General Studies 2025 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Explain

Q6

Women's social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

महिलाओं की सामाजिक पूंजी सशक्तिकरण और लैंगिक समानता को आगे बढ़ाने में सहायक है। समझाइए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'explain' requires demonstrating how social capital acts as a complementary force to formal empowerment mechanisms. Structure: brief definition of social capital → 2-3 mechanisms of complementarity (networks, trust, collective action) → Indian evidence → synthesis on why formal rights alone are insufficient.

Key points expected

Define social capital as networks, norms of reciprocity and trust that enable collective action (Putnam/Bourdieu framework)
Explain complementarity: social capital bridges gap between legal rights and actual empowerment by reducing transaction costs, information asymmetries
Mechanism 1: Self-help groups (SHGs) creating financial access beyond formal banking (Kudumbashree, NRLM)
Mechanism 2: Collective bargaining power in labour markets and against gender-based violence
Mechanism 3: Inter-generational transmission of aspirations and education through community networks
Limitation: bonding capital without bridging capital can reinforce patriarchal structures—need state intervention

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly distinguishes 'complements' from 'substitutes' or 'causes'; explicitly frames social capital as filling gaps left by formal rights/institutions; addresses 'why formal empowerment is insufficient alone'	Defines social capital correctly but treats it as standalone factor without explicit complementarity logic; conflates with human capital or economic capital	Misinterprets 'complements' as 'complements each other' (bidirectional) or ignores directive entirely; describes women's empowerment generally without social capital focus
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Covers at least two distinct mechanisms (economic, political, social) with theoretical grounding; mentions bonding/bridging/linking capital distinction; notes gender-specific vulnerabilities social capital addresses	Lists benefits of SHGs or community groups descriptively without analytical depth; one mechanism explained adequately	Vague references to 'unity' or 'togetherness'; factual errors (confusing social capital with social welfare schemes); no theoretical framework
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression: concept → mechanisms → evidence → critical nuance; smooth transitions between paragraphs; 150-word discipline maintained with density	Identifiable introduction and conclusion but body as undifferentiated list; minor word management issues (under 130 or over 160)	No paragraph breaks or random organisation; abrupt shifts between unrelated points; severe word limit violation
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific Indian evidence: Kudumbashree (Kerala), NRLM/SHG-Bank linkage, SEWA, or recent NFHS data on women's decision-making; names schemes/organisations precisely	Generic 'SHGs in India' or 'Kerala model' without specificity; one concrete example with vague others	No Indian examples; Western references only (Putnam's Italy) without adaptation; invented statistics or incorrect scheme names
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesises with critical insight: notes dark side (exclusionary bonding capital) or need for state-social capital synergy; forward-looking on digital/social capital intersection; memorable closing	Summary restatement without new insight; generic 'therefore social capital is important' conclusion	No conclusion or abrupt ending; contradictory final statement; purely normative 'government should do more' without analytical link to question

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