Social Inequality: Theories, Systems, and Consequences

Question 1

Which theory proposes that social inequality is necessary for a stable and orderly society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionist Theory

Answer

Feminist Theory

Question 2

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the functionalist theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification is essential for maintaining societal stability.

Answer

Social inequality is primarily caused by individual effort and merit.

Answer

Social stratification is a rigid and unchangeable aspect of society.

Answer

Economic factors are the only determinants of social stratification.

Question 3

In Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, the fundamental division in society is based on:

Accepted Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Age

Question 4

According to conflict theorists, the primary cause of social stratification is:

Accepted Answer

Economic competition

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Cultural factors

Answer

Political power

Question 5

What is the term for the process by which individuals and groups move up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social change

Question 6

Functionalist theory argues that social stratification is essential for:

Accepted Answer

A smoothly functioning society.

Answer

Economic stability.

Answer

Social mobility.

Answer

Fairness and equality.

Question 7

Which characteristic is NOT associated with a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility based on individual merit

Answer

Fixed membership based on birth

Answer

Hierarchical ranking of castes

Answer

Occupational and social status determined by caste membership

Question 8

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, which class controls the means of production?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Proletariat

Answer

Peasantry

Answer

Middle class

Question 9

Which stratification system emphasizes individual achievement and social fluidity?

Accepted Answer

Open system

Answer

Closed system

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Estate system

Question 10

Which theory views society as a system of interdependent parts working together?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 11

According to feminist theory, which factor plays a significant role in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Race

Answer

Class

Answer

Age

Question 12

Which research approach is best suited for exploring the complexities of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Mixed methods approach

Answer

Quantitative analysis

Answer

Qualitative inquiry

Answer

Historical research

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

It encompasses social, economic, and political dimensions.

Answer

It remains static and universally accepted.

Answer

It guarantees equal benefits for all individuals.

Answer

It only exists in societies prior to industrialization.

Question 14

According to Karl Marx's theory, which social class is the primary agent of societal transformation?

Accepted Answer

Working class (Proletariat)

Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Peasantry

Answer

Aristocracy

Question 15

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals or groups move up or down the social hierarchy over time?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Social reproduction

Answer

Social stratification

Question 16

Which of the following is a type of social stratification system wherein social status is primarily determined by birth or family background?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Estate system

Question 17

In sociology, what is the term for the belief that one's own cultural group is superior to others?

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Racism

Answer

Xenophobia

Answer

Sexism

Question 18

In a society characterized by high levels of social stratification, which of the following is more likely to be observed?

Accepted Answer

A small wealthy elite separated by a large gap from the rest of society.

Answer

A substantial middle class with a moderate range of income distribution.

Answer

A relatively equitable distribution of wealth and income across the population.

Answer

High rates of social mobility.

Question 19

Identify a potential benefit associated with social inequality.

Accepted Answer

It can provide motivation for individuals to pursue higher education and career advancement.

Answer

It can generate resources for public services and infrastructure.

Answer

It can foster social cohesion and cooperation.

Answer

It can lead to reductions in crime and social unrest.

Question 20

How does understanding social stratification enhance the nursing profession?

Accepted Answer

Nurses can tailor care to patients' social backgrounds.

Answer

Social stratification has no bearing on patient health.

Answer

Nurses should disregard patients' social circumstances.

Question 21

According to functionalist theory, social inequality is necessary for:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and stability

Answer

Promoting social mobility upward

Answer

Reducing social conflict

Answer

Eliminating social injustice

Question 22

Which of the following is a key concept in conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Power dynamics

Answer

Social consensus

Answer

Meritocracy

Answer

Value orientations

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Social inequality

Question 24

Which type of social mobility involves moving up or down within the same social class?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Question 25

What is a social class system characterized by rigid boundaries and limited opportunities for social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Estate system

Answer

Occupational system

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a form of social stratification found in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Caste

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Age

Question 27

What is the main focus of symbolic interactionist theory in relation to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

How individuals and groups construct and maintain social meanings

Answer

How power dynamics shape social inequality

Answer

How social institutions perpetuate social stratification

Answer

How social mobility affects individuals

Question 28

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

Accepted Answer

Individuals are ranked in a social hierarchy based on their position in society.

Answer

Social status is determined solely by birth and cannot be changed.

Answer

Social status is based on ascribed characteristics rather than achieved ones.

Answer

Social status is temporary and can fluctuate over time.

Question 29

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, the primary factor determining social inequality is:

Accepted Answer

Wealth and control over the means of production.

Answer

Educational attainment and occupational status.

Answer

Age, gender, and race.

Answer

Cultural values and beliefs.

Question 30

Which of the following is an example of a closed social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

The caste system in India.

