How privileged are you? Take this test to find out
This article was published more than 5 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.
Controversies over privilege are everywhere these days. Everybody knows the classless society is a myth. The rich are getting richer and the class divide is growing, along with class resentments. That’s what helped bring us Donald Trump.
Lots of people like to focus on the top 1 per cent. But the real class divide is not the one between the top 1 per cent and the other 99. It’s the divide between the educated elite and everybody else. The fortunes of people who graduate with four-year university degrees and the people who struggle in community college are diverging more sharply than ever before. It’s the educated elites who dominate the professions and manage our major institutions. They’re the ones whose jobs are least likely to be wiped out by automation or outsourced to India (at least for now). They may not live in mansions on the Bridle Path. But they’re doing pretty well. And they’re very good at passing along their advantages to their children.
«Upper-middle-class parents have the means to spend two to three times more time with their preschool children than less affluent parents,» David Brooks writes in The New York Times. Upper-middle-class kids grow up with every advantage that lavish parental investments of time and money can bestow.
Privilege isn’t just defined by economic capital (or by race or gender, for that matter). It is increasingly defined by social and cultural capital – those intangible assets that allow people to navigate professional and personal networks to gain power and status. Upper-middle-class kids know the codes. Poorer kids don’t. And a minority student at the University of Toronto is likely to accumulate a lot more social capital than a white high-school dropout who drives a cab. How do you rank in accumulated privilege? If you’re reading this piece in The Globe and Mail, the question almost answers itself. Just to double check, try this Privilege Test (devised by me) and see how you score:
Disclosure: I scored 11 out of 13, plus a bonus point.
My point is not that you didn’t earn your privilege. You probably did. But it’s easy to forget how much of our advantage comes from things over which we had no control. Sure, we’re smart, and we work hard. But we’re also lucky. The question then becomes what the smart and lucky owe to those who are less so, especially in a world where the gap is going to widen. It’s a question that leaves both conservatives and liberals floundering.
On the left hand of the spectrum, the standard answers are to tax the rich and level the playing field with better services for disadvantaged kids. Trouble is, we’ve gone down that road about as far as we can. We already have a highly redistributive tax system. Nor can the state replace the inherent advantages of intact, two-parent families. Many studies are revealing that early childhood programs do not improve educational performance or life outcomes. People differ in ability, and no matter how good our schools, lots of kids simply aren’t university material. Some people think that getting rid of rich ghettos and private schools would help. Good luck with that. Wealthy people will always clump together – and they’ll always buy their way into the best school districts, just as they do now.
On the right hand, conservatives like to insist that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules can get ahead. But what if that is less and less true? Look at the United States, where millions of people have been caught in a devastating collapse of industries and traditional institutions, and where entire communities are being ravaged by an opioid epidemic. These people are not going to become software programmers. So now what?
Maybe those of us who scored high on the Privilege Test could think about it. One way or another, this question will dominate our politics for years to come.
Anishinaabe comedian and writer Ryan McMahon joins Dakshana Bascaramurty, Hannah Sung and Robyn Doolittle of The Globe to explore the meaning of the term «cultural appropriation.»
Privilege Test with 20 Questions. How Privileged Are You?
The privilege test shows how privileged you are by asking 20 questions. It is the simplest way to find out if you have had the same opportunities as others or not.
Privilege Test Explained
It is a set of questions about amenities, comforts, chances, and problems you have had in your life. The goal of any privilege quiz is to determine how benefited you are compared to others. Of course, it is not meant to judge you for things you have or vice versa. However, the questions remind you of your social status and how it compares to the rest of society.
Some Ways to Know How Privileged You Are
You can easily determine if you are advantaged or not. All you have to do is think about how difficult or easy it is for you to live. However, some might find it complicated as the definition of comfortable and challenging life varies. So, here are four additional straightforward methods to check your privilege.
