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Question

Directions: Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct/most appropriate options:

While economic inequalities have grown exponentially over the last few decades, we have also witnessed social democratization that has been silent and uneventful. Democratization has happened due to the spread of education, the growing reach of the market and a ‘communication revolution’ that includes social media, and renewed legitimization of democracy through the principle of ‘one vote, one value’. Such social equalization has not, however, contributed in any substantial sense to distributive justice, much against the assumption that the shift from ‘equality to difference’ will also account for economic equality. Populism is an expression of this anomaly of growing social mobility sans economic equality .

Democratization can be seen on many fronts. New technology has replaced old social divides. Today, for instance, photography is not about ‘capturing’ a moment; it is about ‘creating’ one using filters and also the instant mobile phone cameras. It is not about who can be a great photographer, but who chooses to be one. Nothing is rare, everything is common. How do we celebrate the common? Populism has shown us a way — narrativizing the common and creating a spectacle of the everyday.

Markets have created new modes of consumption. David Harvey refers to Netflix as a non-exclusive consumption that can be consumed simultaneously. It breaks the gap between high and low cultures. The poor can make do with look-alike fashion (consider markets being flushed with Gucci bags on the streets), as long as they follow and understand fashion trends. Relative educational opportunities have spread through the private sector and English education now looks within reach. For instance, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has made the English medium mandatory in government schools. Education in English for the next generation is now a universal aspiration, but without good public education, affordability and quality. Democracy has renewed the legitimacy of bringing about effective changes and voter turnout has been increasing, even as policy consensus around neoliberalism has been near complete. On the day of voting, the rich and the poor carry the same value in their power to decide.

Choose the antonym  of the word ' Equality '.

The correct answer is

Disparity

Understanding Equality's Antonym from the Passage

The question asks us to identify the antonym of the word 'Equality' based on the provided passage and options. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.

Meaning of Equality

'Equality' refers to a state where everyone is treated the same or has the same rights and opportunities. The passage mentions 'social equalization' and the principle of 'one vote, one value', highlighting aspects of equality in social and political spheres.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meaning of each option:

  • Impartiality: Treating everyone fairly without bias or favoritism. This is closely related to equality.
  • Parity: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. This is a synonym for equality.
  • Fairness: Just and reasonable treatment without bias. This is also a concept associated with equality.
  • Egalitarianism: The belief that all people should have the same rights and opportunities in every respect. This is a direct principle related to equality.
  • Disparity: A great difference between things or people. This signifies inequality or unevenness.

Identifying the Antonym

Comparing the meanings, 'Impartiality', 'Parity', 'Fairness', and 'Egalitarianism' all relate to or are synonyms of 'Equality'. They describe sameness or lack of difference. On the other hand, 'Disparity' clearly means a great difference, which is the direct opposite of equality.

The passage itself contrasts 'social equalization' with the lack of 'economic equality', suggesting that while social aspects might be equalizing, economic differences (disparities) persist. This context further supports 'Disparity' as the antonym.

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Important Questions from Reading Comprehension

  1. Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?

    1. They feel that others may overuse the resource

    2. It is possible to substitute the resource

    3. Abundance of the resource availability

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  2. When do people use resources exhaustively?

  3. The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources

  4. People rooted in a locality

  5. Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?

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