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 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.
What is the term for the practice of denying mortgages or insurance to individuals or neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity?
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Urbanization.
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Suburbanization.
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Gentrification.
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Redlining.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Redlining refers to the practice of denying mortgages or insurance to individuals or neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity, leading to segregation and disinvestment in certain areas.
What is the term used to refer to the positive discrimination policies implemented in India to address caste-based discrimination?
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Reservation
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Affirmative Action
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Preferential Treatment
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Quotas
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Reservation is the term used to refer to the positive discrimination policies implemented in India to address caste-based discrimination, which involve reserving a certain percentage of seats in education, government jobs, and other areas for members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the following is an example of a negative social sanction?
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Criticism
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Ridicule
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Shunning
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Imprisonment
Correct answer
Explanation
Negative social sanctions are punishments or expressions of disapproval that are given to individuals who deviate from social norms. Criticism, ridicule, shunning, and imprisonment are all examples of negative social sanctions.
Which Indian state has the highest rate of domestic violence?
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Bihar
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Uttar Pradesh
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Madhya Pradesh
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Rajasthan
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bihar has the highest rate of domestic violence in India, with a significant number of women experiencing physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
What is the principle of non-discrimination in the workplace?
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All workers should be treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.
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Employers can discriminate against workers based on their job performance.
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Employers can discriminate against workers based on their political beliefs.
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None of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The principle of non-discrimination in the workplace means that all workers should be treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face barriers to accessing education and acquiring knowledge?
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Educational Inequality
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Knowledge Gap
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Social Stratification
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Discrimination
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Educational Inequality refers to the disparities in access to and quality of education among different groups in society, often leading to unequal knowledge outcomes.
What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where individuals with higher levels of education and knowledge tend to cluster in certain occupations and industries?
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Occupational Segregation
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Skill Bias
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Educational Attainment
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Labor Market Segmentation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Occupational Segregation refers to the concentration of individuals with specific educational backgrounds in particular occupations or industries.
What is the primary factor that determines a person's race?
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Skin color
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Ancestry
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Culture
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Religion
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Race is a social construct that is based on physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. While ancestry, culture, and religion can also play a role in shaping a person's identity, they are not the primary factors that determine race.