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

What is the term used to describe the process by which schools reinforce and perpetuate existing social inequalities?

  1. Educational stratification

  2. Social reproduction

  3. Educational inequality

  4. School segregation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Social reproduction refers to the process by which schools reinforce and perpetuate existing social inequalities, often through tracking, standardized testing, and other mechanisms that sort students into different social classes and occupational categories.

Multiple choice

Which theory suggests that the spatial distribution of educational resources and opportunities is influenced by historical processes of racial segregation and discrimination?

  1. The theory of spatial mismatch

  2. The theory of educational triage

  3. The theory of educational apartheid

  4. The theory of racialized space
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The theory of racialized space suggests that the spatial distribution of educational resources and opportunities is influenced by historical processes of racial segregation and discrimination, resulting in the concentration of educational disadvantage in certain geographic areas.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which students from marginalized backgrounds are pushed out of school or denied access to quality education?

  1. Educational pushout

  2. School dropout

  3. Truancy

  4. Suspension and expulsion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Educational pushout refers to the process by which students from marginalized backgrounds are pushed out of school or denied access to quality education, often through discriminatory practices, harsh discipline policies, and a lack of support.

Multiple choice

Which concept refers to the idea that schools should be safe and welcoming spaces for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability?

  1. Inclusive education

  2. Safe schools

  3. Anti-bullying policies

  4. Trauma-informed education
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Inclusive education refers to the idea that schools should be safe and welcoming spaces for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, often through policies and practices that promote equity and diversity.

Multiple choice

Which ethical issue is concerned with the fair distribution of resources and opportunities?

  1. Environmental Ethics

  2. Bioethics

  3. Social Justice

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

Social Justice is concerned with the fair distribution of resources and opportunities, and with addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. It focuses on promoting a just and equitable society where all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which women are excluded from or marginalized in the labor market?

  1. Wage gap

  2. Glass ceiling

  3. Occupational segregation

  4. Feminization of poverty
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Occupational segregation is the process by which women are excluded from or marginalized in the labor market. This can take many forms, such as the concentration of women in low-paying jobs, the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, and the lack of opportunities for women to advance in their careers.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which LGBTQ+ people are excluded from or marginalized in the labor market?

  1. Wage gap

  2. Glass ceiling

  3. Occupational segregation

  4. Labor discrimination
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Labor discrimination is the process by which LGBTQ+ people are excluded from or marginalized in the labor market. This can take many forms, such as being denied access to jobs, being paid less than non-LGBTQ+ people, or being harassed or intimidated by coworkers or supervisors.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which women are excluded from or marginalized in the political sphere?

  1. Wage gap

  2. Glass ceiling

  3. Occupational segregation

  4. Political discrimination
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Political discrimination is the process by which women are excluded from or marginalized in the political sphere. This can take many forms, such as being denied the right to vote, being underrepresented in elected office, or being harassed or intimidated by political opponents.

Multiple choice

What is the primary cause of discrimination based on race?

  1. Economic inequality

  2. Cultural differences

  3. Historical prejudice

  4. Lack of education
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Discrimination based on race is often rooted in historical prejudice and stereotypes that have been passed down through generations.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation?

  1. Homophobia

  2. Heterosexism

  3. Bisexual erasure

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

Homophobia, heterosexism, and bisexual erasure are all terms used to describe discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of intersectionality in the context of discrimination?

  1. A woman of color facing discrimination based on both race and gender

  2. A person with a disability facing discrimination based on both disability and sexual orientation

  3. A member of the LGBTQ+ community facing discrimination based on both sexual orientation and religion

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

Intersectionality refers to the overlapping and interdependent nature of different forms of discrimination. The examples provided illustrate how individuals can face discrimination based on multiple identities.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a systemic form of discrimination?

  1. Racial profiling by law enforcement

  2. Gender pay gap in the workplace

  3. Lack of accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities

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

Systemic discrimination refers to discrimination that is embedded in the structures and institutions of society. The examples provided illustrate how discrimination can be systemic and affect entire groups of people.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a microaggression?

  1. Making assumptions about someone's abilities based on their race or gender.

  2. Using derogatory terms or slurs against a particular group.

  3. Making jokes that reinforce negative stereotypes.

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

Microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination that can be verbal, behavioral, or environmental. They often reinforce negative stereotypes and can have a cumulative impact on individuals.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a hate crime?

  1. A physical assault motivated by bias against a particular group.

  2. Verbal harassment based on someone's race or religion.

  3. Property damage targeting a specific community.

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

Hate crimes are criminal acts motivated by bias against a particular group. They can include physical assault, verbal harassment, property damage, and other forms of intimidation.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the underrepresentation of certain population groups in the healthcare workforce?

  1. Health workforce disparity.

  2. Healthcare workforce gap.

  3. Healthcare workforce imbalance.

  4. Healthcare workforce segregation.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Health workforce disparity refers to the unequal distribution of healthcare professionals across different population groups.