IGNOU MPSE-012 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU MPSE-012 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU MPSE-012 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. Describe the main physiological features of Australian continent.

Ans. Australia, often called the ‘island continent’, is renowned for its unique and diverse physiological features. It is the oldest, flattest, and, after Antarctica, the driest inhabited continent on Earth. Its geography can be broadly divided into three major regions:

• The Western Plateau: This covers almost two-thirds of the continent and consists of vast, arid, and semi-arid regions collectively known as the Outback . The region is made of ancient rock and contains famous formations like Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). It is rich in mineral resources, but is sparsely populated due to low rainfall and extreme temperatures.
• The Central Lowlands: This area lies between the Western Plateau and the Eastern Highlands. This region includes the Great Artesian Basin, one of the world’s largest underground water sources, which enables pastoralism in arid areas. The region also contains the Lake Eyre Basin, which is Australia’s lowest point. This area is also mostly flat and arid.
• The Eastern Highlands: Also known as the Great Dividing Range , this is a series of mountains and plateaus running parallel to the east coast from Queensland to Victoria. It is Australia’s most elevated and wettest region, acting as the source for most of the continent’s major rivers. The majority of Australia’s population lives on the narrow coastal plain between this range and the sea.

In addition to these major landforms, Australia is also home to the

Great Barrier Reef

, the world’s largest coral reef system, and has unique island states like Tasmania. The continent’s climate varies from tropical in the north to temperate in the south-east and south-west, while its vast interior is arid or semi-arid. This isolation has led to the evolution of unique flora (like eucalyptus and acacia) and fauna (like marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas, and the platypus).

Q2. Critically examine the social impact of Australian colonial policy on the aborigine.

Ans. Australian colonial policy had a profound and devastating social impact on the Aboriginal people, the original inhabitants of Australia. These policies were often based on notions of racial superiority and systematically dismantled the fabric of Aboriginal societies.

One of the most significant impacts was the dispossession of land . British colonists operated under the doctrine of terra nullius (land belonging to no one), which ignored the deep spiritual and cultural connection Aboriginal people had with their land. The loss of land meant not only the loss of physical resources but also a critical source of identity, culture, and traditional knowledge.

Colonisation was also accompanied by widespread violence and conflict , known as the “frontier wars.” Countless Aboriginal lives were lost in clashes between settlers and Indigenous groups. Furthermore, Aboriginal people had no immunity to new diseases introduced by Europeans, such as smallpox and measles, which led to a massive decline in their population.

In the 20th century, policies shifted towards forced assimilation . These policies aimed to detach Aboriginal people from their culture and “absorb” them into white Australian society. The most tragic manifestation of this was the “Stolen Generations,” where thousands of mixed-descent Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families and raised in institutions or white households. This policy tore families apart, severed cultural links, and caused deep emotional and psychological trauma that has lasted for generations.

The social consequences of these policies remain evident today. Aboriginal Australians face significant disadvantages in health, education, employment, and housing. They experience lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality rates, and higher rates of incarceration compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Although progress has been made towards recognition and reconciliation through steps like the Mabo decision and the Native Title Act , the legacy of colonial policies remains a deep and enduring wound that Australian society is still struggling to heal.

Q3. Briefly explain ‘White Australia Policy.

Ans. The ‘White Australia Policy’ is not the name of a single act but a term used to describe a set of Australian government policies designed to restrict non-European, particularly Asian, immigration from the time of Federation in 1901. The primary goal of this policy was to maintain Australia as a racially “white” and British-oriented nation.

The central pillar of this policy was the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 . This Act introduced a clever mechanism to exclude “undesirable” immigrants: the dictation test . Under the test, an immigration officer could ask any person to write a passage of 50 words dictated in any European language. As the officer could choose the language, it was used to systematically exclude non-white immigrants, even if they were proficient in multiple languages. It was a blatantly racist tool disguised in diplomatically acceptable language.