Method #1: The Five Basic Questions
An easy DIY privilege test is to ask the following yes-no questions:
You have to answer at least four of the above questions with yes. Otherwise, you are not a privileged person. The Five Basic Questions are about the most crucial freedoms and opportunities one should have. People who do not have such rights are not living a privileged life.
Method #2: General Stress Level
Another method to check if you’re a benefited person is the stress level test. Check the following table and select your anxiety level for each topic/issue.
Issues
Stress Level
Thinking about how to make ends meet at the end of each month.
High
Worrying about bad things that could happen to you because of your low income.
High
Overthinking every month’s budget.
High
Being anxious about your tuition or credit card debt.
High
If you have more than two “high-stress levels” for the above topics, you are not privileged. One of the perks of having an advantaged life is not worrying about your elementary needs or problems.
Method #3: Taking the National Civil Rights Museum Privilege Aptitude Test
One popular way for a privilege level check is to take the National Civil Rights Museum‘s quiz. It is a free downloadable PDF file with 12 opportunity- and social benefit-related questions. You have to answer with yes and no to all the queries to get the results. You get 1 point for each “yes” and 0 points for each “no.”
The goal of the said quiz is to help youth become aware of their rights. It also points out the fact that some people are not able to live a normal life just because they are different. During the Civil Rights Movement, one of the aspirations was to emphasize systematic inequality in society. The 12 questions of the Civil Rights Museum have the same approach. You get to know the gap between various classes and genders in your country through checking your privilege.
The only downside to the said questionary is that you have to figure out the results. You have to add up your points and compare them to others to see how advantaged or disadvantaged you are.
If that is not your thing and you want instant outcomes, use method #4 and take the privilege test. (See below).
Method #4: Taking an Online Quiz with Instant Results
Online quizzes are an excellent tool to assess your privilege level quickly. They have a similar structure to other offline and written assessments. However, the good thing is that you do not have to do the math to come up with a result. The privilege test on this page returns instant results as soon as you answer all the twenty questions.
You do not have to provide us with your email address—or any other personal information. You receive a 100% free and complete assessment right away.
Things to Know Before Taking the Privilege Test
Class or white privileges are some of the most controversial topics in most societies. That is why you should have some basic knowledge about the things you face on the test. Here are what you need to know before starting the quiz.
1. Right VS. Privilege
A “right” is something that you must have, and no one can take it from you. However, privilege shows your power to exercise your rights. For instance, driving a car is your right (as long as you respect the laws). But having a car to drive is a privilege.
Many people love to drive. However, their socioeconomic situation makes it impossible to get a vehicle. So, they do not have the privilege of driving.
Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial. Because privilege tests do not tell what is your right and what is not. They just evaluate the accessibility and achievability of agreed human rights for you.
2. Different Types of Privilege
The most common types are class and white privilege. Note that categories of privileges are mostly similar. However, each might represent a specific advantage that comes along with something you did not choose. For instance, white privilege refers to the benefits of being a white person in white-dominant countries like the USA.
Here are some other categorizations.
Class
Class privilege points out the gap between chances and opportunities each social class has.
Racial privilege is a general term for the advantages or disadvantages you face because of your race or ethnicity.
Socioeconomic
Similar to class privilege, socioeconomic privilege considers the benefits of having access to more economic resources.
Gender
It identifies how much you are affected by sexism in your society.
Sexual Orientation
The gap between access to human rights between heterosexual and non-heterosexual people in a society.
Others
There are other types of specified social superiorities for particular groups. However, taking the privilege test can identify which one you benefit from and vice versa.
3. System of Oppression Effect on Your Privilege
Sociologists believe that there is a systematic form of oppression in some societies that promotes inequality. For instance, several countries have laws to prevent certain ethnic groups from accessing education. The privilege test considers that. So, some questions aim to reveal how legal and social boundaries have stopped you from exercising your rights.
4. The Relationship Between Privilege and White Guilt
White privilege is the idea that white people should be responsible for what happens to minorities. However, the privilege test on this page has nothing to do with white guilt promotion. It does not indicate that people with better amenities and more opportunities have done something wrong.
