arichinna wrote:
1. The first blank requires a positive tone as "although" is used to oppose the tone of limitation of empirical data. Consequently, provincial does not suit here. Abridged is also a positive tone. Hence, only "interesting" suits here.
2. The third sentence says that the idea has been written off by some stereotype, which means that second blank requires more negative tone. Hoary and transient are not negative tones. Only vicious suits here.
3. Finally, in the third blank - whites and black men have "ALSO" been - suggests that it is an extension of what happened to women. Hence, only "victimised" suits here better.
How does "vicious" suit the second blank? There is no evidence of it whatsoever. Rather, "hoary", meaning overused or trite or commonplace, makes better sense IMO.