The rationale behind the policy was varied, including:

• Racial purity: A belief that the white race was superior and that racial mixing should be avoided.
• Economic fear: The fear that Asian immigrants would work for lower wages, undercutting the pay and employment conditions of white workers.
• National identity: A desire to preserve and strengthen a British-based identity and culture.

The policy remained in effect for nearly seven decades. After World War II, however, Australia’s changing geopolitical and economic ties, particularly with Asia, led to the policy being questioned. Programs like the

Colombo Plan

allowed Asian students to study in Australia, which helped to gradually change attitudes.

The ‘White Australia Policy’ was progressively dismantled during the 1950s and 1960s, and was finally and formally abolished in 1973 by the Whitlam Labor Government . Following this, Australia adopted a non-discriminatory, multicultural immigration policy that permanently transformed the country’s demographic and cultural landscape.

Q4. Briefly explain the role of political parties in Australia.

Ans. Political parties in Australia play a central role in the functioning of the country’s political system. Australian politics is largely characterized by a two-party dominant system , where two major political blocs compete to form government. These parties are crucial for policy-making, shaping public opinion, and ensuring political stability.

The two major political forces are:

• The Australian Labor Party (ALP): This is a centre-left, social-democratic party with its roots in the trade union movement. Traditionally, the ALP advocates for workers’ rights, social welfare, public healthcare (Medicare), and government intervention in education.
• The Coalition: This is a formal alliance of two centre-right parties: the Liberal Party and the National Party . The Liberal Party primarily represents urban and suburban areas and supports free markets, individual liberty, and small business. The National Party represents rural and regional interests, often focusing on industries like agriculture and mining.

In addition to these major parties, several

minor parties

and independents also play a significant role in Australian politics, especially in the Senate (the upper house).

The Greens

, who focus on environmental and social justice issues, and populist parties like

One Nation

often hold the balance of power in the Senate, giving them leverage to negotiate with the major parties to pass legislation.

The role of political parties in Australia is multi-faceted:

• Forming Government: The party or coalition that wins a majority of seats in the House of Representatives (the lower house) forms the government and provides the Prime Minister.
• Policy Development: Parties develop and propose policies based on their ideologies, offering choices to the electorate.
• Representation: They represent the interests and views of different sections of society.
• Voter Mobilisation: They educate and mobilise voters during elections, promoting participation in the democratic process.

Overall, political parties in Australia are essential for the functioning of democracy by providing the framework for government and opposition, shaping policy debates, and giving citizens a mechanism to engage in the political process.

Q5. Write short notes on the following : 5+5 (a) Referendum of 1999 (b) Nationalism in Australia

Ans. (a) Referendum of 1999 The 1999 Australian republic referendum was a pivotal moment concerning the nation’s constitutional future. Held on 6 November 1999, the referendum asked voters two questions. The first and most significant question was whether Australia should become a republic, with the British monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) replaced as head of state by a new Australian President, who would be appointed by a two-thirds majority of the Parliament. The second question was about adding a new preamble to the Constitution.

Both proposals were defeated . The republic proposal was lost nationally with 54.87% ‘No’ votes, and it failed to win a majority in any state.

There were several reasons for its failure. A key factor was the division among republic supporters . Some people, including then-Prime Minister John Howard, wanted to retain the monarchy. Among republicans, some agreed with the proposed ‘appointed’ president model (the ‘minimalist’ model), while others wanted a directly elected president (the ‘direct-election’ model). Supporters of direct election argued the proposed model was undemocratic and campaigned for a ‘No’ vote, weakening the ‘Yes’ campaign. The monarchists ran an effective campaign, stressing the risks associated with constitutional change and arguing, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Ultimately, the disagreement over the model and the public’s natural caution towards constitutional change led to the referendum’s failure, and Australia remains a constitutional monarchy today. (b) Nationalism in Australia The evolution of nationalism in Australia has been a complex process, moving from a loyalty to the British Empire to a distinct, multicultural identity.

