Inequality is visible, even statistically measurable in many instances, but the economic power that drives it is invisible and not measurable. Like the force of gravity, power is the organising principle of inequality, be it of income, or wealth, gender, race, religion and region. Its effects are seen in a pervasive manner in all spheres, but the ways in which economic power pulls and tilts visible economic variables remain invisibly obscure.

Question: On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Economic power is the only reason for the existence of inequality in a society.
2. Inequality of different kinds, income, wealth, etc. reinforces power.
3. Economic power can be analysed more through its effects than by direct empirical methods.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

The correct option is 3 only.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

To determine which assumptions are valid, we analyze each statement in relation to the provided passage:

1. Evaluating Assumption 1: "Economic power is the only reason for the existence of inequality in a society."
The passage states that "power is the organising principle of inequality." However, it does not state or imply that economic power is the only reason for inequality. In critical reasoning, extreme words such as "only" usually make an assumption invalid unless explicitly supported by the text. Since the passage does not rule out other factors, this assumption is invalid.

2. Evaluating Assumption 2: "Inequality of different kinds, income, wealth, etc. reinforces power."
The passage describes a one-way relationship where economic power drives, organizes, and influences inequality ("power is the organising principle of inequality... Its effects are seen in a pervasive manner"). It does not mention or imply a feedback loop where inequality, in turn, strengthens or reinforces power. Therefore, this assumption is invalid.

3. Evaluating Assumption 3: "Economic power can be analysed more through its effects than by direct empirical methods."
The passage explicitly states that economic power is "invisible and not measurable" and that its mechanisms remain "invisibly obscure." At the same time, it highlights that "Its effects are seen in a pervasive manner in all spheres." Because power itself cannot be directly measured (precluding direct empirical measurement of the force itself), it must be understood and analyzed through its visible, pervasive effects. Therefore, this assumption is valid.

Consequently, only assumption 3 is valid, making "3 only" the correct option.