Social Inequality: Understanding Social Stratification and Its Impact

Question 1

Which characteristic is NOT associated with social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Fixed social mobility

Answer

Hierarchical organization of society

Answer

Unequal distribution of resources

Answer

Formalized inequality system

Question 2

Which primary form of social stratification exists in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Class system

Answer

Feudal system

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Estate system

Question 3

How do cultural norms and beliefs shape and sustain social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Culture assigns varying values to different societal groups, legitimizing their unequal positions.

Answer

Culture plays no role in social inequality, which is solely driven by economic factors.

Answer

Culture fosters social equality by highlighting shared values and a collective identity.

Question 4

Which negative consequence of social stratification do individuals in lower socioeconomic strata often experience?

Accepted Answer

Lower self-esteem and feelings of inferiority

Answer

Increased opportunities for advancement

Answer

Improved access to healthcare

Answer

Enhanced social status

Question 5

Which sociological perspective emphasizes that social stratification is a result of competition for limited resources?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social exchange theory

Question 6

What do sociologists call the process by which individuals move up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Acculturation

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of an ascribed status, which is assigned to individuals based on their birth or circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Father

Answer

Professor

Answer

CEO

Answer

Doctor

Question 8

What is the term for the boundaries that separate different social classes and limit movement between them?

Accepted Answer

Social closure

Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Social distance

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of cultural capital, which refers to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that provide individuals with advantages in society?

Accepted Answer

A university degree

Answer

A large inheritance

Answer

A luxurious car

Answer

A prestigious job title

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Racism

Answer

Xenophobia

Answer

Chauvinism

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a primary dimension of social stratification in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Income

Question 12

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, which class is characterized by its ownership of the means of production?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Proletariat

Answer

Petty bourgeoisie

Answer

Lumpenproletariat

Question 13

What is the term used to describe the movement of individuals from one social class to another?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Stratification

Answer

Alienation

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Reduced economic inequality

Answer

Enhanced upward mobility

Question 15

Which social group is most likely to experience the combined effects of racial and gender discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Black females

Answer

White males

Answer

Asian males

Answer

Hispanic males

Question 16

How does social stratification influence an individual's access to quality education?

Accepted Answer

Individuals from higher social classes typically have greater access to educational resources and opportunities.

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on an individual's educational attainment.

Answer

Individuals from lower social classes have more opportunities for advanced education.

Answer

The impact of social stratification on educational access varies depending on race and gender.

Question 17

Which sociological theory argues that social stratification is an inevitable and beneficial aspect of society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Marxist theory

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a form of resistance to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Passive acceptance

Answer

Political activism

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Economic mobility

Question 19

Which of the following is the most widely used method for measuring social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Social mobility index

Answer

Kuznets curve

Answer

Human Development Index

Question 20

What's a key drawback of using surveys to study social inequality?

Accepted Answer

People may answer dishonestly to appear more successful.

Answer

Surveys can't capture personal experiences of social inequality.

Answer

Survey results can't be applied to everyone.

Question 21

Which of the following is an essential characteristic of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It creates inequality between individuals and groups.

Answer

It is based solely on merit and personal achievement.

Answer

It is a phenomenon that exists only in modern societies.

Answer

It always promotes social mobility.

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a commonly recognized determinant of social class?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Question 23

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of conflict and power struggles in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Structuralist theory

Question 24

How is race connected to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between race and social inequality is complex and varies historically and contextually.

Answer

Race can be a significant factor in determining social class and other forms of inequality.

Answer

Race has no substantial impact on social inequality.

Answer

The relationship between race and social inequality is straightforward and consistent across societies.

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for upward social mobility

Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Answer

Reduced income inequality

Answer

Improved access to healthcare

Question 26

What is the term for the movement of individuals and groups between different social strata?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social change

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social inequality

Question 27

Which factor is most likely to promote upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Increased access to quality education

Answer

Economic recession

Answer

Discrimination in the workplace

Answer

Limited opportunities for skill development

Question 28

Which critique is commonly leveled against functionalist theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It does not adequately consider the role of conflict and inequality.

Answer

It overemphasizes the importance of individual responsibility.

Answer

It lacks empirical support.

Answer

It promotes radical social change.

Question 29

How does social stratification influence access to resources and opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Individuals in higher social strata generally have greater access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

Individuals in lower social strata typically have equal or greater access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

The relationship between social stratification and access to resources and opportunities is always linear and predictable.

