Theories of Social Inequality: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Functionalist theory suggests that social inequality is beneficial for society. Why is this?

Accepted Answer

It encourages competition and achievement, leading to societal progress.

Answer

It ensures equal distribution of resources among all members of society.

Answer

It prevents social conflict by establishing a clear hierarchy and reducing competition.

Question 2

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of shared values and norms in maintaining social stability?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism: Views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain equilibrium.

Answer

Conflict theory: Views society as a battleground where different social classes compete for resources and power.

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Symbolic interactionism: Emphasizes the importance of subjective meanings and interpretations in shaping social interactions.

Question 3

Which theory explains social inequality as resulting from the unequal distribution of wealth, income, and power?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory: Argues that inequality is inherent to capitalist societies.

Answer

Functionalism: Views inequality as necessary for the smooth functioning of society.

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Symbolic interactionism: Focuses on how individuals' interactions shape their perceptions of inequality.

Question 4

Which perspective views education as a means of reinforcing existing social inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Correspondence principle: Views education as reflecting and perpetuating social inequalities.

Answer

Cultural deprivation theory: Blames students' lack of achievement on their disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Credentialism theory: Argues that education is valued primarily for the credentials it provides.

Question 5

According to symbolic interactionism, individuals construct their self-identity through:

Accepted Answer

Social interactions: The ongoing process of interacting with others shapes our self-concept.

Answer

Biological factors: Our genetic makeup and physical characteristics.

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Cultural influences: The values, beliefs, and norms of the society we live in.

Question 6

Which type of social mobility involves movement from one social class to another?

Accepted Answer

Vertical mobility: Movement up or down the social hierarchy.

Answer

Horizontal mobility: Movement within the same social class.

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Intergenerational mobility: Movement between generations, such as parents and children.

Question 7

Which sociological theory views social institutions as serving the interests of the dominant class?

Accepted Answer

Marxist feminism: Analyzes the relationship between capitalism and gender inequality.

Answer

Liberal feminism: Focuses on individual rights and equality.

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Radical feminism: Argues that patriarchy is the root of all oppression.

Question 8

Which educational policy aims to reduce social inequalities in education?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive education: Provides all students with a broad and balanced curriculum.

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Selective education: Divides students into different schools based on academic ability.

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Voucher system: Allows parents to choose which schools their children attend using government funds.

Question 9

Which sociological perspective argues that social reality is subjective and constantly being negotiated?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism: Focuses on the ways in which individuals interpret and interact with their social world.

Answer

Functionalism: Views society as a stable and orderly system.

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Conflict theory: Emphasizes the role of conflict and power struggles in shaping society.

Question 10

Which concept refers to the process by which individuals internalize the values and norms of their society?

Accepted Answer

Socialization: The process by which individuals learn to conform to societal expectations.

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Acculturation: The process by which individuals adopt the cultural practices of a new society.

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Assimilation: The process by which individuals become fully integrated into a new society.

Question 11

Which sociological theory suggests that social inequality is an inherent and necessary aspect of any society, contributing to its stability and order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Competition over limited resources

Answer

Lack of social consensus

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Cultural differences

Answer

Individual responsibility

Question 13

Which theory emphasizes the role of subjective meanings and everyday interactions in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Marxist theory

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Structural inequality theory

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Rational choice theory

Question 14

The theory of social inequality developed by Karl Marx is primarily focused on:

Accepted Answer

Class conflict

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Social stratification

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Social mobility

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Cultural hegemony

Question 15

One of the major criticisms of functionalist theories of social inequality is that they:

Accepted Answer

Can overlook the significance of power and conflict in social systems

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Provide an overly simplistic view of social inequality

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Are difficult to test empirically

Question 16

Conflict theory posits that the social class that benefits most from social inequality is the:

Accepted Answer

Upper class

Answer

All social classes benefit equally

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Working class

Question 17

According to symbolic interactionism, one of the ways in which social inequality is sustained is through:

Accepted Answer

The labeling of individuals and groups

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Legal and political policies

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Government regulations

Question 18

Which sociological approach emphasizes the influence of social institutions, such as education and family, in perpetuating social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Structural inequality theory

Answer

Cultural capital theory

Answer

Intersectional inequality theory

Question 19

The term 'social mobility' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups within or between different social strata

Answer

The degree of social inequality within a society

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The process of labeling individuals based on their social status

Question 20

Which theory of social inequality posits that it is a natural and inevitable part of society, serving to maintain social order and stability?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 21

Which theory of social inequality emphasizes the role of power and conflict in shaping social stratification and mobility?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 22

Which theory of social inequality examines how individuals construct and interpret their social reality through interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 23

Which theorist, a key figure in conflict theory, argued that class conflict is the driving force behind social change?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Question 24

Which theory of social inequality emphasizes the role of cultural capital, such as education and social connections, in shaping an individual's social status and prospects?

