Question 1

The concept of "race" is

Accepted Answer

The concept of race is a social construct that has been created and perpetuated by societies, rather than being based on any concrete biological or genetic differences. While there may be certain physical differences that are associated with different racial categories, these are not inherent or universal, and are  largely a function of social and cultural norms. Therefore, the idea of race is arbitrary and does not hold much scientific or biological meaning.

Question 2

According to the US Census, if 10,000 whites are living in poverty, how many Hispanics or African Americans are living in poverty?

Accepted Answer

The question does not provide enough information to determine a specific number for Hispanics or African Americans living in poverty. However, according to research and statistics, both groups are disproportionately affected by poverty compared to whites. Therefore, it is likely that the number of Hispanics or African Americans living in poverty exceeds the number of whites living in poverty, possibly somewhere in the range of 20,000-30,000.

Question 3

Of a population of 100 black adults, how many have experienced poverty at some time in their lives?

Accepted Answer

According to various studies and statistics, a significant portion of the black population in the United States has experienced poverty at some point in their lives. While the exact number can vary depending on the source, it's widely acknowledged that the rate of poverty among black Americans is higher than the national average. The choice of 91 out of 100 is a reflection of the high prevalence of poverty experiences within this demographic, although the exact figure can fluctuate. This choice underscores the severe socio-economic challenges faced by many black adults.

Question 4

Which of the following is true when you compare the distribution of wealth between white and black families?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that white families have far more wealth than black families, with the median wealth for white families being 10 times higher than that of black families. This is largely due to historical and systemic factors such as discrimination in education and employment opportunities, as well as a lack of access to resources such as intergenerational wealth and homeownership. Additionally, white families are more likely to have investments and other sources of income besides their homes, which contributes to their overall wealth.

Question 5

Which of the following is the better indicator of an individual's life chances?

Accepted Answer

Wealth is a better indicator of an individual's life chances because it encompasses not only income but also assets and resources, providing a more comprehensive measure of financial stability and opportunity. Wealth can influence education, health care access, and overall quality of life, making it a significant factor in determining life chances.

Question 6

Heiner argues that affirmative action has not yet outlived its usefulness because

Accepted Answer

Heiner argues that affirmative action is still necessary because no other viable solution has been proposed and a significant number of employers will still discriminate if left to their own devices. These reasons support both options A and C as being true, which are both included in choice E. Option B may be a good goal, but Heiner does not specifically mention it as a reason for affirmative action to continue. Option D is also not mentioned by Heiner.

Question 7

The National Football League uses a rule that requires football teams to interview at least one minority candidate any time they have an opening for a coaching position. This ensures that people who might not have even been considered get their credentials put in front of the hiring committee. What is this rule called?

Accepted Answer

This rule is known as the Rooney rule, named after Dan Rooney, the former owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers who was instrumental in its implementation. It aims to promote diversity and combat discrimination in the coaching ranks of the NFL.

Question 8

_______ refers to biological differences in reproductive organs; _______ refers to social expectations for individuals with those reproductive organs.

Accepted Answer

Sex refers to the biological differences in reproductive organs, while gender refers to social expectations and norms associated with those reproductive organs.

Question 9

In 2012, women earned how many cents for each dollar a man earned?

Accepted Answer

In 2012, women earned 77 cents for each dollar a man earned, according to data from the National Women's Law Center. This is known as the gender pay gap, which has improved slightly in recent years but still exists across industries and occupations.

Question 10

Women earn less than men, on average, because

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that social and cultural expectations often channel women into lower paying careers and discourage them from advocating for higher pay. This is known as the "motherhood penalty," where women with children especially face discriminatory practices in the workplace. The idea that women's nature or desire to have children is the cause of the gender pay gap is not supported by research.

Question 11

Approximately how much less do women in management positions earn than their male counterparts?

Accepted Answer

Women in management positions earn nearly one-fourth less than their male counterparts, according to various studies and reports. This gender pay gap persists even at the highest levels of management, with women CEOs earning significantly less than male CEOs.

Question 12

Norway requires at least 7% of the membership of boards of directors of large corporations to be female, and the country is considering raising the quota to 40%. Norway has implemented this policy because

Accepted Answer

Norway believes that increasing gender equality is a competitive advantage. The policy was implemented to address the lack of gender diversity on company boards and to promote gender equality. The government believes that having more women on boards can lead to improved decision-making and better business outcomes. The policy was not forced by external entities and does not necessarily indicate Norway is a socialist country.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about education in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Option A is partially true as the education system in the United States does not rank highly when compared to other developed nations. Option B is also partially true as the United States might rank highly in terms of education scores for middle-class and upper-class children, but it is not a fair comparison as the US has a higher proportion of low-income households than other developed countries. Option C is also correct as the education system in the United States is decentralized, with funding coming from state and local governments, leading to inequality in terms of education quality and resources. Hence, all options are correct, and the answer is D.

Question 14

In 2011, the United States Treasury Department reported that individuals with a bachelor's degree earned more than those with only a high school diploma. How much more did college graduates earn according to 2011 figures?

Accepted Answer

According to the 2011 report by the United States Treasury Department, individuals with a bachelor's degree earned 64% more than those with only a high school diploma.

Question 15

Per person, the United States spends more money on healthcare than any other nation. Where does the US healthcare system fall in comparison to the rest of the world according to the World Health Organization?

Accepted Answer

According to the World Health Organization, the United States ranks 37th out of 191 countries in overall healthcare performance, despite spending the most per person on healthcare.

Question 16

Your gender has an effect on your life chances.

Accepted Answer

Gender plays a significant role in shaping an individual's life experiences, opportunities, and outcomes. It affects their access to education, healthcare, employment, and political representation, among other things. Women and non-binary individuals, in particular, face systemic discrimination and inequality in many spheres of life.

Question 17

In modern society, issues like race no longer affect a person's life chances.

Accepted Answer

Despite progress towards equality, race continues to have a significant impact on a person's life chances, including access to education, employment opportunities, and healthcare. Systemic racism and implicit bias continue to persist in many institutions and policies.

Question 18

Racism is always obvious and is thus easy to oppose, legislate against, and punish.

Accepted Answer

Racism can manifest in subtle ways such as systemic discrimination or implicit bias, making it difficult to detect and combat. This requires ongoing education, awareness, and efforts towards anti-racism.

Question 19

Affirmative action has been successful at reducing racial inequality in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Affirmative action has been successful at reducing...

Question 20

Our society expects males and females to behave differently.

Accepted Answer

Our society has historically imposed gender roles and expectations on males and females, expecting them to behave differently in various aspects of life including work, relationships, and emotions. While these societal expectations are slowly changing, gender stereotypes and expectations still have an impact on individuals in society.

Quiz 3: Inequality of Life Chances in the United States