Social Class and Mobility: Explore the Impact on Life Chances

Question 1

Which of the following most accurately defines social class?

Accepted Answer

A group of people sharing comparable social standing.

Answer

A group of people sharing comparable financial means.

Answer

A group of people sharing comparable cultural practices.

Answer

A group of people sharing comparable political views.

Question 2

Which of the following best exemplifies horizontal social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Transitioning from a managerial to a sales role.

Answer

Moving from a working-class background to a middle-class one.

Answer

Relocating from a rural area to an urban one.

Answer

Shifting from a manual labor job to a non-manual one.

Question 3

In contemporary British society, which social class is generally considered the most affluent?

Accepted Answer

Upper class

Answer

Middle class

Answer

Working class

Answer

Underclass

Question 4

Which of the following serves as an indicator of social mobility within a society?

Accepted Answer

Percentage of the population experiencing social class changes.

Answer

Average income levels across the population.

Answer

Overall education levels within the population.

Answer

Number of homeowners in the population.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Question 6

What is the central concept of 'social mobility' in sociology?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals between social strata over their lifetime

Answer

The stability of social class structures across generations

Answer

The impact of social class on opportunities and experiences

Answer

The relationship between social class and political authority

Question 7

Which sociological perspective places emphasis on conflict and class struggle as driving forces in society?

Accepted Answer

Marxist perspective

Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Symbolic Interactionist perspective

Answer

Feminist perspective

Question 8

The concept of 'cultural capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Knowledge, skills, and values valued in a particular society

Answer

Accumulated wealth of an individual or group

Answer

Social connections and networks of an individual

Answer

Political power held by an individual or group

Question 9

Which of the following is a central concept in Karl Marx's theory of social class?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Prestige and social standing

Answer

Possession of cultural capital

Answer

Level of educational attainment

Question 10

Which scenario best exemplifies the concept of vertical social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Moving from a working-class background to a middle-class job

Answer

Retiring from a high-level management position

Answer

Starting a new business venture

Answer

Marrying into a family with substantial wealth

Question 11

Which sociological approach places emphasis on the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals within different social classes?

Accepted Answer

Interpretivism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 12

How does social class interact with other forms of social inequality, such as race, gender, and ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

Social class, in combination with other forms of social inequality, creates unique experiences and opportunities for individuals.

Answer

Social class has no significant overlap with other forms of social inequality.

Answer

Social class is the only factor that determines an individual's life opportunities.

Answer

Social class is only relevant in the context of economic inequality.

Question 13

According to Marxist theory, what is the primary basis for social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Education

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Race

Question 14

The concept of 'cultural capital' was developed by which sociologist?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Question 15

How do qualitative research methods help us understand social class and social mobility?

Accepted Answer

They gather detailed, personal accounts from individuals

Answer

They measure social class and mobility patterns in large groups

Answer

They test theories about the causes and effects of social mobility

Answer

They provide objective data on social inequality in different societies

Question 16

In conflict theory, what is considered the primary factor influencing social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Established social hierarchies and power structures

Answer

Individual effort and merit

Answer

Shared societal values and consensus

Question 17

What is a key policy implication of research on social class and social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Expanding access to education and job training programs

Answer

Reducing government regulations

Answer

Increasing the privatization of public services

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental concept of Karl Marx's theory of social class?

Accepted Answer

Ascribed status

Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Economic power

Answer

Political influence

Question 19

Consider the following scenario: Sarah, a sales associate at a retail store, earns a promotion to become the store manager. This is an example of which type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Upward vertical mobility

Answer

Upward horizontal mobility

Answer

Downward vertical mobility

Answer

Downward horizontal mobility

Question 20

The concept of 'social reproduction' refers to the process through which:

Accepted Answer

Social inequalities are transmitted across generations

Answer

Individuals in different social classes develop distinct values and beliefs

Answer

Social class is solely determined by economic factors

Answer

Social mobility is impossible within a stratified society

Question 21

The concept of 'intergenerational mobility' refers to the correlation between:

Accepted Answer

The social class of parents and their children

Answer

The social class of siblings

Answer

The social class of spouses

Answer

The social class of friends

Question 22

According to Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social stratification, which of the following most accurately defines 'social capital'?

Accepted Answer

The social networks, resources, and connections accessible to an individual.

Answer

The financial wealth accumulated by an individual.

Answer

The formal educational qualifications an individual possesses.

Answer

The specific occupation an individual holds.

Question 23

What is social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups within or between social classes over time.

