Social Stratification: Causes and Consequences in the UK

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key factor in determining an individual's social position, according to Max Weber's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Political affiliation

Answer

Economic class

Answer

Social status

Answer

Authority

Question 2

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what is the main cause of inequality in society?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of ownership and control over resources

Answer

Differences in education and skills

Answer

Variations in cultural values and beliefs

Answer

Government policies and regulations

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental component of Max Weber's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Religious affiliation

Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Social prestige

Answer

Political power

Question 4

According to Max Weber's theory, which of the following is NOT a key factor in determining social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Religion

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental dimension of social inequality, according to Max Weber's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 6

According to Max Weber's theory, which of the following is NOT a fundamental aspect of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Education

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 7

In Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, which factor is considered the primary determinant of an individual's social standing?

Accepted Answer

Economic factors (ownership of resources)

Answer

Cultural and social factors

Answer

Political and religious factors

Answer

Educational background

Question 8

According to functionalist theories, social stratification:

Accepted Answer

Is necessary for society to function smoothly.

Answer

Is caused by individual merit.

Answer

Should be eliminated.

Answer

Is not necessary for society to function.

Question 9

According to Davis and Moore's functionalist theory, which of the following is a fundamental assumption?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is an inherent aspect of society.

Accepted Answer

Higher-status roles receive greater rewards.

Answer

Social mobility is exclusively upward.

Answer

Social stratification is determined by individual merit.

Question 10

According to Max Weber's theory, which of these is a key factor in determining social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Class

Accepted Answer

Status

Accepted Answer

Power

Answer

Religion

Question 11

Which concept is NOT included in Max Weber's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Party

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 12

Which of Max Weber's concepts refers to the division of society into groups based on wealth and social standing?

Accepted Answer

Social class

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Functionalist perspective

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary dimension of social stratification according to Max Weber's theory?

Accepted Answer

Education

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It is a system that is always fair and equitable.

Answer

It is a system of inequality that exists in all societies.

Answer

It is based on a hierarchy of positions that are ranked according to their perceived importance or value.

Answer

It is a dynamic system that can change over time.

Question 15

According to Lenski's Socioeconomic Status theory, which of the following is NOT a component used to determine an individual's social status?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of social stratification according to Max Weber's theory?

Accepted Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Social status

Answer

Political power

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a key factor in determining an individual's social class, according to Max Weber's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Religion

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Income

Answer

Education

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of Marx's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is possible

Answer

Exploitation of the working class

Answer

Class struggle as the driving force of history

Answer

Alienation from work and society

Question 19

In societies with fluid social class systems, how does education contribute to the persistence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Education perpetuates inequality by reinforcing dominant cultural values that benefit the wealthy and powerful.

Answer

Education promotes equality by offering equal access to knowledge and opportunities for all.

Answer

Education has a minimal impact on inequality in fluid social class systems, as individuals can easily move between social classes.

Question 20

According to Max Weber's theory of social stratification, which of the following is NOT a key dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Religious affiliation

Answer

Economic class

Answer

Social status

Answer

Political power

Question 21

Which factor is a major contributor to social divisions in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to quality education and training

Answer

Cultural diversity in different regions

Answer

The rise of technology and the digital economy

Answer

Government policies on social welfare benefits

Question 22

According to Marx's theory of social stratification, which factor primarily differentiates the bourgeoisie from other classes?

Accepted Answer

Ownership and control of production resources

Answer

Higher education and cultural capital

Answer

Social prestige and status

Question 23

In Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what is the main factor that causes inequality between classes?

Accepted Answer

Economic differences in the ownership and control of resources

Answer

Differences in cultural background

Answer

Variations in political power

Question 24

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of Davis and Moore's Functionalist Theory of Stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is necessary for social stability and functionality.

Answer

Social mobility is impossible in stratified societies.

Answer

Economic inequality solely determines social stratification.

Answer

Social inequality is inherently unjust.

Question 25

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what is the primary factor that drives class conflict and inequality?

