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 disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities?

  1. Environmental racism

  2. Environmental injustice

  3. Environmental inequality

  4. Environmental degradation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Environmental injustice refers to the unequal distribution of environmental burdens, such as pollution, waste, and hazardous facilities, among different population groups, often based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Multiple choice

What is environmental racism?

  1. The intentional placement of polluting facilities in minority or low-income communities.

  2. The disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority or low-income communities.

  3. The lack of access to environmental resources for minority or low-income communities.

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

Environmental racism is a form of environmental injustice that refers to the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority or low-income communities. This can include the intentional placement of polluting facilities in these communities, the lack of access to environmental resources, and the resulting health and environmental problems that these communities face.

Multiple choice

How does race affect the student experience in education?

  1. Racial segregation leads to unequal access to educational resources.

  2. Racial stereotypes and biases can influence teachers' expectations and interactions with students.

  3. Students from racial minority groups may face discrimination and prejudice from peers.

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

Race affects the student experience in education through various mechanisms, including racial segregation, stereotypes and biases, and discrimination.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which students from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately represented in lower-achieving schools and classrooms?

  1. Educational Tracking

  2. Streaming

  3. Segregation

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

Educational Tracking refers to the process by which students are placed into different educational pathways or programs based on their perceived abilities or backgrounds, often leading to unequal opportunities and outcomes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality?

  1. Racial profiling

  2. Implicit bias

  3. Economic inequality

  4. Equal access to education and employment opportunities
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Equal access to education and employment opportunities is not a factor that contributes to racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality. In fact, it is a factor that can help to reduce inequality.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the practice of targeting people of color for stops, searches, and arrests, even when they have not committed any crime?

  1. Racial profiling

  2. Implicit bias

  3. Mass incarceration

  4. Stop-and-frisk
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Racial profiling is the practice of targeting people of color for stops, searches, and arrests, even when they have not committed any crime.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the unconscious bias that can lead people to make unfair or inaccurate judgments about people of color?

  1. Racial profiling

  2. Implicit bias

  3. Mass incarceration

  4. Stop-and-frisk
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Implicit bias is the unconscious bias that can lead people to make unfair or inaccurate judgments about people of color.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the practice of incarcerating large numbers of people, often for nonviolent offenses?

  1. Racial profiling

  2. Implicit bias

  3. Mass incarceration

  4. Stop-and-frisk
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Mass incarceration is the practice of incarcerating large numbers of people, often for nonviolent offenses.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the practice of stopping and searching people without a warrant or probable cause?

  1. Racial profiling

  2. Implicit bias

  3. Mass incarceration

  4. Stop-and-frisk
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Stop-and-frisk is the practice of stopping and searching people without a warrant or probable cause.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality?

  1. Higher rates of incarceration for people of color

  2. Increased distrust of the criminal justice system among people of color

  3. Reduced economic opportunities for people of color

  4. Improved public safety
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
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.

Multiple choice

What is one thing that can be done to address racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality?

  1. End racial profiling

  2. Address implicit bias

  3. Reduce mass incarceration

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

All of the above are things that can be done to address racial and ethnic criminal justice inequality.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which families pass on their advantages or disadvantages to their children?

  1. Intergenerational transmission of inequality

  2. Social mobility

  3. Family socialization

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

Intergenerational transmission of inequality refers to the process by which families pass on their advantages or disadvantages to their children, perpetuating inequality across generations.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the idea that families should be diverse and inclusive?

  1. Family diversity

  2. Family inclusion

  3. Family acceptance

  4. Family tolerance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
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.

Multiple choice

What is the most common form of discrimination in the labor market?

  1. Gender discrimination

  2. Racial discrimination

  3. Ethnic discrimination

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

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a cause of discrimination in the labor market?

  1. Stereotypes and prejudices

  2. Institutional barriers

  3. Lack of diversity in the workplace

  4. Economic factors
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
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.