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
What is the term for the representation of a racial or ethnic group in a way that is authentic and genuine?
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Authentic racial representation
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Genuine racial representation
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Positive racial representation
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Inclusive racial representation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Authentic racial representation is the representation of a racial or ethnic group in a way that is authentic and genuine.
What is the term used to describe the process of creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of their differences?
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Diversity
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Inclusion
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Equity
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Justice
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Inclusion refers to the creation of an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their differences.
What is the term used to describe the systematic and institutional barriers that prevent certain population groups from fully participating in society?
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Health Disparities
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Social Determinants of Health
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Structural Racism
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Health Inequities
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Structural racism refers to the systemic and institutional barriers that prevent certain racial and ethnic groups from fully participating in society.
What is the term used to describe the process of creating a healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of the population it serves?
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Workforce Diversification
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Workforce Inclusion
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Workforce Equity
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Workforce Representation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Workforce diversification refers to the process of creating a healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of the population it serves.
What is intersectionality?
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The idea that multiple forms of discrimination can overlap and interact.
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The idea that all forms of discrimination are equally harmful.
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The idea that discrimination based on race is more harmful than discrimination based on other factors.
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The idea that discrimination based on sex is more harmful than discrimination based on other factors.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Intersectionality is the idea that multiple forms of discrimination can overlap and interact, creating unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
Which racial group in the United States has the highest median household income?
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White
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Black
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Hispanic
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Asian
A
Correct answer
Explanation
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for White households in the United States is \$67,521, compared to \$41,631 for Black households, \$53,657 for Hispanic households, and \$87,250 for Asian households.
What is environmental racism?
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The intentional placement of toxic waste facilities in minority communities.
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The disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority communities.
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The lack of access to environmental resources for minority communities.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Environmental racism is a form of environmental injustice that results in the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority communities. This can include the intentional placement of toxic waste facilities in minority communities, the lack of access to environmental resources for minority communities, and the disproportionate exposure of minority communities to environmental hazards.
What is the term used to describe the practice of judging someone's abilities based on their appearance?
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Fashion discrimination
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Gender bias
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Lookism
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Workplace sexism
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Lookism is the practice of judging someone's abilities based on their appearance, including their clothing and accessories.
Which of the following is NOT a way to promote racial and ethnic equality in urban areas?
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Encouraging diversity and inclusion
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Providing equal access to education and employment opportunities
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Addressing racial and ethnic discrimination
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Promoting segregation
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Promoting segregation is not a way to promote racial and ethnic equality in urban areas. In fact, it is likely to make racial and ethnic inequality worse by creating separate and unequal communities. The other options, such as encouraging diversity and inclusion, providing equal access to education and employment opportunities, and addressing racial and ethnic discrimination, are all positive steps that can be taken to promote racial and ethnic equality in urban areas.
Which racial group in the United States has the lowest average savings rate?
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White
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Black
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Hispanic
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Asian
B
Correct answer
Explanation
According to the Federal Reserve, Black households have the lowest average savings rate among all racial groups in the United States.
What is the racial retirement gap?
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The difference in average retirement savings between White and Black households
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The difference in average retirement savings between White and Hispanic households
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The difference in average retirement savings between White and Asian households
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The racial retirement gap is the difference in average retirement savings between White and Black households.
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.