Introduction to Social Stratification: A Comprehensive Guide for Sociology Students

Question 1

In the functionalist theory of social stratification, what is considered crucial for a society to operate effectively?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social conflict

Question 2

According to Max Weber, the most important factor in determining social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Economic class, social status, and political power.

Answer

Gender.

Answer

Religion.

Answer

Race.

Question 3

Social stratification refers to:

Accepted Answer

A system of social inequality in which individuals and groups are ranked in a hierarchy based on their access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

A system of social cohesion in which everyone works together to achieve common goals.

Answer

A system of social mobility in which individuals can move up or down the social ladder.

Answer

A system of social equality in which everyone has the same opportunities.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key assumption of the conflict perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is caused by conflict between different social classes over resources and power.

Answer

Social inequality is based on individual merit.

Answer

Social inequality is inevitable and necessary for a stable society.

Question 5

Human capital refers to:

Accepted Answer

The skills, knowledge, and abilities that individuals acquire through education and training.

Answer

The resources available to individuals due to their social connections.

Answer

The financial assets owned by individuals.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased social cohesion.

Answer

Reduced educational opportunities.

Answer

Higher crime rates.

Answer

Lower life expectancy.

Question 7

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary basis of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Economic class

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Gender

Answer

Race

Question 8

Which type of stratification system allows for significant social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Open stratification

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Closed stratification

Question 9

What terminology describes the significant disparity in financial assets between the wealthiest and poorest individuals in a society?

Accepted Answer

Wealth inequality

Answer

Income inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Resource inequality

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a potential negative consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased social stability

Answer

Restricted access to education and healthcare

Answer

Reduced social mobility

Answer

Heightened crime rates

Question 11

In sociology, what term denotes a system of beliefs that legitimizes and supports a particular social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Ideology

Answer

Mythology

Answer

Religion

Answer

Culture

Question 12

What is the sociological term for the movement of individuals between different social strata?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social fluidity

Answer

Social change

Answer

Social stratification

Question 13

Functionalist theories of social stratification have been criticized for:

Accepted Answer

Overemphasizing consensus and stability

Answer

Failing to acknowledge social conflict

Answer

Lacking empirical evidence

Answer

Being overly complex

Question 14

What sociological term refers to a group of individuals who share a similar social status and lifestyle?

Accepted Answer

Social class

Answer

Social stratum

Answer

Social category

Answer

Social group

Question 15

Identify the characteristic that is NOT typically associated with a social stratification system.

Accepted Answer

Complete mobility for all individuals

Answer

Recognition of social categories based on ascribed or achieved characteristics

Answer

Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities

Answer

Hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups

Question 16

Which sociological theory emphasizes the significance of conflict, competition, and power dynamics in shaping social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Question 17

Identify the consequence that is commonly associated with social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Reduced life expectancy for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

Equal opportunities for all citizens

Answer

Enhanced social unity

Question 18

Which measure is specifically used to quantify the degree of income inequality within a society?

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Social mobility index

Answer

Human Development Index

Answer

Social distance scale

Question 19

Provide an example that illustrates the concept of status inconsistency.

Accepted Answer

A highly educated individual with a low-paying job

Answer

A middle-class family living in a wealthy neighborhood

Answer

A wealthy person with a prestigious social reputation

Answer

A working-class person with a high level of education

Question 20

Identify a significant trend observed in social stratification patterns over recent decades.

Accepted Answer

Widening income disparities

Answer

Heightened class consciousness

Answer

Convergence of social classes

Answer

Decreasing social mobility

Question 21

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary basis of social stratification in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Educational attainment

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Answer

Systematic inequality in health outcomes

Answer

Limited opportunities for social mobility

Question 23

Social status can be defined as:

Accepted Answer

A socially defined position that carries certain rights, privileges, and obligations

Answer

The way an individual perceives their position in society

Answer

A measure of an individual's self-esteem

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of social stratification, according to functionalist theory?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social order and stability

Answer

To promote individual achievement

Answer

To eliminate social inequality

Answer

To enhance social mobility

Question 25

What is the concept of social reproduction?

Accepted Answer

The process by which social inequality is passed down from one generation to the next

Answer

The creation of new social classes

Answer

The upward mobility of individuals

Question 26

Which of the following is a key criticism of functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

They ignore the role of conflict and power in maintaining inequality

Answer

They underestimate the impact of social mobility

Answer

They overemphasize the importance of individual merit

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a closed stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is possible

Answer

Social groups are endogamous

Answer

Status is ascribed at birth

Answer

Positions are arranged hierarchically

Question 28

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary cause of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Biological differences

Answer

Individual merit

Answer

Cultural values

Question 29

Which type of social stratification is based on an individual's occupation or income?

