Causes of Social Inequality: Understanding the Roots of Disparity

Question 1

Which of the following is a potential intervention to disrupt the cycle of social inequality reinforced by social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Reducing income and wealth inequality

Accepted Answer

Increasing access to quality education and skill development programs

Accepted Answer

Eliminating all forms of discrimination and bias

Answer

Lowering taxes on businesses and high-income earners

Question 2

How do housing policies, discrimination, and social inequality interact? Explain how unequal access to housing contributes to broader societal issues.

Accepted Answer

Addressing housing inequality can help reduce broader social inequality.

Answer

Housing policies always promote fairness and prevent discrimination.

Answer

Discrimination in housing only affects certain minority groups.

Answer

Unequal access to housing has little impact on overall well-being.

Question 3

In feudal societies, what was the main factor that determined a person's social standing and authority?

Accepted Answer

Family history and land ownership

Answer

Wealth and class

Answer

Political influence

Question 4

How do cultural values, beliefs, and norms influence our understanding and attitudes towards social inequality?

Accepted Answer

They establish a shared perception of what is socially acceptable and desirable.

Answer

They have no significant impact on how people perceive or experience social inequality.

Answer

They promote social mobility and equality for all members of society.

Answer

They are unrelated to the study of social inequality.

Question 5

Discrimination based on factors like race or gender can result in:

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to education and job opportunities

Answer

Increased social mobility and economic productivity

Answer

Enhanced social cohesion and societal harmony

Answer

Improved overall health and well-being

Question 6

Unequal access to healthcare contributes to social inequality primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Exacerbating health disparities and unequal health outcomes

Answer

Promoting social mobility and upward economic mobility

Answer

Reducing economic inequality and narrowing the wealth gap

Answer

Strengthening community bonds and social cohesion

Question 7

A meritocracy is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Rewards and opportunities distributed based on effort and ability

Answer

Positions granted primarily based on social status or connections

Answer

Limited opportunities for social mobility and upward movement

Answer

High levels of social inequality and economic disparities

Question 8

Social capital refers to:

Accepted Answer

The value and benefits derived from one's social connections

Answer

The total amount of wealth accumulated by an individual

Answer

The level of education and academic qualifications attained

Answer

The political influence and power wielded by a specific group

Question 9

Which factor can perpetuate social inequality over multiple generations?

Accepted Answer

Residential segregation and unequal access to resources

Answer

Equal access to education and healthcare for all individuals

Answer

Strong social mobility and opportunities for upward movement

Answer

Universal healthcare and comprehensive social welfare programs

Question 10

Social movements can contribute to reducing social inequality by:

Accepted Answer

Advocating for policy changes and promoting social justice

Answer

Perpetuating existing inequalities and social divisions

Answer

Weakening community bonds and social cohesion

Answer

Suppressing social mobility and economic opportunities

Question 11

The concept of intersectionality emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The interconnected and overlapping nature of social identities

Answer

The importance of focusing solely on one's primary identity

Answer

The dominance of one identity over all other aspects of an individual's experience

Answer

The irrelevance of social identities in shaping people's experiences

Question 12

Which of the following is not a primary cause of social inequality in society?

Accepted Answer

Equal access to resources

Answer

Economic disparities

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth

Question 13

From a functionalist perspective, social inequality is believed to serve which of the following purposes within a society?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and stability

Answer

Promoting individual mobility

Answer

Reducing economic efficiency

Answer

Leading to widespread social conflict

Question 14

What is the specific term for the uneven distribution of resources and opportunities based on race or ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

Racism

Answer

Classism

Answer

Sexism

Answer

Ageism

Question 15

What is the process referred to when individuals move from a lower social class to a higher social class?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social inequality

Question 16

According to conflict theory, the primary cause of social inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Competition for limited resources

Answer

Cultural differences

Answer

Individual choices

Answer

Government policies

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It can foster empathy and compassion

Answer

It can provide incentives for individuals to succeed

Answer

It can promote competition and innovation

Answer

It can maintain social order

Question 18

What is the role of education in reducing social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C

Answer

It provides equal opportunities for advancement to all individuals

Answer

It breaks the cycle of poverty by enhancing human capital

Answer

It promotes social mobility by equipping individuals with valuable skills

Question 19

Which of the following theories explains social inequality as a result of differing abilities and skills?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 20

How have societal norms and cultural values historically shaped the distribution of resources and opportunities, contributing to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Societal norms and cultural values have historically reinforced existing inequalities, affecting resource distribution and opportunities.

Answer

Societal norms have always promoted equality, while cultural values have hindered it.

Answer

Cultural values have remained unchanged throughout history, while societal norms have evolved to reduce inequality.

Question 21

How does social inequality affect the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals and communities?

Accepted Answer

Increased feelings of isolation, loneliness, and being left out

Accepted Answer

Lowered self-esteem, confidence, and feelings of self-worth

Answer

Improved mental and physical health due to greater access to resources and opportunities

Question 22

Systemic discrimination faced by a specific group in society is termed:

Accepted Answer

Institutional racism

Answer

Prejudice

Answer

Stereotyping

Answer

Social exclusion

Question 23

Which outcome below is NOT a consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economic prosperity

Answer

Increased crime rates

Answer

Diminished health outcomes

Answer

Limited social interactions

Question 24

The process of assigning individuals to different social categories based on perceived differences is called:

Accepted Answer

Social classification

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Socialization

Question 25

Which sociological theory proposes that inequality is an inherent part of society and benefits its functioning?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 26

The belief that one's own group is superior to others is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Xenophobia

Answer

Prejudice

Answer

Discrimination

Question 27

In a meritocratic society, individuals are rewarded:

Accepted Answer

Based on their achievements

Answer

Equally regardless of their efforts

Answer

According to their social status

Answer

Randomly

Question 28

The movement of individuals up or down the social hierarchy is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social classification

Answer

Socialization

Question 29

Which theory suggests that social inequality is an unavoidable outcome of variations in natural abilities?

