Social Stratification: Understanding Inequality in Society

Question 1

In functionalist theory, which characteristic is considered essential for social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Promoting social order and efficiency, benefiting all members of society

Answer

Rewarding individuals based on merit and achievement

Answer

Constantly changing due to societal shifts and technological advancements

Answer

Perpetuating inequality and disadvantage as an arbitrary and unfair system

Question 2

Which theory is NOT considered a foundational perspective in the study of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 3

In functionalist theory, what concept explains how different social strata contribute to society's overall functioning?

Accepted Answer

Division of labor

Answer

Social consensus

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Social mobility

Question 4

In Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what concept is considered fundamental?

Accepted Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Cultural hegemony

Question 5

Which of the following is the most accurate distinction between the functionalist and conflict theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism views stratification as necessary for societal stability, while conflict theory sees it as a source of social inequality.

Answer

Functionalism emphasizes the importance of consensus and shared values, while conflict theory stresses competition and conflict of interests.

Answer

Functionalism focuses on societal needs, while conflict theory focuses on individual motivations.

Answer

Functionalism sees social stratification as inevitable, while conflict theory believes it can be eliminated.

Question 6

In Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social stratification, what concept explains how individuals and groups maintain or pass on their social advantages and resources?

Accepted Answer

Social closure

Answer

Status inconsistency

Question 7

In Max Weber's theory of social stratification, which factor is NOT a primary determinant of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Geographical location

Answer

Economic class

Answer

Social status

Answer

Political power

Question 8

According to Max Weber's theory of social stratification, which of the following is NOT a component of class?

Accepted Answer

Party

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 9

How does the 'just world' belief contribute to maintaining social hierarchies in society?

Accepted Answer

It makes people believe they deserve their social position, reducing the likelihood of challenging the existing order.

Answer

It promotes empathy and social cohesion among different social classes, reducing conflict.

Answer

It encourages people to seek opportunities for social mobility, leading to a more equitable society.

Answer

It has no impact on maintaining social hierarchies as it is a personal belief.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a major sociological theory explaining social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Individualism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 11

In symbolic interactionism, which element is crucial in shaping social reality and stratification?

Accepted Answer

Shared meanings and symbols

Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Social and cultural advantages

Answer

Power dynamics and conflicts

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a key characteristic of ascribed status?

Accepted Answer

It is assigned based on factors beyond an individual's control.

Answer

It is primarily determined by an individual's job.

Answer

It can be easily altered over the course of an individual's life.

Question 13

What is a potential societal consequence of social closure?

Accepted Answer

Perpetuation of inequality and limited upward mobility

Answer

Increased social mobility and equal opportunities

Answer

Enhanced social cohesion and a stronger sense of community

Question 14

Which sociological theory suggests that inequality is essential for society to function effectively?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

False Consciousness

Question 15

In the context of social stratification, false consciousness refers to:

Accepted Answer

The belief that social inequality is natural and inevitable.

Answer

The recognition that social inequality stems from personal choices.

Answer

The tendency to undervalue one's social standing.

Answer

The conviction that social equality is attainable through collective action.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a primary form of capital that individuals can possess to gain advantages in society?

Accepted Answer

Physical appearance and personal charm

Answer

Educational qualifications and technical skills

Answer

Wealth and material possessions

Answer

Social networks and connections

Question 17

How does symbolic interactionism explain the creation and reinforcement of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Individuals' identities and interactions shape social stratification.

Answer

Individuals' choices are solely driven by economic factors.

Answer

Social class dictates individuals' attitudes and behaviors.

Answer

Occupation alone determines individuals' social status.

Question 18

Which sociological theory posits that social stratification serves essential functions in maintaining social order and stability?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 19

Which sociological theory suggests that social stratification arises from class conflict and exploitation?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural-functionalism

Question 20

In Karl Marx's conflict theory, what is the main factor that determines social stratification and class conflict?

Accepted Answer

Economic relationships and exploitation

Answer

Ideological differences

Answer

Political affiliation

Question 21

Which sociological theory posits that social stratification is driven by class conflict and exploitation?

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 22

How do societies often maintain social closure and inequality?

Accepted Answer

By creating exclusive networks for privileged groups

Answer

By expanding opportunities for everyone

Answer

By promoting equal opportunities in education and jobs

Answer

By implementing policies to address past inequalities

Question 23

Which of the following is **not** a fundamental dimension of social stratification according to Max Weber's theory?

Accepted Answer

Party affiliation

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 24

How does social class impact the experiences of individuals in modern society? Discuss its influence on their opportunities, life outcomes, and overall well-being.

Accepted Answer

Social class significantly shapes life chances, opportunities, and subjective experiences, influencing access to resources, social networks, and personal fulfillment.

Answer

All social classes have equal access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities.

Answer

Social class primarily affects financial well-being, with little impact on psychological or social well-being.

Answer

Lower social classes generally have stronger social support and community bonds.

Question 25

How do social closure mechanisms contribute to the persistence and worsening of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

They limit access to resources and opportunities, hindering upward mobility.

Answer

They promote social mobility by providing equal access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

They have no impact on social inequality.

Answer

They only affect marginalized groups in society.

Question 26

How do social movements challenge social stratification? Explain how collective action can lead to social change and reduce inequality.

Accepted Answer

Social movements raise awareness of inequalities, mobilize people for change, and advocate for policies that promote equity.

Answer

Social movements always succeed in reducing inequality and achieving their goals.

Answer

Social movements are only effective when led by charismatic individuals.

Answer

Social movements can only be effective in challenging social stratification in democratic societies.

Question 27

Analyze the interplay between race, ethnicity, and social stratification. How do these factors intersect and shape individual and group outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Multiple forms of social inequality can combine to create cumulative advantages or disadvantages for individuals and groups.

Answer

Race, ethnicity, and social stratification are separate and unrelated forms of inequality.

Answer

The combination of race and ethnicity can create distinct social classes.

Answer

The impact of race and ethnicity on social stratification is restricted to certain historical periods and geographical locations.

Question 28

How do cultural practices, values, and beliefs contribute to the maintenance of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Cultural practices and beliefs reinforce social inequality by creating a sense of entitlement among the privileged.

Answer

Social stratification is primarily determined by economic factors, with cultural practices playing only a minor role.

Answer

Cultural values and beliefs are independent of social stratification and do not contribute to its perpetuation.

Question 29

How does social class influence the opportunities, life chances, and subjective experiences of individuals in contemporary society?

Accepted Answer

Higher social classes have better life chances than lower social classes.

Answer

Lower social classes have greater upward mobility than higher social classes.

Answer

All social classes share similar subjective experiences.

Answer

Social class has no impact on opportunities, life chances, or subjective experiences.

Question 30

How do cultural practices contribute to the perpetuation of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Cultural practices reinforce social norms and values that justify the existing social hierarchy.

Answer

Cultural practices have no impact on social inequality.

Answer

Cultural practices only affect the social status of individuals, not the overall structure of inequality.

Question 31

How does social stratification impact social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification can hinder social mobility.

Answer

Social stratification has no influence on social mobility.

Answer

Social mobility always leads to social stratification.

Question 32

How does social stratification contribute to social unrest? Explain how inequality can fuel social tensions and inspire collective action.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification can intensify social tensions and motivate collective action because marginalized individuals may feel they have little to lose by participating in such actions.

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on social unrest.

Answer

Social unrest only occurs in societies with extreme social stratification.

Answer

Collective action always leads to positive outcomes.

Question 33

According to Karl Marx's conflict theory, what is the primary basis of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economic class

Answer

Political power

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Social status

Question 34

The concept of 'cultural capital' is primarily associated with which sociologist?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Question 35

Which of the following types of social mobility involves a change in an individual's social or economic status within their lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Question 36

What is the term used to describe the interconnected and overlapping nature of different social identities and forms of oppression?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Multidimensional inequality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Identity politics

Question 37

The tendency for individuals to marry within their own social class is known as:

Accepted Answer

Assortative mating

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Hypergamy

Answer

Hypogamy

Question 38

The process by which individuals move from one social class to another is most accurately known as:

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social change

Answer

Social deviance

Answer

Social reproduction

Question 39

Social stratification is often justified with reference to the concept of:

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Equality

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Socialism

Question 40

The theory that argues that social mobility is a fundamental aspect of society is known as:

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Exchange theory

Question 41

Which theory of social stratification posits that inequality is necessary for the smooth functioning of society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Bourdieu's theory of social capital

Question 42

Social stratification can result in which of the following consequences for individuals?

Accepted Answer

Reduced access to healthcare and education.

Answer

Lower rates of crime and social disorder.

Answer

Increased political participation.

Answer

Improved job opportunities.

Question 43

Intersectionality refers to:

Accepted Answer

The way in which different forms of social stratification, such as race and gender, overlap and interact.

Answer

The process by which individuals move between different social strata.

Answer

The emergence of new forms of social inequality.

Answer

The decline in social inequality within societies.

Question 44

'Cultural capital' is a concept that refers to:

Accepted Answer

Non-economic resources that contribute to social status, such as education and cultural knowledge.

Answer

The physical wealth and property owned by individuals.

Answer

The social networks and connections that people have.

