Social Policy and Class Relations: Impact and Dynamics

Question 1

How can social policy impact class mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social policy can either encourage or restrict class mobility, depending on the specific policies implemented.

Answer

Social policy always promotes upward class mobility.

Answer

Social policy has no effect on class mobility.

Answer

Social policy consistently hinders upward class mobility.

Question 2

Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between social policy and class relations?

Accepted Answer

Social policy can both reinforce and challenge existing class inequalities.

Answer

Social policy has no significant impact on class relations.

Answer

Social policy invariably exacerbates class inequalities.

Answer

Social policy always diminishes class inequalities.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a method by which social policy can challenge class disparities?

Accepted Answer

Reducing government expenditure.

Answer

Providing welfare assistance to the financially disadvantaged.

Answer

Investing in education and healthcare for the entire population.

Answer

Raising taxes on the affluent.

Question 4

How does the concept of 'intersectional inequality' intersect with class relations?

Accepted Answer

Intersectional inequality acknowledges that individuals may face multiple forms of discrimination based on factors like race, gender, and class.

Answer

Class inequality is the sole form of inequality that holds significance.

Answer

Intersectional inequality is irrelevant to class relations.

Answer

None of the above are true.

Question 5

In what way does welfare policy contribute to class inequality?

Accepted Answer

By fostering dependency among the working class

Answer

By serving as a safety net for those in need

Answer

By promoting upward mobility through education and training

Answer

By reducing the wealth gap between the rich and the poor

Question 6

Which of the following policies is an example of one that aims to address class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Increases in the minimum wage

Answer

Tax cuts for high-income earners

Answer

Deregulation of financial markets

Answer

Privatization of public services

Question 7

Define 'social mobility' and explain its connection to class relations.

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social classes

Answer

The process of acquiring wealth and status within a certain class

Answer

The ability of individuals to change their social status through education and effort

Answer

The persistence of class inequalities over time

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary aim of social policy in relation to class relations in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To promote social mobility and reduce class inequality

Answer

To maintain existing class structures and power dynamics

Answer

To redistribute wealth and resources equally across all classes

Answer

To eliminate class distinctions entirely

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a policy in the UK that has been criticised for reinforcing class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Tuition fees for higher education

Answer

Universal Credit

Answer

National Living Wage

Answer

Progressive income tax

Question 10

According to Marxist theory, class relations are fundamentally determined by:

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Educational attainment and job status

Answer

Cultural capital and social networks

Answer

Gender and ethnicity

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Increased class conflict and social unrest

Answer

Greater social cohesion and community belonging

Answer

Increased economic growth and productivity

Answer

Reduced social stratification and class differences

Question 12

The 'middle class' is often considered a:

Accepted Answer

Heterogeneous and internally stratified group

Answer

Homogenous and well-defined social group

Answer

A declining and disappearing social group

Answer

A rapidly growing and dominant social group

Question 13

How can social policies influence class inequalities, both positively and negatively?

Accepted Answer

Social policies can both perpetuate and reduce class inequalities, depending on how they are designed and implemented.

Answer

Social policies only worsen class differences.

Answer

Social policies have no impact on class inequalities.

Question 14

According to the 'relative deprivation' theory, class inequality is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Structural factors that limit opportunities for certain groups

Answer

Differences in individual merit and abilities

Answer

Discrimination based on race or gender

Answer

Government policies that favor the wealthy

Question 15

The concept of 'cultural capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The knowledge, skills, and values that are valued in a particular society

Answer

The social networks and connections that individuals possess

Answer

The physical and material resources that individuals own

Answer

The financial assets that individuals accumulate

Question 16

The 'slippery slope' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Once class inequalities are created, they tend to persist over time

Answer

Class inequality is inevitable in any society

Answer

Social mobility is impossible to achieve in a class-based society

Answer

Government policies can effectively eliminate class inequality

Question 17

The 'glass ceiling' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The invisible barriers that prevent women and minorities from advancing to leadership positions

Answer

The economic inequality that exists between men and women

Answer

The discrimination faced by people with disabilities in the workplace

Answer

The lack of opportunities for people from low-income backgrounds

Question 18

The 'caste system' is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

Closed social stratification system

Answer

Open social stratification system

Answer

Horizontal social stratification system

Answer

Vertical social stratification system

Question 19

Welfare policies' potential consequence(s) on class relations does NOT include:

Accepted Answer

Social mobility promotion

Answer

Poverty reduction

Answer

Government assistance dependency

Answer

Stigmatization of low-income individuals

Question 20

Progressive social policies are designed to address and reduce class inequalities. Which of the following policies exemplifies a progressive approach to social justice?

Accepted Answer

Expanding healthcare coverage to ensure equal access for all citizens.

Answer

Implementing tax cuts that primarily benefit high-income earners.

Answer

Privatizing public services, transferring their control to private entities.

Answer

Eliminating social welfare programs entirely.

Question 21

Which concept is NOT central to understanding the impact of social policy on class relations?

Accepted Answer

Political participation

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 22

How can we distinguish between economic inequality and class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality focuses on income and wealth gaps, while class inequality encompasses broader social and economic factors

Answer

Class inequality is a more severe form of economic inequality

Answer

Economic inequality solely causes class inequality

Answer

They are synonymous concepts

Question 23

Which sociological theory postulates that social policies perpetuate class inequalities by providing advantages to individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction

Answer

Marx's theory of class struggle

Answer

Weber's theory of social stratification

Answer

Functionalist theory of social inequality

Question 24

How can social policies effectively mitigate existing class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

By ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Answer

By promoting privatization of essential public services.

Answer

By reducing taxes exclusively for high-income earners.

Question 25

Which criticism is commonly leveled against the welfare state in the context of class relations?

Accepted Answer

It has the potential to foster a culture of dependency and hinder upward social mobility.

Answer

It inevitably leads to excessive government bureaucracy.

Answer

It invariably stifles economic growth.

Question 26

In what way does the education system contribute to the reproduction of social class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

By providing unequal opportunities for high-quality education based on socioeconomic status.

Answer

By promoting a curriculum that is too narrowly focused.

Answer

By emphasizing rote memorization over critical thinking skills.

Question 27

Which area of social policy is particularly crucial for addressing health inequalities related to class?

Accepted Answer

Universal healthcare

Answer

Education

Answer

Housing

Answer

Employment

Question 28

How can social policies promote social mobility and reduce class divisions?

Accepted Answer

By investing in job training and retraining programs that enhance individuals' skills and employability.

Answer

By solely increasing the minimum wage.

Answer

By limiting the inheritance of wealth without addressing other factors that contribute to class inequality.

Question 29

Which concept is central to Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Economic capital

Answer

Social capital

Question 30

How can social policy interventions influence class consciousness?

Accepted Answer

By raising awareness of class inequalities and empowering individuals to recognize and challenge these disparities.

Answer

By reducing class mobility and reinforcing existing class boundaries.

Answer

By eliminating class conflict altogether.

Question 31

Which of the following is a potential unintended consequence of social policies aimed at reducing class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Creating a disincentive for individual effort and responsibility.

Answer

Strengthening family bonds.

Answer

Reducing overall economic growth.

Answer

Increasing social cohesion and solidarity.

Question 32

How can social policy contribute to the creation of a more just and equitable society in terms of class relations?

Accepted Answer

By promoting equal opportunities, reducing poverty, and fostering social inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their class background.

Answer

By abolishing class divisions altogether.

Answer

By solely focusing on increasing economic growth without addressing the underlying causes of class inequalities.

Question 33

Which of the following social policies has been criticized for potentially reinforcing existing class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Universal Credit

Answer

National Living Wage

Answer

Progression Pathways

Answer

Affordable Housing

Question 34

What is 'class consciousness'?

Accepted Answer

Awareness of one's own class position and shared interests.

Answer

Belief that social class is the primary determinant of life chances

Answer

Tendency for individuals to identify with their social class

Question 35

How can education policy influence class relations?

Accepted Answer

By creating opportunities for social mobility.

Answer

By directly reducing income inequality

Answer

By eliminating all forms of discrimination

Question 36

What is 'intersectionality'?

Accepted Answer

Recognition that different forms of social disadvantage overlap and interact.

Answer

Tendency for individuals to identify with their social class

Answer

Belief that social class is the primary determinant of life chances

Question 37

Which of the following is a central concept in Max Weber's theory of class?

Accepted Answer

Class is determined by economic resources, social status, and cultural capital.

Answer

Class is exclusively determined by one's occupation

Answer

Class is solely determined by ownership of the means of production

Question 38

What is 'social closure'?

Accepted Answer

Process by which dominant groups restrict access to resources for subordinate groups

Answer

Concept that individuals are primarily defined by their occupation

Question 39

Which social policy has been recognized for its potential to promote upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Free and accessible higher education

Answer

Income-based welfare programs

Answer

Regressive taxation

Answer

Privatization of social services

Question 40

According to Pierre Bourdieu, which of the following is NOT a type of capital?

Accepted Answer

Innate ability

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Economic capital

Question 41

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the significance of conflict between social classes in shaping social policy?

Accepted Answer

Marxist perspective

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Answer

Feminist perspective

Answer

Structural functionalist perspective

Question 42

What is the primary goal of affirmative action policies in relation to class relations?

Accepted Answer

To challenge systemic barriers and enhance opportunities for disadvantaged groups

Answer

To promote meritocracy through equal treatment

Answer

To completely eliminate all forms of class inequality

Question 43

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a 'meritocratic' society?

Accepted Answer

Rewards are based on individual ability and effort

Answer

Social class is inherited

Answer

Opportunities are equally available to all citizens

Answer

Social inequality is eliminated

Question 44

How has the welfare state contributed to reducing class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

By providing a safety net for the poor and vulnerable

Answer

By eliminating the need for private charity

Answer

By creating uniform income levels across society

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of social policies aimed at reducing class inequalities?

Accepted Answer

They are always successful in achieving their goals

Answer

They can create dependency

Answer

They can be expensive to implement

Question 46

What is the concept of 'class consciousness'?

Accepted Answer

The awareness and understanding of one's class position and interests

Answer

The belief that class is the most important determinant of life outcomes

Answer

The desire to achieve upward social mobility