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 police brutality?
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The use of excessive force by police officers.
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The use of force by police officers that is not necessary or justified.
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The use of force by police officers that results in injury or death.
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All of the above.
Correct answer
Explanation
Police brutality is defined as the use of excessive force by police officers. This can include the use of force that is not necessary or justified, as well as the use of force that results in injury or death.
What role does racism play in police brutality?
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Racism is a major factor in police brutality.
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Racism is a minor factor in police brutality.
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Racism is not a factor in police brutality.
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The role of racism in police brutality is unclear.
Correct answer
Explanation
Racism is a major factor in police brutality. Studies have shown that police officers are more likely to use force against people of color, even when they are not posing a threat.
What is the impact of police brutality on communities of color?
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Police brutality has a negative impact on communities of color.
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Police brutality has a positive impact on communities of color.
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Police brutality has no impact on communities of color.
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The impact of police brutality on communities of color is unclear.
Correct answer
Explanation
Police brutality has a negative impact on communities of color. It can lead to distrust of the police, fear of law enforcement, and a sense of powerlessness.
Which of the following is NOT a factor that has contributed to racial differences in income and poverty?
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Discrimination in housing
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Discrimination in education
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Discrimination in employment
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Cultural differences
D
Correct answer
Explanation
While cultural differences may play a role in shaping individual outcomes, they are not a cause of racial inequality. Discrimination in housing, education, and employment are all well-documented factors that have contributed to racial differences in income and poverty.
Which racial group has the highest poverty rate in the United States?
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Black Americans
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Hispanic Americans
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Asian Americans
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White Americans
A
Correct answer
Explanation
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate for Black Americans was 20.8% in 2020, compared to 15.7% for Hispanic Americans, 10.2% for Asian Americans, and 9.1% for White Americans.
Which racial group has the highest median household income in the United States?
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Black Americans
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Hispanic Americans
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Asian Americans
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White Americans
D
Correct answer
Explanation
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for White Americans was \$79,900 in 2020, compared to \$60,200 for Black Americans, \$59,100 for Hispanic Americans, and \$97,300 for Asian Americans.
Which of the following is NOT a policy or program that has been implemented to address racial differences in income and poverty?
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Affirmative action
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The Civil Rights Act of 1964
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The Voting Rights Act of 1965
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School vouchers
D
Correct answer
Explanation
School vouchers are a form of school choice that allows parents to use public funds to send their children to private schools. While school vouchers have been proposed as a way to address racial disparities in education, they have not been shown to be effective in reducing these disparities.
Which of the following is a common workplace stressor for racial and ethnic minorities?
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Racial discrimination
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Ethnic discrimination
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Microaggressions
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Racial discrimination, ethnic discrimination, and microaggressions are all common workplace stressors for racial and ethnic minorities that can negatively impact their well-being.
How does leisure contribute to social integration?
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By providing opportunities for individuals to interact with others from different backgrounds.
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By promoting a sense of community and belonging.
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By reducing social isolation and loneliness.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Leisure activities can contribute to social integration by providing opportunities for individuals to interact with others from different backgrounds, by promoting a sense of community and belonging, and by reducing social isolation and loneliness.
What is the term used to describe the practice of assigning students to schools based on their race or ethnicity?
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School segregation
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School integration
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School choice
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School vouchers
A
Correct answer
Explanation
School segregation refers to the practice of assigning students to schools based on their race or ethnicity, resulting in the separation of students from different backgrounds.
What was the impact of the civil rights movement on race and ethnicity in the United States?
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It led to the desegregation of schools and public facilities.
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It resulted in the passage of laws that prohibited discrimination based on race or ethnicity.
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It helped to raise awareness of the problems of racism and discrimination.
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All of the above.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The civil rights movement had a profound impact on race and ethnicity in the United States. It led to the desegregation of schools and public facilities, the passage of laws that prohibited discrimination based on race or ethnicity, and helped to raise awareness of the problems of racism and discrimination.
Which of the following is a social determinant of health that is related to discrimination?
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Racism
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Sexism
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Homophobia
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
All of the above options are social determinants of health that are related to discrimination. Racism, sexism, and homophobia are all forms of discrimination that can have a negative impact on health.
What is the term used to describe the process of challenging and dismantling caste-based discrimination?
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Caste abolition
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Caste integration
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Caste reform
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Caste annihilation
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Caste annihilation is the term used to describe the process of challenging and dismantling caste-based discrimination, aiming to eliminate the caste system and its associated social hierarchies and inequalities.
What is the term used to describe the positive discrimination or affirmative action policies aimed at addressing caste-based inequalities?
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Reservation
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Affirmative action
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Equal opportunity
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Social justice
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Reservation is the term used to describe the positive discrimination or affirmative action policies aimed at addressing caste-based inequalities, providing preferential treatment in education, employment, and political representation to historically marginalized castes.
What is the term used to describe the practice of excluding athletes from sports based on their race or ethnicity?
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Segregation
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Discrimination
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Racism
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Xenophobia
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Segregation is the practice of excluding athletes from sports based on their race or ethnicity. This can be done through laws, policies, or informal practices.