Social Mobility: Types, Factors, and Impact - Sociology Quiz

Question 1

Social mobility can have both positive and negative effects on individuals and society. Discuss these potential benefits and drawbacks.

Accepted Answer

Social mobility has both benefits and drawbacks for individuals and society.

Answer

Social mobility always benefits individuals and society.

Answer

Social mobility is never beneficial for individuals or society.

Question 2

How does structural mobility differ from circulatory mobility?

Accepted Answer

Structural mobility involves long-term changes in social structure, while circulatory mobility focuses on short-term changes.

Answer

Circulatory mobility involves long-term changes in social structure, while structural mobility focuses on short-term changes.

Answer

Structural mobility is driven by individual factors, while circulatory mobility is driven by societal changes.

Answer

Circulatory mobility is driven by individual factors, while structural mobility is driven by societal changes.

Question 3

Which theory emphasizes the role of social institutions in shaping social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Structural-functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

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Symbolic interaction theory

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Social exchange theory

Question 4

How does relative deprivation influence perceptions of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It leads individuals to compare their circumstances to those of others, potentially fostering feelings of inequality and discontent.

Answer

It encourages individuals to set realistic goals for social advancement.

Answer

It has no significant impact on perceptions of social mobility.

Answer

It motivates individuals to strive for absolute equality in all aspects of life.

Question 5

Which of the following is a method used to measure social mobility over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal studies

Answer

Cross-sectional studies

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Observational studies

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Experimental studies

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT considered a systemic factor that influences social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Luck

Answer

Education

Answer

Occupation

Answer

Social networks

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a type of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Spatial mobility

Answer

Intergenerational mobility

Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Answer

Vertical mobility

Question 8

According to the structural mobility theory, social mobility is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Social structure

Answer

Individual characteristics

Answer

Cultural factors

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Economic factors

Question 9

In the United States, which of the following factors has been found to have the greatest influence on social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Education level

Answer

Family income

Answer

Race

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Gender

Question 10

Intergenerational mobility refers to:

Accepted Answer

Social mobility that is passed down through generations

Answer

Social mobility that occurs within one's lifetime

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Social mobility that involves moving horizontally

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Social mobility that involves moving vertically

Question 11

According to the circulation theory of elites, social mobility:

Accepted Answer

Occurs in cycles, with elites being gradually replaced by new elites

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Is constant and widespread

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Is rare and only occurs in exceptional circumstances

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Is primarily driven by political factors

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of structural mobility?

Accepted Answer

A factory worker losing their job due to automation

Answer

A nurse becoming a doctor

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A child from a low-income family attending college

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A woman being promoted to CEO

Question 13

What is the concept of 'relative deprivation' in the context of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

The feeling of dissatisfaction when comparing one's own status to others

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The belief that one deserves a higher status than they have

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The lack of access to resources and opportunities

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The psychological impact of downward social mobility

Question 14

What is the 'glass ceiling' effect?

Accepted Answer

The phenomenon where women and minorities face barriers to advancement in their careers

Answer

The tendency for people with higher levels of education to have higher incomes

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The belief that only certain individuals can achieve upward social mobility

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The process of moving down the social hierarchy

Question 15

Intergenerational social mobility specifically refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Change in social status between parents and their children.

Answer

Movement between different social classes within an individual's lifetime.

Answer

Movement within social classes over a single generation.

Question 16

Which factor is widely regarded as the most influential in facilitating upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Access to education

Answer

Family socioeconomic status

Answer

Racial background

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Gender identity

Question 17

Which of the following is a potential negative impact of downward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Increased likelihood of poverty

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Enhanced health outcomes

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Expanded employment opportunities

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Elevated levels of educational attainment

Question 18

Which sociological theory places emphasis on the role of social class in shaping life chances and opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Stratification theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 19

Which research method is employed to examine social mobility at the group level?

Accepted Answer

Cohort analysis

Answer

Cross-sectional analysis

Answer

Panel study

Answer

Individual case study

Question 20

Which policy measure has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on promoting upward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Universal access to quality education

Answer

Tax breaks for high-income earners

Answer

Reductions in government spending on social welfare programs

Answer

Deregulation of labor markets

Question 21

Which of the following is a criticism of the concept of social mobility?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the persistence of social inequality

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It is too simplistic

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It is based on flawed data

Question 22

Which of the following factors can hinder downward social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Strong social safety net

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

High unemployment rates

Question 23

Which of the following is an example of structural mobility?

Accepted Answer

Changes in the occupational distribution due to technological advancements

Answer

A child inheriting wealth from their parents

Answer

An individual moving from a low-income to a high-income job