Discrimination and Social Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Question 1

Which of the following is not typically a defining characteristic of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

It is always intentional and carried out with malice.

Answer

It involves treating individuals unequally based on perceived differences.

Answer

It can negatively impact individuals and groups.

Answer

It is based on prejudice and stereotypes.

Question 2

Which of these is LEAST effective in promoting equality and tackling discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Focusing only on closing the gap between rich and poor

Answer

Creating laws against discrimination

Answer

Putting affirmative action programs into practice

Answer

Running education and awareness campaigns

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a form of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Ageism

Answer

Racism

Answer

Ableism

Question 4

What is the main cause of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Prejudice

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Lack of education

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Improved educational outcomes

Answer

Limited access to healthcare

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Economic disadvantage

Question 6

What is the key difference between direct and indirect discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Direct discrimination is intentional, while indirect discrimination is unintentional but still has a discriminatory effect.

Answer

Indirect discrimination is more harmful than direct discrimination.

Answer

Direct discrimination is only illegal in the workplace.

Question 7

How do social institutions contribute to discrimination?

Accepted Answer

They can create and reinforce discriminatory norms, practices, and policies.

Answer

Discrimination is only caused by individual prejudice.

Answer

Social institutions are always neutral and objective.

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of anti-discrimination laws?

Accepted Answer

To protect individuals from discrimination and promote equality of opportunity.

Answer

To eliminate all forms of inequality

Answer

To create quotas for minority groups

Answer

To punish individuals who discriminate

Question 9

Identify effective strategies for promoting equality and social justice.

Accepted Answer

Education, advocacy, and policy change

Answer

Ignoring discrimination

Answer

Tolerating discrimination

Answer

Blaming victims of discrimination

Question 10

Distinguish between prejudice and discrimination.

Accepted Answer

Prejudice is a negative attitude, while discrimination is unfair and unjust treatment or behavior based on prejudice.

Answer

Discrimination can only occur if there is prejudice.

Answer

Prejudice and discrimination are the same thing.

Question 11

Identify the most significant challenges to achieving true equality.

Accepted Answer

Racism, sexism, and classism

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Bad luck

Answer

Lack of motivation

Question 12

Explain the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Accepted Answer

It fosters innovation, creativity, and a more cohesive society.

Answer

It only benefits minority groups.

Answer

It is only important in the workplace.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of institutional discrimination?

Accepted Answer

A policy that disproportionately affects a particular group of people, even if it is not intended to do so.

Answer

A discriminatory act committed by a single person.

Answer

Prejudice held by an individual.

Question 14

What is the main cause of discrimination against people with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Negative attitudes and beliefs that view disability as a deficit.

Answer

Government policies that create barriers for people with disabilities.

Answer

Lack of awareness about disability.

Question 15

Which of the following is a consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Reduced access to healthcare and education.

Answer

Greater political participation.

Answer

Improved economic growth.

Answer

Increased social cohesion.

Question 16

What is the main goal of anti-discrimination legislation?

Accepted Answer

To protect individuals from discrimination and promote equality.

Answer

To compensate victims of discrimination for their losses.

Answer

To punish individuals who discriminate against others.

Question 17

What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Prejudice is an attitude or belief, while discrimination is an action or behavior that treats someone differently based on a protected characteristic.

Answer

Prejudice is caused by genetics, while discrimination is caused by socialization.

Answer

Prejudice is always negative, while discrimination can be positive or negative.

Question 18

Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Education and awareness campaigns that challenge negative stereotypes and promote empathy.

Answer

Increased police presence in minority communities.

Answer

Affirmative action programs that give preferential treatment to underrepresented groups.

Answer

Stricter laws and harsher punishments for discrimination.

Question 19

What is the relationship between discrimination and social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination can both cause and perpetuate social inequality, as it creates barriers to opportunities and resources for certain groups.

Answer

Discrimination affects individuals but has no impact on society as a whole.

Answer

Social inequality is caused by economic factors, not discrimination.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of indirect discrimination?

Accepted Answer

A job requirement that excludes people with certain disabilities, even if the requirement is not intended to be discriminatory.

Answer

A customer being denied service at a restaurant because of their race.

Answer

A manager refusing to promote a woman because she is pregnant.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a form of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Preference

Answer

Ableism

Answer

Racism

Answer

Sexism

Question 22

What is a primary cause of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Negative attitudes and stereotypes (prejudice)

Answer

Economic factors

Answer

Lack of education

Question 23

Which of the following is a direct consequence of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Improved political stability

Answer

Global economic prosperity

Answer

Enhanced educational attainment

Question 24

How does discrimination contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

By creating and perpetuating unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

Discrimination does not impact social inequality.

Answer

Social inequality solely causes discrimination.

Question 25

Which of the following is an effective strategy to promote equality and social justice?

Accepted Answer

Enacting and enforcing anti-discrimination laws

Answer

Reducing taxes for the wealthiest individuals

Answer

Deregulating industries

Answer

Privatizing public services

Question 26

What is the key distinction between direct and indirect discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Direct discrimination is intentional, while indirect discrimination is unintentional but still has a discriminatory impact.