Accepted Answer

Social Darwinism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 30

Which of the following is an example of institutional discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Unequal resource allocation to schools in low-income neighborhoods by a school district

Answer

Favoritism towards job candidates from the same racial background as the hiring manager

Answer

A landlord refusing to rent to tenants based on their sexual orientation

Answer

None of the choices provided

Question 31

How do cultural norms and values influence the perception and acceptance of social inequality in a society?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and values shape how inequality is perceived and deemed acceptable within a society.

Answer

Culture has no impact on the experience of social inequality.

Answer

Cultural diversity always leads to increased social inequality.

Answer

Culture is the sole determinant of social inequality.

Question 32

Which of the following is not a major contributing factor to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Unequal access to opportunities

Question 33

In what way does intersectionality enhance our comprehension of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality exposes concealed patterns of discrimination that remain hidden when examining individual factors in isolation.

Answer

Intersectionality simplifies the analysis of social inequality by focusing on one type of discrimination at a time.

Answer

Intersectionality downplays the significance of addressing specific forms of discrimination.

Answer

Intersectionality has a negligible impact on our understanding of social inequality.

Question 34

Which model of social justice aims to provide everyone with the same chances to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Equality of opportunity

Answer

Equality of outcome

Answer

Distributive justice

Question 35

Identify the primary cause of economic inequality:

Accepted Answer

Significant disparities in income and wealth across individuals or groups

Answer

Limited access to affordable healthcare services

Answer

Variations in educational attainment levels

Answer

Social status and prestige

Question 36

Which type of discrimination involves unjust treatment based on perceived differences in race or ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

Racial discrimination

Answer

Sexism (discrimination based on gender)

Answer

Ageism (discrimination based on age)

Question 37

Which factor does NOT contribute to unequal access to resources?

Accepted Answer

Equal opportunity employment policies

Answer

Disparities in access to quality healthcare

Answer

Poverty and financial constraints

Answer

Geographic location and limited infrastructure

Question 38

How does social stratification contribute to the perpetuation of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It creates social hierarchies that privilege certain groups while disadvantaging others

Answer

It promotes upward social mobility for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

Answer

It ensures equitable distribution of opportunities for all members of society

Question 39

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

Accepted Answer

Increased rates of crime and social unrest

Answer

Improved educational outcomes for all citizens

Answer

Strengthened social cohesion and unity

Answer

Enhanced economic growth and prosperity

Question 40

How can education contribute to mitigating social inequality?

Accepted Answer

By providing equal opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and upward social mobility

Answer

By increasing income disparities between different socioeconomic groups

Answer

By perpetuating negative stereotypes and biases

Question 41

Which of the following is a characteristic of an intersectional approach to understanding social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges that different forms of inequality, such as those based on race, gender, and class, overlap and interact with each other

Answer

It assumes that all forms of inequality are entirely separate and unrelated

Answer

It focuses exclusively on economic inequality, disregarding other dimensions of social stratification

Question 42

How is the concept of social mobility related to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

It measures the extent to which individuals can move between different socioeconomic strata over time

Answer

It refers to the fixed and unchanging social classes that exist within a society

Answer

It guarantees that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their background

Question 43

Which sociological theory focuses on the role of conflict and power dynamics in explaining the persistence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 44

What is the primary objective of affirmative action policies in relation to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

To address historical and ongoing discrimination by promoting equal opportunities and reducing disparities

Answer

To eliminate all forms of social inequality immediately

Answer

To create a reverse hierarchy where previously disadvantaged groups are given preferential treatment

Question 45

Which of the following is a significant consequence of unequal access to resources?

Accepted Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Increased cultural opportunities

Answer

Enhanced political power

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Question 46

Which factor is NOT a primary contributor to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Innate abilities

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Social class

Answer

Wealth

Question 47

What is a key impact of social inequality on society?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to social unrest, increased crime rates, and widespread poverty.

Answer

It strengthens democratic institutions.

Answer

It enhances educational opportunities.

Answer

It promotes social harmony and economic growth.

Question 48

What is a defining feature of a meritocracy?

Accepted Answer

Positions are achieved based on an individual's abilities, skills, and effort.

Answer

Opportunities are equally distributed among all individuals.

Answer

Social status is inherited.

Question 49

How does education contribute to social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It equips individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to move up in social strata.

Answer

It guarantees equal access to high-paying jobs.

Answer

It eliminates all forms of discrimination.

Question 50

What is the main difference between absolute and relative poverty?

Accepted Answer

Absolute poverty refers to a lack of basic necessities, while relative poverty compares individuals' income or resources to the average living standards in society.

Answer

Absolute poverty is only found in developing countries, while relative poverty is found in both developed and developing countries.

Question 51

Which of the following is a potential solution to address social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Improving access to quality education and healthcare.

Answer

Enacting stricter immigration policies.

Answer

Raising taxes on the wealthy without addressing underlying causes.

Question 52

Which indicators are commonly used to measure social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Income distribution, wealth inequality, and education levels.

Answer

Number of homeless individuals in a society.

Answer

Voting patterns and political affiliation.