Social Mobility: Definition, Types, and Factors - Sociology Quiz

Question 1

Which type of social mobility refers to a change in social class during an individual's lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Question 2

Which type of social mobility describes the changes in social status of an individual over their lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Intra-generational mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Inter-generational mobility

Question 3

Identify the primary factors that influence social mobility.

Accepted Answer

Education, occupation, and income

Answer

Personal ambition and luck

Answer

Political affiliation and religious beliefs

Answer

Age, gender, and ethnicity

Question 4

Which of the following is the widely accepted definition of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Movement of individuals or groups within or between social strata based on their socioeconomic status

Answer

The ability of individuals to change their social class through personal effort

Answer

The process of becoming more involved in social activities

Question 5

Which type of social mobility involves movement within the same social class?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Question 6

What is the term for the movement of individuals from one social class to another?

Accepted Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Increased poverty

Answer

Improved living standards

Answer

Greater life satisfaction

Question 8

What is the process by which children achieve a different social status than their parents called?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Question 9

Which type of social mobility results from changes in the occupational structure of society?

Accepted Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Question 10

What impact can downward social mobility have on individuals?

Accepted Answer

Reduced life expectancy, increased health problems, and social isolation

Answer

Enhanced social mobility opportunities

Answer

Increased wealth and status

Question 11

Define social mobility.

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social classes or strata.

Answer

The process of changing one's social status through marriage.

Answer

The ability of individuals to access resources and opportunities.

Question 12

Horizontal social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

Movement within the same social class.

Answer

Movement from one generation to the next.

Answer

Movement from one country to another.

Answer

Movement between different social classes.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a potential barrier to social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Access to affordable housing.

Answer

Lack of access to education.

Answer

Discrimination and prejudice.

Answer

Economic inequality.

Question 14

The experience of women in social mobility is unique because:

Accepted Answer

They often face gender discrimination and barriers to career advancement.

Answer

They are more likely to be employed in high-paying jobs.

Answer

They have more opportunities for education and training.

Question 15

Social mobility has a significant impact on social stratification and inequality because:

Accepted Answer

It can perpetuate or reduce social inequalities.

Answer

It creates a more harmonious society.

Answer

It increases economic growth.

Question 16

Which policy is most likely to promote social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Investment in affordable childcare and early education.

Answer

Raising the minimum wage.

Answer

Tax breaks for high earners.

Question 17

Which statement about social mobility is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Situational mobility involves permanent changes in social status.

Answer

Intergenerational mobility compares the social class of individuals to their parents'.

Answer

Intragenerational mobility refers to social mobility within an individual's lifetime.

Answer

Structural mobility results from changes in the occupational structure of society.

Question 18

Which type of social mobility involves individuals moving between occupations within the same social class?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Situational mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Question 19

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the influence of social structures on social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminism

Question 20

What is a potential negative consequence of low social mobility for a society?

Accepted Answer

Increased social inequality and potential for social conflict

Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Answer

Improved educational outcomes for all

Answer

Increased economic productivity

Question 21

How do open social systems differ from closed social systems in terms of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

In open systems, social mobility is generally more possible and fluid.

Answer

Closed systems are more egalitarian, reducing the need for social mobility.

Answer

Social mobility is equally likely in both open and closed systems.

Answer

Closed systems offer greater opportunities for upward mobility.

Question 22

What is a primary reason why social mobility is important for individuals?

Accepted Answer

It provides pathways for personal growth, skill development, and upward movement in society

Answer

It guarantees social equality and eliminates social unrest

Answer

It ensures that only the most qualified individuals rise to positions of power

Question 23

Which concept refers to the societal mechanisms that limit upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social closure

Answer

Upward mobility barriers

Answer

Class barriers

Answer

Social mobility barriers

Question 24

What is the term used to describe the movement of individuals between social classes due to changes in the structure of the economy?

Accepted Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Relative mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Question 25

Which of the following is a potential consequence of upward social mobility for individuals?

Accepted Answer

Increased social status

Answer

Lowered educational attainment

Answer

Decreased social mobility

Answer

Reduced economic opportunities

Question 26

What is the primary purpose of studying social mobility in sociology?

Accepted Answer

To understand the dynamics of social stratification

Answer

To create a more just society

Answer

To rank individuals in social hierarchy

Question 27

According to the 'Great Gatsby Curve', what is the general relationship between social mobility and economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Higher inequality is associated with lower mobility

Answer

Higher inequality is associated with higher mobility

Answer

Lower inequality is associated with lower mobility

Question 28

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals move in and out of the middle class?