Answer

Indirect discrimination is more harmful than direct discrimination.

Answer

Direct discrimination is legal, while indirect discrimination is illegal.

Question 27

Which scenario best illustrates intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

A woman of color experiencing discrimination based on both her race and gender.

Answer

An individual with a disability encountering discrimination based on their disability.

Answer

A man facing discrimination solely due to his religious beliefs.

Question 28

What are some limitations of anti-discrimination laws?

Accepted Answer

They can be challenging to enforce and may not always prevent discrimination from occurring.

Answer

Anti-discrimination laws only apply to specific groups of people.

Answer

Anti-discrimination laws are always fully effective in preventing discrimination.

Question 29

How can education contribute to reducing discrimination?

Accepted Answer

By challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy and understanding.

Answer

Education has no significant role in combating discrimination.

Answer

Education can only reinforce existing discriminatory attitudes.

Question 30

What are the fundamental ethical concerns raised by discrimination?

Accepted Answer

It violates human rights, undermines social cohesion, and perpetuates injustice.

Answer

Discrimination can sometimes be justified to preserve social order.

Answer

Ethical concerns only arise when discrimination is intentional.

Question 31

Which of the following is **not** a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Age

Answer

Race

Answer

Disability

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of **direct** discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to employ someone because of their religion

Answer

Creating a hostile work environment for someone

Answer

Making a negative comment about someone's race

Question 33

Which of the following is a potential **consequence** of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Reduced opportunities and social isolation

Answer

Increased self-esteem and confidence

Answer

Higher levels of education

Answer

Improved physical health

Question 34

Which of the following is a **factor** that can contribute to discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Prejudice

Answer

Understanding

Answer

Tolerance

Answer

Empathy

Question 35

Which of the following is a **strategy** for promoting equality and social justice?

Accepted Answer

Challenging stereotypes and biases

Answer

Segregating people based on their differences

Answer

Punishing people who are discriminated against

Answer

Ignoring differences between people

Question 36

Which of the following is an example of **institutional** discrimination?

Accepted Answer

A school system that disproportionately suspends students of color

Answer

An employer who fires a worker because of their age

Answer

A landlord who refuses to rent to a family with children

Question 37

Which of the following is an example of **intersectionality**?

Accepted Answer

A Black woman who experiences both racism and sexism

Answer

A disabled person who experiences both ableism and ageism

Answer

A white man who experiences both poverty and homophobia

Question 38

Which of the following is a **responsibility** of citizens in a democratic society in relation to discrimination?

Accepted Answer

To challenge discrimination and promote equality

Answer

To tolerate discrimination as long as it is not violent

Answer

To ignore discrimination if it does not affect them personally

Question 39

Which of the following is a precise definition of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Treating a person or group differently based on their perceived membership in a category

Answer

Disliking someone or holding negative feelings towards them

Answer

Treating everyone the same, regardless of their background or characteristics

Question 40

Distinguish between direct and indirect discrimination. Explain the key difference between the two.

Accepted Answer

Direct discrimination is overt and intentional, while indirect discrimination is more subtle and unintentional, yet still results in unequal treatment.

Answer

Direct discrimination is against the law, while indirect discrimination is not.

Question 41

How can education be harnessed to combat discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Education can raise awareness about discrimination, foster empathy among individuals, and promote tolerance and understanding.

Answer

Education alone cannot address the issue of discrimination effectively.

Answer

Education only perpetuates discrimination and reinforces existing biases.

Question 42

Which of the following is a widely recognized strategy for promoting equality?

Accepted Answer

Affirmative action

Answer

Stereotyping and prejudice

Answer

Discriminatory practices

Answer

Segregation and division

Question 43

Explain the relationship between power and discrimination. How does power dynamics influence discriminatory practices?

Accepted Answer

Power can be used to enforce and perpetuate discrimination, as those in positions of power may have the ability to create and maintain systems that disadvantage certain groups.

Answer

Power is solely the result of discrimination.

Answer

Discrimination can reduce power and influence.

Answer

Power and discrimination are unrelated concepts.

Question 44

Provide an example of systemic discrimination and explain its significance.

Accepted Answer

A law that disproportionately impacts a specific demographic group, limiting their opportunities or access to resources, is an example of systemic discrimination.

Answer

A single act of bias or prejudice against an individual does not constitute systemic discrimination.

Answer

Prejudice and negative attitudes held by a group of people do not qualify as systemic discrimination.

Question 45

What is the ultimate goal of anti-discrimination laws?

Accepted Answer

To create a society where everyone is treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background or characteristics.

Answer

To solely punish those who engage in discriminatory behavior, rather than addressing the root causes.

Answer

To eliminate all forms of discrimination overnight, which is an unrealistic expectation.

Question 46

Analyze the role of social institutions in perpetuating discrimination. How do social structures contribute to the maintenance of inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social institutions, such as the education system or the justice system, can create and reinforce discriminatory norms and practices, shaping societal attitudes and behaviors.

Answer

Social institutions are powerless in preventing discrimination and have no influence on societal norms.

Answer

Social institutions are the solution to discrimination and can single-handedly eliminate inequality.