Social Stratification and Inequality: A Comprehensive Guide for Advanced Diploma in Public Services

Question 1

According to the Marxist theory of social stratification, what is the primary source of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth

Answer

Differences in educational opportunities

Answer

Cultural variations

Answer

Government policies

Question 2

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social classes

Answer

The stability of social status over time

Answer

The creation of new social hierarchies

Answer

The reduction of social inequality

Question 3

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a meritocratic society?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and efforts

Answer

Social mobility is constrained by rigid class barriers

Answer

Social status is inherited or ascribed

Answer

Education is inaccessible to lower social classes

Question 4

Define social stratification and identify its primary characteristic.

Accepted Answer

A system of social inequality based on inherited status.

Answer

A system of social status based on achieved merit.

Answer

A system of social organization based on wealth.

Answer

A system of social control based on authority.

Question 5

What is the defining characteristic of social class?

Accepted Answer

A group of people who share similar economic resources and lifestyle.

Answer

A group of people who share similar political views and ideologies.

Answer

A group of people who share similar ethnic backgrounds and traditions.

Answer

A group of people who share similar religious beliefs and practices.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is primarily determined by individual effort.

Answer

Class divisions stem from the control of production resources.

Answer

Class struggle is the driving force of societal change.

Answer

The bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat.

Question 7

According to Max Weber, social stratification is primarily influenced by which factors?

Accepted Answer

Both economic status and power/prestige

Answer

Economic status

Answer

Power and prestige

Answer

Neither economic status nor power/prestige

Question 8

What is the term for the process of moving up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social differentiation

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social inequality

Question 9

Define Pierre Bourdieu's concept of 'habitus'.

Accepted Answer

The internalization of social norms and expectations.

Answer

The external forces shaping individual behavior.

Answer

The social class an individual belongs to.

Answer

The cultural capital an individual possesses.

Question 10

The Gini coefficient is a measure of:

Accepted Answer

Income inequality

Answer

Wealth inequality

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor contributing to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Education

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Income

Question 12

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups:

Accepted Answer

Across different social classes or strata

Answer

Within the same social class or stratum

Answer

Between different countries or regions

Answer

Between rural and urban areas

Question 13

The Marxist theory of social stratification suggests that class conflict is driven primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Differences in wealth and property ownership

Answer

Differences in education and skill

Answer

Differences in culture and values

Answer

Differences in political power

Question 14

The concept of 'social capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The networks, relationships, and resources available to individuals and groups

Answer

The financial assets accumulated by individuals and groups

Answer

The cultural values and beliefs shared by individuals and groups

Answer

The political power held by individuals and groups

Question 15

Assess the effectiveness of government policies and programs in reducing social inequality. Explain your reasoning, considering both their strengths and limitations.

Accepted Answer

Government policies and programs can be effective in reducing certain aspects of social inequality, but their impact is limited, and they may also have unintended consequences.

Answer

Government policies and programs are highly effective in reducing social inequality.

Answer

Government policies and programs are ineffective in addressing social inequality.

Answer

Government policies and programs have no impact on social inequality.

Question 16

How does social stratification contribute to health differences between different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification affects health outcomes by influencing access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on health outcomes.

Answer

Health outcomes are mainly determined by individual choices, such as lifestyle habits.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Lack of social connections

Answer

Prestige occupations

Answer

Inherited wealth

Answer

High levels of education

Question 18

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social strata over time

Answer

The division of society into hierarchical layers

Answer

The unequal distribution of resources among different social groups

Question 19

Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Equal access to education and opportunities

Answer

Differential opportunities for employment

Answer

Prejudice and discrimination

Answer

Income disparity

Question 20

The concept of social stratification suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Society is often divided into different hierarchical layers based on factors such as wealth, power, and status

Answer

Social status is determined solely by wealth

Answer

Individuals are born into a fixed social class and cannot change their position

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of vertical social mobility?

Accepted Answer

A person moving from the working class to the middle class

Answer

A person changing jobs within the same social class

Answer

A person being promoted within their current job title

Question 22

The Weberian approach to social stratification emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Multiple dimensions of inequality, including class, status, and power

Answer

Economic factors alone

Answer

Cultural factors alone

Question 23

Which of the following is a consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Greater social mobility

Question 24

Horizontal social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

Movement within the same social stratum

Answer

Movement up or down the social hierarchy

Answer

Movement from one social group to another

Answer

Movement from one country to another

Question 25

The concept of intersectionality suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Social identities, such as race, gender, and class, intersect to create unique experiences of inequality and privilege

Answer

Social status is determined by a single factor