Which concept measures the degree of closeness to or acceptance of members of other groups?

• A. Geographic Distance
• B. Emotional Distance
• C. Social Distance
• D. Cultural Affinity

Answer: (C)

Social distance is the degree of closeness to or acceptance of members of other groups. It captures how willing people are to engage in social relationships with individuals from different groups, reflecting levels of acceptance or prejudice. Historically, the Bogardus social distance scale quantified this by asking about varying kinds of social contact—ranging from having neighbors or friends of a different group to marrying into one. This helps explain patterns of integration and discrimination in society. Geographic distance refers to physical space between groups, emotional distance to internal feelings toward others, and cultural affinity to shared values or practices, not the actual willingness to form social ties. So, the measure described is social distance.