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 people of different racial or ethnic groups are discriminated against in employment, housing, education, and other areas of life?

  1. Segregation

  2. Apartheid

  3. Discrimination

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

Discrimination is the process by which people of different racial or ethnic groups are discriminated against in employment, housing, education, and other areas of life.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a major dimension of social stratification?

  1. Class

  2. Race

  3. Gender

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

Age is not a major dimension of social stratification, as it does not consistently predict life chances or opportunities.

Multiple choice

Body shaming is a form of:

  1. Constructive criticism that helps individuals improve their appearance

  2. Harassment and discrimination based on a person's body size or shape

  3. A necessary tool for promoting healthy eating and exercise habits

  4. A form of self-expression that allows individuals to share their opinions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Body shaming is a form of harassment and discrimination that targets individuals based on their body size or shape.

Multiple choice

The body positivity movement has challenged:

  1. The idea that there is a single, ideal body type

  2. The promotion of unrealistic beauty standards in the media

  3. The importance of self-care and healthy living

  4. The celebration of diversity and individuality
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The body positivity movement has challenged the idea that there is a single, ideal body type, promoting the acceptance and appreciation of all body types.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the portrayal of a particular racial or ethnic group in a stereotypical or exaggerated manner?

  1. Stereotyping

  2. Racism

  3. Discrimination

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

Stereotyping is the process of attributing certain characteristics to a group of people based on their race or ethnicity, often in a negative or exaggerated manner.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of colorblind racism?

  1. Denying that racism exists

  2. Believing that all races are equal

  3. Ignoring racial differences

  4. Treating people of different races the same
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Colorblind racism is the idea that race is not a relevant factor in society and that people should be treated equally regardless of their race. However, this approach can ignore the very real experiences of racism and discrimination that people of color face.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the belief that one's own social group is superior to others?

  1. Ethnocentrism

  2. Xenophobia

  3. Racism

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

Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own culture or social group is superior to others.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the situation when a person or household experiences poverty due to discrimination or social exclusion?

  1. Absolute poverty

  2. Relative poverty

  3. Situational poverty

  4. Social poverty
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Social poverty refers to poverty caused by discrimination or social exclusion, such as racism, sexism, or xenophobia.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a type of housing discrimination?

  1. Racial discrimination

  2. Gender discrimination

  3. Disability discrimination

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

Age discrimination is not a type of housing discrimination, while the other options are.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the use of language to perpetuate or challenge racial stereotypes and prejudices?

  1. Racial framing

  2. Racial profiling

  3. Racial microaggressions

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

Racial framing refers to the use of language to present or interpret information in a way that reinforces or challenges racial stereotypes and prejudices.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the process by which racial categories and identities are constructed and maintained through language?

  1. Racialization

  2. Racial essentialism

  3. Racial segregation

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

Racialization refers to the social and political processes by which racial categories and identities are created, reinforced, and given meaning, often through the use of language and discourse.

Multiple choice

Which concept refers to the idea that race is a social construct rather than a biological reality?

  1. Racial constructivism

  2. Racial realism

  3. Racial determinism

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

Racial constructivism posits that race is a social and cultural construct, shaped by historical, political, and economic factors, rather than a fixed biological category.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the use of language to express or challenge racial microaggressions?

  1. Racial counter-speech

  2. Racial allyship

  3. Racial empathy

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

Racial counter-speech refers to the use of language to challenge or respond to racial microaggressions, which are subtle forms of racism that can be expressed verbally or nonverbally.

Multiple choice

Which term refers to the use of language to promote racial equality and challenge racial discrimination?

  1. Racial advocacy

  2. Racial justice

  3. Racial reconciliation

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

Racial advocacy involves using language to speak out against racial discrimination, promote racial equality, and advocate for policies and practices that address racial disparities.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the use of language to express or challenge racial stereotypes?

  1. Racial stereotyping

  2. Racial profiling

  3. Racial essentialism

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

Racial stereotyping refers to the use of language to generalize about entire racial groups, often attributing fixed and often negative characteristics to them.