Social Mobility: Exploring Types, Factors, and Societal Impact

Question 1

What is social mobility? Explain how it can affect individuals and groups over time.

Accepted Answer

Changes in social and economic status over time by individuals or groups within a society.

Answer

Geographic relocation or movement from one country to another.

Answer

The ability to accumulate wealth and achieve financial success.

Answer

The transformation of societal structures and institutions over time.

Question 2

Which type of social mobility describes changes in an individual's social status compared to their parents' social status?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Geographical mobility

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Occupational attainment

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Relative mobility

Question 4

Which of the following is not a type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Geographic relocation

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Question 5

Which type of social mobility involves an individual's movement within their own generation, either up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Relative mobility

Question 6

Which of the following is not a recognized type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Residential mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Relative mobility

Question 7

What is the definition of 'horizontal' social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Movement within the same social class, without changing social status.

Answer

Movement between different social classes, based on merit or circumstances.

Answer

Changes in social status due to shifts in society's occupational structure.

Answer

Movement between social classes, influenced by factors like marriage, job changes, or inheritance.

Question 8

Which policy is not typically associated with promoting social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Providing tax breaks for the wealthy

Answer

Investing in early childhood education

Answer

Expanding access to higher education

Answer

Creating job training programs for the unemployed

Question 9

In a society with high intergenerational social mobility, where individuals can easily move between social classes, what is a potential outcome?

Accepted Answer

Reduced inequality of opportunity

Answer

Preservation of existing social hierarchies

Answer

Increased social stratification

Answer

Diminished sense of community

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a recognized form of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Emotional mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Occupational mobility

Answer

Geographical mobility

Question 11

In the context of social stratification, which of the following best describes the structure and hierarchy that exists among social groups?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification involves categorizing individuals and groups into hierarchical layers based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige.

Answer

Social stratification implies a rigid society with fixed layers and limited mobility.

Answer

Social stratification suggests that all individuals have equal status and opportunities.

Answer

Social stratification is solely determined by personal attributes, with no influence from social background or group affiliation.

Question 12

What is the primary factor contributing to absolute upward social mobility, where an individual ascends to a higher social class than their parents?

Accepted Answer

Government initiatives prioritizing education and job training, expanding opportunities for upward mobility

Answer

Economic recessions causing job losses and reduced incomes

Answer

Cultural changes fostering greater social acceptance and tolerance, minimizing obstacles to upward mobility

Answer

Technological advancements eliminating jobs and leading to widespread unemployment

Question 13

In sociology, which term refers to the movement of individuals or groups between different social classes or strata over time?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Occupational mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Geographic mobility

Question 14

In what ways can social capital act as both a facilitator and a barrier to upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social capital provides access to networks, resources, and opportunities, but can also perpetuate existing social inequalities.

Answer

Social capital is exclusively a positive force in promoting social mobility.

Answer

Social capital has no significant impact on social mobility.

Question 15

Within the United Kingdom, which type of social mobility refers to individuals moving up or down the job ladder during their own lifetimes?

Accepted Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility

Answer

Relative mobility

Question 16

Which of these is NOT a type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Occupational mobility

Answer

Geographic mobility

Question 17

Which factor does **NOT** influence an individual's social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Political affiliation

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Family background

Question 18

How do social networks and social capital influence social mobility, considering both online and offline connections?

Accepted Answer

Social networks and social capital can both promote and hinder social mobility, depending on the context and individual circumstances.

Answer

Social networks only hinder social mobility by reinforcing existing social hierarchies.

Answer

Online social networks have no significant impact on social mobility.

Answer

Social capital only benefits upward social mobility, not downward mobility.

Question 19

How does unequal access to opportunities and outcomes contribute to social immobility and the persistence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to opportunities and outcomes can hinder social mobility and perpetuate social stratification.

Answer

Unequal access to opportunities and outcomes has no impact on social mobility or social stratification.

Answer

Unequal access to opportunities and outcomes only affects social mobility, not social stratification.

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on social mobility or unequal access to opportunities and outcomes.

Question 20

How do societal norms and expectations influence individuals' aspirations and expectations, shaping their likelihood of pursuing social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Norms and expectations reinforce existing social hierarchies, limiting aspirations for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Answer

Cultural values encourage all individuals to strive for success, regardless of their social origin.

Answer

Norms and expectations have no significant impact on individual aspirations and expectations related to social mobility.

Question 21

What is upward social mobility, and how does it operate in various societies?

