Theories of Social Mobility: Explore Key Sociological Perspectives

Question 1

How do structural and exchange theories differ in their perspectives on the role of individuals in social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Structural theories emphasize societal structures, while exchange theories focus on individual choices and relationships.

Answer

Exchange theories emphasize societal structures, while structural theories focus on individual choices and relationships.

Answer

Both theories focus primarily on societal factors.

Question 2

According to structural mobility theory, what is the primary factor that determines social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The structure of society

Answer

Individual characteristics and efforts

Answer

Cultural factors

Answer

Economic factors

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered a key factor influencing social mobility according to sociological theories?

Accepted Answer

Political ideologies

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Family socioeconomic status

Answer

Labor market conditions

Question 4

Which factor is central to social mobility, according to structural mobility theory?

Accepted Answer

Economic conditions like job availability and wealth distribution

Answer

Individual characteristics like education and effort

Answer

Cultural influences like values and beliefs about social hierarchy

Answer

Political factors like government policies and regulations

Question 5

According to which theory of social mobility do individuals' positions in the social hierarchy change due to shifts in the economy or advancements in technology?

Accepted Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Weber's theory of stratification

Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Exchange theory

Question 6

Exchange theory proposes that individuals' social status is determined primarily by their:

Accepted Answer

Control over resources and opportunities

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Family background

Answer

Education and skills

Question 7

Human capital theory emphasizes the crucial role of:

Accepted Answer

Education, skills, and training

Answer

Inheritance

Answer

Social connections

Answer

Luck

Question 8

According to exchange theory, social mobility is primarily driven by:

Accepted Answer

The exchange of resources and opportunities between individuals

Answer

Government policies

Answer

Investment in human capital

Answer

Structural changes in society

Question 9

Human capital theory suggests that individuals' social mobility is primarily determined by their:

Accepted Answer

Educational attainment, skills, and training

Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Social class of origin

Answer

Gender

Question 10

Which type of asset is NOT considered a form of social capital?

Accepted Answer

Physical property

Answer

Social networks

Answer

Educational credentials

Question 11

A research study finds that individuals who participate in extracurricular activities demonstrate increased likelihood of pursuing higher education. This finding suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Social capital can contribute to enhanced social mobility opportunities.

Answer

Human capital theory overestimates the significance of formal education

Answer

Exchange theory is not relevant to educational attainment.

Answer

Structural mobility is the sole determinant of social mobility outcomes.

Question 12

Which theory of social mobility emphasizes the role of education and skills in enabling individuals to improve their social position?

Accepted Answer

Human Capital Theory

Answer

Structural Mobility Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Exchange Theory

Question 13

According to Structural Mobility Theory, social mobility is primarily shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Changes in the economic structure, such as technological advancements

Answer

Individual merit and effort

Answer

Social connections and networks

Answer

Government policies and interventions

Question 14

Exchange Theory views social mobility as a:

Accepted Answer

Process of social actors exchanging resources and benefits, with those possessing more resources having greater mobility

Answer

Deterministic outcome of structural forces and external factors

Answer

Random and unpredictable phenomenon

Question 15

Which concept in Structural Mobility Theory refers to the expansion of job opportunities at different skill levels, resulting in increased social mobility for certain sectors?

Accepted Answer

Job polarization

Answer

Occupational inheritance

Answer

Skill mismatch

Answer

Wage stagnation

Question 16

According to Exchange Theory, the process of social mobility is influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Power and status differences, as individuals with higher power and status have greater access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Economic conditions only, without considering social or political factors

Answer

Ascribed characteristics such as race, gender, or social origin

Answer

Genetic factors and inherited abilities

Question 17

Which theory views social mobility as a result of competition for limited resources and opportunities, leading to unequal outcomes based on power and privilege?

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Structural Mobility Theory

Answer

Exchange Theory

Answer

Human Capital Theory

Question 18

The fundamental assumption underlying Human Capital Theory is that investing in education and skills development leads to:

Accepted Answer

Increased earning potential and career advancement opportunities

Answer

Guaranteed upward mobility for all individuals

Answer

Reduced job opportunities and economic insecurity

Question 19

One of the criticisms of Structural Mobility Theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Underestimates the role of individual agency and personal initiative in shaping social mobility outcomes

Answer

Assumes that social mobility is always a positive and upward process

Answer

Does not account for the impact of technological advancements on job markets

Answer

Is too deterministic and does not allow for social change

Question 20

Exchange Theory suggests that social mobility is facilitated by:

Accepted Answer

Social networks, connections, and relationships, which provide access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Economic growth that benefits all individuals equally

Answer

Government regulations and policies that mandate equal opportunities

Answer

Technological advancements that create new job opportunities

Question 21

Which sociological theory of social mobility emphasizes the role of social networks and interpersonal relationships in shaping social mobility opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Exchange theory

Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Cultural mobility theory

Answer

Human capital theory

Question 22

According to structural mobility theory, social mobility is largely determined by:

Accepted Answer

Changes in the social and economic structure of society

Answer

Social networks and connections

Answer

Individual characteristics and abilities

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Question 23

Human capital theory views social mobility as primarily influenced by an individual's:

Accepted Answer

Education, skills, and knowledge

Answer

Cultural identity and beliefs

Answer

Social background and family connections

Answer

Political affiliations and ideologies

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT considered a factor that can influence social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Eye color

Answer

Education

Answer

Social class

Answer

Occupation

Question 25

Social mobility encompasses both:

Accepted Answer

Horizontal and vertical mobility

Answer

Only vertical mobility

Answer

Neither horizontal nor vertical mobility

Answer

Only horizontal mobility

Question 26

Which theory of social mobility emphasizes the role of education as a key factor in determining social status?

