Social Stratification: Definition and Key Concepts

Question 1

Which of these is NOT a major sociological theory explaining social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Conflict perspective

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Question 2

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society is known as:

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social hierarchy

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social mobility

Question 3

Social mobility refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy

Answer

Process of socialization into society

Answer

Formation of social groups

Answer

Maintenance of social order

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of resources

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Reduced social conflict

Answer

Enhanced social equality

Question 5

Prestige, as a dimension of social stratification, is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Occupation and profession

Answer

Income and wealth

Answer

Education and skills

Answer

Power and influence

Question 6

A caste system is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

Closed social system

Answer

Open social system

Answer

Stratified social system

Answer

Industrialized social system

Question 7

The social class system is a form of social stratification based on:

Accepted Answer

Wealth and income

Answer

Power and status

Answer

Education and occupation

Answer

Religion and ethnicity

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a central dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 9

Social stratification refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in a society

Answer

Distribution of resources within a society

Answer

Cultural beliefs and values of a society

Answer

Political system of a society

Question 10

Which theory suggests that social stratification serves functional purposes within society?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of upward vertical social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Moving from a lower social class to a higher one

Answer

Moving within the same social class

Answer

Changing jobs within the same company

Answer

Earning a higher income

Question 12

What is the term for the process by which individuals adopt the values and beliefs of their social class?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Enculturation

Question 13

What is the term for the belief that one's own social class is superior to others?

Accepted Answer

Social dominance orientation

Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Prejudice

Answer

Discrimination

Question 14

How does social stratification affect individuals in a society?

Accepted Answer

It establishes social hierarchies that limit access to resources and opportunities.

Answer

It promotes equal opportunities and social mobility.

Answer

It encourages social cohesion and a sense of community among individuals.

Question 15

Which of the following is not a dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Occupation

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 16

Social stratification refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups in society

Answer

Equal distribution of resources among individuals

Answer

Absence of social divisions and inequalities

Answer

Temporary state of social inequality

Question 17

What is the primary function of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

To create and maintain social order and stability

Answer

To ensure equal access to resources

Answer

To eliminate social inequalities

Answer

To promote social cohesion

Question 18

Which of the following theories emphasizes the role of conflict in social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Structuralist theory

Question 19

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between social strata

Answer

The fixed position of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy

Answer

The process of social equalization

Answer

The absence of vertical social movement

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a key dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Occupation

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 21

Social stratification refers to:

Accepted Answer

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society

Answer

The distribution of resources in a society

Answer

The process of social change

Answer

The beliefs and values held by a society

Question 22

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals and groups between different social strata

Answer

The process of social change

Answer

The distribution of resources in a society

Answer

The beliefs and values held by a society

Question 23

In present-day societies, which type of social stratification is commonly observed?

Accepted Answer

Class system

Answer

Caste system

Answer

Estate system

Question 24

How does social stratification contribute to both social conflict and social change?

Accepted Answer

By perpetuating unequal access to resources and opportunities, fostering conflict and resentment

Answer

By fostering cooperation and cohesion among different societal strata

Answer

By ensuring a society characterized by stability and order

Answer

By eliminating social mobility, thereby perpetuating the existing social hierarchy

Question 25

How does social stratification affect the life chances and outcomes of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

It creates different chances of success and achievement based on socioeconomic background.

Answer

It offers equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Answer

It results in similar life paths for people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 27

Social stratification is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Ascribed characteristics, such as race or gender

Answer

Achieved characteristics, such as education or occupation

Answer

Personal preferences

Answer

Random selection

Question 28

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

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities for upward movement

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Open access to all social positions

Answer

Meritocratic advancement

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of upward vertical social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Receiving a promotion at work

Answer

Moving from one neighborhood to another within the same city

Answer

Changing careers

Answer

Getting married

Question 30

What is a potential negative consequence of social stratification on individuals?

