Forms of Social Inequality: Understanding the Divide

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a recognized form of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Political equality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Health inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Question 2

Which of the following is a consequence of educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Lower earning potential

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Answer

Increased political participation

Answer

Stronger social networks

Question 3

Which of the following is a measure of health inequality?

Accepted Answer

Life expectancy

Answer

Income

Answer

Political affiliation

Answer

Education level

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a potential solution to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Reducing government spending on social programs

Answer

Improving access to education and job opportunities

Answer

Investing in affordable housing

Answer

Providing tax breaks to low-income families

Question 5

Which of the following is a criticism of the functionalist perspective on social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the role of conflict and power in society

Answer

It overstates the importance of individual responsibility

Answer

It underestimates the impact of social institutions on inequality

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

A woman of color who experiences both racism and sexism

Answer

A white man who experiences poverty

Answer

A gay man who experiences homophobia

Question 7

Which of the following is a key finding of the Equality Trust's 2022 report on social inequality in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The richest 1% of the population own more wealth than the bottom 50% combined

Answer

Educational inequality has declined since the 1980s

Answer

The gender pay gap has narrowed significantly in recent years

Question 8

Which of the following is a key conclusion of the Marmot Review on health inequalities in England?

Accepted Answer

Social inequalities are the major cause of health inequalities

Answer

Health inequalities are primarily due to individual lifestyle choices

Answer

Health inequalities are inevitable in any society

Question 9

Which of the following statements about social inequality is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality solely results from individual effort and choices.

Answer

Social inequality refers to unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rewards within a society.

Answer

Social inequality can contribute to social unrest and conflict.

Answer

Social inequality benefits society by promoting competition and innovation.

Question 10

Which of the following is a widely accepted measure of economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Income distribution

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Access to healthcare

Answer

Political representation

Question 11

What is the sociological concept of 'intersectionality' in the context of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing that different forms of inequality (e.g., race, gender, class) can overlap and interact, creating unique experiences of disadvantage

Answer

The idea that all forms of inequality are equally severe

Question 12

Which of the following policies targets reducing educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Equal funding for schools in disadvantaged areas

Answer

Reducing taxes for higher-income families

Answer

Encouraging private school enrollment

Answer

Limiting access to higher education for low-income students

Question 13

What is a potential consequence of health inequality?

Accepted Answer

Lower life expectancy for disadvantaged groups

Answer

Improved economic productivity

Answer

Increased voter turnout in elections

Answer

Greater social mobility for individuals

Question 14

Which of the following is a common barrier to social mobility, hindering individuals' ability to move up or down the social ladder?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination based on socioeconomic status

Answer

Strong social safety nets

Answer

Equal opportunities for employment

Answer

Universal access to high-quality education

Question 15

What is the term for the idea that individuals' life chances and opportunities are shaped by their position in society, such as their social or economic status?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social equality

Answer

Social welfare

Answer

Social mobility

Question 16

Which of the following is a criticism of the functionalist theory of social inequality, which views inequality as necessary for a stable society?

Accepted Answer

It fails to account for the role of power and conflict in shaping inequality, suggesting that it is a natural part of social order

Answer

It provides a comprehensive explanation for all forms of inequality

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of individual merit in achieving success

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of government policies in addressing social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Implementing policies that aim to redistribute resources and promote equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances

Answer

Promoting social harmony by suppressing dissent and limiting discussions about inequality

Answer

Leaving it to the free market to determine individual outcomes without government intervention

Question 18

Which of the following is a potential argument in favor of social inequality, suggesting that it might have some benefits?

Accepted Answer

Motivating individuals to strive for success and achieve their goals in order to improve their social position

Answer

Eliminating poverty and ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities

Answer

Promoting social cohesion by creating a sense of unity and shared purpose

Answer

Ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances

Question 19

To what extent does social inequality hinder social mobility?

Accepted Answer

High levels of social inequality can hinder social mobility

Answer

Social inequality has no impact on social mobility

Answer

Social inequality promotes social mobility

Question 20

Which of the following is an indicator of economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Wealth distribution

Answer

Life expectancy

Answer

Access to education

Question 21

According to which sociological theory is inequality inevitable and functional for society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 22

What type of health inequality refers to differences in access to healthcare services?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Environmental inequality

Answer

Lifestyle inequality

Question 23

What is a potential consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social unrest

Answer

Social cohesion

Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Equal opportunities

Question 24

What is the term used to describe the belief that certain groups are inherently superior or inferior?

Accepted Answer

Social prejudice

Answer

Social discrimination

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social inequality

Question 25

Which of the following is a form of horizontal inequality?

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality

Answer

Health inequality

Answer

Income inequality

Answer

Racial inequality

Question 26

What is a defining characteristic of a meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

Based on individual talent and effort

Answer

Based on social connections

Answer

Based on political power

Answer

Based on inherited wealth

Question 27

What is a potential benefit of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Incentivizes achievement

Answer

Ensures equal opportunities

Answer

Promotes social cohesion

Answer

Reduces poverty

Question 28

What is a primary function of the welfare state in relation to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Providing support and services to those in need to reduce disparities

Answer

Promoting economic growth without regard to social equity

Answer

Reducing government involvement in social welfare

Question 29

Which form of inequality is primarily characterized by disparities in income and wealth?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Health inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Question 30

Which is a potential consequence of educational inequality for individuals?