Initially, after Federation in 1901, Australian nationalism was strongly British-centric . Identity was tied to British race, culture, and Empire. However, elements of a separate Australian identity were also emerging, linked to the experience of the ‘bush’, and embodying values like ‘mateship’ , egalitarianism, and a distrust of authority. The ANZAC legend , born from the sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at the Gallipoli campaign in World War I, became a foundational myth of Australian nationalism.

After World War II, the nature of nationalism changed due to mass non-British immigration and growing ties with Asia. The end of the ‘White Australia Policy’ and the adoption of multiculturalism paved the way for a more inclusive, civic nationalism based on shared values, laws, and institutions, rather than race or ethnicity.

Today, Australian nationalism takes many forms. It is expressed passionately in sport, particularly cricket, rugby, and the Olympics, and during national celebrations like Australia Day. However, a strain of populist nationalism also exists, as represented by parties like One Nation, which criticises immigration and multiculturalism. The contemporary debate centres on how to maintain a cohesive and distinct Australian national identity in a diverse, globalised world.

Q6. Describe the working of federalism in Australia.

Ans. Australia operates under a federal system, established on 1 January 1901 with the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia. In this system, power is divided between a central, national government (the Commonwealth Government) and the governments of the six states and two territories. It draws influence from both the American and Canadian models.

The Constitution outlines the division of powers :

• Specific Powers: Section 51 of the Constitution lists the areas on which the Commonwealth Parliament can make laws. These include around 40 areas such as defence, foreign affairs, trade, taxation, immigration, and currency. Within these areas, many are concurrent powers, meaning states can also legislate, but if there is an inconsistency between state and Commonwealth laws, the Commonwealth law prevails (Section 109).
• Residual Powers: Powers not specifically given to the Commonwealth in the Constitution remain with the states. These include crucial areas such as health, education, transport, police, and criminal law.

The role of the

High Court

is critical. It acts as the final interpreter of the Constitution and resolves disputes between the Commonwealth and the states. Over time, High Court decisions have gradually expanded the powers of the Commonwealth, often through a broad interpretation of the powers listed in Section 51.

A defining feature of Australian federalism is Vertical Fiscal Imbalance (VFI) . The Commonwealth Government collects the most efficient taxes, like income tax, giving it far more revenue than the states. In contrast, the states have responsibility for expensive service delivery like health and education. This imbalance means the states are heavily reliant on financial grants from the Commonwealth to fund their functions. These grants often come with conditions, allowing the Commonwealth to influence policy in areas that are traditionally state responsibilities.

Cooperation and conflict are both hallmarks of Australian federalism. The National Cabinet , formerly the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), serves as a forum for the Prime Minister, state premiers, and territory chief ministers to coordinate policy and discuss intergovernmental issues. The National Cabinet played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, there are constant tensions between the Commonwealth and states over funding, resources (such as water), and policy priorities.

Q7. Critically examine the changing nature of Australian economy in the era of globalization.

Ans. In the era of globalization, particularly since the 1980s, the Australian economy has undergone a dramatic transformation. It has shifted from a protected, inward-looking, and agriculture-based economy to an open, service-dominated, and globally integrated one. This change has brought both significant benefits and challenges.

Key features of the transformation:

1. Economic Liberalisation: The Hawke-Keating Labor governments of the 1980s initiated major economic reforms. These included floating the Australian dollar (1983) , deregulating the financial sector, and reducing trade barriers, especially tariffs. These reforms opened the economy to international competition and capital flows.
2. Structural Shift: The economy has moved away from traditional manufacturing and agriculture. Today, the Australian economy is dominated by the services sector , including health, education, finance, and tourism, which accounts for the largest share of GDP and employment. Simultaneously, Australia has emerged as a resource-based exporter , heavily reliant on exporting minerals like iron ore, coal, and natural gas.
3. Reorientation of Trade: Trade relationships, traditionally focused on Britain and Europe, have shifted dramatically towards the Asia-Pacific region . China is now by far Australia’s largest trading partner, a key market for its exports, particularly resources.

