Social Class and Inequality: Master the Concepts for Sociology MA

Question 1

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary basis for determining an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Level of education

Answer

Social status

Answer

Family background

Question 2

Which type of social mobility involves a change in an individual's occupational status?

Accepted Answer

Occupational

Answer

Horizontal

Answer

Vertical

Answer

Geographic

Question 3

Which criticism of functionalist theories of social class emphasizes the importance of power and conflict?

Accepted Answer

They neglect the role of power and conflict.

Answer

They overemphasize the role of consensus.

Answer

They are too deterministic.

Answer

They ignore the role of individual agency.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Strong sense of community belonging

Answer

Poverty and material deprivation

Answer

Lack of access to social networks

Answer

Limited opportunities for political participation

Question 5

Which sociological perspective analyzes social class at the societal level, focusing on the relationship between individuals and the social structure?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 6

According to Max Weber's theory of social stratification, which of the following is NOT a dimension influencing an individual's social position?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Prestige

Question 7

The Gini coefficient primarily measures:

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Health disparities

Question 8

A key criticism of the functionalist perspective on social inequality is that it:

Accepted Answer

Ignores the role of power and conflict in shaping inequality

Answer

Overemphasizes the extent of social mobility

Answer

Underestimates the impact of education on social status

Answer

Fails to consider the influence of individual agency

Question 9

The term 'cultural capital', coined by Pierre Bourdieu, refers to:

Accepted Answer

Resources gained through education and socialization

Answer

The value of social connections and networks

Answer

Economic assets that can be passed down through generations

Answer

Political influence

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of utilizing a decile distribution?

Accepted Answer

Measuring Income Inequality within a Society

Answer

Calculating the Average Income of a Population

Answer

Identifying the Wealthiest and Poorest Segments of a Population

Answer

Determining Tax Brackets for Individuals

Question 11

How is social class generally related to political power?

Accepted Answer

Higher social classes typically possess a disproportionate amount of political influence

Answer

The middle class holds the greatest political power

Answer

Political power is evenly distributed across social classes

Answer

There is no correlation between social class and political power

Question 12

Approaching the reduction of social inequality effectively requires which strategy?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive approach that combines all of the above

Answer

Implementing Government Policies

Answer

Promoting Charitable Giving

Answer

Reforming Education Systems

Question 13

Which concept lies at the heart of Karl Marx's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social classes are primarily defined by their relationship to the ownership of productive resources.

Answer

Social classes are primarily determined by factors like education and ethnicity.

Answer

Social classes are based solely on individual merit and achievements.

Question 14

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a meritocratic society?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and efforts.

Answer

Social positions are inherited based on family background.

Answer

There is a high level of social inequality.

Answer

There is little opportunity for social mobility.

Question 15

What is the core argument of the functionalist theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is necessary for the smooth functioning of society.

Answer

Social inequality is a product of discrimination and prejudice.

Answer

Social inequality is a result of economic competition.

Answer

Social inequality is a temporary phenomenon that will eventually disappear.

Question 16

What is the term for the belief that all individuals should be treated equally regardless of their social class?

Accepted Answer

Egalitarianism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Socialism

Answer

Collectivism

Question 17

What does the concept of 'cultural capital' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Non-economic resources and advantages that stem from cultural knowledge and skills

Answer

The value of cultural goods and services in the market

Answer

The role of culture in shaping social stratification

Answer

The impact of education on social mobility

Question 18

What is the relationship between social class and health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

The relationship is complex and varies depending on several factors

Answer

Lower-class individuals generally experience poorer health outcomes

Answer

Higher-class individuals have greater access to quality healthcare

Answer

Social class has no significant impact on health

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Social status

Answer

Political influence

Question 20

Which of the following is a consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Limited access to education and healthcare

Answer

Increased political participation

Answer

Improved economic mobility

Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Question 21

What is the term used to describe the upward or downward movement of individuals within the social class hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social immobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social inequality

Question 22

Which of the following policies is aimed at reducing income inequality?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Regressive taxation

Answer

Flat tax

Answer

Value-added tax

Question 23

Which of the following is an example of an ascribed status characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Race

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Question 24

What term describes the unequal distribution of rewards and resources in society?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social cohesion

Question 25

What term is used to describe the concentration of wealth and power among a select elite in society?

Accepted Answer

Oligarchy

Answer

Kleptocracy

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Technocracy

Question 26

According to Marx's theory of social class, which class is characterized by its ownership and control of the means of production?

Accepted Answer

Capitalist class

Answer

Landowner class

Answer

Working class

Answer

Peasant class

Question 27

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between social strata

Answer

The stability of social class structures over time

Answer

The role of education in shaping social inequality

Answer

The impact of economic growth on social mobility

Question 28

Which of the following factors is least likely to influence an individual's social class position?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Income

Answer

Education

Question 29

The concept of cultural capital refers to:

Accepted Answer

The value ascribed to cultural knowledge and practices

Answer

The economic resources available to individuals

Answer

The political power held by cultural institutions

Answer

The social networks of individuals

Question 30

Which of the following policy measures is most likely to contribute to reducing social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Privatization of public services

Answer

Deregulation of labor markets

Answer

Increased military spending

Question 31

What is the term used to describe the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards in society?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social class

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Health disparities between different social groups

Answer

Greater political participation by marginalized groups

Answer

Increased social cohesion within society

Question 33

Which theory emphasizes cultural factors as the primary determinant of social class?

Accepted Answer

Cultural reproduction theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Weber's theory

Question 34

What is the central concern of functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and stability

Answer

Examining the role of culture in shaping social hierarchy

Answer

Identifying the root causes of social inequality

Answer

Analyzing the consequences of social mobility

Question 35

Which statistical measure is commonly used to quantify economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Human Development Index

Answer

Social mobility index

Answer

Social class index