Theories of Class Inequality: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which research method offers researchers a comprehensive approach to studying class inequality, allowing for the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

A combination of all the above methods

Answer

Quantitative surveys, providing structured and measurable data

Answer

Qualitative interviews, enabling in-depth exploration of personal experiences and perspectives

Answer

Ethnographic observation, facilitating direct immersion in social settings

Question 2

Class mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals between socioeconomic classes

Answer

The persistence of class inequality across generations

Answer

The relationship between class and social mobility

Answer

The impact of class on individual life chances

Question 3

The concept of 'social closure' is used to explain:

Accepted Answer

How elites maintain their privileged positions

Answer

How individuals attain social mobility

Answer

How class inequality is perpetuated across generations

Answer

How class consciousness develops

Question 4

Which of the following is a key difference between a 'class-for-itself' and a 'class-in-itself'?

Accepted Answer

Class-for-itself has developed class consciousness

Answer

Class-in-itself has more economic resources

Answer

Class-for-itself is a more cohesive group

Answer

Class-in-itself is a larger social category

Question 5

According to Marxist theory, what is the fundamental cause of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

The unequal distribution of capital

Answer

The division of labour

Answer

The state's role in maintaining the status quo

Answer

The cultural values of society

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased social mobility for middle-class individuals

Answer

Lower life expectancy for marginalized individuals

Answer

Greater access to education for wealthy individuals

Answer

Reduced political participation among underrepresented groups

Question 7

The concept of 'intersectionality' is important in class inequality studies because it recognizes that:

Accepted Answer

Class is experienced differently by individuals based on their other social identities

Answer

Class is the only factor that determines social inequality

Answer

Class inequality affects all members of society equally

Answer

Class consciousness is essential for understanding intersectionality

Question 8

According to Marxist theory, what is the primary cause of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Power imbalances in the system of production

Answer

Differences in education and skills

Answer

Cultural factors and social norms

Answer

Biological and genetic traits

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of functionalist theories of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

They have been empirically validated

Answer

They oversimplify the nature of social stratification

Answer

They tend to justify the status quo and inequality

Answer

They do not adequately address the role of conflict and exploitation

Question 10

Who is associated with the concept of 'false consciousness' in Marxist theory?

Accepted Answer

Georg Lukács

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Friedrich Engels

Answer

Vladimir Lenin

Question 11

Which sociologist developed a theory of class based on cultural capital?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Anthony Giddens

Answer

Jürgen Habermas

Answer

Erving Goffman

Question 12

What is the role of social mobility in theories of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

It challenges the notion of fixed class positions

Answer

It supports the idea of rigid class boundaries

Answer

It undermines the Marxist perspective on class conflict

Answer

It demonstrates that class inequality is unchanging

Question 13

Which tenet underpins Karl Marx's theory of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Class divisions arise from the ownership of the means of production

Answer

Class is determined by an individual's wealth and social standing

Answer

Class is defined by an individual's occupation

Answer

Class is determined by an individual's educational qualifications and skills

Question 14

Which of the following is considered a form of economic capital?

Accepted Answer

Accumulated wealth

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Social connections

Answer

Political influence

Question 15

Which assumption is NOT fundamental to Marxist theory of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Class inequality is beneficial for social progress.

Answer

Class is determined by ownership of the means of production.

Answer

Class struggle is the primary driver of social change.

Answer

The state is an instrument of class oppression.

Question 16

Which functionalist theorist asserted that class inequality is necessary for maintaining social order?

Accepted Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

C. Wright Mills

Question 17

What is the purpose of a class schema?

Accepted Answer

To provide a cognitive framework for making sense of class differences

Answer

To establish social norms and expectations within different classes

Answer

To create a system of economic stratification that divides society

Answer

To explain the root causes of class inequality

Question 18

Which research approach is commonly employed to investigate class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Mixed methods combining multiple research approaches

Answer

Quantitative surveys and statistical analysis

Answer

Qualitative interviews and ethnographic observations

Answer

Historical analysis of societal changes and trends

Question 19

Which of the following is a central tenet of Marxist theory of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation of the working class

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Division of labor

Answer

Cultural distinction

Question 20

According to Weber's theory, which of the following is NOT a dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 21

Which functionalist theory argues that class inequality is inherent to societal functioning?

