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 is the racial homeownership gap?
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The difference in homeownership rates between White and Black households
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The difference in homeownership rates between White and Hispanic households
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The difference in homeownership rates between White and Asian households
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The racial homeownership gap is the difference in homeownership rates between White and Black households.
What are the legal and policy measures implemented in foreign countries to address caste discrimination?
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Anti-discrimination laws specifically targeting caste
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General anti-discrimination laws covering caste
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No legal measures to address caste discrimination
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Caste-based affirmative action policies
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In some foreign countries, general anti-discrimination laws cover caste as a protected characteristic, prohibiting discrimination based on caste in various domains such as employment, housing, and education.
Which population groups are typically considered vulnerable to environmental injustice?
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Low-income communities and communities of color
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Indigenous peoples and tribal communities
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Rural communities and agricultural workers
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Vulnerable populations to environmental injustice include low-income communities and communities of color, Indigenous peoples and tribal communities, rural communities and agricultural workers, and other marginalized groups.
What is the term used to describe the disproportionate impact of climate change on Indigenous communities?
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Climate Injustice
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Climate Apartheid
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Environmental Racism
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Climate Colonialism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Climate injustice refers to the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, who often bear the brunt of its negative consequences despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the following is a key concept in critical race theory?
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White privilege
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Systemic racism
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Colorblindness
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Cultural assimilation
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Critical race theory emphasizes the concept of systemic racism, which refers to the institutional and societal structures that perpetuate racial inequality.
Which racial group in the United States consistently exhibits the highest high school graduation rates?
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African Americans
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Native Americans
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Asian Americans
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Hispanic Americans
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Asian Americans have historically had the highest high school graduation rates among racial groups in the United States, with recent data showing rates consistently above 90%.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where students from racial minority groups are disproportionately placed in special education classes?
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Racial profiling
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Disparate impact
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Overrepresentation
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Stereotype threat
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Overrepresentation refers to the disproportionate placement of students from racial minority groups in special education classes, often due to biases in assessment and referral practices.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where students from racial minority groups experience anxiety or underperform on standardized tests due to the perception of being stereotyped?
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Test anxiety
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Stereotype threat
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Cultural bias
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Performance anxiety
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Stereotype threat refers to the anxiety or underperformance experienced by individuals from racial minority groups when they are aware of negative stereotypes about their group's intellectual abilities.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where students from racial minority groups are more likely to be suspended or expelled from school compared to their White peers?
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School-to-prison pipeline
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Zero-tolerance policies
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Disproportionate discipline
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Racial profiling
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Disproportionate discipline refers to the higher rates of suspension and expulsion experienced by students from racial minority groups compared to their White peers, often due to implicit biases and discriminatory practices in school discipline.
Which racial group in the United States has the lowest college enrollment rates?
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African Americans
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Native Americans
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Asian Americans
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Hispanic Americans
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Native Americans have historically had the lowest college enrollment rates among racial groups in the United States, facing challenges such as poverty, geographic isolation, and lack of access to higher education institutions.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where students from racial minority groups are more likely to attend underfunded schools with fewer resources compared to their White peers?
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Educational inequality
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School segregation
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Resource gap
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Unequal access to education
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Resource gap refers to the disparities in funding, facilities, and educational resources between schools attended by students from racial minority groups and those attended by their White peers.
Which racial group in the United States has the highest college graduation rates?
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African Americans
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Native Americans
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Asian Americans
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Hispanic Americans
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Asian Americans have historically had the highest college graduation rates among racial groups in the United States, with recent data showing rates consistently above 50%.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where students from racial minority groups are more likely to be tracked into vocational or special education programs compared to their White peers?
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Disproportionate representation
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Tracking
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Stereotype threat
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Educational inequality
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Tracking refers to the practice of placing students into different educational programs or tracks based on their perceived abilities or interests, often leading to disparities in opportunities and outcomes for students from racial minority groups.
Which racial group in the United States has the highest high school dropout rates?
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African Americans
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Native Americans
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Asian Americans
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Hispanic Americans
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Native Americans have historically had the highest high school dropout rates among racial groups in the United States, facing challenges such as poverty, cultural barriers, and lack of access to quality education.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where students from racial minority groups are more likely to be arrested and incarcerated compared to their White peers?
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Mass incarceration
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Racial profiling
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School-to-prison pipeline
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Disproportionate representation
C
Correct answer
Explanation
School-to-prison pipeline refers to the systemic issues that lead students from racial minority groups to be disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, often starting with discriminatory practices in school discipline.