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 term for the unconscious bias that can lead people to make unfair or inaccurate judgments about people of color?
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Racial profiling
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Implicit bias
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Mass incarceration
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Stop-and-frisk
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Implicit bias is the unconscious bias that can lead people to make unfair or inaccurate judgments about people of color.
What is the term for the practice of incarcerating large numbers of people, often for nonviolent offenses?
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Racial profiling
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Implicit bias
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Mass incarceration
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Stop-and-frisk
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Mass incarceration is the practice of incarcerating large numbers of people, often for nonviolent offenses.
What is the term for the practice of stopping and searching people without a warrant or probable cause?
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Racial profiling
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Implicit bias
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Mass incarceration
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Stop-and-frisk
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Stop-and-frisk is the practice of stopping and searching people without a warrant or probable cause.
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality?
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Higher rates of incarceration for people of color
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Increased distrust of the criminal justice system among people of color
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Reduced economic opportunities for people of color
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Improved public safety
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Improved public safety is not a consequence of racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality. In fact, it is a consequence that is often sought by those who advocate for criminal justice reform.
What is one thing that can be done to address racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality?
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End racial profiling
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Address implicit bias
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Reduce mass incarceration
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
All of the above are things that can be done to address racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality.
What is the term used to describe the idea that families should be diverse and inclusive?
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Family diversity
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Family inclusion
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Family acceptance
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Family tolerance
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Family diversity refers to the idea that families come in many different forms and structures, and that all families should be respected and valued.
What is the most common form of discrimination in the labor market?
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Gender discrimination
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Racial discrimination
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Ethnic discrimination
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Age discrimination
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Gender discrimination is the most common form of discrimination in the labor market, affecting women in various ways, including lower wages, fewer opportunities for promotion, and occupational segregation.
Which of the following is NOT a cause of discrimination in the labor market?
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Stereotypes and prejudices
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Institutional barriers
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Lack of diversity in the workplace
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Economic factors
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Economic factors are not a direct cause of discrimination in the labor market. However, they can exacerbate existing inequalities and make it more difficult for marginalized groups to overcome discrimination.
What is the term used to describe the concentration of women and minorities in low-paying, low-status jobs?
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Occupational segregation
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Wage gap
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Glass ceiling
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Tokenism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Occupational segregation refers to the concentration of women and minorities in certain occupations, often characterized by lower pay and status. This segregation can limit opportunities for career advancement and perpetuate wage disparities.
What is the term used to describe the underrepresentation of women and minorities in leadership positions?
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Occupational segregation
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Wage gap
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Glass ceiling
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Tokenism
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The glass ceiling refers to the invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to leadership positions in organizations. It is a systemic issue that limits opportunities for career advancement and perpetuates gender and racial inequalities.
What is the term used to describe the practice of hiring or promoting a small number of women or minorities to create the appearance of diversity?
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Occupational segregation
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Wage gap
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Glass ceiling
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Tokenism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Tokenism refers to the practice of hiring or promoting a small number of women or minorities to create the appearance of diversity without addressing the underlying causes of discrimination. It is a superficial attempt to address diversity and inclusion issues.
Which policy is designed to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
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Affirmative action
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Equal Pay Act
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Comparable worth
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Glass ceiling initiative
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Affirmative action is a policy that aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by taking positive steps to address historical and systemic discrimination. It involves measures such as targeted recruitment, training, and promotion programs for marginalized groups.
Which of the following is NOT a form of discrimination in the labor market?
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Gender discrimination
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Racial discrimination
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Ethnic discrimination
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Disability discrimination
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Disability discrimination is not a form of discrimination in the labor market. It is a separate issue related to discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life, including employment.
What is the term used to describe the practice of paying workers different wages for the same job based on their gender, race, or ethnicity?
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Occupational segregation
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Wage gap
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Pay equity
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Comparable worth
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Pay equity refers to the practice of paying workers equal wages for the same job, regardless of their gender, race, or ethnicity. It is a fundamental principle of fair labor practices and aims to address wage discrimination.
What is the term used to describe the practice of hiring or promoting individuals based on their qualifications and merit, rather than on factors such as gender, race, or ethnicity?
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Affirmative action
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Equal Pay Act
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Comparable worth
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Meritocracy
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Meritocracy is the practice of hiring or promoting individuals based on their qualifications and merit, rather than on factors such as gender, race, or ethnicity. It is a principle that aims to ensure that individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and contributions, rather than on their social or demographic characteristics.