Q.1 Which of the following best defines 'ethnicity' in anthropology?
A legal status given by a nation-state
A shared cultural heritage and sense of belonging
A biological classification based on race
A temporary political alliance
Explanation - Ethnicity refers to shared cultural traditions, language, history, and sometimes religion, which create a sense of belonging among a group of people.
Correct answer is: A shared cultural heritage and sense of belonging
Q.2 Nationalism is primarily concerned with:
The promotion of local dialects
The loyalty and devotion to a nation
Ethnic diversity within communities
Global economic policies
Explanation - Nationalism emphasizes strong identification with and loyalty to one's nation, often prioritizing national interests above others.
Correct answer is: The loyalty and devotion to a nation
Q.3 Which anthropologist is most closely associated with the concept of 'imagined communities'?
Clifford Geertz
Benedict Anderson
Margaret Mead
Franz Boas
Explanation - Benedict Anderson coined 'imagined communities' to describe nations as socially constructed communities imagined by people who perceive themselves as part of that group.
Correct answer is: Benedict Anderson
Q.4 A key difference between race and ethnicity is that:
Race is culturally constructed, ethnicity is biological
Race is based on physical traits, ethnicity is based on cultural identity
Ethnicity is legally assigned, race is self-identified
There is no difference; both are identical concepts
Explanation - Race generally refers to perceived physical differences, while ethnicity focuses on shared cultural traits and identity.
Correct answer is: Race is based on physical traits, ethnicity is based on cultural identity
Q.5 Which of the following is an example of ethnic boundary marker?
Clothing styles, language, and rituals
National GDP and trade policies
Technological advancements
Climate and geography
Explanation - Ethnic boundary markers are cultural traits that distinguish one ethnic group from another, such as language, dress, and traditions.
Correct answer is: Clothing styles, language, and rituals
Q.6 What does 'ethnic nationalism' emphasize?
Political unity based on shared cultural heritage
Economic integration between nations
Universal human rights
Global environmental issues
Explanation - Ethnic nationalism bases national identity on common ancestry, language, culture, and often religion rather than political or civic principles.
Correct answer is: Political unity based on shared cultural heritage
Q.7 Which term refers to the forced removal or assimilation of ethnic groups?
Ethnic cleansing
Cultural diffusion
Globalization
Intercultural dialogue
Explanation - Ethnic cleansing involves forcibly removing or eliminating ethnic groups from a territory to achieve homogeneity.
Correct answer is: Ethnic cleansing
Q.8 An example of civic nationalism is:
The French Revolution’s promotion of citizenship
Hitler’s racial policies in Germany
Tribal loyalty in pre-colonial Africa
The caste system in India
Explanation - Civic nationalism is based on shared political rights and responsibilities rather than ethnic or cultural identity.
Correct answer is: The French Revolution’s promotion of citizenship
Q.9 Which of the following best describes 'hyphenated identities'?
Identities combining two or more national or ethnic affiliations
Identities that reject cultural heritage
Identities defined solely by legal citizenship
Identities based on professional occupation
Explanation - Hyphenated identities, such as 'Mexican-American,' reflect a blending of ethnic, cultural, or national backgrounds.
Correct answer is: Identities combining two or more national or ethnic affiliations
Q.10 Which of the following is an example of primordialist theory of ethnicity?
Ethnic identity is fixed and rooted in deep historical ties
Ethnic identity is fluid and situational
Ethnic identity is a social construct
Ethnic identity emerges only through political processes
Explanation - Primordialist theory views ethnicity as enduring, inherited, and deeply rooted in history and ancestry.
Correct answer is: Ethnic identity is fixed and rooted in deep historical ties
Q.11 Social constructivist perspectives argue that:
Ethnic and national identities are shaped by social and historical contexts
Ethnic identities are biologically determined
Nationalism is entirely irrational
All nations are ancient and natural entities
Explanation - Social constructivists emphasize that identity is created through interactions, institutions, and historical circumstances rather than being innate.
Correct answer is: Ethnic and national identities are shaped by social and historical contexts
Q.12 What is a common challenge in multi-ethnic nations?
