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

What is environmental racism?

  1. The intentional or unintentional placement of polluting industries and facilities in or near minority communities.

  2. The unequal distribution of environmental benefits and burdens between different racial or ethnic groups.

  3. The discrimination against people of color in environmental decision-making.

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

Environmental racism is a systemic issue that has resulted in disproportionate exposure to pollution and other environmental hazards for people of color.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common example of environmental racism?

  1. The siting of a toxic waste dump in a predominantly white community.

  2. The construction of a highway through a predominantly black neighborhood.

  3. The operation of a coal-fired power plant near a predominantly Hispanic community.

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

Environmental racism can take many forms, but some common examples include the siting of polluting facilities in or near minority communities, the construction of highways and other infrastructure projects that divide and displace minority communities, and the unequal enforcement of environmental regulations.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of criminal activity based solely on their race or ethnicity?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Racial Discrimination

  3. Racial Bias

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

Racial profiling is the practice of targeting individuals for suspicion of criminal activity based solely on their race or ethnicity, rather than on any individual behavior or evidence.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to racial disparities in sentencing?

  1. Implicit Bias

  2. Lack of Diversity in the Judicial System

  3. Socioeconomic Status

  4. Prior Criminal Record
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

While socioeconomic status can impact an individual's likelihood of being arrested or convicted, it is not a direct factor in sentencing disparities. Implicit bias, lack of diversity in the judicial system, and prior criminal record are all factors that contribute to racial disparities in sentencing.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of racial profiling?

  1. Increased distrust of law enforcement

  2. Higher rates of incarceration for people of color

  3. Reduced public safety

  4. Improved police-community relations
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Racial profiling has numerous negative consequences, including increased distrust of law enforcement, higher rates of incarceration for people of color, and reduced public safety. It does not lead to improved police-community relations.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system, from arrest to sentencing?

  1. Mass Incarceration

  2. Racial Disproportionality

  3. Racial Profiling

  4. Implicit Bias
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Racial disproportionality refers to the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system, from arrest to sentencing. This disparity is not due to higher crime rates among people of color, but rather to systemic biases and discrimination.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

  1. Diversion Programs

  2. Implicit Bias Training

  3. Increased Diversity in the Judicial System

  4. Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Mandatory minimum sentencing laws contribute to racial disparities in the criminal justice system by requiring harsh sentences for certain crimes, regardless of individual circumstances. Diversion programs, implicit bias training, and increased diversity in the judicial system are all strategies to address these disparities.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Stop-and-Frisk

  2. Racial Profiling

  3. Implicit Bias

  4. Mass Incarceration
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Stop-and-Frisk is the practice of stopping and searching individuals without probable cause, often based on race or ethnicity. This practice has been found to be unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system?

  1. Poverty

  2. Lack of Education

  3. Racial Profiling

  4. Genetic Predisposition
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Genetic predisposition is not a factor that contributes to the overrepresentation of people of color in the criminal justice system. Poverty, lack of education, and racial profiling are all factors that contribute to this disparity.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of targeting certain neighborhoods or communities for increased police surveillance and enforcement, often based on race or ethnicity?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Stop-and-Frisk

  3. Broken Windows Policing

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

Broken Windows Policing is the practice of targeting certain neighborhoods or communities for increased police surveillance and enforcement, often based on race or ethnicity. This practice has been criticized for its discriminatory impact and its failure to reduce crime.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

  1. Increased distrust of law enforcement

  2. Higher rates of recidivism

  3. Reduced public safety

  4. Improved economic opportunities
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Racial disparities in the criminal justice system have numerous negative consequences, including increased distrust of law enforcement, higher rates of recidivism, and reduced public safety. They do not lead to improved economic opportunities.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of using algorithms and data analysis to predict an individual's likelihood of committing a crime, often based on race or ethnicity?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Predictive Policing

  3. Implicit Bias

  4. Mass Incarceration
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Predictive Policing is the practice of using algorithms and data analysis to predict an individual's likelihood of committing a crime, often based on race or ethnicity. This practice has been criticized for its discriminatory impact and its potential to exacerbate racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system?

  1. Diversion Programs

  2. Implicit Bias Training

  3. Increased Diversity in the Judicial System

  4. Cash Bail
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Cash bail contributes to racial disparities in the criminal justice system by creating a wealth-based barrier to pretrial release. Diversion programs, implicit bias training, and increased diversity in the judicial system are all strategies to reduce these disparities.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of using excessive force by law enforcement, often against people of color?

  1. Police Brutality

  2. Racial Profiling

  3. Implicit Bias

  4. Mass Incarceration
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Police Brutality is the practice of using excessive force by law enforcement, often against people of color. This practice has been a major source of tension and conflict between law enforcement and communities of color.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of using racial slurs or other racially offensive language by law enforcement?

  1. Racial Profiling

  2. Police Brutality

  3. Racial Harassment

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

Racial Harassment is the practice of using racial slurs or other racially offensive language by law enforcement. This practice creates a hostile and intimidating environment for people of color and undermines trust in law enforcement.