Chapter 9: Struggles for equality
These NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 9 notes explain why equality needs continuous struggle in a democratic society like India. The chapter helps students understand that although equality is promised by the Constitution, discrimination and injustice still exist in real life.
Struggles for Equality discusses how people raise their voices through protests, legal action, and social movements to demand equal rights and dignity. It also explains important Indian examples of equality movements and the role of the Constitution in supporting such struggles.
This chapter helps students understand the power of people’s movements in strengthening democracy.
1. Introduction: Why equality needs struggle
- Equality is promised by the Indian Constitution.
- In real life, many people still face discrimination and injustice.
- Laws alone are not enough to ensure equality.
- People must raise their voice and struggle for their rights.
- This chapter explains how people’s movements help achieve equality.
- Rights become real only when people demand them.
2. Meaning of struggle for equality
- Struggle for equality means fighting discrimination.
- It means demanding equal rights for all.
- It means ensuring dignity for every person.
- Protests demanding fair wages or justice are examples of struggle.
3. Different forms of struggle
- People use peaceful methods to fight inequality.
A. Protests and demonstrations
- Rallies are organised to show unity.
- Marches are held to demand rights.
- Public meetings spread awareness.
B. Legal struggles
- People approach courts for justice.
- Cases are filed to fight injustice.
C. Social movements
- Groups organise long-term struggles.
- These movements work continuously for social change.
4. Civil Rights Movement
- The Civil Rights Movement took place in the USA.
- African-Americans fought against racial discrimination.
- This movement inspired equality movements across the world.
- Equality is a global struggle.
5. Indian examples of struggles for equality
A. Dalit movements
- Dalit movements fought against untouchability.
- They demanded equal social status.
B. Women’s movements
- Women demanded equal pay.
- Women demanded education.
- Women demanded safety.
C. Tawa Matsya Sangh
- Tawa Matsya Sangh is a fish workers’ organisation in Madhya Pradesh.
- It fought for fishing rights.
- It showed the collective power of people.
6. Role of the Constitution in equality struggles
- The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights.
- The Constitution gives legal support to citizens.
- It helps people fight injustice in a lawful manner.
- The Constitution is the backbone of equality movements.
7. Importance of dignity
- Equality is closely linked with dignity.
- Discrimination hurts self-respect.
- Struggles aim to protect human dignity.
8. Indian examples from daily life
- Protests against caste discrimination.
- Movements for women’s safety.
- Workers demanding minimum wages.
9. Important keywords with simple meanings
- Equality – fair treatment of all people.
- Discrimination – unfair treatment of a person or group.
- Dignity – self-respect and a sense of worth.
- Social movement – organised effort by people to bring change.
- Protest – peaceful action to oppose injustice.
- Civil Rights Movement – a movement against racial discrimination in the USA.
Understanding NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 9 – Struggles for Equality is important to learn how rights are achieved and protected through collective action. The chapter clearly explains that laws alone are not enough and that people must actively demand justice and equality.
The ideas discussed in this chapter help students understand dignity, democracy, and social justice and are highly useful for school examinations and foundation-level preparation.
Students should next revise Chapter 1: On Equality to connect constitutional ideals with real-life struggles for justice and equality.
FAQs
Q1. What is meant by struggle for equality?
Struggle for equality means fighting discrimination and demanding equal rights and dignity for all people.
Q2. What are the different forms of struggle discussed in this chapter?
The chapter discusses protests, legal struggles, and social movements as forms of struggle.
Q3. What is the role of the Constitution in equality struggles?
The Constitution provides Fundamental Rights and legal support to fight injustice lawfully.
Q4. Which Indian movements are discussed in this chapter?
Dalit movements, women’s movements, and the Tawa Matsya Sangh are discussed.
Q5. Why is NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 9 important for exams?
It explains equality movements, dignity, and democracy, making it important for school exams and foundation-level preparation.
