Class and Social Mobility: Explore the Factors and Implications

Question 1

Which policy is primarily designed to enhance social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Universal free education

Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Affordable housing

Answer

Minimum wage

Question 2

Which is a strength of the Marxist theory of class?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the significance of economic factors in shaping class

Answer

It provides a clear explanation of the relationship between class and social mobility

Answer

It highlights the role of social and cultural factors in shaping class

Answer

It offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of class on other social institutions

Question 3

According to the concept of intergenerational social mobility, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Children's social class is partially influenced by both their parents' class and their own actions.

Answer

Children's social class is solely determined by their parents' class.

Answer

Children's social class is entirely independent of their parents' class.

Answer

Children's social class is primarily influenced by their own abilities and efforts.

Question 4

What is a potential negative consequence of high levels of social immobility?

Accepted Answer

Increased social inequality

Answer

Enhanced economic development

Answer

Greater social cohesion

Answer

Improved political participation

Question 5

Which of the following is a characteristic of an open class system?

Accepted Answer

High levels of social mobility and merit-based social stratification

Answer

Inflexible social boundaries and limited opportunities for upward mobility

Answer

Strict caste-based divisions and limited social interaction across class lines

Answer

Fixed social hierarchies and rigid occupational structures

Question 6

How does the principle of 'relative deprivation' relate to social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It highlights the subjective perception of disadvantage and its impact on motivation for social mobility.

Answer

It explains the concept of 'absolute deprivation' and its effects on social stratification.

Answer

It is a measure of income inequality and its consequences for social mobility.

Answer

It is irrelevant to the study of social mobility and its underlying mechanisms.

Question 7

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of economic inequality and class conflict in driving social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Postmodern theory

Question 8

In what way has technology shaped social mobility in the contemporary world?

Accepted Answer

It has both created new opportunities for upward mobility and exacerbated inequality through job automation.

Answer

It has had no significant impact on social mobility and its underlying mechanisms.

Answer

It has primarily benefited individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and contributed to social equality.

Answer

It has worsened social mobility by increasing social polarization and reducing class consciousness.

Question 9

Which of the following is a potential benefit of social mobility for a society?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced economic productivity and improved political representation

Answer

Increased social cohesion and reduced crime rates

Answer

Greater social inequality and reduced social trust

Answer

Diminished opportunities for upward mobility and increased social stratification

Question 10

A fundamental characteristic of social class systems, as highlighted in the unit, is that they:

Accepted Answer

Are structured hierarchically, with varying levels of social status and privilege

Answer

Are based on a single, defining criterion, such as income or occupation

Answer

Are completely impermeable, with no possibility of movement between classes

Answer

Are solely determined by economic factors, excluding other dimensions of social stratification

Question 11

How does education primarily contribute to social mobility?

Accepted Answer

By providing individuals with valuable skills and knowledge.

Answer

By fostering social connections and networks.

Answer

By eliminating poverty and economic inequality.

Answer

By changing cultural values and beliefs.

Question 12

The concept of 'status incongruity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Instances where individuals' social positions vary across different societal dimensions, like occupation and education.

Answer

The extent to which individuals' perceived social status aligns with their actual socioeconomic standing.

Answer

The difficulty in moving between social classes due to societal barriers.

Answer

The level of inequality in a society as measured by the Gini coefficient.

Question 13

A key indicator of social mobility is:

Accepted Answer

The proportion of individuals who achieve a higher social class than their parents.

Answer

The number of years it takes for individuals to move up the social hierarchy.

Answer

The degree of income inequality within a society.

Answer

The extent to which disadvantaged individuals have access to educational and occupational opportunities.

Question 14

The 'glass ceiling' effect refers to:

Accepted Answer

The barriers that prevent women and minorities from reaching leadership positions.

Answer

The difficulty in moving between social classes for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Answer

The reduced opportunities for immigrants to advance in society.

Answer

The unequal distribution of educational opportunities across different social classes.

Question 15

Which of the following theoretical perspectives emphasizes the role of cultural capital in social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu's Theory of Social Reproduction

Answer

Structural Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 16

How can social mobility potentially harm social cohesion?

Accepted Answer

Worsen social tensions and conflict

Answer

Promote diversity within social classes

Answer

Decrease social tensions and conflict

Question 17

Which of the following is an indicator of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Income disparity

Answer

Human Development Index

Answer

Population density

Answer

Gross Domestic Product

Question 18

Describe the relationship between social class and health.

Accepted Answer

Lower social classes experience poorer health outcomes.

Answer

Social class has no relationship with health outcomes.

Answer

Social class is only correlated with health outcomes in certain countries.

Question 19

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of economic factors in social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Weber's theory of social stratification

Answer

Bourdieu's theory of cultural reproduction

Question 20

Define 'social justice' in the context of social mobility.

Accepted Answer

Ensuring equal opportunities for social advancement, regardless of background.

Answer

Punishing individuals who violate social norms

Answer

Creating a society where everyone earns the same income

Question 21

Explain the significance of social mobility for a society.

Accepted Answer

It fosters social cohesion and economic development.

Answer

It exacerbates social conflict and economic inequality.

Answer

It has no impact on a society's well-being.