Types of Social Stratification: Caste, Class, and Meritocracy

Question 1

In which type of social stratification system are individuals' status and roles determined by their birth into a particular social group, with limited opportunities for social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Status system

Question 2

In a meritocracy, on what basis is social status ideally achieved?

Accepted Answer

Hard work and talent

Answer

Inherited wealth and connections

Answer

Ascribed characteristics

Answer

Government appointment

Question 3

How does social stratification influence an individual's access to education, employment, and healthcare across different societies?

Accepted Answer

It shapes opportunities based on social background.

Answer

It has no impact on access to these resources.

Answer

It affects access to education and employment only.

Answer

It guarantees equal access regardless of social background.

Question 4

A social stratification system characterized by rigid social hierarchy and lack of social mobility is known as:

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Meritocracy

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited social mobility

Answer

Social status based on individual achievement

Answer

Equal opportunities for all

Question 6

What is the main difference between closed and open social stratification systems?

Accepted Answer

Open systems allow for greater social mobility, while closed systems restrict it.

Answer

Closed systems are associated with developing countries, while open systems are associated with developed countries.

Answer

Open systems have no social hierarchies, while closed systems do.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a potential negative consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Increased job satisfaction

Answer

Limited access to education and resources

Answer

Income inequality

Answer

Social prejudice and discrimination

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Inter-caste marriage is encouraged

Answer

Hierarchy based on birth

Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Occupational specialization

Question 9

Which of the following is a criticism of meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C

Answer

It assumes equal opportunities for all

Answer

It can exacerbate social inequality

Answer

It ignores the influence of social and cultural factors

Question 10

How is social status typically measured in class systems?

Accepted Answer

Wealth, income, and education

Answer

Birth, family background, and occupation

Answer

Ethnicity, race, and gender

Answer

Religious affiliation and political views

Question 11

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Limited social mobility based on birth

Answer

Social mobility based on individual achievement

Answer

Equal opportunities for all members of society

Question 12

Which type of social stratification system features a rigid, birth-based hierarchy with minimal social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Estates system

Answer

Meritocracy

Question 13

Identify a key characteristic of a meritocratic system:

Accepted Answer

Positions are obtained based on abilities and talents

Answer

Social status is hereditary

Answer

Opportunities for social mobility are limited

Answer

The system is resistant to change

Question 14

Which of these is NOT a mechanism of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Education

Answer

Marriage

Answer

Military service

Question 15

The categorization of people based on shared attributes is known as:

Accepted Answer

Social categorization

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social inequality

Question 16

Which theory posits that social stratification is both inevitable and advantageous for society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Marxist conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 17

The best way to describe contemporary US society in terms of social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

A class system with elements of meritocracy

Answer

A rigid caste system

Answer

A fully meritocratic society

Answer

A society rapidly approaching equality

Question 18

Which action does NOT challenge social stratification through social movements and collective action?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining existing social hierarchies

Answer

Raising awareness about social inequality

Answer

Pushing for progressive policies

Answer

Participating in politics and lobbying for change

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Caste systems are typically found in modern, industrialized societies.

Answer

Members are born into their caste and remain in it for life.

Answer

Caste membership determines social status and opportunities.

Answer

Intermarriage between castes is strictly prohibited.

Question 20

In a class system, social mobility:

Accepted Answer

Is possible for individuals to achieve through education and effort.

Answer

Is impossible for individuals to achieve.

Answer

Is only possible for individuals from certain backgrounds, such as the wealthy or privileged.

Answer

Is based solely on merit and individual achievement.

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of a meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

A society where social status is determined by one's education and achievements.

Answer

A society where social status is determined by one's family lineage.

Answer

A society where social status is determined by one's wealth and material possessions.

Answer

A society where social status is determined by one's religious beliefs.

Question 22

Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits.

Answer

Education.

Answer

Income.

Answer

Ethnicity.

Question 23

Which of the following is a criticism of the functionalist perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Both (a) and (c).

Answer

It assumes that all social strata are equally valued and beneficial to society.

Answer

It downplays the role of conflict and inequality in shaping social stratification.

Answer

It fails to consider the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor that contributes to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Individual merit and accomplishments

Answer

Income and wealth disparities

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Answer

Geographical factors influencing access to resources

Question 25

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Status is primarily determined by birth.

Answer

Social mobility is possible through achievement.

Answer

Marriage can lead to a change in caste.

Answer

The system allows for substantial social mobility.

Question 26

Social mobility can be described as:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups up or down the social hierarchy.