Critical Examination:

Positive Aspects:

• Continuous Economic Growth: These reforms helped Australia experience nearly three decades of continuous economic growth without a recession (1991-2020).
• Increased Efficiency and Competition: Globalisation has forced businesses to become more efficient and competitive, and consumers have benefited from cheaper imported goods.
• Improved Living Standards: On the whole, economic growth has raised living standards and made Australia one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

Negative Aspects and Challenges:

• Increased Vulnerability: Heavy reliance on a single market like China and on commodity exports has made the Australian economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and geopolitical tensions.
• Decline of Manufacturing: Tariff reductions and foreign competition led to a sharp decline in Australia’s manufacturing sector, causing job losses in certain regions.
• Rising Inequality: While the economy has grown overall, the benefits have not been distributed evenly. Wage growth has been sluggish, and there has been a rise in income and wealth inequality. Housing affordability has become a major issue.

In conclusion, globalization has modernized the Australian economy and brought unprecedented prosperity. However, it has also created new challenges and vulnerabilities, such as economic dependency and social inequality. The challenge for the future is to maintain the benefits of globalization while managing these risks.

Q8. Write an essay on the Indian Diaspora in Australia.

Ans. The Indian diaspora in Australia is one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing migrant communities, making a significant contribution to Australian society and its economy. Their story is a successful narrative of immigration, adaptation, and cultural enrichment.

Historical Background: Links between India and Australia date back to the colonial era, but significant migration only began with small groups of Indian cameleers and hawkers in the 19th century. However, Indian immigration remained limited until the end of the ‘White Australia Policy’ in the 1970s. Following this, and especially from the 1990s onwards, migration from India increased dramatically, driven by Australia’s skills-based immigration policy.

Contemporary Profile: Today, the Indian diaspora in Australia is a diverse community. According to the 2021 Census, India-born residents have become the second-largest migrant group in Australia, behind only those born in England. Some key characteristics of this community are:

• Highly Educated and Professional: The Indian diaspora is among the most highly educated migrant groups in Australia. They contribute significantly in fields like Information Technology (IT), engineering, medicine, and accounting, filling crucial skills gaps in Australia.
• Student Community: Australia is a major destination for Indian students, who contribute significantly to the country’s international education sector. Many students become permanent residents after completing their studies.
• Geographical Concentration: Most Indian migrants settle in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where they form vibrant community networks.

Social and Cultural Contributions:

The Indian diaspora has greatly enriched the Australian cultural landscape. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Vaisakhi are now widely celebrated in many parts of Australia. Indian food, cinema (Bollywood), music, and dance have become an integral part of Australian society. The community has also forged a strong bond between the two nations through the shared passion for cricket.

Challenges and Future: Despite its success, the Indian diaspora sometimes faces challenges such as racism, difficulties in the recognition of overseas qualifications, and cultural adjustment issues for first-generation immigrants. However, on the whole, the story of the Indian diaspora is a prime example of Australia’s multicultural success story. They are not only strengthening Australia’s economy but also acting as a vital ‘bridge’ in deepening the bilateral relationship between India and Australia, fostering trade, diplomacy, and people-to-people links.

Q9. Briefly explain the debate on multiculturalism and its different facets in Australia.

Ans. Multiculturalism has been a central tenet of Australia’s immigration and social policy since the 1970s. It replaced previous policies of assimilation and aims to create a society where people from diverse cultural backgrounds can maintain their identity, have equal opportunity, and live together in a harmonious society.

Facets of Multiculturalism: The policy of Australian multiculturalism is based on three key principles:

1. Cultural Identity: The right of all Australians to express and share their cultural heritage.
2. Social Justice: Equality of opportunity for all Australians and freedom from discrimination in all areas of life.
3. Economic Efficiency: The effective use of the skills and talents of immigrants to contribute to Australia’s economic prosperity.