Accepted Answer

Reduced life expectancy

Answer

Increased self-esteem

Answer

Greater job satisfaction

Answer

Better health outcomes

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

Status

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 32

What is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups within a society called?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social hierarchy

Answer

Social class structure

Answer

Social order

Question 33

How do social institutions, such as the family, education, and the media, contribute to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social institutions can play complex and sometimes contradictory roles in both perpetuating and challenging social stratification.

Answer

Social institutions only reinforce social stratification.

Answer

Social institutions only challenge social stratification.

Answer

Social institutions have no influence on social stratification.

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 35

The caste system is an example of a social stratification system based on:

Accepted Answer

Ascribed characteristics

Answer

Achieved characteristics

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Question 36

Which of the following sociological theories explains social stratification as a result of conflict between different social classes?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social exchange theory

Question 37

According to functionalist theory, social stratification serves the function of:

Accepted Answer

Creating a stable and orderly society

Answer

Promoting social mobility

Answer

Reducing inequality

Answer

Preventing conflict

Question 38

According to conflict theory, social stratification is maintained through:

Accepted Answer

Institutionalized power

Answer

Social consensus

Answer

Cultural values

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 39

How does social stratification influence the distribution of power and resources in a society?

Accepted Answer

It concentrates power and resources among a select few.

Answer

It ensures equal distribution of resources for all.

Answer

It prevents the elite from accumulating wealth and power.

Answer

It has no impact on the distribution of power and resources.

Question 40

Define social stratification.

Accepted Answer

A hierarchical system in which individuals and groups are ranked based on their access to resources and opportunities

Answer

A society in which there is no inequality

Answer

A system in which individuals are divided into distinct social classes based on their birth

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Intelligence

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Prestige

Question 42

Name a type of social stratification system:

Accepted Answer

Caste system

Answer

Capitalism

Answer

Communism

Answer

Socialism

Question 43

State a function of social stratification:

Accepted Answer

Providing a sense of order and stability

Answer

Promoting equality

Answer

Reducing poverty

Answer

Eliminating conflict

Question 44

Identify a criticism of social stratification:

Accepted Answer

It can lead to inequality and social injustice

Answer

It reduces conflict

Answer

It is necessary for a functioning society

Answer

It promotes social mobility

Question 45

Identify a potential benefit of social stratification:

Accepted Answer

It can provide a sense of purpose and belonging

Answer

It can reduce social mobility

Answer

It can lead to conflict and social unrest

Answer

It can increase inequality

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary dimension of social stratification in most societies?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Power

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Prestige

Question 47

Social stratification is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A hierarchical arrangement of individuals and groups based on their access to resources, power, and prestige.

Answer

A random assignment of social roles within a society.

Answer

An equal distribution of resources and opportunities among all members of society.

Question 48

Which sociological theory argues that social stratification is necessary for the proper functioning of society, with individuals ranked based on their contributions?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 49

The idea that social inequality is inevitable and beneficial for society is a core belief of:

Accepted Answer

Functionalist perspective

Answer

Liberal perspective

Answer

Socialist perspective

Answer

Marxist perspective

Question 50

What is a significant consequence of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Unequal access to resources like education, healthcare, and opportunities.

Answer

The absence of social conflict and inequality.

Answer

Universal happiness and contentment for everyone.

Answer

Equal opportunity for all members of society.

Question 51

Social mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

The movement of individuals or groups between different social strata.

Answer

The random assignment of social roles within a society.

Answer

Fixed social positions that individuals cannot change.

Question 52

Which of these is NOT a recognized type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Answer

Horizontal mobility

Question 53

Social stratification is often maintained through:

Accepted Answer

Socialization processes that instill values and beliefs supporting the existing hierarchy, and discriminatory practices that limit opportunities for certain groups.

Answer

The absence of social institutions and structures.

Answer

Random allocation of resources and opportunities.

Answer

Fair competition and equal opportunities for all individuals.

Question 54

The belief that one's position in the social hierarchy is deserved and justified is known as:

Accepted Answer

Legitimation

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Alienation

Question 55

Which of the following concepts challenges the traditional view of social stratification as solely based on class?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism