Class and Inequality in the 21st Century: Online Learning Quizzes

Question 1

According to Guy Standing, which characteristic is NOT a defining feature of the precariat?

Accepted Answer

Advanced education

Answer

Unstable employment

Answer

Limited social protection

Answer

Job insecurity

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced by class and inequality studies in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Decline of traditional inequality forms, such as class inequality

Answer

Emergence of new inequality forms, such as digital inequality

Answer

Increasing complexities in global inequality

Answer

Need for innovative theoretical and methodological approaches

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'the precariat'?

Accepted Answer

Workers facing job insecurity and unstable earnings

Answer

Individuals experiencing long-term unemployment and social exclusion

Answer

Self-employed professionals with high incomes and social standing

Answer

Owners and controllers of production resources

Question 4

Which concept is central to the study of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

(B) Social stratification

Answer

(A) Equality

Answer

(C) Social mobility

Answer

(D) Discrimination

Question 5

Which characteristic is unique to symbolic interactionist theory?

Accepted Answer

Examines how symbols and interactions create social meanings and experiences.

Answer

Emphasizes economic exploitation in maintaining class divisions.

Answer

Views society as a system of interconnected parts.

Answer

Focuses on conflict and competition in shaping social life.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes a defining characteristic of the precariat, a term used to describe a growing class of workers in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to healthcare and social benefits

Answer

Financial stability and secure employment

Answer

High levels of job satisfaction and control over work

Answer

High levels of wealth and asset ownership

Question 7

Which of the following subtopics is NOT covered in the unit “Class and Inequality in the 21st Century”?

Accepted Answer

The Meritocracy

Answer

Theories of class inequality

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Globalisation and class inequality

Question 8

What is a defining characteristic of the precariat?

Accepted Answer

Limited control over work

Answer

Job stability

Answer

Strong community ties

Answer

High earnings

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a key challenge facing class and inequality studies in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Increase in social mobility

Answer

Growing complexity of social inequality

Answer

Emergence of new forms of inequality

Answer

Globalization of inequality

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a defining trait of the precariat, a term used to describe a growing segment of the workforce facing job insecurity, low pay, and a lack of benefits?

Accepted Answer

High job satisfaction

Answer

Job insecurity

Answer

Low pay

Answer

Lack of benefits

Question 11

Which factors contribute to globalization and class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased trade and investment

Accepted Answer

Decreased government regulation

Answer

Improved education and healthcare

Answer

Increased social mobility

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of the precariat class?

Accepted Answer

High levels of education

Answer

Job insecurity

Answer

Lack of ownership

Answer

Vulnerability to exploitation

Question 13

According to Marxist theory, what is the primary cause of class divisions?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Differential access to education

Answer

Variations in cultural capital

Answer

Differences in social status

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of the precarious working class?

Accepted Answer

High job satisfaction

Answer

Job insecurity

Answer

Low wages

Answer

Limited access to employee benefits

Question 15

Which of the following is **not** a consequence of globalization on class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Reduced inequality within countries

Answer

Increased economic interdependence between countries

Answer

The emergence of a global elite

Answer

Increased migration from developing to developed countries

Question 16

Which of the following is a major challenge in class and inequality studies in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

The emergence of new types of inequality, like financial inequality and the precariat

Accepted Answer

The growing complexity of social stratification

Accepted Answer

The need for new theories and methods to study class and inequality

Answer

The decline of traditional class structures

Question 17

Which of the following poses a major challenge to class and inequality studies in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

The increasing complexity of social stratification.

Accepted Answer

The emergence of new forms of inequality, such as digital inequality.

Answer

The declining importance of class in shaping life opportunities.

Question 18

Which theory of social stratification focuses on the influence of economic and political power in shaping class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Postmodern theory

Question 19

Which factor has significantly contributed to financial inequality in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Stagnant wages and limited mobility for low-skilled workers

Answer

Increased investment opportunities for low-income individuals

Answer

Government policies promoting social welfare and income redistribution

Question 20

Which characteristic is associated with the precariat?

Accepted Answer

Low income and wealth

Answer

High job security

Answer

Access to comprehensive benefits

Answer

Strong class identity

Question 21

According to Manuel Castells, which of the following characteristics is unique to post-industrial societies?

Accepted Answer

The emergence of the network society

Answer

The rise of the service sector

Answer

The decline of manufacturing

Question 22

Which characteristic is **most** representative of the precariat?

Accepted Answer

Limited social benefits

Answer

Stable income

Answer

Job satisfaction

Answer

Secure employment

Question 23

Which of the following best describes the precariat, a term coined by Guy Standing to describe a growing segment of the working population?

Accepted Answer

Low pay and job insecurity

Answer

High job security and benefits

Answer

Fixed and predictable work hours

Answer

High levels of skill and education

Question 24

Which of the following, according to Guy Standing, is a defining feature of the precariat?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to social safety nets

Answer

Job security

Answer

Strong community ties

Answer

High degree of control over working conditions

Question 25

Which factors have contributed to the emergence of the precariat, a term used to describe a growing segment of the working population characterized by job insecurity, low pay, and lack of benefits?

