Social Science ยท Civics Polity

Social Inequality and Discrimination

2,011 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 common form of ethnic discrimination?

  1. Xenophobia

  2. Ethnocentrism

  3. Cultural appropriation

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

Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of foreigners, ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior to all others, and cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of a dominant culture.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to racial and ethnic inequality?

  1. Racism

  2. Ethnocentrism

  3. Discrimination

  4. Socioeconomic status
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Socioeconomic status is not a factor that contributes to racial and ethnic inequality. In fact, it is often the result of racial and ethnic inequality.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a strategy for reducing racial and ethnic inequality?

  1. Affirmative action

  2. Anti-discrimination laws

  3. Education

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

Affirmative action, anti-discrimination laws, and education are all strategies for reducing racial and ethnic inequality.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a theory that explains how race and ethnicity are used to maintain social stratification?

  1. Racial formation theory

  2. Racialization theory

  3. Ethnoracial stratification theory

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

Racial formation theory, racialization theory, and ethnoracial stratification theory are all theories that explain how race and ethnicity are used to maintain social stratification.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a term used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are assigned different social and economic positions?

  1. Racialization

  2. Ethnoracial stratification

  3. Social stratification

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

Racialization is the process by which racial and ethnic groups are assigned different social and economic positions.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a term used to describe the system of social stratification based on race and ethnicity?

  1. Racial formation

  2. Racialization

  3. Ethnoracial stratification

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

Ethnoracial stratification is the system of social stratification based on race and ethnicity.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a term used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are separated from each other?

  1. Segregation

  2. Apartheid

  3. Jim Crow

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

Segregation, apartheid, and Jim Crow are all terms used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are separated from each other.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a term used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are brought together?

  1. Integration

  2. Desegregation

  3. Busing

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

Integration, desegregation, and busing are all terms used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are brought together.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a term used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are given equal opportunities?

  1. Equality

  2. Equity

  3. Justice

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

Equality, equity, and justice are all terms used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are given equal opportunities.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a term used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are reconciled after a period of conflict?

  1. Reconciliation

  2. Truth and reconciliation

  3. Healing

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

Reconciliation, truth and reconciliation, and healing are all terms used to describe the process by which racial and ethnic groups are reconciled after a period of conflict.

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.