Voluntary associations as buffer - explanation
Question
Which one of the following statements reflects the best explanation of the above passage?
Options
It emphasizes the inability of the State to enforce its will in practice against the opposition of certain groups within it.
It is a cooperative organization for the promotion of the well-being and development of the personality of its members.
It takes individuals out of a state of isolation and gives them a chance to participate in the common endeavour.
It permits citizens to have a variety of loyalties and allegiance.
Explanation
The passage highlights the structural role of voluntary associations as a "buffer." A buffer acts as a protective shield mitigating direct impact. In political theory, an isolated, "powerless individual" is vulnerable to the "powerful State." Associations provide this buffer by ending individual isolation, uniting citizens so they can collectively participate in civic life and defend against state overreach. Option (a) incorrectly focuses on state weakness rather than individual protection, while (b) focuses purely on internal personality development rather than the state-individual power dynamic.
Answer: (c).
Question details
Year
2025
Paper
CSAT
Question
Q73
Section
Reading Comprehension
Sub-topic
Polity / Society passage
Type
RC - Critical message
Difficulty
Hard
Source hint
Passage-based comprehension
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