Social Stratification: Understanding the Social Hierarchy and Its Impact

Question 1

What is a direct impact of social stratification on individuals?

Accepted Answer

Reduced chances of moving up in society

Answer

More access to healthcare and education

Answer

No more poverty

Answer

Equal opportunities for everyone

Question 2

How does intersectionality explain the complex relationship between different forms of social inequality, such as gender, race, and education, and their combined impact on individuals and groups?

Accepted Answer

c. Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals can face multiple forms of inequality simultaneously, creating unique and complex effects.

Answer

a. Inequality is solely determined by gender, unaffected by other social factors.

Answer

b. Intersectionality suggests that inequalities based on gender, race, and education are separate and do not interact.

Answer

d. Social inequality only affects marginalized groups, not those from dominant groups.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental dimension of social stratification as defined in the context of this unit?

Accepted Answer

Racial background

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Social prestige

Answer

Political power

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Wealth ownership and control of the means of production

Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Ideological dominance

Answer

Meritocracy

Question 5

Which form of social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of health outcomes among different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Health inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Prestige inequality

Question 6

According to the functionalist perspective on social stratification, inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Necessary for the smooth functioning of society by motivating individuals to achieve

Answer

Harmful and should be eliminated

Answer

A result of individual failure

Answer

Unfair but unavoidable

Question 7

In Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what serves as the primary source of conflict?

Accepted Answer

Class struggle

Answer

Competition for limited resources

Answer

Differences in political power

Answer

Ideological divisions

Question 8

Which dimension of social stratification, as proposed by Max Weber, is NOT determined by economic factors?

Accepted Answer

Religion

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Power

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a form of social inequality based on access to resources?

Accepted Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Health inequality

Question 10

How does social stratification impact social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It creates barriers to upward mobility for disadvantaged groups.

Answer

It facilitates downward mobility for those born into privileged positions.

Answer

It both hinders upward mobility and promotes downward mobility.

Answer

It has no significant effect on social mobility.

Question 11

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what is the primary basis for social division?

Accepted Answer

Class

Answer

Caste

Answer

Status

Answer

Race

Question 12

Which form of social inequality refers to unequal access to resources and opportunities based on characteristics such as gender, race, or disability?

Accepted Answer

Intersectional inequality

Answer

Horizontal inequality

Answer

Vertical inequality

Answer

Structural inequality

Question 13

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of conflict and power in understanding social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict perspective

Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Answer

Feminist perspective

Question 14

In a meritocratic society, social stratification is primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

Personal achievement

Answer

Inherited wealth

Answer

Social connections

Answer

Physical attributes

Question 15

Social mobility refers to the process of:

Accepted Answer

Moving up or down the social hierarchy

Answer

Maintaining one's social position

Answer

Changing societal values

Answer

Improving economic status

Question 16

What is a potential consequence of social stratification for social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It can hinder upward mobility for individuals from lower social classes.

Answer

It can promote downward mobility for individuals from higher social classes.

Answer

It can establish a rigid social hierarchy that prevents any movement between classes.

Answer

It has no impact on social mobility.

Question 17

What is the potential role of social cohesion in mitigating the negative effects of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It can foster social solidarity and cooperation, reducing social tensions.

Answer

It can strengthen the welfare system, providing support for those in need.

Answer

It can encourage social mobility, allowing individuals to move up the social hierarchy.

Answer

It has no impact on the negative effects of social stratification.

Question 18

How does social stratification potentially influence the distribution of power and resources in society?

Accepted Answer

It can concentrate power and resources in the hands of a few.

Answer

It can ensure that resources are distributed evenly among all members of society.

Answer

It has no impact on the distribution of power and resources.

Answer

It stimulates a more equitable distribution of power and resources.

Question 19

Define the concept of 'intersectionality' in the context of social stratification.

Accepted Answer

It refers to the interconnected nature of different forms of social inequality, such as race, gender, and class, and how they combine to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.

Answer

It suggests that social stratification is a single, unidimensional phenomenon.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of individual merit as the primary determinant of social status.

Answer

It has no relation to social stratification.

Question 20

In what ways do social stratification systems vary across different societies?

Accepted Answer

They can vary in terms of the number of social classes, the criteria used to define social class, and the degree of social mobility.

