Social Class and Inequality: Explore the Impact on Society

Question 1

In a closed social stratification system, an individual's social status is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

The social class they are born into

Answer

Their personal achievements and merit

Answer

Their level of education and income

Answer

Their personal connections and networks

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Individuals are ranked based on ascribed characteristics.

Answer

Social mobility is impossible.

Answer

It is a rigid system that never changes.

Answer

Everyone has the same opportunities and resources.

Question 3

Which characteristic is a defining feature of a closed social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Fixed social positions

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Equal opportunities for all

Answer

Meritocracy

Question 4

In a closed social stratification system, which of the following is a key characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Rigid social boundaries that limit movement between social classes

Answer

High social mobility based on individual merit

Answer

Equal access to resources and opportunities for all individuals

Answer

A meritocratic system where positions are solely determined by abilities and achievements

Question 5

In a closed social stratification system, what factor hinders individuals from transitioning between social classes?

Accepted Answer

Restricted opportunities for social advancement

Answer

Abundant social mobility

Answer

Equitable distribution of wealth and resources

Answer

Extensive social equality

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a social stratification system that assigns individuals to fixed positions in society based on their birth or ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Estate system

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Individuals are born into their caste and remain in that caste throughout their lives.

Answer

Caste membership is determined solely by wealth.

Answer

Individuals can move between castes based on their achievements.

Answer

Caste systems are only found in non-industrialized societies.

Question 8

In a closed social stratification system, social mobility is typically characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Social status being primarily determined by an individual's birth and family background

Answer

High levels of social mobility and fluid movement between social classes

Answer

Social stratification being based on meritocratic principles and individual achievement

Answer

A highly fluid and unstable social hierarchy

Question 9

What is a major factor contributing to social inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination based on race or gender

Answer

Equal access to quality education for all

Answer

Universal healthcare coverage

Answer

Strong social safety net for those in need

Question 10

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 11

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a closed social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Merit-based social status

Answer

Wealth and power influence social class

Answer

Abundant opportunities for social class change

Question 12

In a closed social stratification system, individuals' social status is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Their birth

Answer

Their personal achievements

Answer

Their level of education

Answer

Their career success

Question 13

In a closed social stratification system, which of these is a defining characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Limited upward mobility

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Equal access to education and healthcare

Answer

Based on individual merit and achievement

Question 14

Which characteristic is a defining feature of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Social position is inherited and largely fixed from birth.

Answer

Social status is primarily determined by occupation.

Answer

Individuals can easily move between different social groups.

Answer

Social status is based solely on personal achievements and talents.

Question 15

In an open social stratification system, which characteristic is present?

Accepted Answer

Opportunities for individuals to enhance their social status through their actions

Answer

Limited social mobility based on birth status

Answer

Complete elimination of social inequality

Answer

Unchanging social status inherited from birth

Question 16

In conflict theory, what is viewed as a primary driver of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth and resources

Answer

Limited access to education

Answer

Cultural values emphasizing competition

Answer

Rewarding system based on merit

Question 17

In a caste system, what primary factor determines an individual's social status?

Accepted Answer

Birth and family lineage

Answer

Individual merit and achievements

Answer

Economic wealth and political power

Answer

Education and occupational status

Question 18

In a closed social stratification system, what characteristic restricts individuals' ability to move between social classes?

Accepted Answer

Social status determined by birth and family background

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Economic factors determining social status

Answer

Equal opportunities for social advancement

Question 19

Which social stratification system is primarily determined by economic factors?

Accepted Answer

Class system

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Estate system

Answer

Racial system

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Insufficient educational access

Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth

Question 21

Which theory suggests that social inequality is a natural part of society and actually helps it function smoothly?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Interactionist Theory

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 22

Which factor significantly contributes to social inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to quality education

Accepted Answer

Government policies favoring the wealthy

Accepted Answer

Historical events leading to wealth and power concentration

Answer

Cultural emphasis on self-reliance

Question 23

In a closed social stratification system, which characteristic hinders social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Inflexible social boundaries that restrict social mobility

Answer

High rates of social mobility across generations

Answer

Flexible social boundaries allowing movement between social classes

Answer

Absence of social hierarchy and distinct social classes

Question 24

In a society marked by substantial social inequality, which outcome is most likely to affect individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Heightened risk of social unrest and discontent

