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Past Papers MCQs

Gender Studies

2026

MCQs

Question 1
Judith Butler’s concept of “Performativity” argues that gender is not an internal reality but ____?
  • A biological essence determined by chromosomal patterns
  • A socially repetitive set of acts sanctioned by social norms
  • A fixed psychological archetype inherited from ancestors
  • None of these
Explanation: Butler argues gender is constructed through repeated social acts, not innate biology.
Question 2
The term “Glass Cliff” refers to?
  • The invisible barrier preventing women from rising to top ranks
  • The phenomenon where women are promoted to leadership roles during crises or downturns
  • Equal promotion of men in female-dominated professions
  • None of these
Explanation: Women are often placed in risky leadership roles during crises, increasing chances of failure.
Question 3
In the context of Gender and Development (GAD), the “practical gender needs” differ from “strategic gender interests” in that the former?
  • Challenge the subordinate position of women in society
  • Focus exclusively on legislative quotas and political representation
  • Address immediate necessities without challenging labor divisions
  • None of these
Explanation: Practical needs address daily survival issues without altering structural inequalities.
Question 4
Michel Foucault’s “History of Sexuality” challenges the “repressive hypothesis” by suggesting that?
  • The Victorian era successfully silenced all discourse on sexuality
  • Sexuality is purely biological independent of power structures
  • Power produces discourse on sexuality rather than just repressing it
  • None of these
Explanation: Foucault argued power shapes and produces knowledge about sexuality.
Question 5
The “Patriarchal Bargain” concept was elaborated by?
  • Deniz Kandiyoti
  • Fatima Mernissi
  • Asma Barlas
  • None of these
Explanation: Kandiyoti explained how women strategize within patriarchal systems.
Question 6
Which wave of feminism is most closely associated with the slogan “The Personal is Political”?
  • First Wave
  • Second Wave
  • Third Wave
  • None of these
Explanation: Second-wave feminism highlighted personal experiences as political issues.
Question 7
The notion that men suffer from “hegemonic masculinity” is attributed to?
  • R.W. Connell
  • Michael Kimmel
  • Andrea Dworkin
  • None of these
Explanation: Connell developed the concept of hegemonic masculinity.
Question 8
Which UN Conference resulted in the “Platform for Action”?
  • Mexico City (1975)
  • Copenhagen (1980)
  • Beijing (1995)
  • None of these
Explanation: The Beijing Conference produced the Platform for Action on gender equality.
Question 9
The concept of “Strategic Essentialism” suggests that?
  • Gender differences are biologically fixed
  • Minority groups may temporarily unify identities for political goals
  • Essentialist arguments should never be used
  • None of these
Explanation: It allows temporary unity for political mobilization.
Question 10
“Standpoint Theory” argues that?
  • All knowledge is objective and neutral
  • Science should be abandoned
  • Knowledge is shaped by social position and marginalized views are valuable
  • None of these
Explanation: It emphasizes perspectives of marginalized groups in knowledge creation.
Question 11
Elisabeth SchĂĽssler Fiorenza coined the term kyriarchy to describe?
  • A patriarchal system
  • Interlocking systems of domination
  • Legal guardianship
  • None of these
Explanation: Kyriarchy refers to overlapping oppressions like gender, race, and class.
Question 12
The WID approach was primarily criticized for?
  • Being anti-male
  • Ignoring women’s economic roles
  • Focusing only on inclusion without structural change
  • None of these
Explanation: WID focused on inclusion rather than transforming inequalities.
Question 13
Which Pakistani legislation criminalized “Honour Killings”?
  • Criminal Law Amendment Act 2016
  • Women’s Protection Act 2006
  • Domestic Violence Act 2013
  • None of these
Explanation: The 2016 law removed forgiveness loopholes in honour killings.
Question 14
The “Bargaining with Patriarchy” concept was coined by?
  • Naila Kabeer
  • Judith Lorber
  • Deniz Kandiyoti
  • None of these
Explanation: Kandiyoti introduced this concept about women’s negotiation within patriarchy.
Question 15
Which SDG specifically targets “Gender Equality”?
  • SDG 3
  • SDG 4
  • SDG 5
  • None of these
Explanation: SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality.
Question 16
The reformist movement advocating women’s education and opposing Sati was led by?
  • Annie Besant
  • Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy
  • None of these
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy led reforms against Sati and for women’s rights.
Question 17
“Doing Gender” perspective was proposed by?
  • Davis and Moore
  • Parsons and Bales
  • West and Zimmerman
  • None of these
Explanation: They described gender as an ongoing social performance.
Question 18
CEDAW is often described as?
  • An international bill of rights for women
  • A peace treaty
  • A trade agreement
  • None of these
Explanation: CEDAW protects women’s rights globally.
Question 19
“Sticky Floor” refers to?
  • Women stuck in low-wage, low-mobility jobs
  • High retention rates of female employees
  • Domestic responsibilities
  • None of these
Explanation: It describes barriers keeping women in low-level jobs.
Question 20
The concept of “Matrix of Domination” was developed by?
  • Deniz Kandiyoti
  • Angela Davis
  • Bell Hooks
  • None of these
Explanation: Bell Hooks explained interconnected systems of oppression.