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
What are the three main causes of sentencing disparities?
-
Bias, discrimination, and prejudice
-
Lack of resources, lack of training, and lack of experience
-
Political pressure, public opinion, and media coverage
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The three main causes of sentencing disparities are bias, discrimination, and prejudice; lack of resources, lack of training, and lack of experience; and political pressure, public opinion, and media coverage.
Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to racial differences in wages and salaries?
-
Discrimination
-
Education
-
Occupation
-
Experience
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Experience is not a factor that contributes to racial differences in wages and salaries. Discrimination, education, and occupation are all factors that can contribute to these differences.
Which racial group in the United States has the highest median household income?
-
White
-
Black
-
Hispanic
-
Asian
A
Correct answer
Explanation
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for White households in 2020 was $79,900, compared to $42,700 for Black households, $57,600 for Hispanic households, and $97,300 for Asian households.
Which racial group in the United States has the lowest median household income?
-
White
-
Black
-
Hispanic
-
Asian
B
Correct answer
Explanation
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for Black households in 2020 was $42,700, compared to $79,900 for White households, $57,600 for Hispanic households, and $97,300 for Asian households.
Which of the following occupations has the highest racial wage gap?
-
Management
-
Sales
-
Service
-
Production
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The racial wage gap is highest in management occupations, where Black workers earn only 75% of what White workers earn. The wage gap is also significant in sales and service occupations, but it is smallest in production occupations.
Which of the following occupations has the lowest racial wage gap?
-
Management
-
Sales
-
Service
-
Production
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The racial wage gap is lowest in production occupations, where Black workers earn 95% of what White workers earn. The wage gap is also relatively small in sales and service occupations, but it is largest in management occupations.
In "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein, the author provides a historical analysis of how government policies and practices have contributed to racial segregation and inequality in housing in the United States. This book is a significant contribution to which field of study?
-
Urban Studies
-
Sociology
-
History
-
Law
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Rothstein's book is a major work in urban studies, examining the historical and contemporary factors that have shaped racial segregation in housing and its impact on communities.
In "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander, the author argues that the criminal justice system in the United States perpetuates racial inequality and functions as a new form of racial segregation. This book is a significant contribution to which field of study?
-
Critical Race Theory
-
Sociology of Law
-
Criminal Justice Studies
-
Political Science
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Alexander's book is a major work in critical race theory, analyzing the role of the criminal justice system in maintaining racial inequality in the United States.
Which of the following is a common type of housing discrimination?
-
Refusing to rent or sell a property to someone based on their race or ethnicity
-
Charging higher rent or prices to certain groups of people
-
Steering prospective buyers or renters to certain neighborhoods based on their race or ethnicity
-
All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Refusing to rent or sell, charging higher prices, and steering prospective buyers or renters based on race or ethnicity are all common forms of housing discrimination.
What are some examples of discrimination?
-
Refusing to hire someone because of their race.
-
Denying someone access to education because of their gender.
-
Harassing someone because of their religion.
-
All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Discrimination can take many forms, including refusing to hire someone because of their race, denying someone access to education because of their gender, harassing someone because of their religion, and many other forms. Discrimination can be overt or covert, and it can have a devastating impact on the lives of those who experience it.
What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals are excluded from social participation and denied access to resources and opportunities?
-
Social exclusion
-
Social marginalization
-
Social stratification
-
Social inequality
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Social exclusion refers to the process by which individuals or groups are excluded from social participation and denied access to resources and opportunities. It can be based on various factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or social class.
Which of the following is a form of discrimination based on race or ethnicity?
-
Ageism
-
Sexism
-
Racism
-
Classism
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Racism is a form of discrimination based on race or ethnicity, involving prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination against individuals or groups based on their racial or ethnic background.
The systematic oppression of a particular group of people based on their race or ethnicity is known as:
-
Apartheid
-
Segregation
-
Colonialism
-
Genocide
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Apartheid is a system of racial segregation and discrimination that was implemented in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It involved the separation of different racial groups in all aspects of life, including housing, education, healthcare, and employment.
What is the term used to describe the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among different age groups?
-
Ageism
-
Youth Discrimination
-
Elder Abuse
-
Generational Divide
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ageism refers to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among different age groups, resulting in disparities in employment, healthcare, social services, and other aspects of life.
Which of the following is a form of discrimination based on age?
-
Racism
-
Sexism
-
Homophobia
-
Ageism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Ageism is a form of discrimination based on age, involving prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age.