Accepted Answer

Globalization and the decline of manufacturing jobs

Accepted Answer

The rise of the gig economy and platform capitalism

Accepted Answer

The weakening of labor unions and the decline of collective bargaining

Question 26

Which defining characteristic distinguishes the precariat, a term coined by Guy Standing to describe a population segment facing job insecurity and economic instability?

Accepted Answer

Vulnerability to economic insecurity and lack of control over working conditions

Answer

Stable, long-term employment with job security

Answer

High job satisfaction and fulfillment

Answer

Strong sense of community and belonging

Question 27

Which theoretical perspective views class as a fluid and dynamic construct that is constantly being reshaped by societal factors?

Accepted Answer

Postmodern perspective

Answer

Structuralist perspective

Answer

Functionalist perspective

Question 28

What is a common criticism of neo-liberal policies in relation to class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Neo-liberal policies often prioritize individual responsibility and self-reliance, which can worsen inequality for vulnerable groups.

Answer

Neo-liberal policies generally reduce economic inequality.

Answer

Neo-liberal policies have no significant effect on class inequality.

Question 29

What is a significant challenge encountered in class and inequality studies during the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Evolving characteristics of class and inequality

Answer

Growing accessibility to data on class and inequality

Answer

Diminished research interest in class and inequality

Question 30

How does intersectionality challenge traditional Marxist approaches to understanding class inequality in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality argues that class is not a fixed category, but rather a fluid and dynamic construct that is constantly being shaped by other forms of inequality.

Answer

Intersectionality argues that class is the only form of inequality that matters.

Answer

Intersectionality argues that the working class is the only class that experiences inequality.

Question 31

What is a defining characteristic of the 'precariat'?

Accepted Answer

Frequent job changes, temporary contracts, and unstable income.

Answer

Secure employment with benefits and job protection.

Answer

High levels of job autonomy and control over work processes.

Question 32

How do global economic processes, such as trade, investment, and migration, influence class inequality? Discuss the potential consequences for class structures at national and local levels.

Accepted Answer

Global economic processes can both reinforce and disrupt existing class structures within nations, leading to complex and dynamic changes in class inequality.

Answer

Global economic processes have no direct impact on class inequality within nations.

Answer

Global economic processes only reinforce existing class inequalities within nations.

Answer

Global economic processes have no impact on local class structures.

Question 33

According to the 'occupational attainment' perspective, what is the primary determinant of an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Occupation

Answer

Income level

Answer

Educational background

Answer

Family origin

Question 34

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals strive to improve their social status?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social control

Answer

Socialization

Question 35

What is the central aim of intersectionality in class and inequality research?

Accepted Answer

To examine how various forms of oppression intersect and affect individuals

Answer

To identify the underlying causes of inequality

Answer

To challenge traditional notions of social class

Answer

To provide policy solutions for reducing inequality

Question 36

How does education contribute to the persistence of socioeconomic disparities, despite its perceived role in promoting social mobility?

Accepted Answer

By segregating students into different educational paths based on their perceived abilities and socioeconomic status

Answer

By providing equal opportunities and resources to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background

Answer

By limiting access to higher education to only the most academically gifted students

Question 37

Which characteristic distinctly defines the 21st-century class structure?

Accepted Answer

Emergence of a precarious workforce

Answer

Heightened social mobility

Answer

Increasing income gap

Answer

Decline in the middle class

Question 38

Which theory posits that social inequality stems from the cultural beliefs and values prevalent in society?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 39

What does the concept of 'intersectionality' refer to in the context of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The interconnected and overlapping nature of different forms of oppression

Answer

The process of assigning individuals to distinct social categories

Answer

The idea that social stratification is solely determined by economic factors

Answer

The belief that all forms of inequality are equally detrimental

Question 40

Which approach in studying class and inequality prioritizes challenging power structures and promoting social justice?

Accepted Answer

Critical approach

Answer

Individualistic approach

Answer

Structural approach

Answer

Comparative approach

Question 41

Research on the relationship between education and social inequality has found that:

Accepted Answer

Education significantly influences the perpetuation of class inequalities

Answer

Educational attainment solely determines an individual's social class

Answer

Education has no impact on social mobility

Answer

Education only benefits those from wealthy backgrounds

Question 42

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of cultural capital in shaping class and inequality?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 43

How has technology impacted social stratification in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C

Answer

Increased opportunities for social mobility

Answer

Exacerbated wealth and income inequality

Answer

Created new divides based on digital access and literacy

Question 44

Which of the following is a characteristic of the 'precariat' class?

Accepted Answer

Low-paid and insecure employment

Answer

Stable and secure employment

Answer

High levels of educational attainment

Answer

Ownership of significant assets

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social stratification in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Growing economic inequality

Answer

Increasing educational disparities

Answer

Emergence of new forms of discrimination

Question 46

Which of the following theories argues that inequality is a natural outcome of the competition inherent in a capitalist system?