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Social exchange theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 25

Which of the following is a key criticism leveled against functionalist theories of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

They tend to overlook the role of power and conflict in shaping inequality.

Answer

They provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of inequality.

Answer

They are solely based on theoretical assumptions.

Question 26

Which concept is central to symbolic interactionist theories of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social labelling

Answer

Power relations

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Question 27

Which theory of social inequality argues that social inequality is largely the result of individual choices and actions?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 28

Which of the following is a commonly used measure of social inequality that quantifies the distribution of income or wealth within a society?

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Social mobility rate

Answer

Life expectancy

Answer

Literacy rate

Question 29

Which theory of social inequality suggests that social inequality is necessary for the efficient functioning and stability of a society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 30

Which sociological theory proposes that social inequality is an inherent and necessary aspect of society, serving to maintain social order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Feminist Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Question 31

According to conflict theory, what is the fundamental source of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Struggles over power and control of resources

Answer

Unequal distribution of natural abilities

Answer

Failures of the education system

Answer

Cultural differences in values and beliefs

Question 32

Which theory emphasizes the role of subjective meanings, symbols, and interactions in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Functionalism

Question 33

In Bowles and Gintis's correspondence theory, how does the education system contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It replicates the hierarchical structure of the workplace.

Answer

It provides equal opportunities for all students.

Answer

It instills cultural biases and stereotypes.

Question 34

Which sociologist conceptualized cultural capital as a key factor in social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 35

Which criticism is often leveled against functionalist theories of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

They tend to overemphasize social harmony and downplay the role of conflict.

Answer

They are based on outdated and unscientific research methods.

Answer

They offer no practical solutions to address social inequality.

Question 36

What is meant by 'social mobility' in sociology?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social strata.

Answer

The emergence of new social institutions and cultural norms.

Answer

The process of acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Question 37

Which of the following is a widely used method in sociological research on social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Statistical analysis of large datasets.

Answer

In-depth interviews with personal narratives.

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Focused observation of a small group of individuals.

Question 38

Why is studying social inequality important for society?

Accepted Answer

It helps identify social problems and develop informed solutions to address them.

Answer

It helps predict future social trends.

Answer

It satisfies our curiosity about the social world.

Question 39

Conflict theory posits that which social group benefits primarily from the existence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The ruling class or elite

Answer

The middle class

Answer

Ethnic minorities

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The working class

Question 40

Which theory in sociology emphasizes the subjective interactions and experiences of individuals within their social context?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 41

Which of the following is a valid criticism of functionalist theory in explaining social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It underestimates the role of conflict and power struggles in shaping social structures.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive analysis of all forms of social inequality.

Answer

It accurately reflects the experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Question 42

According to conflict theory, what factor is considered a primary source of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Variations in individual abilities

Answer

The influence of socialization processes

Answer

Differences in cultural values

Question 43

Symbolic interactionism places significant emphasis on the role of which factor in shaping individual behavior and experiences?

Accepted Answer

Social norms and values

Answer

Economic conditions

Answer

Political ideologies

Question 44

Conflict theory identifies which of the following as a major source of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Class struggle

Answer

Racial discrimination

Answer

Gender bias

Answer

Ageism

Question 45

Which theory in sociology argues that inequality arises from the unequal distribution of power and ownership of resources?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 46

One of the criticisms of symbolic interactionism is that it:

Accepted Answer

Tends to overlook the influence of broader social structures on individual behavior

Answer

Provides overly simplistic explanations for complex social phenomena

Answer

Relies heavily on subjective data that may lack objectivity

Question 47

Which theory of social inequality views society as a cooperative system where different parts function together to maintain equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Question 48

According to conflict theory, social inequality is primarily driven by what mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Competition for scarce resources

Answer

Social norms and values

Answer

Symbolic meanings

Answer

Inherited traits

Question 49

Which perspective focuses on the role of everyday interactions in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Ethnomethodology

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Positivism

Question 50

Symbolic interactionists view social inequality as a:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed process

Answer

Natural law

Answer

Random occurrence

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Biologically determined outcome

Question 51

According to conflict theory, which group primarily benefits from social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The ruling class

Answer

The working class

Answer

The middle class

Answer

All members of society

Question 52

Which theorist argued that social inequality is inevitable and even beneficial for society?

Accepted Answer

Herbert Spencer

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 53

Symbolic interactionism differs from other theories of social inequality by focusing on what level of analysis?

Accepted Answer

Micro-level interactions

Answer

Political ideologies

Answer

Macro-level structures

Answer

Historical processes