Education in Sociology: Impact on Social Inequality

Question 1

Which criticism is most commonly leveled against the functionalist perspective on education?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the role of conflict and inequality in shaping educational outcomes.

Answer

It overemphasizes the importance of social order and stability.

Answer

It assumes that education is always beneficial for individuals and society.

Answer

It fails to consider the influence of culture on educational practices.

Question 2

Which criticism of the functionalist perspective on education highlights its focus on academic knowledge over practical skills?

Accepted Answer

It overemphasizes academic knowledge and neglects practical skills.

Answer

It assumes equal access to education for all.

Answer

It ignores the role of education in social inequality.

Answer

It fails to consider cultural and personal influences on education.

Question 3

From a functionalist perspective, what is a key role of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Transmit values and norms to maintain social harmony.

Answer

Promote individual advancement through skill development.

Answer

Reinforce social inequalities by perpetuating class divisions.

Answer

Ensure equal opportunities for all students.

Question 4

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a primary function of education?

Accepted Answer

Reproducing skills and values for societal functioning

Answer

Enforcing societal norms through social control

Answer

Facilitating social mobility for individuals

Answer

Nurturing individual talents and abilities

Question 5

Which criticism highlights a limitation of the functionalist perspective on education?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the impact of social inequality on educational outcomes.

Answer

It assumes equal access to quality education for all students.

Answer

It overstates the importance of individual effort in educational success.

Answer

It downplays the influence of cultural background on educational achievement.

Question 6

The functionalist perspective on education suggests that education helps maintain social order. Which criticism of this perspective highlights its failure to consider social conflict?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the role of conflict in education

Answer

Overemphasizing education's role in social mobility

Answer

Underestimating the impact of social class on educational attainment

Answer

Being based on outdated research

Question 7

According to the functionalist perspective, what is the primary function of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Preparing individuals for their societal roles and responsibilities

Answer

Promoting social mobility and reducing inequality

Answer

Facilitating social change and challenging the status quo

Answer

Fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a key function of education according to the functionalist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Reducing social inequality

Answer

Preparing individuals for their future roles in society

Answer

Promoting social unity through shared values

Answer

Encouraging personal growth and development

Question 9

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a key role of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Preparing individuals for work and maintaining social order

Answer

Promoting social mobility and reducing inequality

Answer

Encouraging critical thinking and challenging societal norms

Answer

Fostering creativity and imagination

Question 10

Which functionalist perspective on education focuses on the transfer of values and norms across generations?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalist perspective

Answer

Marxist perspective

Answer

Social conflict perspective

Answer

Interactionist perspective

Question 11

From a Marxist perspective, what is the main purpose of education in society?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a tool for the ruling class to maintain their power

Answer

To promote social mobility and equality

Answer

To prepare individuals for the workforce

Answer

To promote critical thinking and independent thought

Question 12

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a primary function of education?

Accepted Answer

Maintain social order and stability

Answer

Promote social mobility

Answer

Exert political and economic control

Answer

Provide equal benefits to all

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of education, according to the functionalist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Promoting social equality

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Preparing individuals for their future roles in society

Answer

Fostering a sense of community

Question 14

In the functionalist perspective, what is considered the main purpose of schools?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the current social structure by passing on societal values and norms to students.

Answer

To promote social change by questioning existing power dynamics and inequalities.

Answer

To focus on personal growth and creativity, regardless of societal expectations.

Answer

To solely prepare students for specific jobs and economic roles in society.

Question 15

Which sociological perspective considers education as a means to maintain social order and perpetuate the current social structure?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Marxist perspective

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 16

In the functionalist perspective, what is a key role of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Socializing individuals into shared values and norms

Answer

Promoting social mobility and equal opportunities

Answer

Acting as an agent of social control

Answer

Developing critical thinking skills to challenge societal norms

Question 17

Which sociological perspective considers education as a primary means of preserving social order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Marxist perspective

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Question 18

Functionalists believe education's main role in society is to:

Accepted Answer

Build social unity by passing on shared values and expectations.

Answer

Provide job skills for the workforce.

Answer

Ensure everyone has the same chance to climb the social ladder.

Answer

Champion fairness and equal treatment for all.

Question 19

To what extent have recent educational reforms in the UK been effective in reducing the impact of social inequality on educational outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Recent reforms have had some success in reducing the impact of social inequality, but further action is needed.

Answer

Recent reforms have significantly narrowed the achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Answer

Recent reforms have failed to address the impact of social inequality on educational outcomes.

Question 20

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a key role of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Promoting social harmony by teaching shared values and norms.

Answer

Fostering critical thinking and challenging societal norms.

Answer

Preparing individuals exclusively for specific jobs or roles.

Question 21

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a key function of education?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting cultural values and norms

Answer

Reinforcing social stratification

Answer

Promoting social change

Answer

Having a negligible impact on life chances

Question 22

In the functionalist perspective, what is a key role of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Passing down cultural values and norms to younger generations

Answer

Equalizing opportunities for different socioeconomic groups

Answer

Encouraging critical thinking and social change

Answer

Providing specific job training and preparing individuals for work

Question 23

According to Pierre Bourdieu's theory of cultural reproduction, how does cultural capital influence educational attainment?