Accepted Answer

Limited earning potential and diminished career opportunities

Answer

Enhanced social mobility as education often leads to better jobs

Answer

Reduced civic participation as education can foster political apathy

Answer

Improved health outcomes due to increased access to education

Question 31

Which of the following is a recognized impact of social inequality on society?

Accepted Answer

Increased social unrest, crime, and political instability

Answer

Greater social mobility as inequality can motivate individuals to strive for success

Answer

Improved social cohesion as shared experiences of inequality can unite people

Answer

Enhanced economic growth as inequality can drive innovation and competition

Question 32

Which concept in sociology emphasizes the interconnectedness of different forms of inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Question 33

Which factor presents a significant challenge in addressing social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Resistance and opposition from those who benefit from the existing system

Answer

Lack of awareness among the general public about the issue

Answer

Insufficient research and data on the causes and effects of inequality

Question 34

Which of the following is an example of a government policy aimed at reducing economic disparities?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation where higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes

Answer

Voucher system for private schools, allowing parents to use public funds for private education

Answer

Flat tax where all individuals pay the same percentage of their income in taxes

Answer

Deregulation of labor markets, reducing government oversight of businesses

Question 35

Which characteristic is fundamental to the concept of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It is a hierarchical system where individuals are ranked based on their social status

Answer

It is temporary and fleeting, with social positions constantly changing

Answer

It is based on individual merit and effort, with everyone having equal opportunities

Answer

It is fluid and dynamic, with individuals easily moving between different strata

Question 36

Which type of social mobility involves the movement of individuals between different social strata across generations?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Occupational mobility

Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Geographic mobility

Question 37

Which key concept in symbolic interactionism emphasizes that meanings and symbols are socially constructed and shared?

Accepted Answer

Meaning is socially constructed through interactions and shared understandings

Answer

Social structure is fixed and unchanging, determining individual outcomes

Answer

Individuals are rational actors who make choices based solely on self-interest

Answer

Society is composed of distinct and separate groups with little interaction

Question 38

Which of the following is a key characteristic of economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to social unrest.

Answer

It is only experienced by individuals in low-income countries.

Answer

It is always measured by the Gini coefficient.

Question 39

What is the main focus of educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

The unequal distribution of educational opportunities and outcomes.

Answer

The unequal distribution of health care resources.

Answer

The unequal distribution of income and wealth.

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of health inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased economic growth.

Answer

Lower life expectancy.

Answer

Reduced social mobility.

Answer

Poor mental health.

Question 41

What is the term for the unequal distribution of power and influence in society?

Accepted Answer

Political inequality.

Answer

Economic inequality.

Answer

Educational inequality.

Answer

Health inequality.

Question 42

What is the main goal of policies aimed at reducing social inequality?

Accepted Answer

To create a more just and equitable society.

Answer

To increase social mobility.

Answer

To increase economic growth.

Answer

To reduce government spending.

Question 43

Which of the following is a limitation of using income as a measure of economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

It does not take into account non-financial assets.

Answer

It is a reliable indicator of economic well-being.

Answer

It is easy to collect.

Question 44

What is the term for the process by which individuals move up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility.

Answer

Social stratification.

Answer

Social inequality.

Answer

Social cohesion.

Question 45

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

Accepted Answer

It can motivate individuals to achieve.

Answer

It reduces crime.

Answer

It improves public health.

Answer

It promotes social cohesion.

Question 46

What is the main focus of the study of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

The division of society into different social classes.

Answer

The consequences of social inequality.

Answer

The causes of social inequality.

Question 47

Which of the following is **not** a recognized form of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Biological inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Health inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Question 48

Which of the following is a primary factor contributing to economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Age

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Geography

Question 49

Educational inequality can lead to which of the following negative consequences for individuals?

Accepted Answer

Reduced earning potential

Answer

Increased upward social mobility

Answer

Improved mental health

Answer

Enhanced health outcomes

Question 50

Which of the following statements accurately describes the nature of health inequality?

Accepted Answer

It can result from both individual lifestyle choices and societal factors.

Answer

Health inequality is solely determined by individual choices.

Answer

Health inequality is exclusively caused by systemic factors.

Question 51

Which of the following is a commonly recognized approach to mitigating social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Investing in early childhood education

Answer

Lowering taxes for high-income earners

Answer

Reducing the minimum wage

Question 52

What is the concept of intersectionality in the context of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It recognizes that different forms of inequality can overlap and interact, creating unique experiences of disadvantage

Answer

Intersectionality suggests that social inequality is a random occurrence with no discernible patterns.

Answer

Intersectionality assumes that social inequality is solely determined by a single factor, such as race or gender.

Question 53

Which of the following is an example of vertical social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The income disparity between a CEO and a factory worker

Answer

The variation in health outcomes among different ethnic groups

Answer

The difference in educational attainment between urban and rural areas

Question 54

Which of the following is a limitation of using income inequality as a measure of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It does not capture non-monetary forms of inequality, such as access to education or healthcare.

Answer

Income inequality is too precise a measure to be meaningful.

Answer

Income inequality is only relevant to developing countries.

Question 55

According to structural functionalist theory, what is a primary cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The division of labor and unequal distribution of resources

Answer

Cultural values and beliefs

Answer

Individual psychological traits

Answer

Biological differences between individuals