Education and Intergenerational Mobility: Explore the Role of Education in Social Mobility

Question 1

Which of the following is the most influential factor in determining intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Parents' socioeconomic status

Answer

Natural ability

Answer

School location

Answer

Government policies

Question 2

How does education contribute to increased earning potential?

Accepted Answer

By providing access to higher-paying occupations

Answer

By fostering cultural refinement

Answer

By reducing prejudice and discrimination

Answer

By increasing political awareness

Question 3

What is the purpose of 'educational streaming'?

Accepted Answer

To divide students into different educational pathways based on their perceived academic abilities.

Answer

To implement technology in the classroom.

Answer

To assess student progress through standardized tests.

Question 4

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of educational streaming?

Accepted Answer

Lower-track students may have diminished opportunities for higher education and future career prospects.

Answer

Increased competition for university places.

Answer

Improved teacher morale.

Question 5

How does social reproduction theory explain the role of education in perpetuating social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It argues that the education system favors students from privileged backgrounds, reinforcing existing social divisions.

Answer

It suggests that education is the sole determinant of social inequality.

Question 6

What is the concept of 'cultural capital'?

Accepted Answer

The knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are valued and recognized by a particular social class or group.

Answer

The formal education that an individual has received.

Answer

The financial resources that an individual has access to.

Question 7

How does cultural capital influence educational attainment?

Accepted Answer

Students from higher social classes tend to possess more cultural capital, providing them with advantages in academic settings.

Answer

Cultural capital has no significant impact on educational attainment.

Question 8

What is a primary role of government policies in addressing educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Implementing measures to reduce disparities in access to educational resources and improve outcomes for disadvantaged students.

Answer

Government policies have no impact on educational inequality.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a government policy aimed at reducing educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Providing financial assistance to low-income families to cover educational expenses.

Answer

Expansion of private schools.

Answer

Introduction of tuition fees for university students.

Question 10

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the relationship between education and intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors

Answer

Family background

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Teacher quality

Question 11

The 'hidden curriculum' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Unwritten norms, values, and expectations transmitted informally through the education system

Answer

The formal curriculum as prescribed by exam boards

Answer

The extracurricular activities offered by schools

Question 12

Which sociological theory suggests that education serves to maintain social inequality by legitimizing the existing social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Marxist conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Social capital theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 13

According to the 'social mobility thesis', which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Education is a key mechanism for individuals to achieve upward social mobility

Answer

Social mobility is declining in most developed countries

Answer

Social mobility is largely determined by factors beyond individual control, such as family background

Question 14

Which of the following is a potential consequence of unequal access to education?

Accepted Answer

Perpetuation of social inequality

Answer

Enhanced economic growth

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Question 15

The concept of 'cultural capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Non-material resources, such as knowledge, skills, and dispositions, that provide social advantages

Answer

The physical assets, such as property or vehicles, owned by individuals or families

Answer

The financial resources available to individuals or families

Question 16

Which of the following is a critique of the 'meritocratic' view of education?

Accepted Answer

It assumes that educational attainment is solely based on individual ability and effort, ignoring the influence of social factors

Answer

It promotes educational excellence and high standards

Answer

It encourages individuals to strive for social mobility

Question 17

According to the 'selective tradition' in English education:

Accepted Answer

Grammar schools select a small minority of students based on academic ability, while comprehensive schools cater to the rest of the student population

Answer

All students should have access to the same educational opportunities

Answer

Vocational education is more valuable than academic education

Question 18

The 'cycle of disadvantage' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for educational disadvantage, such as low parental education and poverty, to be passed down through generations within families

Answer

The idea that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to succeed in education

Answer

The belief that education is the only way to break out of poverty

Question 19

Which factor is most prominently considered in promoting intergenerational mobility in education?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged students.

Answer

Decreasing income taxes for high-income earners.

Answer

Increasing the minimum wage.

Question 20

In the context of education and social mobility, what is the definition of 'cultural capital'?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge, abilities, and dispositions esteemed by the dominant societal class.

Answer

Families' financial means allocated for education.

Answer

Physical resources accessible in educational institutions.

Question 21

What is the term used to describe the generational transmission of social class?

Accepted Answer

Social reproduction.

Answer

Cultural transmission.

Answer

Social mobility.

Answer

Economic disparity.

Question 22

Which of the following is not identified as a potential consequence of low intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Boosted social cohesion.

Answer

Persistent poverty.

Answer

Reduced economic growth.

Answer

Political instability.

Question 23

How do schools contribute to promoting intergenerational mobility in education?

Accepted Answer

Offering all students equal opportunities for high-quality education.

Answer

Enforcing rigid disciplinary policies.

Answer

Categorizing students into different academic programs.

Question 24

Which of the following reveals a limitation of the 'meritocratic' perspective on education and mobility?

Accepted Answer

It presumes that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed in education.

Answer

It provides a明確 path to social mobility for everyone.