Accepted Answer

It entails possessing a particular set of cultural knowledge and skills aligned with the curriculum and assessment criteria.

Answer

It provides access to financial resources for private tutoring.

Answer

It grants eligibility for government scholarships and grants.

Answer

It provides access to social networks and connections that facilitate educational opportunities.

Question 24

According to Pierre Bourdieu, which of these is a characteristic of cultural capital?

Accepted Answer

It can be expressed as skills and knowledge.

Answer

It is only gained through formal education.

Answer

It always leads to financial benefits.

Answer

It is spread equally among all social groups.

Question 25

According to the Marxist perspective, what is the primary purpose of the education system?

Accepted Answer

Promote the dominant ideology and maintain social order

Answer

Guarantee equal opportunities for all students

Answer

Encourage creativity and personal growth

Answer

Prepare students for employment

Question 26

According to the functionalist perspective on education, which of the following is NOT considered a primary function of education?

Accepted Answer

Promoting social mobility

Answer

Socializing individuals into societal norms and values

Answer

Preparing individuals for specific roles in society

Question 27

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a primary purpose of education in society?

Accepted Answer

To socialize individuals into societal values and norms, promoting stability and order.

Answer

To ensure equal opportunities for upward social mobility.

Answer

To train individuals for specific roles in the workforce, fostering a skilled labor force.

Answer

To encourage critical thinking and facilitate social change.

Question 28

In the Marxist perspective on education, what is seen as a key function of the education system?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting the dominant ideology of the ruling class

Answer

Promoting social mobility and reducing inequality

Answer

Preparing students for the workforce

Answer

Fostering critical thinking and social change

Question 29

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of the functionalist perspective on education?

Accepted Answer

Education plays a fundamental role in socializing individuals into societal norms and values.

Answer

Education primarily serves as a mechanism of social control.

Answer

Education operates as a meritocratic system, rewarding individuals solely based on their abilities.

Question 30

According to Pierre Bourdieu's theory, what key factor perpetuates educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of cultural knowledge from parents to children

Answer

Equal distribution of resources across schools

Answer

Influence of peers on academic aspirations

Answer

Variations in teaching staff quality across schools

Question 31

According to the functionalist perspective in sociology, which primary role does education fulfill in society?

Accepted Answer

Socialization and transmission of cultural values

Answer

Social control and maintenance of social order

Answer

Social mobility and promotion of individual advancement

Answer

Economic development and preparation for the workforce

Question 32

Which type of curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of foundational knowledge and skills that are deemed essential for effective functioning in society?

Accepted Answer

Academic curriculum

Answer

Vocational curriculum

Answer

Hidden curriculum

Answer

Personal and social development curriculum

Question 33

According to conflict theory, what is a primary function of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Perpetuating and justifying social inequalities

Answer

Promoting social mobility and equal opportunities for all

Answer

Cultivating critical thinking and independent thought

Answer

Preparing individuals for specific occupational roles

Question 34

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the 'hidden curriculum' in education?

Accepted Answer

It involves the implicit transmission of values, norms, and expectations

Answer

It is explicitly taught in the classroom as part of the formal curriculum

Answer

It focuses primarily on academic achievement and cognitive skills

Answer

It prepares students for future employment by providing specific vocational training

Question 35

According to Pierre Bourdieu, which type of capital is gained through formal education and is primarily held by individuals from higher social classes?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Economic capital

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Symbolic capital

Question 36

Which sociological theory posits that education plays a role in perpetuating social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interaction theory

Answer

Social constructivism

Question 37

The concept of 'hidden curriculum' in education pertains to:

Accepted Answer

The informal lessons and values that students assimilate through the schooling experience

Answer

The formal curriculum and syllabus explicitly taught in schools

Answer

The extracurricular activities provided by schools

Answer

The qualifications and training schools offer

Question 38

Which factor is not typically considered a contributor to educational underachievement among specific social groups?

Accepted Answer

Personal preference

Answer

Limited access to quality education

Answer

Stereotyping and prejudice

Answer

High levels of poverty

Question 39

In the context of schooling, what does the term 'streaming' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Dividing students into classes based on their academic abilities

Answer

Providing targeted support for students with special needs

Answer

Providing additional extracurricular activities for students

Answer

Tailoring teaching methods based on students' abilities

Question 40

The concept of 'educational mobility' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The upward movement of individuals in social class due to education

Answer

The physical movement of students between schools

Answer

The global movement of students seeking better education opportunities

Answer

The provision of equal educational opportunities for all students

Question 41

The 'Matthew effect' in education refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for initially successful students to maintain their success

Answer

The tendency for initially struggling students to continue to struggle

Answer

The impact of teacher bias on student performance

Answer

The significance of parental involvement in student achievement

Question 42

According to the theory of cultural capital, which group is most likely to have advantages in the education system due to their background and experiences?