Answer

All social stratification systems are the same, with only minor variations.

Answer

Social stratification systems are not influenced by cultural or historical factors.

Answer

Social stratification does not exist in all societies.

Question 21

Which form of social inequality is based on differences in occupation, income, and wealth?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Health inequality

Question 22

According to conflict theory, social stratification is primarily maintained by:

Accepted Answer

Conflict and domination

Answer

Consensus and shared values

Answer

Socialization and education

Answer

Political institutions

Question 23

A defining characteristic of a capitalist society is:

Accepted Answer

Private ownership of the means of production

Answer

Socialist distribution of wealth

Answer

Central planning of the economy

Answer

Communal ownership of property

Question 24

According to symbolic interactionist theory, our social class identity is primarily shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Our interactions with others

Answer

Our economic position

Answer

Our political affiliations

Answer

Our educational background

Question 25

A central concept in Marxist theory of social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Class consciousness

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Educational attainment

Question 26

The fundamental distinction between social class and social status is that:

Accepted Answer

Social class is based on economic factors, while social status is based on social prestige.

Answer

Social status is based on economic factors, while social class is based on social prestige.

Answer

Social class and social status are interchangeable concepts.

Answer

Social class is based on inherited characteristics, while social status is based on personal achievement.

Question 27

An example of a closed stratification system is:

Accepted Answer

The caste system in India

Answer

The class system in the United Kingdom

Answer

The social hierarchy in the United States

Answer

The meritocratic system in Sweden

Question 28

The relationship between social stratification and social mobility is that:

Accepted Answer

Social stratification limits social mobility.

Answer

Social mobility has no impact on social stratification.

Answer

Social stratification promotes social mobility.

Answer

Social mobility is entirely independent of social stratification.

Question 29

A major consequence of social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Inequality in wealth and power

Answer

Increased social unity

Answer

Enhanced social equality

Answer

Reduced social conflict

Question 30

In terms of social stratification, education:

Accepted Answer

Can perpetuate existing inequalities.

Answer

Always promotes social mobility.

Answer

Has no significant impact on social stratification.

Answer

Inevitably reduces inequality.

Question 31

Conflict theories of social stratification argue that:

Accepted Answer

Social stratification stems from conflict between different groups.

Answer

Social stratification is a natural and unchangeable aspect of society.

Answer

Social stratification is primarily determined by economic factors.

Answer

Social stratification is the result of cultural factors.

Question 32

According to Karl Marx, social stratification is primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

Economic class

Answer

Education

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 33

Which type of social inequality refers to differences in power relationships?

Accepted Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Status inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Question 34

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals within the social hierarchy.

Answer

The stability of social structures over time.

Answer

The factors that influence social stratification.

Answer

The consequences of social inequality.

Question 35

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals learn the values and norms of their social group?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Enculturation

Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Assimilation

Question 36

Which statement does NOT characterize social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Equality.

Answer

Hierarchy.

Answer

Inequality.

Answer

Mobility.

Question 37

According to the functionalist theory of stratification, what is the primary purpose of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social stability.

Answer

To reward individual merit.

Answer

To foster individual achievement.

Answer

To diminish social conflict.

Question 38

Which example illustrates a closed stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Caste system.

Answer

Social class system.

Answer

Meritocratic system.

Answer

Intergenerational mobility.

Question 39

In Marxist theories of social stratification, what factor is considered the primary driver of persistent inequality in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing class conflict, especially the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class.

Answer

Variations in cultural capital and educational attainment across social strata.

Answer

Inequality as an inherent and unavoidable feature of all societies.

Question 40

According to the functionalist theory, social stratification serves society by:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring essential roles are filled

Answer

Encouraging social equality

Answer

Eliminating social conflict

Answer

Maximizing individual freedom

Question 41

Which of the following is a negative consequence of social stratification for society?

Accepted Answer

Reduced social trust

Answer

Enhanced civic engagement

Answer

Improved intergroup relations

Answer

Increased social solidarity

Question 42

According to conflict theory, social stratification stems from:

Accepted Answer

Exploitation and domination

Answer

Social consensus

Answer

Natural societal hierarchy

Answer

Individual agency

Question 43

What is the distinction between ascribed and achieved status?

