Social Stratification: Theories, Class, Mobility, Poverty, and Wealth

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social cohesion

Answer

Social class

Answer

Mobility

Answer

Wealth

Question 2

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary driver of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Economic factors

Answer

Cultural factors

Answer

Political factors

Answer

Educational factors

Question 3

Which type of social mobility refers to movement within the same social class?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal

Answer

Vertical

Answer

Intergenerational

Answer

Intragenerational

Question 4

What concept refers to the unequal distribution of resources, power, and prestige in society?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Social mobility

Question 5

Define social class.

Accepted Answer

A group of people with similar social and economic status

Answer

A group of people who share a common culture

Answer

A group of people who live in the same neighborhood

Answer

A group of people who have the same occupation

Question 6

A fundamental characteristic of social stratification is that it:

Accepted Answer

allocates resources and opportunities unequally.

Answer

is based solely on personal achievements.

Answer

is a temporary state that can be easily reversed.

Answer

exists only in communist societies.

Question 7

According to Karl Marx, the primary basis of social class is:

Accepted Answer

job or occupation

Answer

inherited wealth

Answer

level of education

Answer

family history

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a form of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Moving from one job to another within the same occupational status

Answer

Moving from a lower social class to a higher social class

Answer

Moving from one generation to the next with a different social status

Answer

Moving from one region of a country to another with a different social status

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

ignore the role of conflict in maintaining social stratification.

Answer

overemphasize the benefits of social inequality.

Answer

do not account for individual agency.

Answer

fail to explain how social stratification changes over time.

Question 10

The main distinction between absolute and relative poverty is that:

Accepted Answer

absolute poverty is measured in absolute terms, while relative poverty is measured in relative terms.

Answer

absolute poverty refers to deprivation of basic necessities, while relative poverty does not.

Answer

absolute poverty is more common in developed countries than relative poverty.

Answer

absolute poverty affects fewer people than relative poverty.

Question 11

Which of the following is a characteristic of structural inequality?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by social factors beyond individual control

Answer

It is based on merit and individual effort

Answer

It is only experienced by certain minority groups

Answer

It is easily overcome with hard work and determination

Question 12

Runciman's relative deprivation theory suggests that poverty is caused by:

Accepted Answer

A lack of resources compared to others in society

Answer

A lack of resources to meet basic needs

Answer

A lack of motivation and personal responsibility

Answer

A lack of access to education and healthcare

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT typically associated with the underclass?

Accepted Answer

Stable employment

Answer

Chronic unemployment

Answer

Low educational attainment

Answer

Intergenerational poverty

Question 14

Social capital refers to:

Accepted Answer

An individual's connections and resources

Answer

An individual's financial wealth

Answer

An individual's level of education

Answer

An individual's social status

Question 15

How effective are government policies in reducing social inequality? Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these policies, using examples to support your analysis.

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of government policies in reducing social inequality depends on various factors.

Answer

Government policies are generally effective in reducing social inequality.

Answer

Government policies are generally ineffective in reducing social inequality.

Question 16

Which concept is central to understanding social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social class

Answer

Social status

Answer

Social mobility

Question 17

Marxist theory suggests that the social class with the most power and influence is the:

Accepted Answer

Upper class

Answer

Middle class

Answer

Working class

Answer

Underclass

Question 18

Define social mobility.

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social classes

Answer

The process by which people acquire social status

Answer

The way in which social inequality is perpetuated

Answer

The impact of social class on individuals' life chances

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to poverty?

Accepted Answer

Inheritance of wealth

Answer

Lack of job opportunities

Answer

Inadequate education

Answer

Discrimination

Question 20

The primary goal of a welfare state is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide social security for citizens

Answer

Reduce social inequality

Answer

Promote economic growth

Answer

Control social behaviour

Question 21

How does education influence social mobility? Discuss the ways in which education can contribute to both upward and downward mobility.

Accepted Answer

Education can enhance upward mobility by providing access to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Accepted Answer

Education can contribute to downward mobility if it leads to high debt and unemployment.

Answer

Education has little impact on social mobility, as factors like family background are more influential.

Question 22

How does social stratification influence our identity formation and self-perception?

Accepted Answer

It shapes our values, beliefs, and sense of worth.

Answer

It has no impact on our self-esteem.

Answer

It only affects the wealthy and privileged.

Answer

It is unrelated to our social relationships.

Question 23

Which of the following is **not** a defining characteristic of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It is static

Answer

It is based on ascribed and achieved status

Answer

It is dynamic

Answer

It is hierarchical

Question 24

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, which class is the most powerful and exploits other classes?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Proletariat

Answer

Peasantry

Answer

Landlords

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

Moving from a working-class family to a middle-class family

Answer

Staying in the same social class throughout your life

Answer

Losing your job and becoming unemployed

Question 26

Which of the following factors can contribute to social immobility?

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to education and job opportunities

Answer

Government policies that promote equality

Answer

Personal determination and hard work

Question 27

What is the main criticism of functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

They ignore the role of conflict and exploitation in maintaining inequality

Answer

They overemphasize the importance of individual effort

Answer

They fail to consider the historical context of social stratification

Question 28

Which of the following is a consequence of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of health problems and social exclusion

Answer

Higher levels of education and earning potential

Answer

Improved social mobility

Question 29

What is the concept of relative poverty?

Accepted Answer

Being poor compared to others in your society

Answer

Living below the official poverty line

Answer

Having a low income regardless of your location

Answer

Experiencing homelessness and food insecurity

Question 30

Which of the following is a potential strategy to reduce wealth inequality?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation and wealth redistribution

Answer

Encouraging individual savings and investments

Answer

Lowering corporate taxes

Answer

Reducing government spending on social welfare programs

Question 31

What is the role of education in promoting social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It provides individuals with skills and qualifications to improve their economic opportunities

Answer

It eliminates social prejudice and discrimination

Answer

It ensures that all individuals have equal access to wealth and resources

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of a closed social class system?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system based on achievement and merit

Answer

Class system based on wealth and income

Answer

Class system based on occupation and education

Question 33

Define social stratification and identify its key characteristics.

Accepted Answer

A system of unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, resulting in a hierarchy of social classes.

Answer

A state of complete equality among all individuals in society.

Answer

A random assignment of individuals into social positions.

Question 34

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what is the primary determinant of an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Their ownership or lack of ownership of the means of production.

Answer

Their family background.

Answer

Their political affiliation.

Answer

Their level of education.

Question 35

Identify the factor that is most likely to contribute to poverty.

Accepted Answer

Lack of access to education and job opportunities.

Answer

High levels of intelligence.

Answer

Strong family support.

Answer

Good health.

Question 36

State one negative consequence of social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Reduced life expectancy for individuals from lower socioeconomic groups.

Answer

Increased social cohesion.

Answer

Greater political participation by all citizens.

Question 37

Name a measure that is used to quantify social stratification.

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient.

Answer

Human Development Index (HDI).

Answer

Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Answer

Life expectancy.

Question 38

Provide an example of a social policy that aims to reduce social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation.

Answer

Reducing government spending on social welfare programs.

Answer

Eliminating affirmative action programs.

Answer

Lowering the minimum wage.

Question 39

Describe a trend in social stratification that has emerged in recent decades.

Accepted Answer

A widening income gap between the wealthy and the poor.

Answer

The elimination of poverty.

Answer

Decreased social mobility.

Answer

A growing middle class.

Question 40

Identify a limitation of using education as a measure of social stratification.

Accepted Answer

It does not account for informal learning or skills.

Answer

It is applicable to all societies.

Answer

It is a reliable and objective measure.

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of resources

Answer

Universal equality

Answer

Absolute social mobility

Question 42

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, the main cause of inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Genetic differences

Answer

Cultural values

Question 43

Which of the following is a significant factor determining an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Occupation

Answer

Age

Answer

Gender

Question 44

The idea that individuals' life experiences and opportunities are influenced by social factors they do not control is called:

Accepted Answer

Social structure

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social agency

Question 45

Which of the following is a potential consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Reduced social cohesion

Answer

Improved social mobility

Answer

Increased economic growth

Question 46

What is a key difference between absolute and relative poverty?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty measures deprivation compared to a basic standard of living, while relative poverty compares to others in society.

Answer

Absolute poverty is more common in developed countries, while relative poverty is more common in developing countries.

Answer

Absolute poverty is measured by subjective factors, while relative poverty is measured by objective factors.

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

They tend to ignore the role of power and conflict.

Answer

They do not account for individual agency.

Answer

They rely heavily on qualitative data.

Question 48

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

Movement of individuals or groups between social classes.

Answer

Change in social norms and values.

Answer

Increase in social cohesion.

Question 49

Which of the following is a key feature of a social class system?

Accepted Answer

Social classes tend to persist over time.

Answer

Individuals can easily move between social classes.

Answer

Social status is solely determined by income.

Answer

Occupations do not influence social class.

Question 50

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, what is the primary factor that determines social class?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Level of education attained

Answer

Political affiliations

Answer

Religious beliefs held

Question 51

Which of the following illustrates a type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Moving from a working-class to a middle-class occupation

Answer

Experiencing a decline in income and status

Answer

Remaining within the same social class throughout life

Question 52

Which of the following is a potential consequence of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Increased likelihood of health problems

Answer

Greater job security

Answer

Improved educational opportunities

Answer

Enhanced social status

Question 53

Which of the following is an indicator of wealth?

Accepted Answer

Net worth

Answer

Income

Answer

Education level

Answer

Social status

Question 54

Which of the following is a valid criticism of the concept of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It can oversimplify the complexities of social inequality.

Answer

It does not consider individual experiences and circumstances.

Answer

It is based on outdated research methods.

Question 55

Which of the following factors can contribute to the perpetuation of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to quality education

Answer

Strong social welfare policies

Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Reduced class differences

Question 56

Which of the following is a potential benefit of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It can provide motivation for individuals to achieve and improve their social position.

Answer

It ensures that the most qualified individuals hold positions of power and influence.

Answer

It reduces social inequality over time.

Question 57

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

Accepted Answer

Social positions are attained based on individual ability, effort, and merit.

Answer

Ascribed characteristics, such as social background, determine social status.

Answer

Income and wealth are distributed equally among all members of society.

Question 58

Which of the following is a current trend observed in social stratification patterns?

Accepted Answer

Growing income inequality

Answer

Elimination of poverty

Answer

Decreasing social mobility

Answer

Universal access to quality education for all