Accepted Answer

Upward social mobility involves moving from a lower to a higher social class, primarily through education, occupation, and marriage.

Answer

Upward social mobility is only possible through revolutions that challenge social hierarchies.

Answer

Upward social mobility is solely determined by individual factors like intelligence and effort.

Answer

Upward social mobility is impossible in societies with rigid social stratification based on birth or tradition.

Question 22

Which factor is considered a primary determinant of social mobility in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Parental income

Answer

Ethnic background

Answer

Access to healthcare

Question 23

According to the 'glass ceiling' theory, what is a significant barrier to upward social mobility, particularly affecting certain groups in society?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination based on gender or other protected characteristics

Answer

Lack of access to quality education

Answer

Limited job opportunities

Answer

Personal lack of ambition

Question 24

What is a potential negative consequence of social mobility policies and interventions?

Accepted Answer

Exacerbation of existing social inequalities

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Reduced opportunities for social mobility

Answer

Decreased social unrest

Question 25

How do social norms, family structures, and education systems contribute to the different social mobility patterns observed across various cultural contexts?

Accepted Answer

In collectivist cultures, social norms and family structures have a greater influence on social mobility compared to individualistic cultures.

Answer

Education systems are the primary factor determining social mobility, irrespective of cultural context.

Answer

Cultural factors have a minimal impact on social mobility patterns.

Answer

Social mobility is mainly determined by genetic inheritance.

Question 26

How do historical events, cultural norms, and societal structures influence the social mobility experiences of different ethnic and racial groups?

Accepted Answer

Historical events and cultural norms can create systemic barriers to upward mobility for marginalized groups.

Answer

Social mobility is solely determined by individual effort and merit.

Answer

All ethnic and racial groups have equal opportunities for social mobility.

Answer

Government policies have no impact on social mobility.

Question 27

Identify the type of mobility associated with a move from a teaching position in a primary school to a similar position in a secondary school:

Accepted Answer

Lateral mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Inter-generational mobility

Question 28

What is the term for the upward mobility of individuals within their own lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Intra-generational mobility

Answer

Inter-generational mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Answer

Cohort mobility

Question 29

How does social mobility potentially impact social cohesion?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility has a complex and multifaceted relationship with social cohesion

Answer

High social mobility can lead to decreased social cohesion

Answer

Low social mobility can lead to increased social cohesion

Answer

Social mobility has no impact on social cohesion

Question 30

Identify the option that is NOT a recognized type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Residential mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Occupational mobility

Question 31

The term 'glass ceiling' refers to a specific phenomenon in social mobility, which is:

Accepted Answer

An invisible barrier that hinders the career advancement of certain groups, particularly women and minorities

Answer

A situation where downward mobility is more prevalent for specific societal groups

Answer

A social mobility trend where individuals descend the social hierarchy

Answer

A government policy designed to foster social mobility

Question 32

According to the functionalist perspective, social mobility plays a crucial role in:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and stability

Answer

Ensuring that only a select elite can achieve upward mobility

Answer

Hindering social progress and development

Answer

Perpetuating social inequality

Question 33

What is the term used to describe the process where individuals move down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Downward mobility

Answer

Upward mobility

Answer

Status decline

Answer

Status attainment

Question 34

What is the relationship between social mobility and social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification influences patterns of social mobility

Answer

Social mobility is a form of social stratification

Answer

Social mobility has no connection to social stratification

Answer

Social stratification is a form of social mobility

Question 35

How does social mobility affect an individual's sense of belonging and identity? Explain both the positive and negative impacts of upward and downward mobility.

Accepted Answer

Upward mobility can strengthen feelings of belonging and accomplishment, while downward mobility can lead to isolation and alienation.

Answer

Social mobility has no impact on identity, as personal values and beliefs remain unchanged.

Answer

Downward mobility always leads to a stronger sense of community and support.

Question 36

Which factor below is considered a key driver of upward social mobility in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Access to affordable and quality higher education

Answer

Inheritance

Answer

Social connections

Question 37

According to the theory of structural mobility, social mobility is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Structural factors and societal arrangements

Answer

Individual characteristics and attributes

Answer

Social networks and personal connections

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Lateral mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Upward mobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Question 39

Which factor is considered the most significant influence on individual social mobility in Western societies?

Accepted Answer

Education

Answer

Family background

Answer

Gender

Answer

Race

Question 40

What is the term for the movement of individuals within the same social class or occupational status?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Upward mobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Question 41

Which of the following is a potential consequence of low social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Increased social inequality

Answer

Reduced economic growth

Answer

Enhanced political stability

Answer

Improved social cohesion

Question 42

What is the term for the transfer of social advantages or disadvantages from one generation to the next?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Upward mobility

Question 43

What is the primary goal of social mobility research?