Answer

The maintenance of social status over generations.

Answer

The creation of new social classes.

Answer

The process of social change over time.

Question 27

The key difference between social stratification and social inequality lies in:

Accepted Answer

Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of social groups, while social inequality focuses on the unequal distribution of resources.

Answer

Social inequality is a result of social stratification.

Answer

Social stratification is a form of social inequality.

Answer

There is no distinction between social stratification and social inequality.

Question 28

The belief that one's social status is primarily determined by their efforts and abilities is known as:

Accepted Answer

Individualism.

Answer

Collectivism.

Answer

Social Darwinism.

Answer

Structuralism.

Question 29

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

Accepted Answer

Social conflict.

Answer

Economic growth.

Answer

Political stability.

Answer

Increased social cohesion.

Question 30

The term 'social structure' in sociology refers to:

Accepted Answer

The organized pattern of social relationships and institutions in a society.

Answer

The informal norms and values that govern behavior.

Answer

The distribution of power and resources within a society.

Answer

The beliefs and attitudes held by members of a society.

Question 31

What is the primary distinction between caste-based and class-based societies?

Accepted Answer

Caste-based societies emphasize birth status, while class-based societies prioritize earned status.

Answer

Caste-based societies provide greater social mobility than class-based societies.

Answer

Caste systems are rooted in religious beliefs, while class-based societies are secular.

Answer

Economic inequality is less severe in class-based societies compared to caste-based societies.

Question 32

How does social mobility interact with the maintenance of social stratification in a society?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility can both support and challenge social stratification.

Answer

Social mobility always reduces social stratification.

Answer

Social stratification always prevents social mobility.

Answer

Social mobility and social stratification are unrelated.

Question 33

Which sociological perspective focuses on how symbols, meanings, and interactions influence social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionist

Answer

Functionalist

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Marxist

Question 34

Which type of social stratification system is based on fixed social categories at birth?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Feudal system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Estate system

Question 35

In a class system, social status is primarily determined by which factor?

Accepted Answer

Economic resources

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Religion

Question 36

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of a meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

Status is based on individual merit and achievements

Answer

Power is concentrated in the hands of a few

Answer

Social mobility is limited

Answer

Ascribed status is irrelevant

Question 37

Which type of social stratification is typically associated with highly restricted social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Class system

Answer

Estate system

Question 38

Which of the following is a criticism of a meritocratic system?

Accepted Answer

It can perpetuate inequalities based on existing social advantages

Answer

It encourages upward social mobility

Answer

It promotes individual responsibility

Question 39

How does social stratification influence social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It shapes the opportunities and challenges individuals face in moving up or down the social hierarchy

Answer

It has no effect on social mobility

Question 40

Which of the following is a positive aspect of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It provides a sense of order and stability within a society

Answer

It eliminates social inequality

Answer

It promotes complete individual freedom

Question 41

How does social stratification contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It allocates resources and privileges unevenly among different social groups

Answer

It provides equal opportunities for all individuals

Answer

It promotes a harmonious society

Question 42

Which type of social stratification system is more likely to contribute to social conflict?

Accepted Answer

System with rigid social boundaries and limited social mobility

Answer

System that emphasizes individual achievement

Answer

System with fluid social boundaries and high social mobility

Question 43

How can we address social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Through policies and reforms that promote social equality and opportunity

Answer

By ignoring its existence

Answer

By reinforcing the existing system

Question 44

Which type of stratification system is characterized by immutable social boundaries and birth-ascribed status?

Accepted Answer

Caste System

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Class System

Question 45

In a society with a class system, which group generally possesses the most significant social prestige?

Accepted Answer

Upper Class

Answer

Lower Class

Answer

Middle Class

Answer

Working Class

Question 46

Which type of stratification system places a premium on individual talent and rewards accomplishments?

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Caste System

Answer

Class System

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of caste systems?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is attainable

Answer

Status is determined at birth

Answer

Caste affects every aspect of life

Answer

Social boundaries are inflexible

Question 48

How does social stratification potentially impact an individual's life experiences?

Accepted Answer

It can influence access to resources such as education and healthcare

Answer

It has no effect on their life experiences

Answer

It exclusively impacts their social relationships

Question 49

How does social stratification impact social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It can create obstacles and limit opportunities for upward mobility

Answer

It ensures equal opportunities for all individuals

Answer

It has no effect on social mobility

Question 50

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Increased social disparity

Answer

Reduced social conflict

Answer

Universal equality

Answer

Elimination of poverty