups are permanently barred from being part of the majority.
- True democracy ensures every citizen has equal opportunities to influence decision-making and governance.
Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 10 Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy
MCQs on NCERT Civics Class 10 Chapter 5 Topic – Accommodation Of Social Diversity
Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “Accommodation of Social Diversity” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:
Question 1. What is a fair expectation from democracy regarding social life?
(a) Complete elimination of conflicts
(b) Creation of a harmonious social life
(c) Rule by the majority community
(d) Suppression of internal differences
Answer: (b) Creation of a harmonious social life
Question 2. Which country is cited as an example of successfully negotiating ethnic differences?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Belgium
(c) India
(d) South Africa
Answer: (b) Belgium
Question 3. How do democracies usually handle social divisions?
(a) By suppressing them
(b) By negotiating differences
(c) By ignoring them
(d) By imposing a single rule
Answer: (b) By negotiating differences
Question 4. What does democracy develop to reduce tensions?
(a) Mechanisms for suppression
(b) Mechanisms for conflict resolution
(c) Procedures to conduct the competition
(d) Majority dominance rules
Answer: (c) Procedures to conduct the competition
Question 5. Which country provides an example of failure in addressing social differences in a democracy?
(a) Belgium
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) South Korea
(d) Brazil
Answer: (b) Sri Lanka
Question 6. What do non-democratic regimes often do regarding internal social differences?
(a) Respect and resolve them
(b) Turn a blind eye or suppress them
(c) Allow them to escalate
(d) Ensure permanent solutions
Answer: (b) Turn a blind eye or suppress them
Question 7. What must democracy ensure to handle social differences effectively?
(a) Rule by majority opinion only
(b) Majority cooperation with minority
(c) Suppression of minority views
(d) Permanent majority dominance
Answer: (b) Majority cooperation with minority
Question 8. What does “rule by majority” mean in a democracy?
(a) Rule by the majority community based on religion, race, or language
(b) Temporary majorities formed for specific decisions or elections
(c) Permanent dominance of a single group
(d) Suppression of minority opinions
Answer: (b) Temporary majorities formed for specific decisions or elections
Question 9. When does democratic rule cease to be accommodative?
(a) When minorities are allowed to participate
(b) When citizens are barred from being in the majority due to birth
(c) When majorities consult minorities for decisions
(d) When elections are conducted fairly
Answer: (b) When citizens are barred from being in the majority due to birth
Question 10. What is a significant advantage of democratic regimes over non-democratic ones?
(a) Ability to suppress conflicts effectively
(b) Ability to handle social differences and conflicts
(c) Faster economic growth
(d) Permanent elimination of social issues
Answer: (b) Ability to handle social differences and conflicts
Question 11. What is the danger of majority rule becoming rule by the majority community?
(a) It strengthens democratic values
(b) It erodes the accommodative nature of democracy
(c) It resolves all social conflicts permanently
(d) It promotes economic growth
Answer: (b) It erodes the accommodative nature of democracy
Question 12. What must democracy provide for every citizen to maintain its legitimacy?
(a) Equal opportunities for forming the majority
(b) Equal wealth distribution
(c) Permanent representation for minorities
(d) Suppression of opposing views
Answer: (a) Equal opportunities for forming the majority
Question 13. What is one condition for democracy to ensure social harmony?
(a) Rule by the majority community permanently
(b) Every citizen has the chance to be in the majority
(c) Suppression of majority opinions
(d) Elimination of minorities
Answer: (b) Every citizen has the chance to be in the majority
Question 14. Which principle ensures inclusivity in democracy?
(a) Suppression of differences
(b) Equal opportunity for all to participate in the majority
(c) Priority to the majority community
(d) Fixed majority rule for specific groups
Answer: (b) Equal opportunity for all to participate in the majority
Question 15. What is the core idea of democracy regarding social harmony?
(a) Permanent majorities for decisions
(b) Suppressing all minority voices
(c) Negotiation and respect for differences
(d) Rule by a single ethnic group
Answer: (c) Negotiation and respect for differences