Accepted Answer

To gain insights into the causes and consequences of social inequality.

Answer

To design effective social policies.

Answer

To predict individual life outcomes.

Question 44

What is the term for the movement of individuals from lower to higher social classes or occupational categories?

Accepted Answer

Upward mobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Question 45

Which of the following factors is most likely to affect an individual's social mobility in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Gender

Answer

Age

Question 46

What is the sociological term for the movement of individuals or groups between different social classes?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social movement

Answer

Social advancement

Answer

Social transfer

Question 47

Which of the following is a potential consequence of increased intergenerational social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Reduced socioeconomic inequality over time

Answer

Social unrest

Answer

Lower voter turnout

Answer

Increased unemployment

Question 48

What is the key difference between absolute and relative social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Absolute mobility measures the movement of individuals between objective social classes, while relative mobility measures the movement of individuals within a given social class.

Answer

Absolute mobility is more important than relative mobility.

Question 49

The concept of social mobility emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Dynamic nature of social structure and the possibility of change in social positions

Answer

Role of individual responsibility in determining social outcomes

Answer

Importance of social inheritance and the influence of family background

Answer

Inevitability of social inequality and the persistence of social hierarchies

Question 50

Which of the following is a potential mechanism for promoting social mobility in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Expanding access to quality education and training

Answer

Cutting taxes for the wealthy

Answer

Increasing prison sentences for criminals

Answer

Reducing immigration

Question 51

How does social mobility relate to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility refers to the movement between different social strata, while social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of social groups or classes in a society.

Answer

Social mobility is only possible in capitalist societies.

Answer

Social mobility is the opposite of social stratification.

Question 52

Which of the following types of mobility refers to the movement of individuals within their own lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Structural mobility

Question 53

According to the Coleman Report (1966), which factor has the greatest impact on academic achievement and social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Family background

Answer

Teacher qualifications

Answer

Peer group influences

Answer

School facilities

Question 54

Which concept refers to the idea that social mobility is constrained by structural barriers and inequalities within society?

Accepted Answer

Structural immobility

Answer

Downward mobility

Answer

Relative immobility

Answer

Absolute immobility

Question 55

What is the main argument of the 'glass ceiling' theory?

Accepted Answer

Women and minorities face invisible barriers that prevent them from reaching the highest levels of leadership and success.

Answer

Social mobility is determined by innate intelligence and ability.

Answer

Discrimination against women and minorities is no longer a significant factor in social mobility.

Question 56

Which factor is consistently identified as having the greatest influence on upward social mobility in research?

Accepted Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Racial or ethnic identity

Answer

Gender

Answer

Family background

Question 57

Limited social mobility can lead to which of the following negative consequences for individuals?

Accepted Answer

Reduced access to quality education and healthcare

Answer

Greater job opportunities

Answer

Increased political power

Question 58

Identify a primary criticism of using the 'absolute' measure of social mobility.

Accepted Answer

It does not account for changes in occupational status within a generation.

Answer

It is more influenced by social and economic context.

Answer

It provides a more accurate measure of upward mobility.

Question 59

Identify an example of a structural factor that can hinder social mobility.

Accepted Answer

Discrimination in the labor market

Answer

Family support

Answer

Personal ambition

Answer

Access to education

Question 60

What fundamental difference distinguishes 'closed' from 'open' social stratification systems?

Accepted Answer

In closed systems, social status is largely determined by birth, while in open systems, it is more influenced by merit.

Answer

Closed systems are less likely to experience social mobility.

Question 61

Identify a potential benefit of social mobility for society.

Accepted Answer

Reduced social inequality

Answer

Loss of traditional values

Answer

Reduced social cohesion

Answer

Increased political instability

Question 62

How can educational policies best contribute to promoting social mobility?

Accepted Answer

By ensuring equal access to quality education regardless of socioeconomic background.

Answer

By increasing the number of elite universities

Answer

By reducing the importance of academic qualifications in the labor market

Question 63

Which of the following factors is most closely associated with upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

High educational attainment

Answer

Parental wealth

Answer

Prestige of occupation

Answer

Gender

Question 64

What is the term for the process by which individuals move down in social class?

Accepted Answer

Downward mobility

Answer

Relative mobility

Answer

Absolute mobility