Theories of Social Stratification: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which fundamental principle underpins functionalist theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification is inherent to the smooth functioning of society.

Answer

Social inequality is driven by competition for limited resources.

Answer

Individuals' perception of their societal position determines their social status.

Answer

Social mobility plays a pivotal role in perpetuating social inequality.

Question 2

According to conflict theory, what is the root cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of power and resources in society.

Answer

Individual differences in abilities and talents.

Answer

Cultural norms and values that favor certain groups.

Answer

Unforeseen events and natural disasters.

Question 3

How does symbolic interactionism explain the perpetuation of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Cultural values and beliefs that justify inequality are transmitted throughout society.

Answer

Different social groups receive varying levels of resources and opportunities.

Answer

State and other powerful entities enforce social stratification through force and coercion.

Answer

Specific individuals possess biological and genetic advantages.

Question 4

How does conflict theory perceive the relationship between social class and social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social class influences opportunities for social mobility.

Answer

Social mobility is a myth; individuals typically remain in the social class of their parents.

Answer

Social mobility is primarily determined by individual effort and talent.

Answer

Social mobility is impossible in capitalist societies.

Question 5

Identify the defining concept of symbolic interactionism.

Accepted Answer

Social construction of reality.

Answer

Social class.

Answer

Economic base.

Answer

Mode of production.

Question 6

What fundamental distinction exists between functionalist and conflict theories?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory emphasizes consensus while conflict theory emphasizes conflict.

Answer

Functionalist theory focuses on social inequality while conflict theory focuses on social stratification.

Answer

Functionalist theory adopts a micro-level perspective while conflict theory adopts a macro-level perspective.

Answer

Functionalist theory prioritizes social change while conflict theory prioritizes social stability.

Question 7

How does symbolic interactionism contribute to our understanding of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It reveals the creation and reproduction of social inequality through social interactions.

Answer

It provides a complete explanation for the causes of social inequality.

Answer

It offers a solution to the problem of social inequality.

Answer

It is irrelevant to the study of social inequality.

Question 8

Which policy recommendation aligns with conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Redistributing wealth and resources to reduce social inequality.

Answer

Promoting social mobility and equal opportunities.

Answer

Increasing the government's role in regulating the economy.

Answer

Encouraging personal responsibility and self-reliance.

Question 9

According to Karl Marx's conflict theory, what is the primary driver of social stratification and inequality?

Accepted Answer

Class struggle

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Social closure

Question 10

Which theory of social stratification emphasizes the role of individual achievement and merit in determining social status?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 11

According to conflict theory, the primary source of social inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Power struggles between competing groups

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Answer

Inherent human differences

Answer

Variations in education and skills

Question 12

Which theory of social stratification focuses on the subjective meanings and interactions that shape social categories?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in Karl Marx's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Exploitation

Answer

Class struggle

Answer

Alienation

Question 14

Which theory suggests that social stratification arises from the unequal distribution of limited resources?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 15

Which theory emphasizes the role of social closure in maintaining social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 16

According to symbolic interactionism, how is social inequality experienced and reproduced on an individual level?

Accepted Answer

Through everyday interactions and the formation of social identities

Answer

Through institutional policies and structures

Answer

Through economic competition and power dynamics

Question 17

Which concept in symbolic interactionism emphasizes the subjective meanings and interpretations that individuals ascribe to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Status symbol

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Class consciousness

Answer

Power relations

Question 18

In Max Weber's theory of social stratification, what are the three primary dimensions that determine social status?

Accepted Answer

Power, prestige, and property

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Increased poverty and social exclusion

Answer

Greater social mobility

Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Answer

Improved access to healthcare

Question 20

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals move up or down the social hierarchy over time?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social class

Answer

Social status

Question 21

Which of the following is a criticism of functionalist theory in relation to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the significance of conflict and power in shaping inequality

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of individual choice

Answer

It assumes that all societies are stratified

Question 22

How does the concept of stratification differ from that of social class?

Accepted Answer

Stratification refers to the overall hierarchical structure of society, while social class refers to a specific group of people who share similar socioeconomic status

Answer

They are synonymous terms

Question 23

According to functionalist theory, social stratification serves what purpose in society?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining order and stability

Answer

Promoting social mobility

Answer

Eliminating social inequality

Answer

Creating opportunities for the underprivileged

Question 24

Conflict theory argues that social inequality primarily results from:

Accepted Answer

Competition over limited resources

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Answer

Government policies

Answer

Natural differences in abilities

Question 25

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes which aspect of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Individual experiences and subjective meanings

Answer

Historical processes and social movements

Answer

Government policies and institutional practices

Answer

Structural factors and economic conditions

Question 26

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of Max Weber's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social status can be based on multiple dimensions of power, including wealth, education, and prestige

Answer

Culture has no influence on social stratification

Answer

Social mobility is impossible between different social strata

Answer

Social inequality is solely determined by economic factors

Question 27

The concept of 'class consciousness' is central to which theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 28

A major criticism of functionalist theory in its explanation of social stratification is that it:

Accepted Answer

Assumes a level of consensus and harmony that may not always exist in society

Answer

Overemphasizes the role of individual agency

Answer

Fails to account for the impact of globalization

Answer

Lacks empirical evidence to support its claims

Question 29

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

Accepted Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Improved quality of life for all

Answer

Increased equality of opportunity

Answer

Greater social cohesion

Question 30

The purpose of using multiple theoretical perspectives to study social stratification is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the issue

Answer

Eliminate the need for empirical research

Answer

Ensure that one theory is always correct

Answer

Avoid biases and preconceptions

Question 31

When studying social stratification, which ethical consideration is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the dignity of individuals and protecting their privacy

Answer

Focusing on the most sensational findings

Answer

Adhering strictly to the scientific method

Answer

Ensuring that research findings are always positive

Question 32

Which theory proposes that societal stability depends on social stratification, with each stratum fulfilling specific roles?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Marxist Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionist Theory

Question 33

Who introduced the concept of 'class struggle' as the driving force behind social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Question 34

Which theory emphasizes how individuals construct social reality through shared symbols and meanings, influencing social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Structural Functionalism

Answer

Critical Theory

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Question 35

In Marxist theory, which class holds economic and political power, exploiting the working class?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Peasantry

Answer

Aristocracy

Answer

Proletariat

Question 36

Which theory suggests that social stratification is a result of individual merit and effort, with those who are more skilled and hardworking achieving higher status?

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Ascription

Answer

Caste System

Answer

Elite Theory

Question 37

Which criticism highlights functionalist theory's tendency to downplay social conflict and overemphasize social harmony?

Accepted Answer

Ignores the role of conflict in social change.

Answer

Justifies inequality based on assumed social functions.

Answer

Oversimplifies the complexity of social stratification.

Answer

Relies on outdated research methods.

Question 38

Which theory emphasizes the role of socialization in perpetuating social inequality by passing down norms, values, and expectations according to social class?

Accepted Answer

Socialization Theory

Answer

Critical Race Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Functionalist Theory

Question 39

Weber's theory of social stratification recognizes which factors as primary determinants of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Class, status, and power.

Answer

Wealth and education

Answer

Biological and psychological traits

Answer

Gender and race

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of social stratification within a society?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Answer

Political instability

Answer

Reduced mobility opportunities

Answer

Discrimination and prejudice

Question 41

Feminist theories argue that social stratification is fundamentally influenced by which factor?

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality and oppression

Answer

Racial and ethnic differences

Answer

Cultural variations

Answer

Economic disparities

Question 42

According to conflict theory, social inequality primarily arises from:

Accepted Answer

Competition over scarce resources

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Answer

Social consensus and agreement

Answer

Geographical and environmental factors

Question 43

Which sociological approach focuses on how symbolic meanings and interactions shape social hierarchies?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Historical Materialism

Answer

Quantitative Sociology

Question 44

According to conflict theory, social change is primarily driven by:

Accepted Answer

Power struggles and revolutionary movements

Answer

Cultural diffusion and exchange of ideas

Answer

Evolutionary processes and gradual adaptations

Answer

Technological advancements and scientific discoveries

Question 45

Symbolic interactionism provides insights into the role of:

Accepted Answer

Social interactions in shaping social hierarchies

Answer

Biological inheritance in social stratification

Answer

Economic factors in determining social status

Question 46

A strength of conflict theory is its emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Power dynamics and social conflicts

Answer

Social consensus and stability

Answer

Cultural values and norms

Answer

Individual achievement and meritocracy

Question 47

Which theory argues that social stratification is necessary for society to function effectively by motivating people to fill important roles?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 48

According to Karl Marx, what is the main cause of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Ownership and control of the means of production

Answer

The inheritance of social status

Answer

Differences in individual talent and effort

Answer

Religious beliefs and values

Question 49

What term describes the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their social class?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social closure

Question 50

Which of these is NOT a key dimension of social stratification according to Max Weber's theory?

Accepted Answer

Social solidarity

Answer

Status

Answer

Class

Answer

Party

Question 51

How does symbolic interactionism explain the persistence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Through everyday interactions and the use of symbols, individuals unintentionally reinforce existing power structures.

Answer

By highlighting the functional importance of social stratification for societal stability.

Question 52

A society where individuals have significant opportunities to move up or down the social ladder based on their achievements is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Social closure

Answer

Low social mobility

Question 53

What is a common criticism of the functionalist perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't adequately consider the role of power and conflict in maintaining inequality.

Answer

It ignores the importance of individual talent and effort in determining social position.

Answer

It does not recognize the significance of social status and prestige.

Question 54

The concept of 'cultural capital', referring to the knowledge, skills, and tastes that individuals possess and that can be used to gain advantages in society, is associated with which theorist?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Question 55

Which of these is an example of 'life chances', as described by Max Weber?

Accepted Answer

Access to quality healthcare and education

Answer

Social interactions in everyday life

Answer

Personal values and beliefs

Answer

Individual talent and ability

Question 56

Intersectionality, a perspective developed by feminist scholars, emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness of various social identities, such as class, race, and gender, in shaping experiences of inequality.

Answer

The universality of social stratification across all societies.