Accepted Answer

Davis-Moore theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Bourdieu's theory

Question 22

What is the primary focus of Bourdieu's theory of inequality?

Accepted Answer

Cultural distinction

Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Social connections

Answer

Symbolic power

Question 23

Which of the following is a potential consequence of class inequality, according to functionalist theories?

Accepted Answer

Social instability

Answer

Economic prosperity

Answer

Technological innovation

Answer

Increased social mobility

Question 24

What is a key critique of conflict theory as it relates to class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Exaggeration of social conflict

Answer

Overemphasis on economic factors

Answer

Underestimation of cultural influences

Answer

Lack of empirical evidence

Question 25

How does the concept of 'habitus' relate to class inequality?

Accepted Answer

It shapes individuals' perceptions and behaviors based on their class background.

Answer

It refers to the material wealth possessed by individuals.

Answer

It determines the level of social mobility an individual can achieve.

Answer

It explains how class inequality is perpetuated through education.

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method used to study class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Survey with structured questions

Answer

Semi-structured interview

Answer

Historical analysis of documents

Answer

Ethnographic observation

Question 27

How does education contribute to the perpetuation of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Reinforcing social and cultural norms that legitimize class divisions.

Answer

Equalizing opportunities for all students, regardless of background.

Answer

Providing a pathway to social mobility for individuals from all socioeconomic groups.

Answer

Reducing the wealth gap between the affluent and the impoverished.

Question 28

Who developed the concept of 'class consciousness'?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Question 29

Which concept is NOT a fundamental element of Karl Marx's theory of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Class consciousness

Answer

Exploitation

Answer

Alienation

Question 30

How does class inequality generally affect social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Class inequality restricts upward social mobility for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Answer

Class inequality increases opportunities for upward social mobility.

Answer

Class inequality has no effect on social mobility.

Answer

Class inequality encourages upward social mobility for those with talent and hard work.

Question 31

Which theory of class inequality places significance on the preservation of class boundaries through cultural capital and symbolic meanings?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction

Answer

Karl Marx's theory of class struggle

Answer

Functionalist theory of social stratification

Answer

Max Weber's theory of status groups

Question 32

According to Karl Marx, the primary cause of class division in capitalist societies is:

Accepted Answer

Exploitation of labor

Answer

Historical circumstances

Answer

Cultural disparities

Answer

Differences in skillsets and education

Question 33

Erik Olin Wright's theory of class structure proposes that social mobility can be restricted by:

Accepted Answer

Societal structural factors

Answer

Max Weber's theory of social stratification

Answer

Ralf Dahrendorf's theory of conflict

Answer

Functionalist principles of social inequality

Question 34

Functionalist theory of class inequality primarily suggests that it:

Accepted Answer

Serves as a mechanism for social stability and economic progress

Answer

Arises from social conflict

Answer

Is a consequence of individual meritocracy

Question 35

Which theory of class inequality highlights the function of symbolic boundaries in sustaining class divisions?

Accepted Answer

Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social reproduction

Answer

Max Weber's theory of status groups

Answer

Functionalist theory of stratification

Answer

Karl Marx's theory of class struggle

Question 36

According to Erik Olin Wright, the three primary dimensions of class are:

Accepted Answer

Control over property, authority, and expertise

Answer

Income, wealth, and education

Answer

Status, power, and prestige

Answer

Occupation, social background, and lifestyle

Question 37

Segmented labor market theory emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

A labor market characterized by a hierarchy of primary and secondary sectors

Answer

Functionalist theory of social inequality

Answer

Karl Marx's theory of class struggle

Answer

Max Weber's theory of social stratification

Question 38

A fundamental criticism of functionalist theory regarding class inequality is its:

Accepted Answer

Failure to consider the significance of social conflict and exploitation

Answer

Excessive emphasis on individual meritocracy

Answer

Use of outdated research

Answer

Overreliance on deterministic principles

Question 39

Closure theory centers on the concept of:

Accepted Answer

Social closure, where groups attempt to limit access and preserve class boundaries

Answer

Functionalist theory of stratification

Answer

Karl Marx's theory of class struggle

Answer

Max Weber's theory of status groups

Question 40

According to Ralf Dahrendorf, the primary source of societal conflict lies in:

Accepted Answer

Disparities in authority and control

Answer

Historical events

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Economic inequality