Master Social Stratification: A Comprehensive Guide for Sociology MSc Students

Question 1

What is the concept of 'status inconsistency'?

Accepted Answer

When individuals have different rankings on different social scales

Answer

When individuals move between different social strata

Answer

When social mobility is blocked due to discrimination

Answer

When social inequality is based solely on wealth

Question 2

Identify the dimension of social stratification that is NOT typically considered a primary factor in sociological analysis:

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Education

Answer

Gender

Question 3

Define social stratification and state its key features.

Accepted Answer

It is a system of ranking individuals and groups based on socially valued characteristics, resulting in unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

It is a natural and inevitable phenomenon that ensures the smooth functioning of society.

Answer

It is a form of discrimination that prevents individuals from achieving their full potential.

Answer

It is a temporary phenomenon that will eventually disappear with economic development.

Question 4

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy over time.

Answer

The persistence of social inequality across generations.

Answer

The process of social change that leads to the elimination of social stratification.

Answer

The study of the causes and consequences of social inequality.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a closed stratification system?

Accepted Answer

A system where social mobility is restricted based on factors such as birth or social status.

Answer

A system where individuals can move freely between different social classes based on their achievements.

Answer

A system where social mobility is determined solely by economic factors.

Answer

A system where social mobility is impossible.

Question 6

Which of the following is a defining feature of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources

Answer

Social mobility opportunities

Answer

Lack of class distinctions

Answer

Equal distribution of political power

Question 7

According to Karl Marx's theory, the primary basis of social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Economic class

Answer

Racial identity

Answer

Gender

Answer

Age

Question 8

Which sociological concept is closely related to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Class consciousness

Answer

Social identity

Answer

Anomie

Answer

Socialization

Question 9

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of conflict and power in maintaining social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 10

What is the term for the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities across different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social class

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Question 11

What is the term used to describe the process of moving up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Social inequality

Question 12

What is the process by which social inequality is transmitted across generations known as?

Accepted Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Socialization

Question 13

What is the term for the cultural beliefs and justifications that reinforce social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Ideology

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Values

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Norms

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Cultural capital

Question 14

Identify the three primary theoretical perspectives employed in the analysis of social stratification and elucidate how each perspective enhances our comprehension of social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Functionalist, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactionist

Answer

Structuralist, Marxist, and Feminist

Answer

Positivist, Interpretivist, and Critical

Question 15

According to Karl Marx's class conflict theory, the primary source of social inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Ownership of means of production

Answer

Social status

Answer

Control over the government

Answer

Inherited wealth

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Reduced opportunities for upward mobility

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Question 17

What does the concept of 'social mobility' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The movement of people or groups between social strata

Answer

The measurement of social inequality

Answer

The process of assigning individuals to social classes

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of using socioeconomic status (SES) as an indicator of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

To measure an individual's overall position in society

Answer

To identify individuals who may need additional support

Answer

To make accurate predictions about future job success

Question 19

According to the functionalist theory of social stratification, what is the main function of social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

To promote social stability and ensure the smooth functioning of society

Answer

To maintain control and suppress dissent

Answer

To reward individual merit and hard work

Question 20

How does social stratification affect the health outcomes of individuals?

Accepted Answer

People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds generally have poorer health outcomes

Answer

Social stratification has no significant impact on health

Answer

People from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to develop chronic diseases

Question 21

What is the role of education in relation to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Education can act as a channel for both upward mobility and the reproduction of social inequality

Answer

Education has no impact on an individual's social position

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Education is always a gateway to upward social mobility

Question 22

Which of the following is a valid criticism of the concept of social class?

Accepted Answer

It can oversimplify the complexities of social divisions

Answer

It is based solely on economic factors

Answer

It is too subjective to be useful

Answer

It ignores the role of individual agency