Answer

Enhanced prospects for social mobility

Answer

Reduced instances of criminal behavior

Answer

Expanded access to quality healthcare and education

Question 25

In a meritocratic social stratification system, individuals are ranked and rewarded primarily based on their:

Accepted Answer

Individual abilities and efforts

Answer

Inherited wealth

Answer

Group affiliations

Answer

Chance occurrences

Question 26

Which of the following social stratification systems is closed, meaning individuals are born into a specific social class and cannot move between classes?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Estate system

Question 27

What is a significant outcome of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Persistent poverty and social exclusion

Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Answer

Greater political participation

Question 28

What is the definition of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

A system where individuals are ranked based on their access to resources and social status.

Answer

Treating everyone equally regardless of their background.

Answer

Ranking people solely on their physical traits.

Answer

Ranking people based on their political views.

Question 29

In a closed social stratification system, what primarily determines an individual's social status?

Accepted Answer

Birth or social origin

Answer

Personal accomplishments and abilities

Question 30

Which defining trait characterizes a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are born into and remain in their caste

Answer

Status is solely determined by wealth

Answer

Intermarriage between castes is common

Answer

Occupations are based on abilities and talents

Question 31

In a closed social stratification system, which factor primarily determines an individual's social status?

Accepted Answer

Ascribed characteristics like family lineage, caste, or ethnicity

Answer

Personal accomplishments and merit

Answer

Opportunities for upward or downward social mobility

Answer

Equality in treatment and opportunities for all individuals

Question 32

In a closed social stratification system, individuals are typically:

Accepted Answer

Born into their social position and remain there for life

Answer

Able to move freely between social classes based on merit

Answer

Assigned social status based on their personal achievements

Answer

Guaranteed equal access to resources and opportunities

Question 33

In social stratification, what is the primary cause of conflicts between different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Differences in economic interests and power

Answer

Shared cultural values

Answer

Limited communication and understanding

Answer

Personal prejudices and biases

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor in determining an individual's social status in the study of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Health

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Answer

Race

Question 35

What is the best definition of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

A system where people are ranked based on their social status, power, and access to resources

Answer

A situation where everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities

Answer

A society where people are born into fixed social positions with no chance of moving up

Question 36

What is the best definition of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

A hierarchical system where people are ranked based on resources and power.

Answer

A society where everyone has equal status and opportunities.

Answer

A system where people cannot move between social classes.

Answer

A system only affected by wealth.

Question 37

How do race, gender, and class intersect to shape individuals' social experiences?

Accepted Answer

The intersection of race, gender, and class creates a hierarchy of privilege, with some groups experiencing multiple forms of discrimination and others enjoying multiple forms of advantage.

Answer

Social stratification systems operate independently, affecting individuals in isolation.

Answer

Social stratification systems are unchanging and do not evolve over time.

Answer

Individuals can easily move between different social strata, regardless of their race, gender, or class.

Question 38

How does social stratification influence individuals' opportunities and overall well-being? Discuss both the benefits and drawbacks associated with different social positions.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification can have both positive and negative effects on individuals depending on their social status.

Answer

Social stratification has no impact on individuals' life chances and well-being.

Answer

Social stratification benefits everyone by encouraging competition and rewarding success.

Answer

Social stratification only affects individuals' financial well-being, not their overall life chances.

Question 39

What is the main reason why societies have social stratification systems?

Accepted Answer

To keep society organized and stable by giving people different jobs and duties.

Answer

To make sure everyone has the same resources and chances.

Answer

To help people move up and down the social ladder more easily.

Question 40

Which factors primarily determine an individual's social status and mobility opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Education, occupation, and income

Answer

Education and income only

Answer

Race and gender only

Answer

Inherited wealth only

Question 41

How does social inequality extend beyond financial disparities to impact individuals' well-being?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality creates unequal access to resources, opportunities, and life outcomes, affecting individuals' well-being in various domains.

Answer

Social inequality has no significant impact on individuals' well-being.

Answer

Social inequality mainly affects individuals' financial well-being, with limited impact on their overall health and social opportunities.