What Is Next After Recognizing How Privileged You Are?
National Civil Rights Museum has two pieces of advice for those who take the privilege test.
Get Active. If you cannot exercise your rights, do something about it. Instead of getting mad, try to be more active in your society. No one should ever blame you for the situation or environment you grew up in. And being active does mean that you are responsible for changing the whole community. However, most civil rights movements like Black Live Matters started with individuals reacting to inequality in the systems. So, you could do more than wishing for a better life.
Give Back. If the privilege test says you are an advantaged person, do not feel bad. It does not mean you are spoiled or anything like that. However, it shows you have some potential opportunities that others might not get in life. So, the best thing to do is give back to your community, trying to make the grounds even for everyone to progress.
Things You Could Do to Reduce the Effect of Social Injustice
No matter what your privilege test says, you can do your part to fight systematic oppression back. Here are three important steps anyone could take to help reduce inequality in society.
FAQs About the Online Privilege Test (Edited for 2021)
Is it a racism test?
No. But the privilege test evaluates the effect of racism on your everyday life.
Does the test give me a score?
No. the privilege test is not a contest. So, you do not get any scores in the results. The primary goal is to show whether or not you are a privileged person.
Do I have to know my rights to take it?
No, you do not. The questions are about your daily life. So, you do not need to have specific information about civil rights. However, it is a good idea to read about your rights after taking the privilege test.
The test said I am privileged. Is it a bad thing?
No, it is not. Being a privileged person is not a bad thing. Most of the time, you did not choose to be a part of the benefited group. However, it is not okay to use your advantages against others.
Questions of the quiz
Have you ever felt like people don’t like you because of the color of your skin?
No, but I guess some colored people deserve that
I’m constantly teased/harassed because of my skin color
Do you feel like others treat you in a bad way because of your gender?
No, but some people don’t deserve respect
People bully me because of my gender
Are you afraid of possible attacks by people you do not know because of your race, sexual orientation, or ethnicity?
I prefer to be the attacker
I’ve experienced that, and I’m in constant fear
Do you feel like people talk down on you because you are different?
No, but I think some people deserve that
I have experienced worse
Do you feel like you are lonely because no one looks like you?
It’s your fault if you feel that way
Most of the time
On a scale of 0 to 10, how well-equipped and advanced is or was your school? (0 means not advanced at all, and 10 means completely advanced).
How often do you feel the need to repeat your name or last name because people find it weird?
Do people push you to behave in a certain way that is more similar to your gender stereotypes?
No, because I’m not gay
I feel a constant pressure
Do you think people blame your ancestors’ mistakes on you?
No, because my ancestors were heroes
They blame everything on my people
Have you been sexually harassed at your workplace?
No one would have the courage to!
I am constantly harassed
Would you be able to tell someone and ask for their help if you were raped?
Do people blame the sexual harassment you face on you or your dresses?
No, because my dresses are not slutty
They blame everything on me
What would happen if you wanted to show affection to your partner in public?
I wouldn’t be able to do that
People would hurt my partner and me
Are you worried that you or your family would go homeless someday?
Do you feel like you are only making enough money to make ends meet?
I don’t need to make money
I don’t make any money
What would happen if you came out as homosexual?
People would tease me
That would officially make me gay!
My family would kill me
What would happen if you wanted to wear your opposite gender’s dress?
People would bully and tease me
I would never be such a stupid person
People would try to physically hurt me
Have you ever had suicidal thoughts because of financial problems?
That’s for the weak
Do you think that you would live a better life if you were white?
I’m white, and I deserve a better life
And finally, what is your biggest fear when it comes to your family’s future?