Balancing national unity with ethnic diversity
Managing technological innovations
Preventing natural disasters
Standardizing agricultural practices
Explanation - Multi-ethnic nations often face challenges in ensuring all ethnic groups feel represented while maintaining overall cohesion.
Correct answer is: Balancing national unity with ethnic diversity
Q.13 Which of the following terms refers to a shared sense of national consciousness?
National identity
Ethnic cleansing
Cultural diffusion
Tribalism
Explanation - National identity is the sense of belonging to a nation, including shared values, culture, language, and history.
Correct answer is: National identity
Q.14 What role do symbols play in nationalism?
They help unify citizens through shared representations
They enforce legal codes
They manage international trade
They determine economic policies
Explanation - Flags, anthems, monuments, and other symbols strengthen national cohesion by representing shared values and history.
Correct answer is: They help unify citizens through shared representations
Q.15 Which of the following is an example of ethnic pluralism?
Recognition and coexistence of multiple ethnic groups in a society
The dominance of one ethnic group over others
Eradication of cultural differences
A homogeneous society with a single culture
Explanation - Ethnic pluralism refers to societies where multiple ethnic groups maintain distinct identities while coexisting peacefully.
Correct answer is: Recognition and coexistence of multiple ethnic groups in a society
Q.16 Which of the following scenarios illustrates 'assimilation'?
Immigrants adopting the language and customs of the host country
Ethnic groups maintaining separate cultural practices
Formation of ethnic enclaves
Government supporting multicultural policies
Explanation - Assimilation occurs when minority groups adopt the dominant culture, often losing distinct ethnic markers over time.
Correct answer is: Immigrants adopting the language and customs of the host country
Q.17 Which concept describes political movements seeking autonomy for an ethnic group within a state?
Ethnic separatism
Civic nationalism
Primordialism
Globalism
Explanation - Ethnic separatism involves groups seeking self-governance or independence based on shared ethnic identity.
Correct answer is: Ethnic separatism
Q.18 Which of the following is NOT a feature of nationalism?
Shared identity and culture
Loyalty to a nation
Promotion of common political goals
Emphasis on individual economic success only
Explanation - Nationalism focuses on collective identity and loyalty to the nation, rather than solely individual economic goals.
Correct answer is: Emphasis on individual economic success only
Q.19 Ethnic conflict often arises due to:
Competition for resources and political power
Shared cultural festivals
Intermarriage between groups
Globalization of technology
Explanation - Ethnic conflict frequently emerges when groups compete for land, political control, or economic advantages.
Correct answer is: Competition for resources and political power
Q.20 Which of the following is an example of symbolic ethnicity?
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the US without speaking Irish
Living in a community where only one ethnic group resides
Participating in ethnic cleansing
Forming an ethnic militia
Explanation - Symbolic ethnicity refers to a nostalgic or symbolic connection to one’s ethnic heritage, often in a voluntary or performative way.
Correct answer is: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the US without speaking Irish
Q.21 What does 'civic identity' emphasize over ethnic identity?
Legal citizenship and participation in political life
Shared ancestry and cultural practices
Distinct language and rituals
Historical myths and legends
Explanation - Civic identity focuses on rights, duties, and participation within a political community rather than cultural or ancestral heritage.
Correct answer is: Legal citizenship and participation in political life
Q.22 Which of the following best describes multiculturalism?
Support for coexistence of multiple cultural traditions
Enforcing a single national culture
Eliminating minority languages
Promoting ethnic homogenization
Explanation - Multiculturalism encourages recognition, respect, and coexistence of different cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
Correct answer is: Support for coexistence of multiple cultural traditions
Q.23 The concept of 'imagined communities' suggests that:
A nation exists because people believe they share common ties
Ethnic groups are biologically fixed
Nationalism is always violent
Civic identity is unimportant
Explanation - Benedict Anderson argued that nations are socially constructed; members may never meet but imagine a shared community.
Correct answer is: A nation exists because people believe they share common ties
Q.24 Ethnic mobilization often occurs in response to:
Perceived discrimination or exclusion
Technological advancements
Economic globalization only
Natural disasters
Explanation - Groups may mobilize ethnically to protect rights, resources, or cultural heritage when they feel threatened.
Correct answer is: Perceived discrimination or exclusion