Social Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Question 1

What is a defining feature of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

A system of ranked categories

Answer

Based on individual merit

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A temporary phenomenon

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Only found in traditional societies

Question 2

How do social institutions contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

They create rules that maintain social hierarchies.

Answer

They provide opportunities for upward mobility.

Answer

They are neutral and have no influence on social stratification.

Answer

They are the primary cause of social inequality.

Question 3

How do the categories of race, gender, and class overlap to create unique experiences of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

They intersect to create unique experiences of inequality that are specific to each individual.

Answer

They are independent of one another, so experiences of inequality do not overlap.

Answer

They are mutually exclusive, meaning that an individual can only experience inequality based on one category at a time.

Answer

They exist in a hierarchy, with some categories being more important than others in determining experiences of inequality.

Question 4

How do social stratification and social mobility interact? Explain their reciprocal influence and the implications for individuals and society.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification limits social mobility, while social mobility can reinforce social stratification, creating a cycle.

Answer

Social stratification and social mobility are unrelated, with no impact on each other.

Answer

Social mobility always results in a fairer society, as people rise in the social hierarchy.

Question 5

Which of the following best summarizes the key arguments of functionalist and conflict theory on the causes of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism: Inequality maintains social stability; Conflict Theory: Inequality results from competition for resources.

Answer

Functionalism: Inequality reflects individual merit; Conflict Theory: Inequality stems from structural factors.

Answer

Both theories attribute inequality to social Darwinism.

Answer

Neither theory adequately explains the causes of inequality.

Question 6

How does social stratification influence the opportunities and experiences of individuals and groups in the UK? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification creates both advantages and disadvantages for different individuals and groups.

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on opportunities and experiences in the UK.

Answer

Social stratification only affects certain groups, such as ethnic minorities or low-income families.

Answer

Social stratification is necessary for society to ensure that the most capable individuals rise to the top.

Question 7

How does intersectionality help us understand how social stratification interacts with other characteristics, such as age, disability, or sexual orientation, to shape unique experiences of inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality helps us understand how different forms of inequality overlap and reinforce each other, creating unique experiences for individuals.

Answer

Intersectional inequalities are always more severe than single forms of inequality.

Answer

Social stratification only affects individuals based on a single dimension, like class or race.

Question 8

Which factor is crucial in perpetuating social inequality from one generation to the next?

Accepted Answer

Cultural transmission

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Economic disparities

Answer

Political power

Question 9

How does social inequality impact the political involvement and representation of marginalized groups?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality restricts both the political participation and representation of marginalized groups.

Answer

Social inequality has no significant impact on the political participation and representation of marginalized groups.

Answer

Social inequality mainly affects the political participation of marginalized groups, but has little impact on their representation.

Question 10

How might social inequality affect an individual's mental health?

Accepted Answer

Lead to lower levels of happiness and satisfaction.

Answer

Increase their sense of self-worth.

Answer

Improve their overall mental well-being.

Question 11

What defines social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The potential for individuals to change their social standing

Answer

Acquiring more wealth over time

Answer

The idea that success is equally attainable for all

Question 12

How do globalization and technological advancements influence social inequality within and between countries? Discuss the potential factors that contribute to both positive and negative outcomes.

Accepted Answer

Globalization and technological advancements can both increase and decrease social inequality.

Answer

Globalization and technological advancements always worsen social inequality.

Answer

Globalization and technological advancements have no effect on social inequality.

Answer

Globalization and technological advancements only reduce social inequality.

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct definition of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

A system of ranking individuals and groups within a society.

Answer

A measure of the extent to which individuals can move between different social classes.

Answer

A theory that explains how society is divided into different social classes.

Answer

A type of social inequality based on a person's race or ethnicity.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of a closed stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Social status is based on birth and is difficult to change.

Answer

Individuals can easily move between social classes.

Answer

Social mobility is high.

Answer

Individuals have equal opportunities regardless of their social background.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Occupation

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 16

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary basis of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Wealth

Answer

Prestige

Answer

Power

Answer

Education

Question 17

Which of the following is a proposed solution to address racial inequality?

