Social Stratification Systems: Understanding Social Class and Inequality

Question 1

What is the most widely used indicator of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Income level

Answer

Wealth level

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Occupational status

Question 2

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with a closed social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

High levels of social mobility

Answer

Ascribed status

Answer

Emphasis on tradition

Answer

Limited opportunities for upward mobility

Question 3

What is the primary distinction between social class and social status?

Accepted Answer

Class is based on economic factors, while status is based on social recognition

Answer

Class is based on birth, while status is based on achievement

Answer

Class is a temporary condition, while status is permanent

Answer

Class and status are synonymous

Question 4

How does race intersect with social stratification in contemporary societies?

Accepted Answer

Race is a significant factor in determining social opportunities and outcomes

Answer

Race has no impact on social stratification

Answer

Race only affects individuals in certain racial groups

Answer

Race is only a relevant factor in developing countries

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Equality in social status and access to resources

Answer

Hierarchy

Answer

Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities

Answer

Social mobility

Question 6

Which type of social stratification system is primarily based on ascribed social status, such as birth or membership in a particular group?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Meritocratic system

Answer

Estate system

Question 7

What is the primary metric used to measure income inequality?

Accepted Answer

Income distribution (e.g., Gini coefficient)

Answer

Education level

Answer

Access to healthcare

Answer

Occupational prestige

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of income inequality?

Accepted Answer

Improved social cohesion

Answer

Reduced upward social mobility

Answer

Health disparities

Answer

Political instability

Question 9

What is the term used to describe the movement of individuals or groups between social strata?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Socialization

Question 10

What is the sociological perspective that emphasizes the role of social inequality in shaping individual behavior and social outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 11

In an open social stratification system, which characteristic is a defining feature?

Accepted Answer

Social status is mainly determined by personal achievements and efforts.

Answer

Social mobility is restricted by inherited traits.

Answer

Individuals are assigned a social status at birth and it remains unchanged.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Status is rigidly assigned at birth and cannot be changed.

Answer

Social mobility is freely allowed.

Answer

Individuals can fluidly transition between different castes.

Answer

Social inequality is solely determined by economic factors.

Question 13

According to Karl Marx's theory, the primary basis for social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Economic class divisions

Answer

Racial identity

Answer

Gender roles

Answer

Educational attainment

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The Gini coefficient

Answer

The social mobility rate

Answer

The poverty index

Answer

The life expectancy ratio

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT considered a factor that contributes to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Opportunities for social mobility

Answer

Discrimination based on group membership

Answer

Access to quality education

Answer

Inheritance of wealth and resources

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a key difference between caste systems and class systems?

Accepted Answer

Caste systems are based on birth, while class systems are based on wealth.

Answer

Caste systems are found only in non-industrialized societies.

Answer

Class systems are more egalitarian than caste systems.

Answer

Caste and class systems are essentially the same thing.

Question 17

Which characteristic is NOT associated with a closed social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Limited opportunities for upward movement

Answer

Social status based on birth

Answer

Inequality perpetuated across generations

Question 18

Which factor is a primary cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Natural disasters

Answer

Economic development

Question 19

Which societal model exemplifies meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and achievements

Answer

Social status is determined by family lineage

Answer

Social status is influenced by political connections

Question 20

Which consequence is associated with social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Enhanced economic growth

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Answer

Increased social harmony

Question 21

Which type of social stratification system facilitates a high degree of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Open system

Answer

Closed system

Answer

Estate system

Answer

Caste system

Question 22

Which assumption is fundamental to the conflict perspective on social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Stratification emerges from societal group conflicts

Answer

Stratification is an inherent aspect of any society

Answer

Stratification is essential for maintaining social order

Question 23

Which scenario illustrates social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Transition from a lower to a higher social class

Answer

Losing social status due to financial setbacks

Answer

Maintaining the same social class for generations

Answer

Remaining in a lower social class from birth

Question 24

Which factor can contribute to social equality?

Accepted Answer

Education and employment opportunities

Answer

Wealth disparity

Answer

Political corruption

Answer

Discrimination