Accepted Answer

Class stratification

Answer

Caste stratification

Answer

Estate stratification

Answer

Functionalist stratification

Question 30

What term describes the movement of individuals or groups between different social positions?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social exclusion

Question 31

The Gini coefficient is used to measure what aspect of a society?

Accepted Answer

Income inequality

Answer

Life expectancy

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Social mobility

Question 32

Which of these policies aims to reduce income disparities by taxing higher earners at a greater rate?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Flat taxation

Answer

Deregulation

Answer

Privatization

Question 33

Which theory argues that social inequality is a natural result of individual differences in ability and effort?

Accepted Answer

Social Darwinism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Social constructionism

Question 34

Which of these is a potential consequence of significant social inequality in a society?

Accepted Answer

Health disparities

Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Social cohesion

Question 35

What is the BEST description of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

A system where society ranks groups of people in a hierarchy based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige.

Answer

The differences in wealth and income between countries.

Answer

The unequal distribution of resources within a society.

Answer

The process of individuals moving between different social classes.

Question 36

Which of these is NOT a key feature of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It is based solely on individual effort and talent.

Answer

It's a characteristic of society, not just individual differences.

Answer

It often persists across generations.

Answer

It is supported by beliefs and values about social groups.

Question 37

A caste system is an example of what type of stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Closed system

Answer

Open system

Answer

Meritocratic system

Question 38

Which sociological perspective argues that social stratification is necessary for a society to function smoothly?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Question 39

According to Karl Marx, what is the main factor that creates social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production (e.g., factories, land)

Answer

Differences in individual ability

Answer

Prestige and social status

Answer

Religious beliefs and values

Question 40

Max Weber expanded on Marx's ideas by arguing that social stratification is also based on which additional factors?

Accepted Answer

Status (social honor) and power (the ability to influence others)

Answer

Personal values and beliefs

Answer

Geographic location

Answer

Biological differences

Question 41

Which of these is an example of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

A first-generation university student whose parents did not attend university.

Answer

A family who has always been part of the upper class.

Answer

Individuals with similar income levels living in the same neighborhood.

Question 42

What is a potential consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources like education and healthcare.

Answer

Increased social cohesion and solidarity.

Answer

Greater economic productivity and innovation.

Question 43

How does social stratification impact a person's life chances?

Accepted Answer

It shapes opportunities and experiences based on their social position.

Answer

It has little to no impact on an individual's life trajectory.

Answer

It ensures everyone has an equal chance of success.

Question 44

What is a common criticism of the functionalist perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't adequately explain how systemic inequalities and their perpetuation contribute to social problems.

Answer

It ignores the role of individual talent and effort in achieving success.

Answer

It doesn't recognize the importance of social order and stability.

Question 45

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a closed stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Status is achieved through hard work.

Answer

Individuals can easily move between social groups.

Answer

Social interactions are frequent between different strata.

Question 46

Which type of stratification system is primarily based on economic factors, creating distinct social classes?

Accepted Answer

Class stratification

Answer

Estate stratification

Answer

Caste stratification

Answer

Racial stratification

Question 47

Which sociological theory argues that social stratification is beneficial for society as it ensures that important roles are filled by qualified individuals?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Symbolic interaction theory

Question 48

What is a central concept in conflict theory that describes the unfair advantage held by the powerful over the less powerful?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation

Answer

Social equilibrium

Answer

Social consensus

Answer

Social mobility

Question 49

Which of the following is a common consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Shorter life expectancy for people in lower socioeconomic groups.

Answer

Improved access to education for everyone.

Answer

Increased social cohesion among all groups.

Answer

Greater opportunities for social mobility.

Question 50

Which statement best describes a meritocratic society?

Accepted Answer

People are rewarded based on their skills, efforts, and achievements.

Answer

There are no clear social divisions or inequalities.

Answer

Social mobility is entirely determined by birth.

Answer

Individuals are assigned their social positions at birth.

Question 51

Which of the following factors contributes to the continuation of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources like education and healthcare.

Answer

High levels of social mobility within society.

Answer

Government policies promoting equality and social justice.

Answer

Increased awareness of social justice issues.