Stereotypes fix whole groups into single, homogenous categories; they refuse to recognise the variation across individuals and across contexts or across time. They treat an entire community as though it were a single person with a single all-encompassing trait or characteristic. If prejudice describes attitudes and opinions, discrimination refers to actual behaviour towards another group or individual. Discrimination can be seen in practices that disqualify members of one group from opportunities open to others, as when a person is refused a job because of their gender or religion.
The lines that follow this passage are left out. According to those lines, why can discrimination be very hard to prove?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → It may not be explicitly stated
Option (1) It is based on hearsay rather than direct evidence — Incorrect. Views built on hearsay describe prejudice, a pre-conceived opinion formed before any evidence. This tells how a prejudiced view is formed and gives no reason for the difficulty of proof.
Option (2) It may not be explicitly stated — Correct. Discrimination is actual behaviour, such as refusing someone a job. It is hard to prove because it may not be open or explicitly stated. The person who discriminates rarely admits the real reason.
Option (3) It is resistant to change even with new information — Incorrect. Resistance to change even in the face of new information is a feature of prejudiced views. It tells why an opinion lasts and gives no reason for the difficulty of proving an act.
Option (4) It is grounded in colonial stereotypes — Incorrect. Prejudices are often grounded in stereotypes, and many Indian stereotypes are partly colonial creations. This traces the origin of prejudice and gives no reason for the difficulty of proving discrimination.
NCERT (2026-27): “Social Inequality … |