Accepted Answer

Disparities in economic resources and control over production

Answer

Differences in individual abilities and skills

Answer

Variations in political power and influence

Question 26

Which characteristic defines the caste system as a unique form of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Limited social mobility, where individuals remain within their designated caste

Answer

Economic status as the primary factor determining caste membership

Answer

Exclusively prevalent in rural areas of developing countries

Answer

Encouraged and accepted inter-caste marriages

Question 27

According to Gerhard Lenski's theory of socioeconomic status (SES), which of the following is NOT a key factor in determining an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Political power

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Question 28

Which sociological theory posits that social stratification is an inherent and necessary aspect of society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionist Theory

Question 29

What is 'occupational segregation' in the context of gender and social stratification?

Accepted Answer

The concentration of women and men in different jobs and industries, leading to differences in pay, status, and opportunities based on gender.

Answer

The division of people into different social classes based on their wealth and social connections.

Answer

The movement of people between social classes, either up or down.

Answer

The unequal distribution of power and influence among different social groups or individuals.

Question 30

According to Max Weber's theory of social stratification, which of the following is NOT a key element?

Accepted Answer

Religion

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 31

Max Weber's theory of social stratification emphasizes which aspect of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Multidimensional nature (class, status, power)

Answer

Economic factors

Answer

Social mobility

Question 32

In Davis and Moore's Functionalist Theory of Stratification, what is the main factor that determines social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Functional importance of an occupation

Answer

Education level

Answer

Wealth and property

Question 33

What is the definition of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social classes over time.

Answer

Only upward movement within a social hierarchy.

Answer

Movement within a social hierarchy based solely on personal achievements.

Answer

The notion that social inequality is fixed and unchangeable.

Question 34

According to Max Weber's theory of stratification, status is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Social prestige

Answer

Economic power

Answer

Political influence

Answer

Educational attainment

Question 35

Social mobility refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Movement of individuals between different social classes

Answer

Changes in the social status of groups over time

Answer

Process by which individuals acquire wealth

Answer

Ability of individuals to influence social policies

Question 36

According to the 'status inconsistency' theory, individuals with:

Accepted Answer

High status in one dimension and low status in another are more likely to experience social dissatisfaction

Answer

Low status in one dimension and high status in another are more likely to achieve social mobility

Answer

Equal status in all dimensions are more likely to be politically active

Answer

Low status in all dimensions are more likely to have high educational attainment

Question 37

Karl Marx's theory of social stratification primarily emphasizes the role of:

Accepted Answer

Economic factors

Answer

Political factors

Answer

Cultural factors

Answer

Psychological factors

Question 38

The concept of 'meritocracy' suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is based on individual effort and ability

Answer

Social inequality is inevitable and cannot be reduced

Answer

Social inequality is caused by discrimination

Answer

Social inequality is a result of random chance

Question 39

The concept of 'cultural capital' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Cultural knowledge and skills that confer social advantage

Answer

Economic resources available to individuals

Answer

Social connections and networks possessed by individuals

Answer

Political power wielded by individuals

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic typically associated with the upper class in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Engagement in manual labor

Answer

High levels of education

Answer

Prestige and influence

Answer

Wealth and property ownership

Question 41

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what is the primary determinant of an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Educational attainment and occupation

Answer

Personal qualities and abilities

Answer

Family background and social connections

Question 42

Which sociological theory places a strong emphasis on the role of education and occupation in determining an individual's social status?

Accepted Answer

Weber's theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 43

What is the sociological term for a group of individuals who share similar social status and lifestyle?

Accepted Answer

Status group

Answer

Social class

Answer

Social network

Answer

Community

Question 44

In what way does power play a significant role in maintaining social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It reinforces existing social hierarchies and inequalities

Answer

It challenges and disrupts social stratification

Answer

It creates new and alternative forms of social stratification

Answer

Power has no significant impact on social stratification

Question 45

What is the nature of the relationship between social stratification and social justice?

