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
Which term is considered offensive and perpetuates negative stereotypes about African Americans?
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African American
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Black
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Colored
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Negro
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term "Negro" has a long history of being used in a derogatory manner and is considered offensive and outdated. It is important to use respectful and appropriate language when referring to people of different races.
What is the term used to describe the process of using language to exclude or marginalize certain groups of people?
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Linguistic Discrimination
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Language Exclusion
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Discourse Marginalization
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Language Segregation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Linguistic discrimination refers to the use of language to exclude or marginalize certain groups of people based on their race, gender, ethnicity, or other social identities.
Which of the following is an example of linguistic discrimination based on race?
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Using the term "African American" instead of "Black"
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Referring to someone as "Oriental" instead of "Asian"
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Using the term "disabled" instead of "differently-abled"
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Using the term "gay" instead of "homosexual"
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Referring to someone as "Oriental" instead of "Asian" is an example of linguistic discrimination based on race, as it perpetuates the outdated and offensive stereotype of Asians being from the "Orient".
What is the term used to describe the use of language to promote equality and social justice?
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Inclusive Language
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Equitable Language
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Anti-Discriminatory Language
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Social Justice Language
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Inclusive language refers to the use of language that is respectful of all people, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other social identities.
Which of the following is an example of inclusive language?
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Using the term "people of color" instead of "non-white"
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Using the term "differently-abled" instead of "disabled"
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Using the pronoun "they" to refer to a person of unknown gender
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Using the term "LGBTQ+ community" instead of "the gays"
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Using the term "LGBTQ+ community" instead of "the gays" is an example of inclusive language, as it is respectful of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
What is the term used to describe the use of language to challenge racism and promote racial equality?
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Anti-Racist Language
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Racial Justice Language
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Diversity and Inclusion Language
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Multicultural Language
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Anti-racist language refers to the use of language that challenges racism and promotes racial equality.
Which of the following is an example of anti-racist language?
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Using the term "African American" instead of "Black"
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Referring to someone as "Oriental" instead of "Asian"
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Using the term "disabled" instead of "differently-abled"
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Using the term "gay" instead of "homosexual"
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Using the term "African American" instead of "Black" is an example of anti-racist language, as it acknowledges the historical and cultural context of the term "African American" and is respectful of the preferences of many people of African descent.
In the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird", how does Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson impact the community's perception of race and justice?
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It sparks a dialogue about racial prejudice and discrimination.
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It leads to increased tensions between the white and black communities.
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It inspires other white citizens to stand up against injustice.
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It results in the acquittal of Tom Robinson and the end of racial segregation.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Atticus Finch's courageous defense of Tom Robinson, despite the overwhelming odds, initiates a conversation within the community about the deeply ingrained racial prejudices and injustices that exist, challenging societal norms and raising awareness of the need for change.
What is the term for the practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one racial or ethnic group over another?
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Racial gerrymandering
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Ethnic gerrymandering
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Gerrymandering
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Redistricting
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Racial gerrymandering is the practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one racial or ethnic group over another.
Which of the following is a type of sentencing disparity?
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Racial disparity
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Gender disparity
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Socioeconomic disparity
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Sentencing disparities include racial disparity, gender disparity, and socioeconomic disparity, which refer to differences in sentencing outcomes based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
What is the term used to describe the disproportionate impact of energy poverty on marginalized communities?
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Energy Injustice
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Energy Divide
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Energy Inequality
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Energy injustice refers to the unequal distribution of energy access and affordability, often affecting marginalized communities disproportionately.
What is the relationship between authoritarianism and racial discrimination?
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Authoritarianism promotes racial equality.
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Authoritarianism is unrelated to racial discrimination.
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Authoritarianism can be used to justify racial discrimination.
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Authoritarianism is always associated with racial discrimination.
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Authoritarian regimes often use racial discrimination as a tool to maintain control and power.
What is the term for the belief that one race is superior to others?
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Racism
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Xenophobia
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Ethnocentrism
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Nationalism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Racism refers to the belief that one race is superior to others and often leads to discrimination and prejudice.
What is the term for the separation of people based on race or ethnicity?
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Apartheid
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Segregation
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Discrimination
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Xenophobia
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Segregation refers to the separation of people based on race or ethnicity, often leading to unequal treatment and limited opportunities.
What is the term for the fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers?
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Racism
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Xenophobia
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Ethnocentrism
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Nationalism
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Xenophobia refers to the fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers and can lead to discrimination and hostility towards people from other countries.