Answer

The social class system in the United States.

Answer

The mobility system in Brazil.

Answer

The meritocracy in China.

Question 31

The term that describes the process of individuals moving between different social strata is:

Accepted Answer

Social mobility.

Answer

Social inequality.

Answer

Social stratification.

Answer

Social cohesion.

Question 32

Social institutions, such as schools, the media, and the legal system, play a role in maintaining social stratification by:

Accepted Answer

Transmitting and perpetuating cultural values and norms that justify and legitimize the existing social order.

Answer

Remaining neutral and having no significant impact on social stratification.

Answer

Working to reduce social inequality and promote social mobility.

Answer

Having no effect on social stratification.

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

Restricted social mobility

Answer

Increased economic growth

Answer

Lower rates of crime

Answer

Improved educational outcomes

Question 34

In the United States, which demographic group has consistently faced the highest rates of poverty over the past several decades?

Accepted Answer

African Americans

Answer

Women

Answer

Immigrants

Answer

The elderly

Question 35

What is the term for a social system in which an individual's status is primarily determined by their birth and is difficult to change?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Feudal system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Meritocracy

Question 36

Which of the following theories emphasizes the role of conflict and power struggles in shaping social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 37

What is the primary characteristic of a social class?

Accepted Answer

Similar occupations and income levels

Answer

Shared values and beliefs

Answer

Common ethnicity or race

Answer

Frequent social interaction

Question 38

What is the process by which individuals learn and internalize the values and norms of their society?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Enculturation

Question 39

Which of the following is a key factor that can perpetuate social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Institutional discrimination

Answer

Access to quality education

Answer

Economic opportunities

Answer

Political representation

Question 40

Which consequence of social mobility underscores its limited ability to reduce social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Enduring social stratification despite individual mobility

Answer

Enhanced economic prospects for upwardly mobile individuals

Answer

Diminished class conflict and social tensions

Question 41

How does the functionalist perspective on social stratification consider the impact of individual actions and choices in maintaining or challenging social inequality?

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective acknowledges that individual agency interacts with societal structures to influence social inequality.

Answer

The functionalist perspective dismisses the role of individual agency in shaping social inequality.

Answer

The functionalist perspective emphasizes individual agency as the primary driver of social inequality.

Question 42

Who proposed the conflict theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Question 43

Which of the following is an example of a closed stratification system in which social mobility is severely restricted?

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Class system

Answer

Open stratification system

Answer

Meritocracy

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility is common.

Answer

Membership is determined by heredity.

Answer

There is a rigid hierarchy of castes.

Answer

Status is ascribed at birth and remains fixed.

Question 45

According to Karl Marx's conflict theory, what is the root cause of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economic power relations

Answer

Educational disparities

Answer

Cultural beliefs

Answer

Political dominance

Question 46

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources and opportunities

Answer

Universal social harmony

Answer

Increased social bonding

Answer

Guaranteed equality among all individuals

Question 47

Which of the following is a key function of social stratification, as proposed by functionalist theory?

Accepted Answer

Providing stability and social order

Answer

Ensuring equal opportunities

Answer

Eliminating competition

Answer

Preventing social change

Question 48

Which of the following is a critique of the functionalist theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the role of conflict and power in shaping social inequality.

Answer

It is grounded in empirical research.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive explanation of social change.

Question 49

Which of the following is a policy strategy aimed at reducing social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Deregulating labor markets

Answer

Reducing public assistance programs

Answer

Cutting taxes for corporations

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

It is always based on merit.

Answer

It is a system of social inequality.

Answer

It is determined by factors such as income, education, and occupation.

Answer

It is universal across cultures.

Question 51

According to Karl Marx's theory of social stratification, which class owns the means of production?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Lumpenproletariat

Answer

Proletariat

Answer

Petty bourgeoisie

Question 52

Which of the following is a consequence of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of chronic diseases among the poor.

Answer

Improved access to healthcare for the wealthy.

Answer

Decreased crime rates.

Answer

Increased political power for the poor.

Question 53

Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination

Answer

All of the above

Answer

Education

Answer

Occupation

Question 54

Which of the following is a theory of social stratification that emphasizes the role of education and occupation?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Exchange theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Question 55

Which of the following is a measure of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Gini coefficient

Answer

Correlation coefficient

Answer

Standard deviation

Answer

Skewness coefficient

Question 56

Which of the following is a way to reduce social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Investing in education

Answer

Deregulating the economy

Answer

Reducing taxes for the wealthy

Answer

Increasing military spending

Question 57

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

Accepted Answer

Membership is determined by birth.

Answer

All of the above

Answer

Mobility is relatively easy between castes.

Answer

Castes are based on economic differences.