Accepted Answer

Ascribed status is inborn, while achieved status is acquired through effort

Answer

Achieved status is inborn, while ascribed status is acquired through effort

Answer

Ascribed and achieved statuses are both inborn

Answer

Ascribed and achieved statuses are both acquired through effort

Question 44

Which of the following is a vertical dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Ethnicity

Answer

Religion

Question 45

How does social stratification impact life chances?

Accepted Answer

It influences access to resources and opportunities

Answer

It has no bearing on life chances

Answer

It improves life chances for all

Answer

It guarantees equal outcomes for all

Question 46

What is the role of social policy in addressing social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It can reduce inequality and promote mobility

Answer

It has no impact on social stratification

Answer

It worsens inequality

Answer

It guarantees equal opportunities for all

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a key form of social stratification according to Max Weber?

Accepted Answer

Demographic inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Cultural inequality

Question 48

According to functionalist theories of social stratification, what is the primary purpose of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

To promote social cohesion and stability

Answer

To ensure that individuals are rewarded based on their abilities

Answer

To maintain the power and privileges of the ruling class

Answer

To create a fair and just society

Question 49

Which of the following is a measure of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which individuals move between different social classes

Answer

The percentage of people who inherit wealth and status from their parents

Answer

The level of education attained by people from different social classes

Answer

The number of people who experience poverty and homelessness

Question 50

What is the term for the belief that one's own social class is superior to others?

Accepted Answer

Elitism

Answer

Social prejudice

Answer

Social identity theory

Answer

Social stratification

Question 51

What is the concept of 'social mobility'?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals between social strata

Answer

The transmission of inequality from one generation to the next

Answer

The process by which social stratification is maintained

Answer

The study of social inequality in different societies

Question 52

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of economic class in determining social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 53

Which of the following is not a form of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Community cohesion

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Question 54

How does social stratification affect social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It hinders upward mobility for lower socioeconomic groups.

Answer

It ensures equal opportunities for upward mobility regardless of socioeconomic background.

Answer

It has no impact on social mobility.

Answer

It promotes downward mobility for higher socioeconomic groups.

Question 55

Which of the following is a potential consequence of social inequality for life chances?

Accepted Answer

Disparities in access to healthcare and education

Answer

Equal opportunities for all individuals

Answer

Improved social cohesion

Answer

Reduced crime and poverty

Question 56

How does social stratification impact social cohesion?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to social divisions and conflict.

Answer

It strengthens social bonds and promotes cooperation.

Answer

It has no significant effect on social cohesion.

Answer

It enhances social mobility and reduces inequality.

Question 57

Which of the following is a criticism of functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

They overlook the role of power and conflict.

Answer

They overemphasize the role of individual merit.

Answer

They are widely supported by empirical research.

Answer

They provide a complete explanation of social stratification.

Question 58

How does conflict theory view the relationship between social class and the state?

Accepted Answer

The state is a tool of class domination that serves the interests of the ruling class.

Answer

The state is a neutral arbiter that protects the interests of all social classes.

Answer

The state has no significant role in social stratification.

Answer

The state promotes social equality and redistributes wealth.

Question 59

Which of the following is a key concept in symbolic interactionist theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social construction of reality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Structural functionalism

Question 60

How does intersectionality theory contribute to the study of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It highlights the interconnected nature of social inequalities based on multiple factors.

Answer

It argues that social stratification is based solely on economic class.

Answer

It dismisses the concept of social stratification entirely.

Answer

It focuses exclusively on the experiences of privileged groups.

Question 61

Social mobility refers to the process of:

Accepted Answer

Individuals moving up or down the social hierarchy

Answer

Social change occurring over time

Answer

The perpetuation of social inequality

Answer

The creation of a classless society

Question 62

According to functionalist theory, social stratification serves the purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Promoting social change

Answer

Eliminating social inequality

Answer

Creating a classless society

Question 63

The wealth gap is an example of which type of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Health inequality

Question 64

Social capital refers to the concept of:

Accepted Answer

The resources and networks available to individuals

Answer

Cumulative advantages and disadvantages based on social position

Answer

The process of moving up the social hierarchy

Answer

The level of trust and cooperation in a society