Which two societal issues continued to persist during the Enlightenment period?

The correct answer highlights the enduring societal issues of racism and sexism during the Enlightenment period. Despite the period being characterized by a surge in ideas promoting individual liberty, reason, and equality, these ideals were often not applied universally. Many Enlightenment thinkers, while advocating for rights and freedoms, continued to endorse existing social hierarchies, which reinforced both racial and gender inequalities.

Much of the discourse during this time did not include significant movements toward gender equality or the dismantling of racist ideologies. Women's rights were largely overlooked as Enlightenment philosophies primarily focused on the rights of men, often ignoring the political and social inequalities faced by women. Similarly, racism persisted as many thinkers rationalized race-based hierarchies, perpetuating discriminatory beliefs and practices.

In contrast, while options regarding religious tolerance and education address important factors of the Enlightenment, these did not capture the pervasive societal inequalities experienced by women and marginalized racial groups at the time. Thus, the recognition of racism and sexism as persistent issues accurately reflects the social realities of the Enlightenment era.