Answer

It encourages competition and the pursuit of excellence.

Question 25

Define the concept of 'educational capital'.

Accepted Answer

The knowledge, skills, and credentials acquired through education.

Answer

Social networks accessible to students.

Answer

Financial resources allocated by families for education.

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a policy that can enhance intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Expanding access to early childhood education.

Answer

Reducing corporate taxes.

Answer

Increasing military expenditures.

Answer

Deregulating the banking sector.

Question 27

Describe the relationship between parental education and their children's educational attainment.

Accepted Answer

There is a robust positive correlation between the education level of parents and the educational attainment of their children.

Answer

There is a negative correlation between the education level of parents and the educational attainment of their children.

Question 28

Which of the following is a significant factor contributing to the intergenerational transmission of educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Parents' educational attainment

Answer

Availability of school vouchers

Question 29

According to the Coleman Report (1966), which factor had the most significant influence on student achievement?

Accepted Answer

Family background

Answer

Teacher qualifications

Question 30

Which educational system design is considered most conducive to promoting social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive system with early selection

Answer

Private school system with early selection

Question 31

Which prominent sociologist proposed the theory that education serves to maintain social inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Question 32

What is the term used to describe the process by which children from underprivileged backgrounds can successfully overcome the obstacles to educational achievement?

Accepted Answer

Educational resilience

Answer

Social mobility

Question 33

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of intergenerational educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased social stratification

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Question 34

What is the primary role of education in promoting social justice and equity?

Accepted Answer

Equalizing opportunities and mitigating the impact of social background on life chances

Answer

Preserving traditional cultural values

Question 35

Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to intergenerational educational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Parental physical health

Answer

Parental education

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Access to quality schooling

Question 36

The concept of 'cultural capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Non-material resources that can be transmitted across generations and provide advantages in education and other spheres of life

Answer

Material possessions and wealth

Answer

Formal educational qualifications

Question 37

Which theory suggests that education often serves to maintain existing social inequalities by sorting individuals into different social strata based on their educational credentials?

Accepted Answer

Credentialism theory

Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Cultural deprivation theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Question 38

Research has consistently shown that individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to experience:

Accepted Answer

Educational underachievement

Answer

Equal educational opportunities

Answer

Preferential treatment in education

Answer

Higher educational attainment

Question 39

Which policy initiative aims to improve educational attainment for students from low-income families?

Accepted Answer

Early childhood education programs

Answer

School vouchers

Answer

Increased private school funding

Answer

Stricter school discipline

Question 40

The social class gap in educational achievement is:

Accepted Answer

Persistent across generations, indicating that social background has a long-lasting effect on educational outcomes

Answer

Only evident in certain subjects, such as math and science

Answer

Narrowing in recent years due to increased educational opportunities for all

Answer

Non-existent, as education is equally accessible to all students regardless of social class

Question 41

The concept of 'meritocracy' suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Educational success is solely based on individual effort and ability, without regard to social background or other external factors

Answer

Education is the only factor that determines an individual's life chances

Answer

Social class is the most important determinant of educational success

Question 42

Which research method is most appropriate for studying the impact of education on intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

Experimental study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Case study

Question 43

Which policy aims to increase social mobility through education by expanding access to higher education?

Accepted Answer

Expansion of higher education

Answer

Tracking students into vocational programs

Answer

Reduction of school funding

Answer

Elite university admissions quotas

Question 44

According to the theory of 'social closure', how do privileged groups maintain their educational advantage?

Accepted Answer

Restricting access to higher education for lower social classes

Answer

Promoting meritocracy in the education system

Answer

Providing social services to low-income families

Answer

Encouraging social mixing in schools

Question 45

Which factor is widely recognized as a significant predictor of educational attainment and intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Parental social class

Answer

Quality of teaching

Answer

School resources

Answer

Student motivation

Question 46

How does 'credentialism' contribute to educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

It values individuals based solely on their qualifications, potentially overlooking their actual abilities and experiences.

Answer

It reduces the significance of social background in educational attainment.

Answer

It ensures equal access to education for all.

Question 47

What is a major criticism of using standardized testing as a measure of educational outcomes and predictor of intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

It can be biased against students from disadvantaged backgrounds, perpetuating existing inequalities.

Answer

It provides reliable data on student achievement.

Answer

It encourages healthy competition among students.

Question 48

How does the 'hidden curriculum' contribute to intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

It transmits cultural norms, values, and behaviors of the dominant social class, potentially disadvantaging students from different backgrounds.

Answer

It ensures that all students have access to the same educational content.

Answer

It promotes critical thinking skills in students.

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of low educational mobility?

Accepted Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Social unrest

Answer

Political instability

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 50

How can schools effectively promote social mobility through education?

Accepted Answer

Providing equitable access to high-quality education regardless of students' socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

Tracking students into different educational pathways based on perceived ability

Answer

Enforcing strict discipline and adhering solely to traditional academic standards