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 an example of a politically incorrect term?

  1. Differently abled

  2. Handicapped

  3. Crippled

  4. Disabled
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The term 'crippled' is generally considered to be a politically incorrect term for people with disabilities. The terms 'differently abled' and 'handicapped' are also considered to be outdated, while the term 'disabled' is the most widely accepted and politically correct term.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the systematic elimination of a particular group of people based on their race, ethnicity, or religion?

  1. Genocide

  2. Ethnic cleansing

  3. Mass murder

  4. War crimes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Genocide is the systematic elimination of a particular group of people based on their race, ethnicity, or religion. It is a crime against humanity and has been perpetrated by totalitarian regimes throughout history.

Multiple choice

What are the social implications of the concept of purity and pollution in Indian philosophy of race?

  1. It leads to discrimination and inequality.

  2. It promotes social harmony and cooperation.

  3. It has no significant impact on society.

  4. None of the above.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The concept of purity and pollution in Indian philosophy of race has significant social implications. It leads to discrimination and inequality, as people from different social groups are treated differently based on their perceived purity or pollution. This can result in social tensions, conflict, and injustice.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the discrimination or prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals?

  1. Homophobia

  2. Transphobia

  3. Biphobia

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

Homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia are terms used to describe the prejudice, discrimination, and hatred directed towards LGBTQ+ individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of representing marginalized communities in art in a way that reinforces stereotypes and prejudices?

  1. Cultural Appropriation

  2. Tokenism

  3. Orientalism

  4. Minstrel Show
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Minstrel shows were a form of entertainment popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring white performers in blackface makeup who caricatured and mocked African Americans.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a key principle of affirmative action?

  1. Providing equal opportunities to historically disadvantaged groups

  2. Correcting past discrimination and its lingering effects

  3. Promoting diversity and inclusion in various sectors

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

Affirmative action aims to provide equal opportunities to historically disadvantaged groups, correct past discrimination and its lingering effects, and promote diversity and inclusion in various sectors.

Multiple choice

What is the primary mechanism through which racism perpetuates itself in society?

  1. Economic Inequality

  2. Political Power Structures

  3. Cultural Stereotypes

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

Racism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that manifests itself through economic, political, and cultural mechanisms, reinforcing and perpetuating social inequalities.

Multiple choice

Which concept refers to the systematic exclusion of certain racial groups from access to resources and opportunities?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Segregation

  3. Racial Discrimination

  4. Racial Redlining
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Racial discrimination encompasses a wide range of practices that intentionally or unintentionally limit the opportunities and resources available to specific racial groups.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which racial groups are assigned different values and characteristics?

  1. Racialization

  2. Racial Profiling

  3. Racial Segregation

  4. Racial Stereotyping
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Racialization refers to the social process of constructing racial categories and assigning different values and meanings to them, often leading to the marginalization and oppression of certain groups.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of assigning negative stereotypes and characteristics to a particular racial group?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Segregation

  3. Racial Stereotyping

  4. Racial Discrimination
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Racial stereotyping involves attributing fixed and often negative characteristics to an entire racial group, leading to prejudice and discrimination.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of separating people of different races into distinct geographical areas?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Segregation

  3. Racial Stereotyping

  4. Racial Discrimination
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Racial segregation involves the physical separation of different racial groups, often through policies and practices such as redlining and gerrymandering.

Multiple choice

Which concept refers to the idea that racism is a learned behavior that can be unlearned through education and social change?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Segregation

  3. Racial Stereotyping

  4. Anti-Racism
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Anti-racism is an active stance against racism, involving the recognition and challenge of racist attitudes, behaviors, and systems.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of targeting and stopping individuals based on their race or ethnicity, often without probable cause?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Segregation

  3. Racial Stereotyping

  4. Racial Discrimination
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Racial profiling involves the discriminatory practice of targeting individuals for suspicion or investigation based solely on their race or ethnicity.

Multiple choice

Which theory argues that racism is a result of prejudice and discrimination, rather than being inherent to human nature?

  1. Marxist Theory

  2. Critical Race Theory

  3. Postcolonial Theory

  4. Social Constructionist Theory
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Social constructionist theory posits that racism is a social construct created and maintained through cultural beliefs, norms, and practices.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process of assigning positive stereotypes and characteristics to a particular racial group?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Segregation

  3. Racial Stereotyping

  4. Racial Discrimination
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Racial stereotyping can also involve attributing positive characteristics to a particular racial group, often leading to essentialization and oversimplification.