Accepted Answer

Class circulation

Answer

Occupational mobility

Answer

Elite dominance

Answer

Social churning

Question 29

What is a potential barrier to upward social mobility for individuals from lower social classes?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to quality education

Answer

Strong family support networks

Answer

High levels of social cohesion

Question 30

Define social mobility.

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between social classes over time

Answer

The process by which social classes are created

Answer

The way in which individuals within a social class interact

Question 31

Which scenario exemplifies upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

A factory worker becoming a manager

Answer

A doctor losing their medical license

Answer

A teacher moving to a different school in the same district

Answer

A wealthy individual donating money to charity

Question 32

Which factor is most likely to enhance social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Access to quality education

Answer

Inheritance of wealth

Answer

Reliance on social welfare programs

Answer

Strong family ties

Question 33

Which type of social mobility involves movement between generations?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Question 34

Which factor can impede social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Government regulations

Answer

Luck

Answer

Personal motivation

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Status immobility

Answer

Upward mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Question 36

Which factor is most likely to hinder upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Lack of educational opportunities

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Stable political environment

Answer

Low levels of income inequality

Question 37

Which of the following is a measure of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational occupational mobility

Answer

Unemployment

Answer

Life expectancy

Answer

Income distribution

Question 38

Which theory suggests that social mobility is primarily determined by an individual's social background?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 39

Which of the following is a consequence of high levels of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Increased political instability

Answer

Increased social stratification

Answer

Reduced economic growth

Question 40

Which of the following policies is designed to promote upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Educational reforms

Answer

Deregulation of the economy

Answer

Increased defense spending

Answer

Tax cuts for high earners

Question 41

Which of the following is a characteristic of an open society?

Accepted Answer

High levels of social mobility

Answer

Limited economic opportunities

Answer

Restrictive immigration policies

Answer

A rigid caste system

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of downward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Losing a job due to technological changes

Answer

Graduating from university

Answer

Getting a promotion at work

Answer

Starting a successful business

Question 43

Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to horizontal social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Changing professions

Answer

Inheriting wealth

Answer

Marrying into a wealthy family

Answer

Attending a higher education institution

Question 44

Which of the following is a consequence of high levels of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased social tension and conflict

Answer

Increased political stability

Answer

Improved public health outcomes

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Question 45

Which of the following best defines social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different socio-economic positions.

Answer

The ability to afford a certain lifestyle based on income.

Answer

The cultural differences between social classes.

Question 46

Which type of social mobility refers to changes in occupation or income WITHIN an individual's lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Question 47

A factory worker's son becomes a doctor. This exemplifies:

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational upward mobility

Answer

Intergenerational downward mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Intragenerational upward mobility

Question 48

Which of these is NOT typically considered a factor affecting social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Personal taste in music

Answer

Education level

Answer

Government policies

Answer

Inherited wealth

Question 49

How might a recession impact social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It could lead to increased downward mobility due to job losses.

Answer

It has no significant impact on social mobility.

Answer

It always leads to greater social equality.

Question 50

Which statement best describes the concept of 'social closure'?

Accepted Answer

Groups maintaining their resources and advantages by excluding others.

Answer

The process of individuals changing their social class through hard work.

Answer

The complete absence of social mobility within a society.

Question 51

How can education act as a 'social elevator'?

Accepted Answer

It equips individuals with skills and knowledge for higher-paying jobs.

Answer

It guarantees everyone equal wealth and social standing.

Answer

It eliminates the need for social mobility entirely.

Question 52

What is a potential consequence of low social mobility in a society?

Accepted Answer

Increased social inequality and potential for unrest.

Answer

A more dynamic and adaptable workforce.

Answer

Greater economic growth and prosperity.

Question 53

The idea that even with talent and effort, individuals' opportunities are limited by their social origins reflects:

Accepted Answer

The concept of 'sticky floors' in social mobility.

Answer

The role of individual choice in determining social outcomes.

Answer

The benefits of inherited wealth and privilege.

Answer

The idea of a completely meritocratic society.

Question 54

Analyzing social mobility helps sociologists understand:

Accepted Answer

The dynamics of social inequality and stratification within a society.

Answer

The cultural preferences of different social groups.

Answer

Individual personality traits and their impact on success.