Accepted Answer

Affirmative action programs

Answer

Increased police presence

Answer

Lowering taxes

Answer

Restricting immigration

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of a closed stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for social change

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Emphasis on individual achievement

Answer

Equal distribution of resources

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of the Gini coefficient?

Accepted Answer

To measure the level of social inequality

Answer

To predict future economic growth

Answer

To compare the wealth of different countries

Answer

To assess the effectiveness of government policies

Question 20

According to Pierre Bourdieu, what is cultural capital?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge and skills that are valued by a particular social class

Answer

Physical assets such as property and wealth

Answer

The ability to accumulate material possessions

Answer

The capacity to influence others

Question 21

Which theory of social stratification emphasizes the role of economic factors and class conflict?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 22

According to Karl Marx, the primary basis of social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Ethnicity

Answer

Gender

Question 23

Which of the following is a key assumption of functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Stratification is necessary for the stability of society

Answer

Individuals are placed in social positions based on their merit

Answer

Social inequality is harmful to individuals and society

Answer

Social mobility is impossible

Question 24

How does social inequality impact political participation and civic engagement?

Accepted Answer

It can limit access to political power and influence policy decisions.

Answer

It increases political participation equally for all socioeconomic groups.

Answer

It has little to no effect on political participation and civic engagement.

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

Religion

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Wealth

Question 26

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of economic factors in determining an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Weber's theory

Answer

Durkheim's theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 27

A belief system that emphasizes that individuals should be rewarded based on their abilities and efforts is known as:

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Socialism

Answer

Communism

Answer

Capitalism

Question 28

The concept of intersectionality refers to:

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness of different forms of inequality, such as race, gender, and class

Answer

The idea that all individuals experience the same forms of discrimination

Answer

The belief that one's social identity is determined solely by their race

Answer

The notion that social inequality is inevitable

Question 29

Which sociological theory focuses on the role of social conflict in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased happiness

Answer

Limited access to education

Answer

Poor health outcomes

Answer

Lower life expectancy

Question 31

How do globalization and technological advancements impact social inequality, both within and between countries?

Accepted Answer

Globalization and technological advancements can have both positive and negative effects on social inequality, depending on the situation.

Answer

Globalization and technological advancements always worsen social inequality.

Answer

Globalization and technological advancements always improve social inequality.

Answer

Globalization and technological advancements have no significant impact on social inequality.

Question 32

According to Pierre Bourdieu, which form of capital is derived from knowledge, skills, and credentials?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Economic capital

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Political capital

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a meritocratic society?

Accepted Answer

Lack of ascribed status

Answer

Rewards based on individual effort

Answer

Equality of opportunity

Answer

Open competition

Question 34

Which of the following is an example of intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing discrimination based on both race and gender

Answer

Having a high income and a low education level

Answer

Belonging to a specific social class

Answer

Living in a rural area

Question 35

In the study of social stratification, which concept refers to the social position an individual occupies?

Accepted Answer

Social status

Answer

Social power

Answer

Social class

Answer

Social mobility

Question 36

Which type of inequality is primarily based on factors such as race or gender that individuals cannot change?

Accepted Answer

Ascribed inequality

Answer

Achieved inequality

Answer

Structural inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 37

According to Marxist theory, which class holds the most power and control in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

The capitalist class

Answer

The working class

Answer

The middle class

Answer

The professional class

Question 38

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups between different social strata. Which type of social mobility involves moving from a lower social class to a higher one?

Accepted Answer

Upward mobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Question 39

Which policy measure is specifically designed to address economic inequality by taxing the wealthy at higher rates?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Universal healthcare

Answer

Affirmative action

Answer

Minimum wage laws

Question 40

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of culture and symbols in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 41

Which factor does NOT contribute to upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Racial background

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Occupational status

Answer

Personal connections

Question 42

Which of the following is a strength of intersectionality as a tool for understanding social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Highlights the interconnectedness of different forms of discrimination.

Answer

Only suitable for analyzing the experiences of marginalized groups.

Answer

Assumes that all forms of discrimination are equally important.

Answer

Can be challenging to apply in practice.