Question 30

How do social movements contribute to challenging and potentially transforming systems of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social movements raise awareness and influence public opinion about social inequalities.

Answer

Social movements are ineffective in challenging social stratification.

Answer

Social movements have eliminated all forms of social inequality.

Answer

Charismatic leaders are the sole factor in effective social movements.

Question 31

How did the shift from pre-industrial to industrial societies affect social stratification systems? Explain how this transition led to the emergence of new social classes.

Accepted Answer

Industrialization weakened traditional social hierarchies based on landownership and feudal structures.

Answer

Industrial capitalism created a more equal society with less social inequality.

Answer

The transition to industrial societies had no significant impact on social stratification principles.

Question 32

Education's role in social stratification is complex. Explain how education can both promote social mobility and contribute to inequality in society.

Accepted Answer

Education can help both social mobility and inequality, depending on things like how easy it is to get a good education and how the job market is.

Answer

Education has no impact on social mobility or inequality.

Answer

Education only helps social mobility by giving people the skills and knowledge they need to move up in society.

Answer

Education mostly makes inequality worse by keeping social hierarchies the same and making social divisions worse.

Question 33

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a closed stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is severely limited or nonexistent

Answer

Social mobility is high

Answer

Status is primarily determined by ascribed characteristics

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a primary axis of social stratification in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Gender

Answer

Social class

Answer

Race/ethnicity

Question 35

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Greater economic equality

Answer

Increased social solidarity

Answer

Reduced social conflict

Question 36

Which of the following is a widely used measure of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Literacy rate

Answer

Social mobility index

Answer

Poverty rate

Question 37

Which of the following is a mechanism that helps reproduce social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Educational system

Answer

Upward social mobility

Answer

Political revolution

Answer

International conflict

Question 38

Which concept challenges the traditional notion of social stratification as a unidimensional hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Functionalism

Question 39

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

Accepted Answer

Membership is ascribed at birth and cannot be changed

Answer

Status is solely determined by economic wealth

Answer

Individuals have high social mobility

Question 40

According to Karl Marx, the primary source of social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Control over the means of production

Answer

Geographic location

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Biological differences

Question 41

Which form of social stratification is based on perceived differences in prestige and social honor?

Accepted Answer

Status Stratification

Answer

Class Stratification

Answer

Race Stratification

Answer

Power Stratification

Question 42

Which of the following is a consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Economic equality

Answer

Political stability

Answer

Social harmony

Question 43

What is the process by which individuals or groups move from one social class to another?

Accepted Answer

Social Mobility

Answer

Social Control

Answer

Social Stratification

Answer

Socialization

Question 44

Which of the following is a factor that contributes to the persistence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Institutional Discrimination

Answer

Economic Fluctuations

Answer

Technological Advancements

Answer

Personal Choice

Question 45

The belief that one's social class is superior to others is known as:

Accepted Answer

Classism

Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Sexism

Answer

Racism

Question 46

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the role of conflict and competition in shaping social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Interactionist Theory

Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 47

What is a social class?

Accepted Answer

A group of people who share similar economic and social status

Answer

A group of people who share similar political views

Answer

A group of people who share similar cultural beliefs

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Equal access to resources

Answer

Hierarchical ranking of individuals

Answer

Persistence across generations

Answer

Based on social categories

Question 49

What does the concept of social mobility refer to?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social positions.

Answer

The stability of social classes over time.

Answer

The process of social change.

Question 50

The idea that social stratification benefits society by ensuring that the most talented individuals hold the most important positions is associated with which theory?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 51

What is a key factor contributing to the persistence of social inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Significant wealth and income disparities

Answer

Limited discrimination

Answer

Strong social mobility

Answer

Equal access to education

Question 52

What does the concept of 'life chances' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The opportunities and resources available to individuals based on their social position.

Answer

The likelihood of upward social mobility.

Answer

The cultural values of a society.

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a primary dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Physical appearance

Answer

Social class

Answer

Race

Question 54

The idea that social class is primarily determined by an individual's skills, talent, and effort is most closely associated with which concept?

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Social capital

Answer

Cultural capital

Question 55

How can social stratification impact health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Lower socioeconomic status is often associated with higher rates of chronic diseases.

Answer

Higher socioeconomic status is associated with higher rates of mental illness.

Answer

Social class has no impact on health outcomes.

Question 56

How does the concept of intersectionality help us understand social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges that individuals experience stratification based on multiple factors like race, gender, and class.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of social mobility.