Social Science ยท Civics Polity

Social Inequality and Discrimination

1,938 Questions

Social inequality and discrimination involve the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities based on race, class, or gender. These concepts are frequently tested in UPSC, state PSC, and SSC exams. Practicing these questions helps clarify key sociological theories and structural challenges.

Environmental racism conceptsRacial prejudice strategiesWorkplace discrimination policiesMedia representation issuesSocial equality principles

Social Inequality and Discrimination Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a term used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are united in a common cause?

  1. Solidarity

  2. Coalition building

  3. Community organizing

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Solidarity, coalition building, and community organizing are all terms used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are united in a common cause.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a challenge faced by individuals who move up the social ladder?

  1. Discrimination

  2. Prejudice

  3. Stereotyping

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Individuals who move up the social ladder may face discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping from those who are still at the bottom.

Multiple choice

According to the Contact Hypothesis, what is the key factor in reducing prejudice and discrimination?

  1. Increased social contact between different racial and ethnic groups

  2. Legal and policy changes

  3. Economic development

  4. Educational attainment
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Contact Hypothesis suggests that positive interactions between members of different racial and ethnic groups can lead to reduced prejudice and discrimination.

Multiple choice

Which theory emphasizes the role of institutional racism in perpetuating racial inequality?

  1. Institutional Racism Theory

  2. Social Identity Theory

  3. Exchange Theory

  4. Rational Choice Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Institutional Racism Theory posits that racism is embedded in institutions and structures, leading to systemic discrimination and inequality.

Multiple choice

According to the Racial Formation Theory, how are racial categories created and maintained?

  1. Through social and political processes

  2. Based on biological and genetic factors

  3. Through cultural and linguistic differences

  4. Through economic and class divisions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Racial Formation Theory argues that racial categories are socially constructed and maintained through political, economic, and cultural processes.

Multiple choice

According to the Theory of Racial and Ethnic Competition, what is the primary driver of conflict between racial and ethnic groups?

  1. Competition for resources and power

  2. Cultural differences and misunderstandings

  3. Institutional racism and discrimination

  4. Social identity and group membership
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Theory of Racial and Ethnic Competition suggests that conflict between racial and ethnic groups arises from competition for scarce resources and power.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the systematic oppression of one group of people by another?

  1. Social stratification

  2. Institutional racism

  3. Cultural relativism

  4. Economic inequality
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Institutional racism refers to the systemic and ingrained discrimination against a particular racial group that is embedded in the institutions and structures of a society.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the systematic and institutionalized discrimination against a particular group of people?

  1. Social stratification

  2. Institutional racism

  3. Cultural relativism

  4. Economic inequality
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Institutional racism refers to the systemic and ingrained discrimination against a particular racial group that is embedded in the institutions and structures of a society.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a form of racial discrimination in sports?

  1. Segregation of athletes based on race

  2. Denying athletes of color opportunities to compete

  3. Using racial slurs or insults against athletes

  4. Celebrating the achievements of athletes of all races
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Celebrating the achievements of athletes of all races is not a form of racial discrimination. In fact, it is a way to promote racial equality in sports.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the disproportionate burden of food insecurity and poor nutrition experienced by certain racial and ethnic groups?

  1. Food apartheid

  2. Food racism

  3. Nutritional inequality

  4. Food injustice
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Food apartheid refers to the systemic barriers that prevent certain racial and ethnic groups from accessing healthy and affordable food, leading to disparities in nutrition and health outcomes.

Multiple choice

Which racial group in the United States has the highest rate of food insecurity?

  1. African Americans

  2. Hispanic Americans

  3. Asian Americans

  4. White Americans
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

African Americans have consistently experienced the highest rates of food insecurity in the United States, with over 20% of households facing food insecurity compared to 10% of white households.

Multiple choice

Which racial group in the United States has the highest rate of obesity?

  1. African Americans

  2. Hispanic Americans

  3. Asian Americans

  4. White Americans
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

African Americans have the highest rate of obesity in the United States, with over 40% of adults classified as obese compared to 30% of white adults.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are marginalized and excluded from the mainstream food system?

  1. Food exclusion

  2. Food discrimination

  3. Food segregation

  4. Food oppression
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Food exclusion refers to the systemic barriers that prevent certain racial and ethnic groups from fully participating in the food system, including access to healthy food, land, and resources.

Multiple choice

Which racial group in the United States has the highest rate of diabetes?

  1. African Americans

  2. Hispanic Americans

  3. Asian Americans

  4. White Americans
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

African Americans have the highest rate of diabetes in the United States, with over 12% of adults diagnosed with diabetes compared to 7% of white adults.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the movement that seeks to address racial and ethnic disparities in the food system and promote food justice?

  1. Food justice movement

  2. Food sovereignty movement

  3. Sustainable food movement

  4. Local food movement
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The food justice movement aims to dismantle systemic racism and oppression in the food system, working towards equitable access to healthy and affordable food for all.