Losing our fortune
Going to jail for our debts
Having to live with bothersome foreign neighbors
The Burr Magazine
The Burr Magazine
The Burr Magazine
I took Buzzfeed’s “How Privileged Are You” Quiz
I took Buzzfeed’s “How Privileged Are You?” quiz to check my privilege. The quiz consists of a checklist of 100 “privileges” spanning different areas such as race, sexuality, gender, wealth, education, travel, family, ability, mental health, body image, religion, bullying and self-acceptance.
I expected this quiz to be an opportunity to reflect on my privileges with gratitude and validate some of the struggles I deal with and have dealt with. While it did generally fulfill these expectations in terms of gratitude, it was not much of a validating experience for me. I think Buzzfeed’s intention with the quiz was to highlight the privileges, and lack thereof, they feel are most impactful and which the quiz taker may or may not agree with.
I make it an important part of my life to be grateful; I even have a gratitude journal that I write in every day. I was hoping for this quiz to be another practice of gratitude for me. However, some parts of this quiz had the strange effect of provoking me to focus on issues and blow them out of proportion as lacks of privilege. This may just be my experience and I will share some examples to illustrate what I mean.
The first privilege is “I am white.” I am Jewish and my skin is not white and I do not consider myself white. However, I will not go into the debate on whether Jews are white here, but instead just focus on appearance. People often ask me my ethnicity and tell me I look Middle Eastern, which is certainly possible, as many Jews are descended from Middle Eastern countries. (I just submitted my 23andMe kit so soon I will find out my exact origins and I am very excited!) However, many people do identify me as white, and I do not consider my olive complexion or my religion or ethnicity to represent a lack of privilege. Therefore, for me, it is not something to harp on, though this may be different for people who are not Caucasian whatsoever.
Another privilege is “I have never been the only person of my race in a room.” I am from New York City, so this was a fairly common experience for me. Once again, I did not consider this to indicate a lack of privilege, but it was a privilege I could not check off. Being the only person of my race in a room was maybe uncomfortable, but it just wasn’t too big of a deal to me. Perhaps being “racially unidentifiable” was a reason it was not a big deal. Thinking about my racial identity like this makes it seem like more of a privilege than a disadvantage. I can definitely see why it would feel like a lack of privilege to others, but to me, it does not.
The race section was complicated and did not make me feel grateful or validated, but instead confused me and made me question some aspects of my life. Next was the sexuality section, which was easy for me to answer and did make me feel grateful. I am a heterosexual man and identify as the gender I was born as. If this was not the case, I would have likely faced many issues that the quiz brings up such as hiding, being bullied and worse relationships with parents. Therefore, I am grateful that our society doesn’t discriminate against my sexuality.
The next sections were related to wealth and education, which also made me feel very grateful. While I did acknowledge that I have felt poor before, it was because I went to a private high school in New York City, and I was comparing myself to other students rather than the population as a whole. I have realized that since coming to college, so it was not a new revelation for me, but it is still important to reflect on. Besides that, I recognize and am grateful for the privilege of not wanting for anything monetarily. Regarding education, I am also grateful and privileged to soon be a college graduate.
The next section was about travel. I have had the privilege of traveling to Israel three times, studying abroad in Florence for a semester, studying abroad in Poland for spring break and visiting a friend in Mexico City. These were some of the most amazing experiences of my life, so I am extremely grateful for them.
The next section was family, a section in which I was hoping to receive validation. My mom and dad divorced when I was three years old due to my dad being a drug addict. My mom then remarried, but I had a rough time with my stepdad. My dad died of a drug overdose when I was nine, and my brother is currently suffering from substance abuse issues. Of course, I am grateful for my family, because I have a great relationship with my mom and brother, but I definitely seek validation for what I feel is the most significant struggle I have faced. I also believe family is the most important thing in life. As a result, I feel this quiz does not do the issue of family justice at all. It has only three items about it: “My parents are heterosexual,” “my parents are both alive” and “my parents are still married.” I think there should have been more items about this topic, and I did not feel particularly validated.