Accepted Answer

Neoclassical economics

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 47

Which intersectional approach highlights the interconnectedness of oppression and privilege systems?

Accepted Answer

Critical Race Theory

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Feminism

Question 48

How does class inequality impact social justice and the well-being of individuals and communities?

Accepted Answer

Class inequality inherently undermines social justice and the well-being of individuals and communities.

Answer

Class inequality is an unavoidable and natural aspect of social organization and should be accepted as such.

Answer

Individuals should prioritize their personal economic advancement as the primary means of addressing class inequality.

Answer

Governments bear the sole responsibility for resolving class inequality and its detrimental effects.

Question 49

Which of the following research methods is commonly employed by sociologists to examine patterns of social stratification on a large scale?

Accepted Answer

Statistical analysis of census data and other large datasets.

Answer

In-depth interviews with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Answer

Ethnographic observation of social interactions within different communities.

Answer

Historical analysis of social and economic policies.

Question 50

How does social capital mediate the relationship between social class and health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Social capital provides access to resources, networks, and support, potentially improving health outcomes for lower socioeconomic groups.

Answer

Social capital is mainly available to upper-class individuals, who generally have good health outcomes regardless of social capital.

Answer

Social capital has no impact on health outcomes, regardless of social class.

Question 51

Which criticism is commonly leveled against meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the impact of inherited advantages (social and cultural capital).

Answer

It always results in increased social mobility.

Answer

It undervalues the importance of hard work and personal accomplishments.

Question 52

When using qualitative research to understand the subjective experiences of individuals from diverse class backgrounds, which of the following is a potential limitation?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in generalizing findings to a broader population

Answer

Lack of control over the research environment

Answer

Insufficient attention to researcher bias

Question 53

Which ethical concern is central to the study of class inequality and social justice?

Accepted Answer

Class inequality undermines equal opportunities, violating the principle of fairness.

Answer

Class inequality is an inevitable consequence of economic growth and should not be a concern for policymakers.

Answer

Corporations alone are responsible for reducing class inequality through fair wages and benefits.

Answer

Individuals have no obligation to help those in lower socioeconomic groups.

Question 54

How does 'cultural capital' contribute to class inequality in the 21st century, especially in relation to education, consumption, and social standing?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital is essential for maintaining and reproducing class inequality.

Answer

Cultural capital has no bearing on class inequality in modern society.

Answer

Cultural capital mainly influences educational attainment.

Answer

Economic factors solely determine cultural capital.

Question 55

How has globalization affected the dynamics of social inequality in the global South, particularly regarding emerging employment opportunities and the expansion of informal sectors?

Accepted Answer

Globalization has widened class disparities in the global South by creating more low-wage jobs with fewer benefits.

Answer

Globalization has promoted social mobility by increasing access to education and job opportunities in the global South.

Answer

Globalization has strengthened labor unions in the global South, empowering workers to negotiate for better wages and working conditions.

Answer

Globalization has had no significant impact on class and inequality in the global South.

Question 56

Which ethical framework prioritizes tackling class inequality and promoting social justice?

Accepted Answer

Rawlsian Justice

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Question 57

Which statement best describes the relationship between education and class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Education can both reinforce and challenge class inequality.

Answer

Education only reinforces class divisions.

Answer

Education is the main factor determining a person's class position.

Answer

Education has no effect on class inequality.

Question 58

Which of the following is a distinctive characteristic of the new middle class in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Increased global mobility

Answer

Strong unionization

Answer

Predominantly rural lifestyle

Answer

Absence of political influence

Question 59

What is the foundational principle of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social capital?

Accepted Answer

The value and worth derived from social networks and connections

Answer

The significance of material wealth and possessions

Answer

The role of formal education in perpetuating inequalities

Question 60

Which of the following is not considered a core dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Overall physical health

Answer

Occupational status and type

Answer

Income and wealth

Answer

Educational attainment

Question 61

What is the central argument put forward by Erik Olin Wright's theory of class structure?

Accepted Answer

Class position is determined by individuals' relationships to the means of production.

Answer

Class is primarily based on cultural and symbolic factors.

Answer

Class is a fluid concept that is constantly changing.

Question 62

Which of the following is a prominent trend characterizing inequality in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Widening income disparity between the affluent and the disadvantaged

Answer

Decline in levels of educational achievement

Answer

Reduced social mobility

Answer

Equalization of opportunities for all individuals

Question 63

What is a key policy recommendation to address class and inequality in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Investing in education and skill development programs

Answer

Increasing military expenditures

Answer

Deregulating labor markets

Answer

Reducing taxes for the affluent

Question 64

Which of the following statements accurately characterizes the nature of social class in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

Social class is fluid and dynamic, influenced by factors such as education and income.

Answer

Social class is solely determined by one's wealth.

Answer

Social class is a purely subjective construct with no basis in reality.

Answer

Social class is rigid and unchanging, with individuals locked into their inherited positions.