Question 1

Members of the upper classes believe that luck and forces beyond their control govern their lives, whereas middle-class people tend to think that they are in control of their lives.

Accepted Answer

Research and sociological studies often suggest that members of the upper classes are more likely to believe they have control over their lives due to their resources and social status, while those in lower socioeconomic statuses might feel that external forces, such as luck or systemic barriers, have a greater impact on their life outcomes. Middle-class individuals often believe in the meritocratic ideal that hard work and determination can improve their life circumstances.

Question 2

The "New Class" is a term that describes a professional middle class consisting of journalists, academics, writers, media commentators, and others who have skills important in an information society.

Accepted Answer

The "New Class" is indeed a term used to describe a professional middle class with skills important in an information society.

Question 3

Vertical mobility means that a person obtains a better or worse job than the previous one, whereas horizontal mobility means that the person changes jobs, but at no greater salary and with no greater status.

Accepted Answer

This is the correct definition of vertical and horizontal mobility.

Question 4

It has been suggested that in the 1990s, the restraints of class that had eased following World War II began to emerge again.

Accepted Answer

This is a common interpretation by some scholars and commentators, who argue that the social and economic changes of the 1980s and 1990s, including globalization, deindustrialization, and rising inequality, contributed to a revival of class divisions and distinctions.

Question 5

In the United States, poverty does not mean absolute deprivation, as it does in the Third World, but rather relative deprivation, or a comparison to others in the society.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. While poverty in the Third World is often characterized by lacking basic human needs such as food, water, and shelter, poverty in the United States is more about a lack of resources compared to others in the society. This can include access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Question 6

According to Karl Marx:
A) classes are the result of different life styles
B) status is also a phenomenon of stratification
C) classes are determined by the relationship of a group in society to the means of production
D) classes are composed of the have-nots who eventually revolt against the haves

Accepted Answer

According to Karl Marx, classes are determined by the relationship of a group in society to the means of production. In other words, those who own and control the means of production (the bourgeoisie) are a distinct class from those who must sell their labor to survive (the proletariat). This concept is central to Marxist theory and is the basis for his ideas about class struggle and revolution. Marx did not view classes as a result of different life styles or status, and while he believed that the proletariat had the potential to overthrow the bourgeoisie, he did not believe that this was an inevitable or automatic outcome.

Question 7

All systems of stratification display the following characteristics except:
A) differentiation
B) segmentation
C) ranking
D) institutionalization

Accepted Answer

Not all systems of stratification necessarily display segmentation, which refers to the division of society into distinct and separate groups based on various criteria. Some systems, such as those based solely on economic class, may not have clear-cut segmentations based on race or ethnicity. However, differentiation, ranking, and institutionalization are generally essential components of any system of social stratification.

Question 8

Negative life chances correspond to:
A) a high position in the stratification system
B) a low position in the stratification system
C) lack of talent
D) lack of desire for an education

Accepted Answer

Negative life chances correspond to a low position in the stratification system, which means limited access to resources, education, opportunities, and upward mobility. This can result in poverty, unemployment, poor health, and other disadvantages. A high position in the stratification system usually corresponds with positive life chances. Lack of talent or desire for education may impact opportunities but is not directly related to life chances.

Question 9

"The ability of one individual or group to control the actions of another individual or group without the latter's consent" is a definition of:
A) coercion
B) violence
C) power
D) force

Accepted Answer

The definition given matches the concept of power, which refers to the ability to influence or command the behavior of others. Coercion, violence, and force may all be methods used to exert power, but they do not encompass the full meaning of power.

Question 10

If a janitor got a job as a security guard because it was closer to home, he would be experiencing:
A) horizontal mobility
B) vertical mobility
C) intragenerational mobility
D) interstructural mobility

Accepted Answer

Horizontal mobility refers to a situation where an individual changes jobs or positions within the same class or level of occupation. In this case, the janitor is moving from one occupation within the working class (janitor) to another occupation within the working class (security guard), without a change in status or pay.

Question 11

Social ranking is based on:
A) age
B) sex
C) wealth
D) none of the above
E) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Social ranking can be influenced by a variety of factors including age, sex, and wealth. These elements can determine an individual's status, power, and access to resources within different societies.

Question 12

Among preliterate peoples::
A) food is hoarded by a few
B) food is shared by all
C) hunting lacks prestige
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

Among preliterate peoples, food is typically shared by all members of the group. This is because these societies do not have the ability to store food long-term, so sharing is necessary for survival. Hoarding food or restricting access to it would not be beneficial for the group as a whole. Additionally, hunting and gathering are typically viewed as important skills among preliterate peoples, and those who excel at these activities may be respected or admired by their peers.

Question 13

In stratified societies, categories of people are ranked by:
A) wealth
B) power
C) prestige
D) none of the above
E) all of the above

Accepted Answer

In stratified societies, categories of people are typically ranked based on a combination of wealth, power, and prestige. Wealth refers to the accumulation of resources and financial capital, power refers to the ability to exert influence and control over others, and prestige refers to social status and recognition within a given community. All of these factors contribute to the overall ranking of individuals and groups within a stratified society.

