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.
According to the left-out lines, which of the following is true of discriminatory behaviour or practices?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → They may be presented as motivated by other, more justifiable, reasons
Option (1) They may be presented as motivated by other, more justifiable, reasons — Correct. Discriminatory practices are often hidden behind another, more acceptable reason. A person refused a job because of caste may be told they were less qualified and that selection was purely on merit.
Option (2) They may be presented as the result of structural features of society — Incorrect. Structural features describe how inequality is built into the arrangement of society as a whole. The left-out lines speak only of one unfair act being given a better-sounding excuse.
Option (3) They may be presented as based on direct evidence rather than hearsay — Incorrect. Reliance on hearsay in place of direct evidence is how prejudiced views are formed. The left-out lines never present discrimination as resting on evidence.
Option (4) They may be presented as a favourable pre-judgement of one's own group — Incorrect. A favourable pre-judgement of one's own group is positive prejudice, an attitude. The left-out lines speak of how an unfair act is excused, which is behaviour.
NCERT (2026-27): “Social Inequality … |