Social Inequality: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

Question 1

Which sociological theory suggests that social inequality is essential for maintaining societal stability and order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 2

Which of the following factors is the least likely to influence an individual's socioeconomic status?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Childhood experiences

Answer

Racial and ethnic background

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a traditional type of social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Estate system

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It is shaped by societal norms and beliefs.

Answer

It is solely determined by genetics.

Answer

It is always apparent and easy to recognize.

Answer

It is exclusive to specific societies.

Question 5

In modern societies, what is widely recognized as a primary driver of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Inherited wealth and socioeconomic status

Answer

Genetic makeup and individual characteristics

Answer

Government regulations and economic policies

Answer

Environmental factors and natural disasters

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Physical appearance

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Racial inequality

Answer

Gender inequality

Question 7

What is a known negative impact of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Higher crime rates

Answer

Greater social mobility

Answer

Better educational outcomes

Question 8

What are some potential consequences of social inequality in societies?

Accepted Answer

Increased crime rates

Accepted Answer

Reduced social mobility

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a commonly recognized type of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Quantum inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political inequality

Question 10

Which of the following is generally NOT regarded as a primary cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Geographical location

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Discrimination

Question 11

In closed social stratification systems, which characteristic is unique?

Accepted Answer

Restricted social mobility

Answer

Inequality solely based on wealth

Answer

Hierarchy based on merit

Question 12

Which of the following is a potential economic consequence of persistent social inequality in Western societies?

Accepted Answer

Exacerbated economic stagnation

Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Reduced income disparity

Question 13

Which of the following is **NOT** a key feature of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is solely caused by individual factors.

Answer

Social inequality persists over time.

Answer

Social inequality is embedded in society's structures.

Answer

Social inequality has negative consequences for individuals and society.

Question 14

Which factor is a major contributor to the persistence of social inequality in society?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to education and healthcare

Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Individual accountability

Question 15

Which characteristic is NOT a typical feature of social stratification systems?

Accepted Answer

Equal opportunities for all

Answer

Hierarchical structure

Answer

Limited social mobility

Question 16

Which sociological perspective considers social inequality as essential and advantageous for society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist

Answer

Egalitarian

Answer

Conflict

Answer

Biological determinist

Question 17

Which of the following is not a commonly recognized dimension of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Geographical inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Racial inequality

Question 18

Which criticism is commonly directed at functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Neglect of power and conflict's role in perpetuating inequality

Answer

Overemphasis on social mobility's role in reducing inequality

Answer

Exaggeration of social institutions' meritocratic nature

Answer

Failure to recognize the diversity of experiences within social classes

Question 19

Which criticism is commonly leveled against functionalist theories of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

They neglect the role of conflict and exploitation in creating inequality.

Answer

They overemphasize personal responsibility for inequality.

Answer

They rely on outdated ideas about social change.

Answer

They fail to account for the diversity of experiences of inequality.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes intersectionality theory?

Accepted Answer

Provides a framework for understanding how different forms of oppression and discrimination overlap and intersect.

Answer

Examines the experiences of individuals from one marginalized group at a time.

Answer

Suggests different forms of inequality operate independently.

Answer

Attributes all forms of inequality to a single, underlying cause.

Question 21

Which of the following is **not** a widely recognized root cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Sole reliance on personal responsibility

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Inherited wealth and privilege

Answer

Lack of access to quality education

Question 22

Which of the following best explains the 'Matthew effect' in social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Advantages accumulate for the advantaged, while setbacks occur for the disadvantaged.

Answer

Social inequality is a natural and unchanging part of society.

Answer

Social inequality is primarily caused by personal choices and actions.

Answer

Societal inequality is beneficial for everyone.

Question 23

Which of the following is an example of non-discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Offering a promotion to an employee based on their performance

Answer

Denying someone a job based on their race

Answer

Providing preferential treatment to a specific group based on their religion

Question 24

Which of the following is an unlikely consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Improved health outcomes

Answer

Increased crime rates

Answer

Diminished social mobility

Answer

Reduced political participation

Question 25

What is the most accurate definition of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

A system where people are ranked based on social class, race, or gender

Answer

A society where everyone has equal opportunities for success

Answer

Discrimination that targets specific groups

Answer

A temporary situation that can be overcome with effort

Question 26

Examine the global patterns of social inequality, highlighting variations across countries and regions. Discuss the factors that contribute to these disparities.

Accepted Answer

Social inequality tends to be more pronounced in developing countries compared to developed countries.

Answer

Social inequality is primarily influenced by individual characteristics like education and motivation, rather than societal factors.

Answer

Economic globalization has resulted in a decrease in social inequality levels across countries.

Answer

The factors contributing to social inequality are consistent and unchanging across societies.

Question 27

How does social inequality affect individual life outcomes, such as access to education, healthcare, and employment?

Accepted Answer

It limits opportunities and perpetuates social stratification by restricting access to quality education and healthcare.

Answer

It encourages social cohesion by motivating individuals to work harder for higher status.

Answer

It has minimal impact on individual life chances, as everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.

Question 28

Which concept emphasizes the interplay and cumulative effects of multiple forms of oppression and discrimination faced by individuals?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Cultural capital

Question 29

Which theoretical perspective in sociology emphasizes the role of cultural values and beliefs in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Cultural reproduction theory

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 30

What is a key distinction between class and status inequality in society?

Accepted Answer

Class is based on economic resources, while status is based on social prestige

Answer

Status is based on economic resources, while class is based on social prestige

Answer

Class and status are two unrelated forms of social inequality

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between class and status inequality

Question 31

What sociological term refers to the movement of individuals or groups up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social closure

Answer

Social reproduction

Question 32

Evaluate the ethical argument that reducing social inequality is a fundamental responsibility of societies that prioritize social justice and fairness.

Accepted Answer

Reducing social inequality promotes social justice and creates a more equitable society.

Answer

Reducing social inequality is a worthwhile goal, but only if it does not hinder economic growth.

Answer

Reducing social inequality is an unrealistic goal that could worsen social divisions.

Answer

Reducing social inequality is primarily the responsibility of individuals, not society as a whole.

Question 33

What are the primary forms of social inequality examined in this unit?

Accepted Answer

Class, race, and gender inequality

Answer

Age, education, and health inequality

Answer

Economic, political, and cultural inequality

Answer

Social, psychological, and environmental inequality

Question 34

What concept refers to the intersection of multiple forms of inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Bourdieuian analysis

Question 35

Which of the following is not commonly considered a factor in social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Personal choice

Answer

Economic system

Answer

Education

Answer

Discrimination

Question 36

According to Karl Marx's theory of inequality, what is the root cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Capitalist exploitation

Answer

Inequality of opportunity

Answer

Cultural factors

Answer

Natural differences in ability

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT explicitly covered as a major form of social inequality in this unit?

Accepted Answer

Age inequality

Answer

Class inequality

Answer

Race inequality

Answer

Gender inequality

Question 38

An intersectional approach to understanding social inequality emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

Inequalities based on various social categories are interrelated and can amplify each other.

Answer

Inequalities are experienced distinctly and exclusively based on each social category.

Answer

Only marginalized groups experience the effects of social inequality.

Answer

Social inequality is solely a historical phenomenon.

Question 39

A common criticism of functionalist theories of social inequality is that they:

Accepted Answer

Disregard the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups.

Answer

Overemphasize the role of meritocratic principles.

Answer

Fail to consider social mobility.

Answer

Are only applicable to traditional societies.

Question 40

The term 'social stratification' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The division of society into distinct social classes.

Answer

The process of movement between social classes.

Answer

The idea that social inequality is a natural and inevitable part of society.

Answer

The mechanisms through which society justifies social inequality.

Question 41

According to sociological research, which of the following factors is most strongly linked to upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Parental income and wealth

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 42

Which sociological perspective places emphasis on class as the primary determinant of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 43

Explain how race and social class intersect to create distinct forms of inequality.

Accepted Answer

Race can amplify or mitigate the impact of class

Answer

Race and class operate completely independently

Answer

Race has no influence on class dynamics

Answer

Class has no influence on racial inequality

Question 44

How does the interplay of technology access, digital literacy, and algorithmic biases contribute to the perpetuation of social inequalities?

Accepted Answer

It tends to exacerbate social inequalities by reinforcing existing disparities and biases.

Answer

It often equalizes social inequalities.

Answer

It can reduce social inequalities by providing access and empowerment.