Question 42

Which of the following is not considered a primary dimension of social stratification in modern societies?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 43

Which sociological theory suggests that social inequality primarily results from differences in individual abilities, efforts, and motivation?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interaction theory

Answer

Structuralist theory

Question 44

How does intersectionality contribute to our analysis of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It reveals that different forms of inequality can overlap and intersect, creating unique experiences

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of individual experiences over group identities

Answer

It suggests that all forms of inequality are equally important

Answer

It does not play a significant role in understanding inequality

Question 45

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

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Economic class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 46

According to conflict theory, what is the underlying cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Competition for scarce resources

Answer

Consensus and cooperation

Answer

Natural differences in ability

Answer

Random chance

Question 47

The concept of intersectionality highlights that:

Accepted Answer

Different forms of inequality can overlap and combine to create unique experiences

Answer

Inequality is solely determined by a single factor

Answer

Gender and racial inequality are unrelated

Answer

Social class is the most significant determinant of inequality

Question 48

According to functionalist theory, what is the purpose of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the efficient functioning of society

Answer

To create a more just society

Answer

To eliminate poverty and discrimination

Answer

To reward individual merit

Question 49

The concept of social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

Movement between social classes

Answer

Changes in an individual's status over time

Answer

The process of stratification developing

Answer

The persistence of inequality across generations

Question 50

According to the functionalist perspective, what is a potential benefit of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Encourages individuals to work harder

Answer

Reduces social mobility

Answer

Perpetuates poverty

Answer

Increases crime rates

Question 51

Which data source provides the most reliable information for measuring income inequality in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Tax records

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Census data

Answer

Public databases

Question 52

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

Accepted Answer

Status is primarily determined by birth

Answer

High degree of social mobility

Answer

Individuals can change their caste through marriage

Answer

Economic factors play a major role in determining status

Question 53

According to Karl Marx, which class division is the driving force behind social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The bourgeoisie and the proletariat

Answer

The elite and the working class

Answer

The upper class and the lower class

Answer

The middle class and the underclass

Question 54

Which of the following is not a potential consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased political stability

Answer

Limited access to healthcare and education

Answer

Social unrest and discrimination

Answer

Diminished opportunities for personal growth

Question 55

What is the term for a social hierarchy primarily based on ascribed characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Feudal system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Meritocracy

Question 56

How does race intersect with social stratification in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Race significantly shapes social inequalities.

Answer

Race has no discernible impact on social stratification.

Answer

Social stratification is solely determined by economic factors.

Answer

Race and social stratification are unrelated.

Question 57

What is the central focus of the functionalist perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the role of inequality in maintaining social stability and order.

Answer

It assumes that inequality is an inherent aspect of human nature.

Answer

It asserts that inequality is universally detrimental to society

Answer

It focuses on the experiences of individuals affected by inequality.

Question 58

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of conflict in maintaining social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social exchange theory

Question 59

How does social stratification interact with other social divisions, like race and gender, to create unique experiences of disadvantage and privilege?

Accepted Answer

Creates distinct forms of marginalization and exclusion

Answer

Has no impact on other social divisions

Answer

Only affects individuals who experience multiple forms of inequality

Question 60

Which sociological perspective suggests that social inequality is not inherently harmful but instead plays a vital role in maintaining social order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Conflict perspective

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Question 61

Which of the following is **not** considered a fundamental axis of social stratification in modern societies?

Accepted Answer

Religious affiliation

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Education

Question 62

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

Accepted Answer

It is a system of hierarchical social groups.

Answer

It is based on achieved characteristics.

Answer

It promotes social equality.

Answer

It has no impact on individual life chances.

Question 63

What does the concept of 'intersectionality' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness of multiple social identities and their impact on experiences.

Answer

The idea that social inequality is solely based on one's race.

Answer

The belief that everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their background.

Answer

The role of education in reducing social mobility.

Question 64

What is the primary objective of affirmative action policies?

Accepted Answer

To promote diversity and equal opportunities in education and employment.

Answer

To eliminate all forms of discrimination overnight.

Answer

To provide preferential treatment to historically marginalized groups.

Answer

To ensure that everyone has the same exact life experiences.