This quiz did allow me to reflect on how grateful I am for my privileges, confused me about the extent I have privilege because of my racial identity and briefly validated the areas where I do lack privilege. The quiz values each privilege equally, which I do not think is accurate. It is also confusing that the quiz is so black-and-white about evaluating privileges when there are different levels to them. An example is that, while I cannot say that I have never been told I am too skinny, I do not consider that to be a lack of privilege. However, if I were significantly underweight, I probably would consider it a lack of privilege to be told this.
In conclusion, take this quiz to reflect on yourself but not to be an accurate measure of your privilege. I scored a 58/100, but I feel much more privileged than that and also feel like the privileges should not all be valued as one point each. I think it would have been more meaningful to have the items weighed differently. My dad dying is much worse than not traveling internationally at least once a year and should be valued as such.
Scoring a 58/100 earned me this message:
I roughly agree with the message. I do consider myself quite privileged, but I do not agree with the quiz authoritatively telling me “overall your life has been far easier than most.” I think a quiz like this should be sensitive and that is not a sensitive thing to say. It is good that it says being privileged is nothing to be ashamed of, because it is not. Privileges are either things you cannot control or things you earn, so shame is not a suitable reaction to privilege. However, I do agree that those with privilege should appreciate their privilege and work to help others who do not have as much privilege.
How Privileged are you? | Comments
Below are comments submitted by GoToQuiz.com users for the quiz How Privileged are you?
Maybe if this amount of time was spent working out issues and talking about what is going on rather than trying to force your own culture down every else’s throats you may actually make a change rather than pushing people to oppose everything you are trying to get across. Talk to people, don’t just yell until they ignore you and claim victim when you are actually the aggressor. 11% underprivileged yet Native american who had to work their own way up with loving parents, and I guess that makes me a cis male that needs to check their privilege. I think you need to check how you communicate and yes, this is a form of communication and shows just how hostile you really are.
Uhhh. 15% unprivileged, «You are extremely privileged. I bet you’re some white cisgendered heterosexual male who never checks his privilege.»
I’m a Half-Asian, Half-White queer person who’s genderfluid and the daughter of an immigrant. I also have CPTSD from being abused and molested for years. Not saying I’m not privileged, cause I definitely hella am (I get to go to college, have all my basic needs met, and can afford therapy along with other things I may want) and I’m hella lucky. I’m just writing here cause the person making this, who thinks they’re a Bleeding Heart Liberal who’s got it figured out, is very mistaken and clearly does not know how to talk to people who believe they are not privileged. Here’s something helpful you could say instead of screaming and spreading hate pointlessly:
You are extremely privileged! It’s not your fault, most privileges people are born into and have little to no control over it. But it is your job to use the resources you have to help those less privileged than you and stay educated about how your actions effect them. Make sure to listen and believe, because many disadvantaged people see things privileged people don’t! Here’s a list of articles you could read to help get you started:
Remember, society and situations change quickly so no matter who we are we’re never done learning how we can help and learn about groups of oppressed/marginalized people we do not belong to and even those we belong to (heck, I’m part of the Queer community and I’m still learning actively learning new things!). Stay healthy, keep learning, and wear a mask!
That’s a way better thing to write instead of screaming PRIVILEGE and then leaving :/
Oh sorry Frost_Wolf, this was meant for the creator! This is the first time I’m using this and idk how to delete a reply.
I got 1% unprivileged and it said «1%
You are extremely privileged. I bet you’re some white cisgendered heterosexual male who never checks his privilege.» I am a 13 year old latina with immigrant parents who moved here for a better life. They worked hard and got good paying jobs and now earn enough to be in the upper middle class. I agree that I am privileged and I’m very grateful and I have never been discriminated against because of my race. This test is stupid and was surely made made by some privileged white feminist who thought she really did something with this. My family and I are privileged because my parents made a difficult choice to leave their lives behind in their 20s and move to America. They work hard everyday of their life and never act above anyone else and I was lucky enough to be born into this family. So it’s unfair and stupid to assume that everyone who is privileged is in that position because they’re white. I know this was a long comment but the outcome and message after this quiz is idiotic and it made me mad.
