Social Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Question 1

According to conflict theory, what is the primary cause of inequality in society?

Accepted Answer

Competition for limited resources

Answer

Differences in abilities and skills

Answer

Need for social order

Answer

Cultural values and beliefs

Question 2

From the functionalist perspective, what is the main reason for social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It maintains societal stability.

Answer

It results from individual traits like ability and effort.

Answer

It stems from discrimination and prejudice.

Answer

It will eventually vanish as society advances.

Question 3

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a primary function of social stratification in society?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social stability and harmony

Answer

Recognizing individual accomplishments

Answer

Causing widespread social unrest

Answer

Originating solely from cultural influences

Question 4

Which of the following is a primary form of social stratification based on inherited characteristics, such as family or birth circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Caste

Answer

Class

Answer

Status

Answer

Occupation

Question 5

Which sociological perspective views inequality as necessary for social stability and cooperation?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social exchange theory

Question 6

According to the functionalist perspective, how does social stratification promote social cohesion?

Accepted Answer

By fostering a shared sense of purpose and uniting people from diverse backgrounds.

Answer

By creating a competitive environment that encourages upward mobility.

Answer

By eliminating social conflict and creating a harmonious society.

Answer

By ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all individuals.

Question 7

According to the functionalist perspective, why does social inequality exist in society?

Accepted Answer

It results from the division of labor and specialization.

Answer

It ensures fair rewards for different talents and abilities.

Answer

It stems from unequal wealth distribution.

Answer

It arises from discrimination and prejudice.

Question 8

What is a defining characteristic of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It ranks individuals and groups within a society.

Answer

It is a temporary condition that can be easily altered.

Answer

It is solely determined by biological factors.

Answer

It has no impact on individuals' lives.

Question 9

Which characteristic is unique to a caste system compared to other forms of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are born into their caste and cannot change it.

Answer

Individuals can move between castes based on merit.

Answer

Caste membership is mainly determined by economic status.

Answer

Caste systems offer high social mobility, allowing individuals to move freely between societal levels.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Class

Answer

Caste

Question 11

According to the functionalist perspective, which of the following is considered a key component of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification is a natural and inevitable part of society.

Answer

Social inequality is primarily caused by individual choices and effort.

Answer

Social stratification can lead to social conflict and instability.

Answer

Social mobility is a major factor in determining social stratification.

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct consequence of social stratification on social outcomes like health, education, and crime?

Accepted Answer

Heightened social inequalities and unequal life chances based on social class

Answer

Enhanced social mobility and equal opportunities for all

Answer

Reduced health disparities and improved healthcare access for all

Answer

Equal educational attainment and career prospects regardless of social class

Question 13

In a society characterized by social stratification, which strategy is most effective in promoting social justice?

Accepted Answer

Expanding access to resources and opportunities for marginalized groups

Answer

Implementing meritocratic principles and relying solely on individual competition to determine social status

Answer

Enacting strict laws and punishments to deter discriminatory practices

Answer

Ignoring issues of social inequality and focusing exclusively on fostering economic growth

Question 14

Within a socially stratified society, what is a direct consequence of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Limited access to essential resources and services

Answer

Increased opportunities for targeted groups

Answer

Enhanced social harmony and unity

Answer

Improved educational outcomes for marginalized communities

Question 15

Which feature uniquely distinguishes poverty from other forms of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Deprivation of income and resources

Answer

Determination by birth or family background

Answer

Transient nature and ease of overcoming

Answer

Lack of impact on health, education, and crime rates

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Maintain social order and stability

Answer

Promote social mobility and equality

Answer

Perpetuate social conflict and inequality

Answer

Promote social change and revolution

Question 17

What is the definition of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social classes.

Answer

The process of staying in the same social class.

Answer

The assignment of individuals to social classes based on their family background.

Answer

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among different social groups.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a form of discrimination based on an individual's race or ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

Birthright citizenship

Answer

Racial segregation

Answer

Ethnic profiling

Answer

Xenophobia

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental aspect of social stratification, as defined by sociologists?

Accepted Answer

Faith

Answer

Class

Answer

Social standing

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a primary basis for social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Beliefs

Answer

Class

Answer

Caste

Answer

Gender

Question 21

How do social classes ensure that advantages and disadvantages are passed down through generations?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Genetic inheritance

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 22

What sets poverty, a severe form of social inequality, apart from other forms of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Chronic inability to meet basic life needs

Answer

Limited chances for social advancement

Answer

Widespread discrimination and prejudice

Answer

Direct result of personal choices and actions

Question 23

Which characteristic is defining of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Social mobility is common in caste systems.