Answer

The legal rights and protections that individuals enjoy.

Question 45

Social stratification in the United Kingdom is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Significant class divisions and inequalities.

Answer

A high degree of social mobility.

Answer

A lack of racial and ethnic diversity.

Answer

A relatively equal distribution of wealth and income.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a major cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Power imbalances

Answer

Lack of opportunity

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

Social equilibrium

Answer

Social conflict

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Cultural capital

Question 48

How do the overlapping factors of race, gender, and social class influence individuals' experiences of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality highlights how various forms of social division combine to create unique experiences of inequality.

Answer

Race and gender are the primary determinants of social stratification, with social class having minimal impact.

Answer

Intersectionality is only applicable to understanding the experiences of marginalized groups.

Answer

Social stratification solely affects individuals based on their race.

Question 49

Which theorist is renowned for developing the concept of 'social class' based on wealth, prestige, and power?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Ferdinand Tönnies

Question 50

Which of the following is a widely recognized consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal opportunities and life outcomes for different social groups

Answer

Universal social harmony and cohesion

Answer

Rapid upward social mobility for all individuals

Answer

Reduced intergenerational wealth accumulation

Question 51

Which type of social mobility involves individuals' movement up or down the social hierarchy based on their own efforts and achievements?

Accepted Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Question 52

How does social stratification contribute to social unrest?

Accepted Answer

It creates conditions that breed resentment and frustration, potentially fueling social tensions and collective action.

Answer

It directly causes social unrest, with no other factors involved.

Answer

It has no relationship to social unrest.

Answer

It always leads to social unrest.

Question 53

Trace the historical development of social stratification theories. Identify and discuss the key concepts and ideas that emerged in each era, from classical to contemporary perspectives.

Accepted Answer

In feudal societies, social stratification was primarily based on land ownership, creating a rigid hierarchy.

Accepted Answer

During the industrial era, education and occupation became significant factors in determining social stratification.

Accepted Answer

Contemporary theories of social stratification emphasize the role of globalization and technology in shaping social inequalities.

Answer

Social stratification theories have remained relatively unchanged since their inception in the classical era.

Question 54

Which of the following is an example of intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

A black woman who experiences discrimination based on both her race and gender

Answer

A wealthy man who is white and male

Answer

A disabled person who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community

Answer

A person who is born into a high-income family and attends a prestigious university

Question 55

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social classes

Answer

The process of becoming more educated and wealthy

Answer

The way in which social institutions maintain their stability

Answer

The unequal distribution of power and resources in society

Question 56

Which of the following is a consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to healthcare and education

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Greater economic equality

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Question 57

What is the relationship between social stratification and individual life chances?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification limits an individual's opportunities and life outcomes

Answer

Social stratification provides equal opportunities for all individuals

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on individual life chances

Answer

The relationship between social stratification and individual life chances is not well understood

Question 58

Explain how social reproduction contributes to the persistence of social inequality across generations.

Accepted Answer

Involves the transfer of wealth and status from parents to children.

Answer

Promotes equal opportunities for upward social mobility.

Answer

Only occurs in societies with strict caste systems.

Question 59

How can educational policies and programs be designed to effectively promote social mobility and reduce inequality?

Accepted Answer

Provide equal access to high-quality education for all students.

Accepted Answer

Implement targeted programs to support underrepresented groups.

Accepted Answer

Increase funding for educational institutions in low-income areas.

Answer

Implement strict standardized testing and accountability measures.

Question 60

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Membership is fixed by birth, making social mobility virtually impossible.

Answer

Caste is determined exclusively by economic factors.

Answer

Individuals can move between different castes with relative ease.

Answer

Caste holds no significant influence on social stratification.

Question 61

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

Accepted Answer

Ownership and control of the means of production (such as factories, land, or capital)

Answer

Racial or ethnic origin

Answer

Educational qualifications or achievements

Answer

Religious affiliations or beliefs

Question 62

Which of the following is a direct consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources, opportunities, and life chances for different social groups.

Answer

Fair and just distribution of wealth and resources across society.

Answer

Universal equality of status and opportunities for all individuals.

Answer

Increased social cohesion and harmony among different social groups.

Question 63

Weber's theory of social stratification emphasizes the significance of:

Accepted Answer

Class, status, and power as distinct dimensions that interact to shape social inequality.

Answer

Caste and religious affiliations

Answer

Political affiliations or party memberships

Answer

Economic factors (such as income or wealth) as the sole determinant of social stratification.

Question 64

The concept of 'intersectionality' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness and cumulative effects of various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, class, and ethnicity.

Answer

The complete separation of different forms of stratification.

Answer

The dominance of one form of stratification over all others.