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 concept of affirmative action?
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A set of policies and practices designed to correct or compensate for past discrimination.
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A set of policies and practices designed to promote diversity.
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A set of policies and practices designed to promote equality.
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A set of policies and practices designed to promote justice.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Affirmative action is a set of policies and practices designed to correct or compensate for past discrimination. This can include things like giving preferential treatment to minorities in hiring and admissions decisions, or creating programs to help minorities overcome the effects of discrimination.
What is the concept of colorblindness?
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The idea that race should not be taken into account in decision-making.
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The idea that race should be taken into account in decision-making.
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The idea that race should be the most important factor in decision-making.
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The idea that race should be the least important factor in decision-making.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Colorblindness is the idea that race should not be taken into account in decision-making. This can include things like not considering race when hiring or promoting employees, or not considering race when admitting students to schools.
What is the concept of racial profiling?
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The practice of stopping and searching individuals based on their race.
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The practice of arresting individuals based on their race.
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The practice of convicting individuals based on their race.
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The practice of sentencing individuals based on their race.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Racial profiling is the practice of stopping and searching individuals based on their race. This can be done by law enforcement officers, security guards, or other individuals in positions of authority.
What is the concept of hate crime?
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A crime that is motivated by hatred or bias against a particular group of people.
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A crime that is motivated by hatred or bias against a particular individual.
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A crime that is motivated by hatred or bias against a particular religion.
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A crime that is motivated by hatred or bias against a particular political party.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A hate crime is a crime that is motivated by hatred or bias against a particular group of people. This can include things like crimes motivated by racism, sexism, homophobia, or anti-Semitism.
What is the concept of ethnic cleansing?
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The forced removal of a particular group of people from a particular area.
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The forced removal of a particular individual from a particular area.
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The forced removal of a particular religion from a particular area.
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The forced removal of a particular political party from a particular area.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ethnic cleansing is the forced removal of a particular group of people from a particular area. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
Which of the following is NOT a dimension of social stratification?
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Age is not a dimension of social stratification, as it is not a socially constructed category that is associated with differential access to resources and opportunities.
What is the term used to describe films that explore the intersections of race, ethnicity, and identity?
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Ethnographic films
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Postcolonial documentaries
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Indigenous films
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Identity films
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Identity films explore the intersections of race, ethnicity, and identity. They often focus on the experiences of marginalized or underrepresented groups and their struggles for recognition and equality.
What is the term used to describe the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, ethnicity, gender, and class?
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Racial and Ethnic Intersectionality
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Social Stratification
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Identity Politics
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Cultural Pluralism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Racial and ethnic intersectionality refers to the ways in which multiple forms of discrimination and oppression overlap and intersect, creating unique experiences and challenges for individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups.
An example of how racial and ethnic intersectionality can manifest in the workplace is:
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A Black woman being paid less than a white man for the same job.
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A Latina being denied a promotion because of her accent.
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An Asian American man being passed over for a leadership position because of stereotypes about his leadership abilities.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Racial and ethnic intersectionality can manifest in various ways in the workplace, including pay disparities, discrimination in hiring and promotion, and stereotypes and biases that limit opportunities for individuals from marginalized groups.
What is the term used to describe the practice of excluding certain individuals or groups from social interaction and opportunities due to their caste?
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Segregation
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Discrimination
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Untouchability
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Excommunication
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Untouchability refers to the practice of excluding certain individuals or groups from social interaction and opportunities based on their caste.
What is the term used to describe the practice of assigning social status and privileges based on an individual's caste?
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Casteism
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Discrimination
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Segregation
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Untouchability
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Casteism refers to the practice of assigning social status and privileges based on an individual's caste.
What is the term used to describe the belief that one's own race is superior to others?
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Racism
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Ethnocentrism
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Xenophobia
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Jingoism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Racism is the belief that one's own race is superior to others. It is a form of discrimination that can lead to prejudice, hatred, and violence.
What is the term used to describe the process of gradually eliminating racial discrimination and prejudice?
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Desegregation
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Integration
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Affirmative action
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Multiculturalism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Desegregation is the process of gradually eliminating racial discrimination and prejudice. It involves the removal of barriers that separate people of different races and the promotion of equal opportunities for all.
What is the term used to describe the belief that all races are equal and should be treated with respect?
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Racial equality
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Racial justice
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Racial harmony
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Racial understanding
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Racial equality is the belief that all races are equal and should be treated with respect. It is a fundamental human right that is essential for a just and peaceful society.
What is the term used to describe the process of promoting understanding and cooperation between different races?
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Racial reconciliation
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Racial healing
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Racial unity
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Racial solidarity
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Racial reconciliation is the process of promoting understanding and cooperation between different races. It involves acknowledging and addressing past injustices, building relationships, and working together to create a more just and equitable society.