Answer

The process of being brought up and educated into a particular social class.

Answer

The extent to which social classes are open or closed.

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

Occupational downgrading

Answer

Geographic mobility

Answer

Achieving a university degree.

Answer

Intergenerational educational attainment

Question 25

What is the relationship between social class and life chances?

Accepted Answer

Social class has a significant impact on life chances, such as educational opportunities, career prospects, healthcare access, and life expectancy.

Answer

Social class has no impact on life chances.

Question 26

Which of the following is a critique of the functionalist view of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It assumes that social inequality is an inherent societal necessity for stability and order.

Answer

It is supported by a large body of empirical research.

Answer

It takes into account the role of conflict in social change.

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Genetic differences

Answer

Differences in education

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Inherited wealth

Question 28

What is the potential role of the state in promoting social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The state can implement policies, such as progressive taxation and investment in education and healthcare, to reduce social inequality and promote mobility.

Answer

The state should not intervene in the economy or social mobility.

Question 29

What is the relationship between social class and political power?

Accepted Answer

Social class can influence political power through factors such as campaign contributions, lobbying efforts, and voting patterns.

Answer

Social class has no influence on political power.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a dimension of social class as proposed by Max Weber?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Prestige

Answer

Income

Answer

Property

Question 31

Which social class theory emphasizes the significance of cultural capital in shaping an individual's life chances?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu's Social Stratification Theory

Answer

Karl Marx's Class Conflict Theory

Answer

Max Weber's Theory of Social Class

Answer

Talcott Parsons' Functionalist Theory of Social Stratification

Question 32

What does the concept of 'status inconsistency' refer to in social stratification?

Accepted Answer

An individual's differing statuses within different social hierarchies

Answer

An individual's status falling below their social class

Answer

An individual's status surpassing their social class

Question 33

Which of the following is a well-known consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Diminished health outcomes

Answer

Elevated educational attainment

Answer

Increased economic growth

Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Question 34

What term describes the movement of individuals between different social classes?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social differentiation

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social change

Question 35

What is a defining characteristic of a closed social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for social mobility

Answer

Meritocratic allocation of status

Answer

High levels of social equality

Answer

Open access to educational opportunities

Question 36

What is the central premise of the 'meritocratic' perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social status is primarily determined by individual talent and effort.

Answer

Social status is largely determined by social background.

Answer

Social status is predominantly influenced by economic factors.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a defining characteristic of social class?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Education

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Income

Question 38

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary determinant of social class?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Occupational prestige

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Family background

Question 39

Which scenario BEST exemplifies social mobility?

Accepted Answer

A person from a working-class background becomes a successful entrepreneur.

Answer

A person remains in the same social class throughout their life, despite career changes.

Answer

A person inherits a significant amount of wealth from a wealthy relative.

Question 40

Which of the following factors is MOST likely to hinder social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination based on social background

Answer

Universal access to quality education

Answer

Technological advancements that create new opportunities

Answer

Economic growth and prosperity

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to healthcare and quality education based on social class

Answer

The gap between the rich and the poor is consistently narrowing.

Answer

All social classes have equal life expectancy and access to healthcare.

Question 42

Which of the following is a core principle of the functionalist perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is necessary for a stable society, as it motivates individuals to strive for success.

Answer

Social mobility is the key to social equality and should be promoted through policies.

Answer

Discrimination is the primary cause of social inequality and should be eliminated.

Question 43

A common criticism of the conflict perspective on social stratification is that it:

Accepted Answer

Oversimplifies the complex causes of social inequality, focusing primarily on power struggles.

Answer

Provides valuable insights into the role of power dynamics in shaping social inequalities.

Answer

Is widely accepted and supported by a majority of sociologists.

Answer

Is strongly supported by extensive empirical evidence and research findings.

Question 44

Which of the following methods is commonly used to measure intergenerational social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the occupational status of parents and their children.

Answer

Conducting attitudinal surveys to gauge individual perceptions of social mobility.

Answer

Analyzing historical data to track changes in social class structures over time.

Answer

Employing participant observation to study social interactions and mobility patterns.

Question 45

Which of the following is a policy measure aimed at promoting social mobility in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Expansion of free and accessible education at all levels.

Answer

Reduction of the minimum wage, leading to lower earnings for low-income workers.

Answer

Elimination of affirmative action programs, which aim to promote equality of opportunity.

Answer

Implementation of tax breaks for the wealthy, potentially widening the income gap.