Question 14

Stratification occurs in societies that have a:
A) surplus
B) shortage of everything
C) equality
D) capitalistic system

Accepted Answer

Stratification occurs in societies that have a surplus because it allows for the accumulation of resources and the emergence of social classes based on access to those resources. In societies with a shortage of everything, there is a more egalitarian distribution of resources and less room for social stratification. Equality also does not necessarily lead to social stratification, as it is possible for there to be a classless society with equal access to resources. While a capitalist system can lead to stratification, it is not the only factor as stratification can occur in other types of economies as well.

Question 15

Social Darwinists believed that:
A) resources belong to all the people
B) only the strongest persons should control the resources of a society
C) the weak shall inherit the earth
D) natural selection was a hoax

Accepted Answer

Social Darwinists believed in the survival of the fittest and that only the strongest individuals should have control over society's resources. They believed that this would lead to progress and success in society. This ideology was used to justify imperialism, eugenics, and other oppressive practices.

Question 16

The classical conservative approach to stratification is that:
A) inequality is the law of nature
B) stratification must be legislated
C) inequality results from exploitation
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

The classical conservative approach to stratification is that inequality is the law of nature, and it is not something that can be changed through legislation or efforts to reduce exploitation. This approach emphasizes individual effort and merit as the key determinants of success and views attempts to promote equal opportunities or redistribute resources as inefficient or even harmful.

Question 17

The structural functionalist explanation of social stratification asserts that:
A) nature demands the existence of social classes
B) there is a limited number of skilled, talented people; thus, they should be rewarded
C) resources are plentiful, so there is enough for all
D) people were not meant to work

Accepted Answer

The structural functionalist explanation argues that social stratification is necessary because there is a limited number of skilled and talented individuals, and these individuals should be rewarded for their contribution to society's success. This theory believes that social stratification is not a result of individual merit or superiority but is instead a reflection of the importance of different societal roles and contributions.

Question 18

Criticisms of structural functionalism include:
A) who says that a football player is more important than a college professor?
B) sons of talented persons are privileged even if they themselves lack talent
C) is a stable society better than an unequal society?
D) none of the above
E) all of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above criticisms are valid. Structural functionalism prioritizes social stability and order, often at the expense of individual agency and diverse perspectives. This can lead to the overlooking of inequalities and power imbalances within society. Additionally, the theory relies heavily on the idea that certain institutions and roles are inherently necessary for societal functioning, without considering the potential for change and adaptation over time.

Question 19

Marx's view of social class is that:
A) private ownership of the means of production perpetuates class divisions
B) talented people will always rise to the top
C) religion helps fight social inequality
D) the bourgeoisie will eventually triumph

Accepted Answer

Marx believed that the existence of private ownership of the means of production creates a class struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers). The bourgeoisie control the means of production and therefore have economic power, while the proletariat have to sell their labor to survive. This perpetuates class divisions and inequality. Marx did not believe that talented people would always rise to the top or that religion could fight social inequality. He also did not necessarily believe that the bourgeoisie would eventually triumph, but rather that there would eventually be a revolution by the proletariat to overthrow capitalism.

Question 20

Which of the following is a criticism of Marxist theory?
A) Inequality is a motivating force for people to rise in the stratification system
B) Everyone is talented equally
C) Marxism tries to explain all social problems
D) Democracy delivers equality better than Marxism does

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory is often criticized for not recognizing that inequality can serve as a motivation for individuals to improve their social and economic status, which can drive innovation and productivity.

Quiz 7: The Great Divide Ranking and Stratification

Members of the upper classes believe that luck and forces beyond their control govern their lives, whereas middle-class people tend to think that they are in control of their lives.

The "New Class" is a term that describes a professional middle class consisting of journalists, academics, writers, media commentators, and others who have skills important in an information society.

Vertical mobility means that a person obtains a better or worse job than the previous one, whereas horizontal mobility means that the person changes jobs, but at no greater salary and with no greater status.

It has been suggested that in the 1990s, the restraints of class that had eased following World War II began to emerge again.

In the United States, poverty does not mean absolute deprivation, as it does in the Third World, but rather relative deprivation, or a comparison to others in the society.

According to Karl Marx:

All systems of stratification display the following characteristics except:

Negative life chances correspond to:

"The ability of one individual or group to control the actions of another individual or group without the latter's consent" is a definition of:

If a janitor got a job as a security guard because it was closer to home, he would be experiencing:

Social ranking is based on:

Among preliterate peoples::

In stratified societies, categories of people are ranked by:

Stratification occurs in societies that have a:

Social Darwinists believed that:

The classical conservative approach to stratification is that:

The structural functionalist explanation of social stratification asserts that:

Criticisms of structural functionalism include:

Marx's view of social class is that:

Which of the following is a criticism of Marxist theory?