Social Inequality: A Comprehensive Guide for Biology Students

Question 1

Which sociological theory emphasizes the significance of conflict and power dynamics in shaping social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 2

How do various forms of social inequality, such as race, gender, and class, overlap and interact to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege?

Accepted Answer

They intersect and interact, leading to unique experiences based on an individual's multiple social identities.

Answer

They operate independently, without affecting each other.

Answer

They form a hierarchy, with one form dominating the others.

Answer

They are entirely unrelated and do not coexist within society.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a primary system of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Religion

Answer

Class

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 4

Within a class system, individuals are ranked primarily based on their:

Accepted Answer

Wealth and income

Answer

Caste affiliation

Answer

Religious beliefs

Answer

Political power

Question 5

Identify the sociological term that refers to the unequal distribution of power and advantages among different groups in society:

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social hierarchy

Answer

Social status

Question 6

What term describes the set of beliefs and practices that justify and maintain social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social ideology

Answer

Social institutions

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Social values

Question 7

How does globalization impact social stratification? Does it primarily increase or decrease inequality within and across societies?

Accepted Answer

Globalization can both increase and decrease inequality.

Answer

Globalization primarily increases inequality.

Answer

Globalization primarily decreases inequality.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Answer

Class

Question 9

According to Karl Marx, which social class controls the means of production?

Accepted Answer

Bourgeoisie

Answer

Aristocracy

Answer

Peasantry

Answer

Proletariat

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Increased crime rates

Answer

Greater economic opportunities

Answer

Higher levels of education

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Question 11

What is the term for the process of moving up or down the social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social class

Question 12

Which characteristic is unique to a caste system?

Accepted Answer

Endogamy

Answer

Occupational specialization

Answer

Exogamy

Answer

Social mobility

Question 13

Which term refers to the set of beliefs and values that justify existing social inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Ideology

Answer

Politics

Answer

Religion

Answer

Culture

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of racial discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to rent housing to a person of color

Answer

Providing equal opportunities to all students

Answer

Promoting diversity and inclusion

Answer

Hiring a candidate based on their qualifications

Question 15

What is the term for the physical and social separation of different racial or ethnic groups?

Accepted Answer

Segregation

Answer

Assimilation

Answer

Integration

Answer

Pluralism

Question 16

Which of the following is a significant impediment to tackling social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Resistance from those who benefit from the current social order

Answer

Inadequate resources

Answer

Limited government intervention

Answer

Lack of public understanding

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a key factor contributing to social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Arbitrary assignment

Answer

Education and skills

Answer

Race and ethnicity

Answer

Income and wealth

Question 18

Which social class is characterized by the highest level of socioeconomic advantages?

Accepted Answer

Upper class

Answer

Lower class

Answer

Working class

Answer

Middle class

Question 19

Which form of social inequality involves unequal access to opportunities and rewards based on gender?

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Racial inequality

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Social conflict and tensions

Answer

Enhanced social mobility

Answer

Increased social harmony

Answer

Accelerated economic growth

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of a mechanism that can facilitate social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Education system

Answer

Job market

Answer

Tax system

Answer

Real estate market

Question 22

Which policy is commonly used to reduce socioeconomic disparities?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation

Answer

Regressive tax

Answer

Flat tax

Question 23

Which is a distinguishing characteristic of a caste system of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Membership is determined at birth and persists throughout an individual's life.

Answer

It is a meritocratic society.

Answer

High levels of social mobility are present.

Answer

The system is primarily based on economic factors.

Question 24

Which of the following is an example of the symbolic interactionist perspective in studying social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing how individuals negotiate their social status in everyday interactions.

Answer

Using large-scale statistical data to analyze income distribution.

Answer

Examining the historical roots of social inequality.

Question 25

Which is NOT considered a major system of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Class

Answer

Gender

Answer

Race

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

Restricted access to healthcare

Answer

Enhanced social mobility

Answer

Increased political participation

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Question 27

Which factor is considered a contributor to racial inequality?

Accepted Answer

Historical discrimination and oppression

Answer

Economic disparities alone

Answer

Solely cultural factors

Answer

Individual racism disregarding other factors

Question 28

Which characteristic is associated with an open social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

High levels of social mobility

Answer

Emphasis on maintaining social status

Answer

Rigid class boundaries

Answer

Limited opportunities for advancement

Question 29

Which is a critique of functionalist theories of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

They prioritize consensus and stability over conflict and inequality.

Answer

They offer concrete solutions to address inequality.

Answer

They are solely based on empirical research.

Answer

They provide a comprehensive understanding of social inequality.

Question 30

Which of the following is a potential advantage of social diversity?

Accepted Answer

Increased creativity and innovation through diverse perspectives.

Answer

Reduced need for social services

Answer

Guaranteed economic growth

Answer

Elimination of social conflict

Question 31

Which policy is designed to address racial inequality in housing?