Accepted Answer

The relationship varies depending on the specific context and society

Answer

Social stratification inherently promotes social justice

Answer

Social stratification is inherently incompatible with social justice

Answer

Social stratification has no bearing on social justice

Question 46

Which of the following is considered to be a key characteristic of the UK's class structure?

Accepted Answer

Rigidity and inequality

Answer

Openness and fluidity

Answer

Universalism and egalitarianism

Answer

Closedness and meritocracy

Question 47

The term 'glass ceiling' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Barriers faced by individuals from underrepresented groups in reaching top-level positions in organizations

Answer

The limited opportunities for social mobility in a particular society

Answer

The concentration of power in the hands of a small elite

Answer

The lack of social cohesion in a society

Question 48

Which of the following best defines the concept of 'social class'?

Accepted Answer

A group of individuals who share similar economic resources, occupational status, and lifestyle

Answer

A social category based on perceived social worth and prestige

Answer

A group of individuals who share similar political beliefs and ideologies

Answer

A collection of individuals who interact regularly with one another

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of a materialist theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Weberian theory

Answer

Postmodernist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Question 50

The notion of 'social mobility' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals and groups within the social hierarchy over time

Answer

The process of maintaining social inequality across generations

Answer

The role of education and occupation in shaping social stratification

Answer

The impact of social class on political participation

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental concept in the study of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 52

Which of the following social classes possesses the greatest wealth and prestige in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Upper class

Answer

Middle class

Answer

Working class

Answer

Lower class

Question 53

Which of the following is an example of a coping mechanism employed by individuals in the underclass?

Accepted Answer

Joining gangs

Answer

Participating in political protests

Answer

Pursuing higher education

Answer

Voting in elections

Question 54

Which of the following criticisms is commonly leveled against functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

They overlook the role of social conflict.

Answer

They exaggerate the importance of social mobility.

Answer

They fail to acknowledge the influence of culture.

Answer

They lack empirical evidence.

Question 55

Which of these is NOT widely considered to be a primary cause of social inequality in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Genetic makeup

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Inherited wealth and property

Answer

Occupational status and income

Question 56

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, which class is considered the primary oppressor?

Accepted Answer

Upper class

Answer

Middle class

Answer

Working class

Answer

Underclass

Question 57

Analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social stratification in the UK. Explain how the pandemic has influenced the distribution of wealth and income, and discuss the implications of these changes for social inequality.

Accepted Answer

The pandemic has exacerbated wealth inequality as high-income earners have disproportionately benefited from rising stock prices and asset values.

Answer

The pandemic has reduced income inequality due to government support for low-income earners.

Answer

The pandemic has had a negligible impact on social stratification in the UK.

Question 58

How do social institutions contribute to the perpetuation of social inequality in the UK?

Accepted Answer

By providing unequal access to education, healthcare, and other resources

Accepted Answer

By promoting values and beliefs that justify existing social hierarchies

Accepted Answer

By limiting opportunities for social mobility and upward movement

Answer

By ensuring equal distribution of wealth and income across society

Question 59

How do cultural norms and values influence individuals' experiences of social stratification? Explain how they shape perceptions and responses to inequality.

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and values influence perceptions of inequality by shaping beliefs about deservingness, fairness, and justice.

Answer

Cultural norms and values have no significant role in shaping experiences of social stratification.

Answer

Cultural norms and values solely determine experiences of social stratification.

Answer

Cultural norms and values have no impact on how individuals respond to inequality.

Question 60

How effective is social mobility in reducing the negative impacts of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility can lessen the negative consequences of social stratification to some extent.

Answer

Social mobility can completely eliminate the negative consequences of social stratification.

Answer

Social mobility has no influence on the negative consequences of social stratification.

Question 61

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary factor underlying social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Occupational prestige

Answer

Family background

Question 62

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of meritocracy and individual effort in determining social position?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 63

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Occupation

Question 64

A key criticism of functionalist theories of social stratification is that they:

Accepted Answer

Assume that society is always in a state of equilibrium

Answer

Overemphasize the role of social conflict

Answer

Underestimate the extent of social mobility

Answer

Neglect the influence of cultural factors