Gender and Social Policy: Quizzes and Study Resources

Question 1

What is the primary obstacle to achieving gender equality in social policy?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to change from ingrained gender norms and societal values.

Answer

Insufficient government funding for gender equality initiatives.

Answer

Lack of comprehensive data on the impact of social policies on gender relations.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of gender equality policies in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining traditional gender roles

Answer

Promoting equal opportunities in employment and education

Answer

Eliminating gender-based discrimination and violence

Answer

Enhancing women's economic and political empowerment

Question 3

Which UK government agency is responsible for promoting gender equality?

Accepted Answer

The Government Equalities Office

Answer

The Home Office

Answer

The Ministry of Justice

Answer

The Department for Education

Question 4

What is the overarching objective of the UK government's Gender Equality Strategy?

Accepted Answer

To create a more equitable society for all genders

Answer

To increase the representation of women in leadership roles

Answer

To eliminate gender-based discrimination in the workplace

Answer

To promote gender diversity in STEM fields

Question 5

The concept of 'intersectionality' in gender and social policy primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

The idea that different forms of discrimination intersect and compound each other

Answer

The belief that gender is a fixed and immutable characteristic

Answer

The importance of considering the intersection of gender with other identities

Answer

The idea that individual action is the key to achieving gender equality

Question 6

What is the primary distinction between gender equality and gender equity?

Accepted Answer

Gender equality focuses on treating all genders equally, while gender equity focuses on achieving fair and just outcomes for all

Answer

Gender equity emphasizes individual rights, while gender equality focuses on collective empowerment

Answer

Gender equality is a legal concept, while gender equity is a social concept

Answer

There is no meaningful difference between gender equality and gender equity

Question 7

In the context of gender equality, which concept highlights the overlapping and interconnected nature of social identities and experiences?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Post-feminism

Answer

Patriarchy

Question 8

Which critique highlights a potential limitation of gender mainstreaming as a policy approach?

Accepted Answer

It may lead to superficial efforts to address gender equality.

Answer

It overlooks the role of men in achieving gender equality.

Answer

It assumes that women's experiences are homogenous.

Answer

Its implementation is prohibitively expensive.

Question 9

Which example best illustrates intersectionality in the context of gender and social policy?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging the unique forms of discrimination faced by women of color.

Answer

Ensuring equal pay for men and women.

Answer

Establishing quotas for women in leadership positions.

Answer

Passing anti-discrimination legislation.

Question 10

How does intersectionality influence traditional policymaking approaches?

Accepted Answer

It requires policymakers to consider individuals' multiple and intersecting identities, resulting in more inclusive and tailored policies.

Answer

It suggests that all forms of discrimination are equally important, and policies should focus on addressing one at a time.

Answer

It eliminates the need for targeted policies for specific marginalized groups.

Answer

It simplifies policymaking by reducing the factors policymakers must consider.

Question 11

How do non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contribute to promoting gender equality? Give specific examples of their work.

Accepted Answer

NGOs advocate for policies, lobby governments, and raise awareness to advance gender equality.

Accepted Answer

NGOs provide essential services like healthcare, education, and legal aid to empower women and girls.

Accepted Answer

NGOs work with governments and international organizations to track and assess progress on gender equality.

Answer

NGOs rely on donations and grants, but this does not limit their impact on gender equality.

Question 12

Which of the following is a fundamental objective of gender equality policies?

Accepted Answer

To foster a society where all individuals are valued and treated equitably, regardless of their gender identity.

Answer

To eradicate all variations between men and women.

Question 13

What is the primary purpose of gender mainstreaming in social policymaking?

Accepted Answer

To integrate a gender perspective into all levels of policy development and implementation.

Answer

To focus only on policies directly related to gender issues.

Answer

To establish distinct policies for men and women.

Question 14

What is the significance of intersectionality in analyzing gender inequality?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges that gender overlaps with other social identities like race, class, and sexuality, resulting in unique experiences of inequality.

Answer

It implies that gender is the sole factor determining inequality.

Question 15

Provide an example of a social policy employed to promote gender equality.

Accepted Answer

Paid parental leave

Answer

Wage caps for women

Answer

Restrictions on women's education

Answer

Bans on female leadership

Question 16

What is a primary benefit of adopting gender-responsive budgeting?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that government budgets allocate resources fairly to meet the needs of both women and men.

Answer

It eliminates the need for distinct budgets for women and men.

Question 17

Explain the distinction between gender equality and gender equity.

Accepted Answer

Gender equality refers to treating all genders equally, while gender equity acknowledges and addresses historical and social inequalities between genders.

Answer

Gender equality is a legal concept, while gender equity is a social concept.

Question 18

Why is it crucial to assess the effectiveness of gender equality policies?

Accepted Answer

It allows policymakers to evaluate the impact of policies and make necessary adjustments to improve their effectiveness.

Answer

It is only necessary to evaluate policies that fail to achieve their objectives.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a gender-sensitive social policy that promotes equality?

Accepted Answer

Subsidized childcare that allows both parents to balance work and family responsibilities

Answer

Tax breaks exclusively for stay-at-home parents

Answer

Mandatory military service for all citizens regardless of gender

Question 20

What is the primary role of the government in promoting gender equality?

Accepted Answer

Developing and enforcing laws, regulations, and policies that prohibit gender discrimination

Answer

Pressuring private businesses to adopt gender-neutral hiring practices

Answer

Providing financial incentives to individuals for achieving gender equality

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential drawback of the 'gender mainstreaming' approach to gender equality?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to superficial efforts that fail to address deeply rooted gender inequalities

Answer

It focuses too narrowly on women's issues, neglecting men's experiences

Answer

It is overly complex and difficult to implement effectively

Question 22

What is intersectionality and how does it affect gender and social policy?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals experience multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination based on factors like race, gender, and class, which should be considered in policymaking

Answer

Intersectionality refers to the idea that gender is a social construct that varies across cultures

Question 23

What is the relationship between gender and poverty?

Accepted Answer

Women are disproportionately affected by poverty due to factors such as wage gaps, limited access to healthcare, and the burden of unpaid care work

Answer

Poverty does not discriminate based on gender

Question 24

What is the distinction between gender equality and gender equity?

Accepted Answer

Gender equality refers to equal rights and opportunities, while gender equity acknowledges and addresses historical and ongoing inequalities to create a more just and equitable society

Answer

There is no significant difference between gender equality and gender equity

Question 25

How can social policy be used to address the gender pay gap?

Accepted Answer

Implementing equal pay laws, providing paid parental leave, and supporting affordable childcare

Answer

Offering tax incentives to businesses that hire more women

Answer

Encouraging women to negotiate higher salaries on their own