Question 45

What is the most accurate definition of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and power in society

Answer

Equal treatment of all individuals regardless of background

Answer

Even distribution of wealth and income among citizens

Answer

Temporary differences in access to resources that can change over time

Question 46

What is widely recognized as a significant barrier to achieving greater social equality in the modern world?

Accepted Answer

Globalized capitalism

Answer

Expansion of social welfare programs

Answer

Rapid technological advancements

Answer

Growing cultural diversity

Question 47

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth

Answer

Equal access to healthcare

Answer

Equal opportunities for social mobility

Answer

Equal representation in government

Question 48

According to Marxist theory, the root cause of social inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Control over the means of production

Answer

Competition for resources

Answer

Differences in ability

Answer

Discrimination

Question 49

What is the sociological concept of 'cultural capital'?

Accepted Answer

The knowledge, skills, and values that are valued by society

Answer

The economic resources that individuals have access to

Answer

The social connections that individuals have

Answer

The physical assets that individuals own

Question 50

How do different forms of inequality, such as class, race, and gender, intersect and interact to create complex systems of social hierarchy and exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Forms of inequality intersect and mutually reinforce each other, contributing to intricate systems of social hierarchy and exclusion.

Answer

Different forms of inequality operate independently, with minimal overlap or mutual influence.

Answer

Social stratification is primarily determined by economic inequality, with limited influence from other forms of inequality.

Answer

Social inequality has no significant impact on social stratification or the distribution of power and resources.

Question 51

Intersectionality, a sociological concept, primarily focuses on analyzing:

Accepted Answer

How interconnected forms of inequality mutually influence and reinforce each other

Answer

The argument that social inequality primarily results from individual choices and behaviors

Answer

Exclusively the experiences of marginalized groups in society

Answer

All forms of inequality as equally significant and impactful

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT a primary form of social inequality covered in this unit?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 53

Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

People can experience multiple forms of inequality simultaneously.

Answer

Different forms of inequality operate independently of one another.

Answer

Economic inequality is the most significant form of social inequality.

Answer

Social inequality is primarily caused by individual choices.

Question 54

Which key theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of conflict and power struggles in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 55

What is the relationship between social class and access to higher education in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Students from lower social classes face significant barriers in accessing higher education.

Answer

Students from lower social classes have equal access to higher education as those from higher social classes.

Answer

Only students from the highest social classes can afford to attend university.

Answer

There is no relationship between social class and access to higher education.

Question 56

How does intersectionality enhance our understanding of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality reveals the unique experiences of individuals who hold multiple marginalized identities.

Answer

Intersectionality oversimplifies social inequality by focusing on a single factor.

Answer

Intersectionality separates the effects of different forms of inequality, enabling researchers to study them independently.

Question 57

What ethical principle emphasizes the moral duty of individuals and societies to address social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Individuals have a moral responsibility to assist those less fortunate.

Answer

Social inequality is an inherent aspect of society.

Answer

Societies should prioritize economic growth regardless of fairness.

Answer

Addressing social inequality is solely the responsibility of governments and charities.

Question 58

Which of the following is NOT a commonly recognized form of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intelligence

Answer

Gender

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Question 59

The concept of intersectionality in social inequality theory refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness of different forms of inequality, creating unique experiences for individuals.

Answer

The idea that one form of inequality is always more significant than others.

Answer

The belief that individuals can overcome social inequality through their own efforts.

Question 60

The concept of social stratification refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The division of society into hierarchical layers based on power, wealth, and prestige.

Answer

The process by which social inequality is created and maintained.

Answer

The belief that social inequality is inherently justified and unchangeable.

Question 61

The concept of the 'glass ceiling' primarily refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from reaching the highest levels of leadership and career advancement.

Answer

The social stigma associated with low-status occupations.

Question 62

The concept of social mobility refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The process by which social inequality is created and perpetuated

Answer

The degree to which social inequality is perceived as legitimate or fair

Question 63

What is a key attribute of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Disproportionate access to resources and possibilities

Answer

Fair distribution of wealth and opportunities

Answer

Uniformity in all social classes

Question 64

Which type of inequality pertains to disparities in economic well-being and resources?

Accepted Answer

Class inequality

Answer

Age inequality

Answer

Racial inequality

Answer

Gender inequality