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

Endogamy, or marriage restrictions within one's caste

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Caste membership based on economic factors

Answer

Exclusivity to pre-industrial societies

Question 25

Which theory of social stratification focuses on the struggle and competition between different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionist Theory

Question 26

According to conflict theory, which statement best explains how social stratification is maintained?

Accepted Answer

It is enforced through power and coercion by dominant groups.

Answer

It is an inevitable part of society that promotes stability.

Answer

It encourages everyone to work towards improving their position.

Answer

It fosters cooperation and prevents conflict.

Question 27

How does social stratification influence the political dynamics of a society?

Accepted Answer

It determines the distribution of political power and influence.

Accepted Answer

It affects the formation and membership of political parties.

Answer

It has no impact on political campaigns or elections.

Answer

It only impacts local politics, not national politics.

Question 28

How do various dimensions of social stratification, like race, gender, and socioeconomic status, intersect and influence individual experiences?

Accepted Answer

They interact multiplicatively, creating unique experiences that cannot be predicted by considering each dimension separately.

Answer

They operate independently, with each dimension having a distinct impact on individuals.

Answer

They interact additively, with the effects of one dimension simply adding to the effects of another.

Answer

They are unrelated and have no influence on individuals' life experiences.

Question 29

Analyze the role of social mobility in reducing social inequality. Discuss its potential benefits and limitations.

Accepted Answer

Social mobility can reduce certain aspects of social inequality, but it cannot fully address all forms of inequality.

Answer

Social mobility can completely eliminate social inequality.

Answer

Social mobility has no effect on reducing social inequality.

Answer

Social mobility worsens social inequality by creating greater divisions between social classes.

Question 30

Analyze how social stratification manifests in educational settings. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.

Accepted Answer

Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often attend schools with fewer resources and less experienced teachers.

Accepted Answer

Wealthy families can afford to send their children to private schools, which typically offer higher academic standards.

Accepted Answer

Students from marginalized racial groups may face systemic barriers that limit their academic achievement.

Answer

All students have equal opportunities to succeed in school, regardless of their social background.

Question 31

How does social stratification influence the distribution and exercise of power within different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Individuals in higher social groups have greater power than those in lower groups due to their control over resources and decision-making.

Answer

Power is equally distributed across all social groups, regardless of their position in the hierarchy.

Answer

Power is solely determined by an individual's social class, with no influence from other factors.

Answer

Social power is unrelated to social stratification and stems solely from individual personality traits and abilities.

Question 32

Which of the following is not a widely recognized major form of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Biological inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Political inequality

Answer

Gender inequality

Question 33

Which principle is central to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality drives social stratification, leading to class conflict.

Answer

Social mobility is impossible in stratified societies.

Answer

Social stratification is solely based on cultural factors.

Answer

Social inequality benefits society by fostering competition and innovation.

Question 34

How do race, gender, and socioeconomic status affect the chances of upward and downward mobility for people from different backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is a complex process that can change over time and is influenced by many factors.

Answer

These factors have no impact on social mobility.

Answer

Socioeconomic status is the most important factor, while race and gender have little influence.

Answer

Upward mobility is equally likely for everyone, regardless of their background.

Question 35

The concept of intersectionality refers to:

Accepted Answer

The overlapping and interconnected nature of social identities and their impact on inequality

Answer

The process of individuals moving between different social classes

Answer

The role of education in reducing social inequality

Answer

The idea that social inequality is always justified

Question 36

Global stratification refers to:

Accepted Answer

The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities between countries

Answer

The process by which individuals move between different global regions

Answer

The role of international organizations in reducing social inequality

Answer

The idea that social stratification is unique to developed countries

Question 37

Explain the fundamental concept of social stratification, defining the key characteristics that distinguish it.

Accepted Answer

Individuals and groups occupy distinct societal positions based on their characteristics and attributes.

Answer

Social status is exclusively determined by economic wealth and resources.

Answer

Social mobility is the primary mechanism for achieving equality and social justice.

Answer

Social inequality is an inherent and unavoidable aspect of all societies.

Question 38

Define the sociological term 'social Darwinism' and explain its implications for understanding social stratification.

Accepted Answer

The belief that social hierarchy is natural and inevitable, based on the principles of evolution and natural selection

Answer

The view that social inequality is a result of cultural differences and values

Answer

The theory that social mobility is the primary mechanism for achieving social justice

Answer

The concept that social stratification is solely determined by economic factors

Question 39

How does social stratification intersect with other forms of inequality, such as racial inequality, gender inequality, and economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

It can amplify the effects of other forms of inequality, creating unique experiences and challenges for individuals.

Answer

It eliminates the impact of other forms of inequality and remains the sole determinant of an individual's life outcomes.