-0% underprivileged. Apparently, I’m a white cis male who never checks his privilege.
I’m actually a mixed race female Latina who also happens to be a minor and who has no effing idea what sexual orientation I happen to be. I was never bullied for my race, although I did get lots of «Are you Asian, then?» and «Oh, is that in Africa?» guesses, which I don’t think counts.
I’m lucky enough not to suffer from mental illness, disability, or poverty.
I’m simply some kid who got her US citizenship last March and who didn’t check off many negative options on this quiz because she is so hecking grateful to be where she is now.
So rethink your white cis male, please.
Rethink your laughably narrow, pessimistic views on modern human society.
20% unprivileged. im 19 years old, white, straight male. I work construction 10 hours a day (it takes an hour to get from home to work so 12 hours) 6 days a week. I work for everything i have. I help my father pay bills and buy all of my things. I grew up very poor ( i lived in a shack in the woods and went hungry almost everyday). I watched my mother get beaten and my own family bullied me daily just for being me. I was also bullied in school for most of my life. Im very suicidal and suffer from crippling anxiety. Now, tell me that im privileged. The only reason im actually commenting is to show you that just because im white, male, and «cis» does not mean im (or anyone for that matter) «privileged.» Hopefully you can see reason and realize this, but lets be real, you wont.
I got 13% unprivileged. And it said you’re probably some white cis straight male who never checks his privilege.
I’m a mixed race bisexual girl(minor) who happened to grow up in a fairly good environment. I have never been discriminated against because of who I am. I wish that people stopped treating me like a victim because of who I am. I am not a victim because I’m 1/2 black or because I’m bi. Just stop.
Same percentage and its so annoying right? Like I understand that Im privileged, as Im white, upper middle class, and cisgender, but Im a pansexual girl who has depression and an eating disorder that affects me daily, not a straight mentally stable man who hasnt checked his privilege. This quiz is downright rude lmao
Youre still problematic af but at least you have a clue. What a load of bulls—. You can have privilege and be aware and help.
As well as from the other comments I can see how rubbish this quiz is.
Lol. What Fat Feminazi Satanic, man hating, gynocentric, misandrist, nature hating, baby murdering, gender disphoria suffering, liberal racist put this dumb biased test together? The Hatred of nature and Men is so ironic. Its like they want to destroy women and Men and families.
«You may have encountered a few rough patches, but things are still pretty good for you. Make sure you’re not engaging in systematic misogynistic culturally appropriative racist patriarchal power structures to minimize how problematic you are.»
\n \n How Privileged Are You?
\n The last time we did this was about 2.5 years ago.
\n \»I am not nervous in airport security lines.\»
Does it count that I was nervous when I was in line for nearly two hours and nearly missed my flight?
\n \n\n \n I never perfected that simian stroll
mostly bc im a straight white dude that doesnt have to deal with student loan bullshit (because i never went to college)
\n As a brown man, I was doing well until the question \»Have you ever been told you’re ‘attractive for your race’\» and I was like \»Hah, no I haven’t. but for reasons other than racism. \»
I have also never been told \»I sound white\» but I sometimes see it in people’s eyes when they first meet me in person after having talked on the phone. My name is Gary too, not a hindu name or anything so that adds to the shock. \»Oh you’re Gary.\»
I was also stopped at the airport once by some security woman with a huge rifle, asking me stupid questions. First it was a standard \»Where are you travelling to today. business or pleasure\» and I thought it was pretty innocent. Then it was: Her: You’re travelling alone? (in an accusative tone) Me: No, I’m with my friends Her: Then where are they? Me: Over there
I always thought from pop culture that it was a thing that happened more in America, and unfortunately more to those wearing things like turbans, never expected that kinda shit to happen to me in Heathrow Airport, 30 minutes from the place where I grew up and lived for the first 18 years of my life.
I still got 57/100.
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