Question 43

Principal forms of social stratification do not include:

Accepted Answer

Physical Ability

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 44

The belief that an individual's social standing is largely determined by their parents' position is termed:

Accepted Answer

Ascribed Status

Answer

Social Mobility

Answer

Social Closure

Answer

Achieved Status

Question 45

The sociological perspective on social stratification places emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Social structures

Answer

Individual choices

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Historical factors

Question 46

A closed social stratification system is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for social class movement

Answer

High levels of social mobility

Answer

Equal access to resources for all societal members

Answer

Based on meritocracy

Question 47

The concept of 'cultural capital' encompasses:

Accepted Answer

Knowledge and skills valued by a particular society

Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Social connections

Answer

Inherited wealth

Question 48

The concept of 'false consciousness' refers to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals may accept their social inequality as legitimate, even if it is not

Answer

Individuals are aware of their true social position and interests

Answer

Individuals are unaware of the causes of their social inequality

Answer

Individuals are consciously opposed to social inequality

Question 49

According to Karl Marx's theory, what is the root cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Control over the means of production

Answer

Individual merit

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Political influence

Question 50

What term describes the process by which individuals are assigned to social classes based on their parents' status?

Accepted Answer

Ascription

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Achievement

Question 51

What is the main premise of the functionalist perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is necessary for societal stability

Answer

Social inequality results from individual merit and effort

Answer

Social inequality is unjust and should be eliminated

Answer

Social inequality is an inevitable feature of human societies

Question 52

What does the term 'social capital' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The resources and connections accessible to individuals through their social networks

Answer

The monetary worth of an individual's education and skills

Answer

The total financial assets owned by an individual

Answer

The level of emotional support an individual receives from their community

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a major form of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 54

Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu argued that social inequality is perpetuated through:

Accepted Answer

All forms of capital

Answer

Economic capital only

Answer

Cultural capital only

Answer

Social capital only

Question 55

Social mobility refers to the movement between:

Accepted Answer

Different social classes

Answer

Different ethnic groups

Answer

Different genders

Answer

Different age groups

Question 56

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of power and conflict in social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict perspective

Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Answer

Rational choice perspective

Question 57

The concept of 'intersectionality' in relation to social inequality highlights the:

Accepted Answer

Overlapping and interdependent forms of discrimination

Answer

Unique experiences of individuals within different social categories

Answer

Hierarchical nature of social stratification

Answer

Global nature of social inequality

Question 58

Emile Durkheim argued that social inequality is functional for:

Accepted Answer

Social order

Answer

Economic efficiency

Answer

Political stability

Answer

Cultural diversity

Question 59

How does social stratification interact with other aspects of identity, such as age, disability, or sexual orientation?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Independent Factors

Answer

Minimal Influence

Answer

Cumulative Inequality

Question 60

Social policies aimed at reducing inequality can sometimes have unexpected negative effects. Which of these is a potential unintended consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased social tensions

Answer

Increased opportunities for social mobility

Answer

Lower poverty rates

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Question 61

What enduring feature of social stratification has been present in societies throughout history, from ancient times to the modern era?

Accepted Answer

The existence of a ruling class

Answer

Limited opportunities for social mobility

Answer

Ascribed status as the sole basis for social position

Answer

The absence of class conflict

Question 62

Social inequality raises ethical concerns in modern societies. Which of the following is an ethical solution to reduce inequality, considering fairness and equity?

Accepted Answer

Implement progressive taxation and redistributive policies to fairly distribute wealth and resources.

Accepted Answer

Ensure equal access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities.

Answer

Rely on charity and philanthropy as the main way to address inequality.

Answer

Allow market forces to determine income distribution without government intervention.

Question 63

Compare the usefulness of Marx's conflict theory and Weber's theory of class, status, and power in explaining social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Marx's theory focuses on economic factors, while Weber's theory considers a wider range of factors that influence social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Weber's theory is more relevant for understanding modern forms of inequality, such as those based on status and power.

Answer

Both theories provide a complete analysis of inequality with no major drawbacks.

Question 64

Government policies to reduce social inequality may have unintended consequences. Which of the following is a potential unintended consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased welfare dependency

Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Reduced poverty

Answer

Improved educational attainment