Answer

It has no influence on other forms of inequality and exists independently.

Answer

It diminishes the significance of other forms of inequality, making them less influential in shaping an individual's experiences.

Question 40

How do social institutions contribute to the continuation of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Educational systems that offer varying opportunities to students from different socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

Families that offer equal opportunities and support to all their children

Answer

Media that accurately and positively portrays people from various backgrounds

Question 41

Which of the following is the most common form of social stratification in Western societies?

Accepted Answer

The class system

Answer

The caste system

Answer

The estate system

Answer

The guild system

Question 42

According to the functionalist theory of social stratification, inequality is necessary for:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and stability

Answer

Encouraging social mobility

Answer

Reducing social conflict

Answer

Promoting social equality

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a key predictor of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 44

What is a characteristic of closed social stratification systems?

Accepted Answer

Rigid boundaries between social classes

Answer

High levels of social mobility

Answer

Equal opportunities for all individuals

Answer

Lack of social stratification

Question 45

What is the term used to describe the tendency for individuals from lower social classes to have lower levels of education?

Accepted Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Status attainment

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Cultural deprivation

Question 46

Which of the following is a characteristic of a true meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

Social positions are based on intelligence and talent

Answer

Individuals are born into their social status

Answer

Social mobility is restricted based on ascription

Answer

Economic inequality is eliminated

Question 47

What is one of the primary goals of affirmative action policies?

Accepted Answer

To promote diversity and inclusion

Answer

To eliminate all forms of social inequality

Answer

To guarantee equal outcomes for all individuals

Answer

To restrict opportunities for certain social groups

Question 48

Which of the following is a key difference between social class and social status?

Accepted Answer

Social class is based on客观 economic factors, while social status is based on subjective evaluations.

Answer

Social status is based on objective economic factors, while social class is based on subjective evaluations.

Answer

Social class and social status are interchangeable concepts.

Answer

There is no difference between social class and social status.

Question 49

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals move from one social class to another?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Cultural capital

Question 50

How does social stratification contribute to the perpetuation of social inequality by limiting access to healthcare and education?

Accepted Answer

It reduces opportunities for upward social mobility, perpetuating inequality.

Answer

It only affects the current generation, with no long-term consequences.

Answer

Healthcare and educational inequalities are unrelated to social stratification.

Question 51

Identify the option that is not considered a primary form of social stratification.

Accepted Answer

Ethnicity

Answer

Class

Answer

Caste

Answer

Gender

Question 52

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, which class holds the dominant position in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Proletariat

Answer

Peasantry

Answer

Landowners

Question 53

What term describes the process by which individuals transition between different social classes?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social differentiation

Answer

Social change

Question 54

Which characteristic is associated with a closed social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for upward movement

Answer

High levels of social mobility

Answer

Achieved social status

Answer

Equal access to resources

Question 55

Differentiate between prejudice and discrimination.

Accepted Answer

Prejudice is an attitude, while discrimination is an action.

Answer

Discrimination is an attitude, while prejudice is an action.

Answer

They have the same meaning.

Answer

Neither of the above

Question 56

How does social stratification impact political power dynamics and decision-making in society?

Accepted Answer

It reinforces existing power structures, giving individuals from higher strata greater influence in political decision-making.

Answer

It promotes equal political opportunities for all citizens.

Answer

It strengthens democratic principles by ensuring that all voices are heard in political decision-making.

Answer

It promotes social mobility by creating opportunities for individuals from all strata to participate in political processes.

Question 57

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a social class system?

Accepted Answer

Members within a social class tend to share similar lifestyles, values, and economic statuses.

Answer

Social mobility is solely based on personal efforts and choices.

Answer

Individuals can freely move between classes without barriers.

Question 58

Which sociological theory posits that social stratification is a result of the unequal distribution of wealth and power among different societal groups?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Symbolic interaction theory

Question 59

Which concept refers to the extent to which individuals in a society have an equal opportunity to reach their full potential?

Accepted Answer

Social equality

Answer

Social status

Answer

Social justice

Answer

Social mobility

Question 60

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

Accepted Answer

Institutionalized discrimination

Answer

Personal choice

Answer

Random chance

Answer

Natural disasters

Question 61

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

Accepted Answer

It can provide a sense of stability and predictability within society.

Answer

It promotes individual freedom and personal autonomy.

Answer

It ensures that all individuals have equal opportunities.

Question 62

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of resources and rewards

Answer

Absence of social hierarchy

Answer

Universal social equality

Answer

Complete social mobility

Question 63

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

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the means of production

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Racial or ethnic origin

Question 64

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced social cohesion

Answer

Limited access to healthcare

Answer

Increased crime rates