Accepted Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Exchange theory

Question 27

Which of the following is a key assumption of exchange theory in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Individuals engage in social interactions to maximize their rewards and minimize their costs

Answer

Education is the most important factor in determining social mobility

Answer

Social mobility is primarily driven by economic factors

Question 28

Social mobility can have both positive and negative effects on society.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

Only negative effects

Answer

False

Answer

Only positive effects

Question 29

According to structural mobility theory, what is the primary factor that influences an individual's social mobility prospects?

Accepted Answer

Structural factors, such as economic conditions and occupational opportunities

Answer

Social networks and connections

Answer

Individual attributes, such as education and skills

Question 30

Which of the following is a key assumption of exchange theory in relation to social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Individuals engage in social exchanges to maximize their rewards and minimize their costs.

Answer

Human capital plays a crucial role in mobility.

Answer

Mobility is primarily determined by structural factors.

Question 31

Which aspect of human capital theory emphasizes the importance of individuals' knowledge, skills, and abilities in determining their social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Skills and knowledge component

Answer

Credential component

Answer

Social capital component

Question 32

Which of the following is a factor that can hinder upward social mobility according to exchange theory?

Accepted Answer

Limited access to valuable resources and opportunities

Answer

High levels of motivation and ambition

Answer

Strong social networks

Question 33

According to human capital theory, which of the following is an example of a credential component that can enhance social mobility?

Accepted Answer

University degree

Answer

Cultural background

Answer

Charisma

Answer

Social connections

Question 34

Which theory of social mobility suggests that individuals' positions in the social hierarchy are determined by their ability to perform socially valued tasks?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Interactionist theory

Answer

Neo-Marxist theory

Question 35

What is a key implication of the finding that social mobility is relatively low in a society?

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for individuals to improve their social status

Answer

High levels of economic growth and prosperity

Answer

Increased social equality

Question 36

Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to social mobility according to conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Social movements and collective action

Answer

Meritocratic principles

Answer

Individual responsibility

Answer

Cultural conformity

Question 37

What is a key assumption of interactionist theory in relation to social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is a subjective experience that is shaped by individuals' interactions and interpretations.

Answer

Social mobility is a purely objective process based on measurable indicators.

Answer

Mobility is primarily determined by structural factors.

Question 38

Which theory of social mobility emphasizes the role of social networks and interpersonal relationships in facilitating upward mobility?

Accepted Answer

Exchange theory

Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 39

According to structural mobility theory, which of the following is considered a primary factor influencing social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Changes in the occupational structure of society

Answer

Individual effort and ability

Answer

Discrimination and prejudice

Answer

Education and skill acquisition

Question 40

Which theory of social mobility focuses on the role of education and skill development in enhancing social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Exchange theory

Question 41

A fundamental assumption of exchange theory is that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals engage in social exchange to maximize rewards and minimize costs

Answer

Occupy fixed positions in the social hierarchy

Answer

Are primarily motivated by altruism

Question 42

According to human capital theory, individuals with higher levels of education and skills are more likely to:

Accepted Answer

Achieve higher occupational status and income

Answer

Experience downward mobility

Answer

Be unemployed

Answer

Have lower job satisfaction

Question 43

Exchange theory suggests that social mobility can be enhanced by:

Accepted Answer

Building relationships with individuals in higher social positions

Answer

Relying solely on individual merit

Answer

Adopting a passive approach to career advancement

Question 44

One criticism of human capital theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Ignores the role of social networks and discrimination

Answer

Underestimates the importance of individual effort

Answer

Overestimates the value of education

Question 45

An example of how theories of social mobility can be applied in real-world situations is:

Accepted Answer

Developing policies to promote equal opportunities in education

Answer

Predicting individual social status

Answer

Justifying social inequality

Question 46

Which sociological theory emphasizes the influence of societal structures on social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Social capital theory

Answer

Exchange theory

Question 47

According to exchange theory, the primary determinant of social mobility is:

Accepted Answer

Resources, costs, and rewards associated with different social positions

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Occupational prestige

Answer

Family background

Question 48

Which theory highlights the importance of human capital, such as education and skills, in facilitating social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 49

According to structural mobility theory, which of the following is NOT considered a barrier to upward mobility?

Accepted Answer

Lack of motivation

Answer

Structural inequalities

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Limited educational opportunities

Question 50

Exchange theory suggests that social mobility is a result of:

Accepted Answer

Rational decisions made by individuals based on resources, costs, and benefits

Answer

Historical events

Answer

Government policies

Question 51

Which theory views social mobility as primarily influenced by:

Accepted Answer

Economic structures and inequalities

Answer

Political ideologies

Answer

Personal characteristics

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Question 52

According to human capital theory, which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to higher levels of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social connections

Answer

Skills

Answer

Education

Question 53

Which theory emphasizes the role of social networks and connections in shaping social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social capital theory

Answer

Human capital theory

Answer

Structural mobility theory

Answer

Exchange theory

Question 54

Which of the following is a criticism of structural mobility theory?

Accepted Answer

It does not account for the role of individual agency

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of education

Answer

It ignores the impact of culture