Accepted Answer

Affirmative action programs aimed at increasing diversity in homeownership.

Answer

Tax incentives for first-time homebuyers

Answer

Stricter immigration laws

Answer

Increased police presence in high-crime neighborhoods

Question 32

Which of the following factors contributes to the perpetuation of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Political stability

Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 33

Which concept describes the interconnected and mutually reinforcing nature of different forms of social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Social classism

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social mobility

Question 34

Which factor is NOT a primary dimension of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Gender

Answer

Race

Question 35

The term 'social mobility' primarily refers to the movement of individuals between:

Accepted Answer

Social strata

Answer

Social groups

Answer

Social networks

Answer

Social roles

Question 36

Which of the following most accurately describes the concept of intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

The overlapping and interconnected nature of different forms of social inequality.

Answer

The belief that social inequality is primarily based on individual characteristics.

Answer

The idea that social inequality is a temporary phenomenon.

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

Limited access to healthcare

Answer

Reduced crime rates

Answer

Greater access to education

Answer

Increased social trust

Question 38

The 'glass ceiling' is a term used to describe:

Accepted Answer

Barriers that prevent disadvantaged groups from advancing to higher organizational ranks.

Answer

The tendency for individuals to remain within their social class.

Answer

The lack of upward mobility for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Question 39

Which term refers to the belief that certain groups or individuals are inferior to others based on their characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Prejudice

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Intolerance

Answer

Stereotyping

Question 40

Which of the following is a primary goal of affirmative action policies?

Accepted Answer

To promote equal access to opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Answer

To create quotas for specific groups.

Answer

To lower standards for admission or hiring.

Question 41

The sociological perspective defines social stratification as:

Accepted Answer

A persistent system of social inequality based on factors such as class, race, gender, and ethnicity.

Answer

A meritocratic system where individuals achieve status based on effort.

Answer

A random distribution of resources across society.

Answer

A temporary arrangement based solely on individual attributes.

Question 42

Which of the following is the strongest indicator of an individual's social class?

Accepted Answer

Occupation

Answer

Income

Answer

Education

Answer

Family background

Question 43

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

Accepted Answer

Limited access to resources for lower classes

Answer

Increased social mobility

Answer

Reduced economic growth

Answer

Stronger community ties

Question 44

What is the term for a system of social stratification based on inherited status?

Accepted Answer

Ascribed stratification

Answer

Racial stratification

Answer

Economic stratification

Answer

Gender stratification

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an open stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Restrictions on social mobility based on birth or ancestry

Answer

High levels of social mobility

Answer

Achievement-based criteria for status

Answer

Opportunities for individuals to improve their status

Question 46

According to functionalist theory, social stratification serves which of the following purposes?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and stability

Answer

Protecting individual rights

Answer

Encouraging social change

Answer

Eliminating social conflict

Question 47

Which of the following can contribute to reducing social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Increasing social mobility through education and job opportunities

Answer

Reducing government assistance programs

Answer

Promoting economic policies that benefit only the wealthy

Answer

Enhancing traditional values that emphasize hierarchy

Question 48

What is the primary goal of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

To create and maintain social order by distributing resources and assigning status

Answer

To ensure perfect equality among all members of society

Answer

To eliminate all forms of social conflict

Answer

To maximize individual freedom and autonomy

Question 49

Which of the following is a sociological perspective used to explain social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Psychological theory

Answer

Mathematical theory

Answer

Biological theory

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

Mobility is a primary characteristic of social stratification.

Answer

Hierarchy is a primary characteristic of social stratification.

Answer

Inequality is a primary characteristic of social stratification.

Answer

Persistence is a primary characteristic of social stratification.

Question 51

In the United States, which combination of factors is most commonly used to measure social class?

Accepted Answer

Income, education, and occupation

Answer

Income and education

Answer

Occupation and lifestyle

Answer

Lifestyle and prestige

Question 52

Which of the following is an example of a closed stratification system, where social mobility is extremely limited?

Accepted Answer

The caste system in India

Answer

The meritocratic system in China

Answer

The class system in the United States

Answer

The democratic system in Switzerland

Question 53

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

Accepted Answer

Increased crime and social unrest

Answer

Increased political participation

Answer

Improved educational outcomes

Answer

Reduced healthcare costs

Question 54

In recent decades, what social mobility trend has been observed in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Decreased upward mobility

Answer

Increased downward mobility

Answer

Increased intergenerational mobility

Answer

Decreased intragenerational mobility

Question 55

From a feminist perspective, how is gender inequality primarily understood?

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality is rooted in the social construction of gender roles.

Answer

Gender inequality is a result of biological differences between men and women.

Answer

Gender inequality is a result of women's lack of ambition.

Answer

Gender inequality is a natural consequence of societal evolution.

Question 56

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

Accepted Answer

Universal healthcare

Answer

Deregulation of industries

Answer

Tax cuts for the wealthy

Answer

Privatization of public services