Theories of Class: Explore the Foundations of Class Inequality

Question 1

Which concept is NOT central to Karl Marx's theory of class?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Class consciousness

Answer

Class conflict

Question 2

According to Max Weber, the primary determinant of class is:

Accepted Answer

Social status

Answer

Economic status

Answer

Political status

Answer

Educational status

Question 3

Which theory emphasizes the role of cultural capital in perpetuating inequality?

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu's theory

Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 4

What is a major criticism of functionalist theories of class?

Accepted Answer

They assume that class inequality is beneficial for social stability.

Answer

They overemphasize the role of conflict in society.

Answer

They ignore the existence of class inequality.

Answer

They focus exclusively on the individual rather than the collective.

Question 5

How does Giddens' structuration theory differ from other theories of class?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing the role of agency in shaping class relations

Answer

Arguing that class is a fixed and immutable category

Answer

Incorporating insights only from Marxist theories

Answer

Focusing solely on the role of the state in maintaining class inequality

Question 6

Which of the following is a fundamental tenet of Max Weber's theory of class?

Accepted Answer

Class is a multifaceted concept encompassing both economic and social elements.

Answer

Class is solely determined by economic factors.

Answer

Class is a fluid and dynamic phenomenon that is constantly evolving.

Answer

Class is rigidly defined by one's birth and cannot be altered.

Question 7

According to Karl Marx's theory, what is the primary driver of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Control over the means of production

Answer

Disparities in education and skills

Answer

Acts of discrimination and prejudice

Answer

Geographic location

Question 8

What is a common criticism of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction?

Accepted Answer

It disregards individual agency and assumes a deterministic view of social outcomes.

Answer

It fails to consider the impact of culture on class identity formation.

Answer

It places an excessive emphasis on economic capital.

Answer

It is challenging to operationalize and empirically test.

Question 9

What is a key distinction between class and status?

Accepted Answer

Class is defined by economic factors, while status is determined by social factors.

Answer

Class is fixed at birth, while status can change over time.

Answer

Status is more influential than class in shaping life opportunities.

Answer

Class and status are interchangeable terms.

Question 10

Which assumption is NOT fundamental to Marxist class theory?

Accepted Answer

Class is a flexible and evolving concept.

Answer

Class is defined by ownership of production resources.

Answer

Class is the primary factor in social inequality.

Answer

Class awareness is crucial for class conflict.

Question 11

Which theorist emphasized the importance of both economic and cultural factors in class formation?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Question 12

Which theory of class emphasizes the role of symbolic and cultural practices in reproducing class relations?

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu's theory of social class

Answer

Marx's theory of class

Answer

Weber's theory of class

Answer

Durkheim's theory of class

Question 13

Which of the following is a key advantage of using qualitative research methods to study class inequality?

Accepted Answer

It allows for an in-depth exploration of subjective experiences.

Answer

It is less expensive and easier to conduct than quantitative methods.

Answer

It can be used to generalize findings to a larger population.

Answer

It is the only way to accurately measure class inequality.

Question 14

According to intersectionality theory, different forms of inequality are:

Accepted Answer

Interconnected and mutually constitutive.

Answer

Independent and unrelated to each other.

Answer

All equally significant and impactful.

Answer

All reducible to economic inequality.

Question 15

According to Anthony Giddens, class is best understood as a:

Accepted Answer

Fluid and dynamic social process

Answer

Structurally determined category

Answer

Objective reality that exists independently of individuals

Answer

Subjective identity that individuals choose for themselves

Question 16

Which theory of class emphasizes that ownership of property, means of production, and capital determines class position?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Weber's theory

Answer

Bourdieu's theory

Answer

Dahrendorf's theory

Question 17

Dahrendorf's theory of class conflict highlights the significance of:

Accepted Answer

Power struggles

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Lifestyle variations

Question 18

A primary strength of Marxist theory lies in its ability to:

Accepted Answer

Explain the historical origins of class inequality

Answer

Identify the different classes in society

Answer

Predict the future trajectory of class relations

Answer

Measure the extent of class-based discrimination

Question 19

Bourdieu's theory of class has been criticized for its:

Accepted Answer

Abstract and complex nature, making it difficult to understand

Answer

Overemphasis on cultural factors, neglecting economic aspects

Answer

Excessive focus on the individual's role in class formation

Answer

Lack of empirical evidence to support its claims

Question 20

Which example best illustrates an application of Bourdieu's theory of class in empirical research?

Accepted Answer

A study analyzing the consumption patterns of different social classes

Answer

A survey examining the political preferences of working-class voters

Answer

An ethnographic study exploring the daily lives of homeless individuals

Answer

A content analysis of media representations of social inequality

Question 21

Which sociologist is best known for developing the concept of 'cultural capital'?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Anthony Giddens

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 22

According to Marx, the primary source of class conflict is the struggle between:

Accepted Answer

The owners of the means of production and the workers

Answer

Individuals seeking personal achievement

Answer

Different religious and cultural groups

Answer

Those with differing levels of cultural capital

Question 23

Which statement is INCONSISTENT with Weber's theory of class?

Accepted Answer

Class is solely determined by an individual's relationship to the means of production.

Answer

Power dynamics are crucial for understanding class relations.

Answer

Status groups play a significant role in social stratification.

Answer

Class is a complex concept encompassing multiple dimensions.

Question 24

Which theory posits that cultural elements like language, tastes, and values are central to the formation of class differences?

Accepted Answer

Cultural Capital Theory

Answer

Social Capital Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Human Capital Theory

Question 25

The concept of 'false consciousness', where individuals remain unaware of their true class interests, is a key element of:

Accepted Answer

Marxist Theory

Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Question 26

Which of the following is a common critique of Marxist theory?

Accepted Answer

It oversimplifies the complexities of class and overlooks factors like gender and race.

Answer

It provides a nuanced understanding of the historical development of capitalism.

Answer

It acknowledges the influence of culture and social identities on class.

Answer

It recognizes the dynamic nature of class relations and the potential for social change.

Question 27

A researcher studying the displacement and challenges faced by working-class families due to gentrification would likely draw upon:

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory and Social Reproduction Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism and Cultural Capital Theory

Answer

Functionalism and Human Capital Theory

Answer

Postmodernism and Rational Choice Theory

Question 28

Which theory highlights the significance of social networks and connections in shaping an individual's class opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Social Capital Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Human Capital Theory

Answer

Cultural Capital Theory