Accepted Answer

Children from middle-class families

Answer

Children from working-class families

Answer

Children from ethnic minority backgrounds

Answer

Children with learning difficulties

Question 43

Which of the following is considered a structural inequality within the education system?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to educational resources

Answer

Teacher bias and prejudice

Answer

Different levels of parental support

Answer

Student motivation and engagement

Question 44

The term 'hidden curriculum' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The informal curriculum that transmits social norms and values

Answer

The formal curriculum that is explicitly taught in schools

Answer

The extracurricular activities and clubs offered by schools

Answer

The assessment and evaluation methods used in schools

Question 45

What is the central argument of the 'credentialism' thesis within sociology of education?

Accepted Answer

Educational qualifications have become increasingly important for social mobility

Answer

Educational qualifications are no longer a reliable indicator of merit or ability

Answer

Higher education has become a means of social control and class reproduction

Answer

The education system perpetuates and reinforces existing social inequalities

Question 46

What is a primary goal of the 'comprehensive education' movement in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To create a more equitable and inclusive education system

Answer

To increase academic rigor and standards

Answer

To promote private school education

Answer

To reduce government funding for education

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a key concept explored in the unit on education?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive development

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Educational outcomes

Answer

Social mobility

Question 48

According to Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital, which of the following is a form of capital that can be inherited?

Accepted Answer

Cultural knowledge

Answer

Economic capital

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Educational qualifications

Question 49

What is the concept of 'hidden curriculum' in education?

Accepted Answer

The implicit values and norms that are transmitted through education

Answer

The explicit knowledge and skills taught in the classroom

Answer

The extracurricular activities and social interactions that occur in schools

Answer

The assessment methods used to evaluate student learning

Question 50

Which of the following is an example of a 'credentialist society'?

Accepted Answer

A society where educational qualifications are highly valued

Answer

A society where social status is based on personal qualities

Answer

A society where economic success is the primary measure of worth

Answer

A society where traditional cultural values prevail

Question 51

The concept of 'cultural capital' refers to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds often lack the cultural knowledge and skills valued in schools, which can hinder their academic progress.

Answer

Culture directly determines educational outcomes.

Answer

Education is a neutral and equalizing institution for all students.

Answer

Teachers are solely responsible for transmitting cultural knowledge and skills to students.

Question 52

The 'hidden curriculum' in education refers to:

Accepted Answer

The informal norms, values, and behaviors that are transmitted in educational settings

Answer

The explicit academic content taught in schools

Answer

The range of extracurricular activities offered by schools

Answer

The methods used to assess student learning

Question 53

According to the Marxist perspective, the primary function of education is to:

Accepted Answer

Legitimize and maintain the existing social order and class structure

Answer

Promote social equality and upward mobility

Answer

Develop critical thinking skills and creativity

Answer

Foster cultural diversity and tolerance

Question 54

The term 'social stratification' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The hierarchical division of society into distinct social classes or strata

Answer

The process of social mobility and movement between different social classes

Answer

The distribution of wealth, power, and resources across society

Answer

The cultural norms and values that shape societal behavior

Question 55

Which type of educational system emphasizes academic achievement and merit-based selection?

Accepted Answer

Selective system

Answer

Comprehensive system

Answer

Inclusive system

Answer

Vocational system

Question 56

What is the term used to describe the disproportionate underrepresentation of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in higher education?

Accepted Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Credentialism

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Brain drain

Question 57

Which policy initiative in the UK aims to address educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Free school meals

Answer

University tuition fees

Answer

Voucher system

Answer

School autonomy

Question 58

Which critique questions the assumption that meritocracy in education is a fair system?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the influence of social background

Answer

It fosters competition and stress

Answer

It erodes social cohesion

Answer

It restricts access to higher education for certain groups

Question 59

Which principle underpins a social constructivist approach to education?

Accepted Answer

Students actively participate in their learning

Answer

Knowledge is objectively true

Answer

Learning is passive

Answer

Teachers are the exclusive source of knowledge

Question 60

According to the theory of social reproduction, how does education contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It perpetuates the existing social hierarchy by transmitting advantages to the children of privileged families.

Answer

It promotes upward social mobility for all students, regardless of their background.

Answer

It reduces social inequality by providing equal opportunities for all.

Answer

It has no impact on social inequality.

Question 61

What is intergenerational transmission in the context of education?

Accepted Answer

The transfer of educational advantages and disadvantages across generations.

Answer

The impact of a student's generation on their educational outcomes.

Answer

The reproduction of social class through education.

Answer

The influence of early childhood education on later educational outcomes.

Question 62

Which theory suggests that education is a primary means of maintaining social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social reproduction theory

Answer

Social mobility theory

Answer

Cultural capital theory

Answer

Structural inequality theory

Question 63

What is the term used to describe the process by which educational institutions amplify existing social inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Educational reproduction

Answer

Educational stratification

Answer

Tracking

Answer

Streaming

Question 64

Which of the following is a primary function of education in society?

Accepted Answer

Socialization into societal norms and values.

Answer

Economic production

Answer

Political indoctrination

Answer

Religious instruction