In practice, this has various facets, such as celebrating cultural diversity through public festivals and events, laws prohibiting racial discrimination, providing settlement services for migrants (like English language teaching), and ensuring government services are accessible to all.

The Debate and Criticism: Despite its success, multiculturalism has been a subject of constant debate in Australia.

• Fear of Social Fragmentation: Critics argue that multiculturalism can foster social fragmentation, leading to “a nation of tribes” where different groups live isolated from one another. They fear it undermines a unified national identity.
• Threat to Core Australian Values: Some believe that the values of certain immigrant cultures (e.g., regarding gender equality or secularism) are incompatible with traditional “Australian” values. This debate often intersects with concerns about national security and terrorism.
• Extremist Backlash: Populist political movements, such as Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, have gained support by attacking multiculturalism and Asian and Muslim immigration, arguing it is a threat to the Australian way of life.
• Focus on “The Problem”: Some academics argue that the policy often frames migrants as a “problem” that needs to be managed, rather than focusing on the positive benefits brought by diversity.

In response to these criticisms, supporters of multiculturalism point out that Australia is one of the most successful immigrant nations in the world, with high levels of social cohesion and inter-ethnic marriage. They argue that multiculturalism promotes integration, not separation, as it allows people to feel proud of their heritage while participating in the broader Australian society. The debate centres on how to strike the right balance between celebrating diversity and ensuring a strong, unified nation.

Q10. Write short notes on the following : 5+5 (a) Immigration and economic prosperity in Australia (b) Welfare state tradition in Australia

Ans. (a) Immigration and economic prosperity in Australia There is a deep and symbiotic relationship between immigration and economic prosperity in Australia. From the post-WWII slogan of “populate or perish” to today’s skills-based system, immigration has been a key driver of Australia’s economic growth.

Immigration contributes to economic prosperity in several ways. Firstly, the skilled migration program is designed to bring in skilled workers in areas where there are domestic shortages, such as IT, engineering, and healthcare. This enables businesses to grow and innovate. Secondly, immigrants are consumers who create demand for goods and services, and taxpayers who help fund government services. Many immigrants are also entrepreneurs, starting new businesses and creating jobs.

Demographically, immigration helps to counteract Australia’s ageing population . Immigrants are, on average, younger than the Australian-born population, which boosts the workforce and reduces the burden on pension and healthcare systems.

However, immigration also presents challenges, such as pressure on infrastructure, housing, and transport in major cities. Some also argue it can suppress wages for low-skilled workers. Despite these concerns, the overwhelming economic consensus in Australia is that immigration has been a significant net positive for the nation’s economic prosperity, contributing to nearly three decades of uninterrupted economic growth. (b) Welfare state tradition in Australia Australia’s welfare state tradition is unique and has often been described as a “wage-earner’s welfare state.” Unlike European models that relied heavily on comprehensive social insurance and universal benefits, Australia’s historical welfare system was primarily focused on ensuring full employment and a ‘living wage’ for men through state intervention.

A landmark of this approach was the 1907 Harvester Judgement , which established a national minimum wage sufficient to support a man and his family in “frugal comfort.” This, along with wage arbitration, tariff protection, and a centralised wage-fixing system, served as the primary mechanism to protect citizens from market failures. Cash benefits, such as old-age and disability pensions, existed but were often means-tested and seen as a secondary form of protection.

After WWII, welfare provisions expanded, but this framework largely remained. However, since the 1980s and 1990s, under the influence of neo-liberal reforms, there has been a significant shift. The welfare system has become increasingly targeted, with means-testing becoming more stringent. There has been a move away from universalism towards a “social safety net” designed to assist only the most needy. Additionally, there has been the introduction of “mutual obligation” requirements for welfare recipients, requiring them to seek work, train, or volunteer in return for benefits. This represents a significant departure from the traditional Australian welfare model.