Introduction to Social Inequality

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following factors does social inequality NOT depend on?

Ethnicity

Astrological signs (correct)

Class and stratification

Gender

What is the main characteristic of the Positive stage in Comte's model of societal progression?

Fetishizing deities

Preeminence of scientific thinking (correct)

Belief in abstract concepts

Emphasis on supernatural phenomena

According to Adam Smith, what is a key to enhancing productivity?

Minimizing material needs

Ignoring political influences

Restricting the use of resources

Satisfaction of human wants (correct)

How do growth and development differ according to the content provided?

Growth is quantitative while development is qualitative. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the concept of the Social Contract?

Thomas Hobbes Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred during the Industrial Revolution?

Mechanization and introduction of specialty crops Signup and view all the answers

What does Hobbes defend as a principle in his philosophy?

Materialism Signup and view all the answers

What primarily occurred during the Modern historical trend that began with the Industrial Revolution?

Advancements in mechanization Signup and view all the answers

What are the three elements that contribute to social inequality according to Weber?

Prestige, Wealth, Power Signup and view all the answers

Which group is classified as the dominant capitalist class in Canada?

Those who own or control large-scale production Signup and view all the answers

In Weber's view, which of the following best defines power?

The ability to achieve goals despite opposition Signup and view all the answers

Which category includes individuals like bank presidents and professional hockey players?

Middle class Signup and view all the answers

Which sports are typically associated with the wealthy classes?

Golf and Tennis Signup and view all the answers

What term describes sports that offer financial opportunities for individuals from poorer backgrounds?

Mobility sports Signup and view all the answers

How does Weber's view of social inequality differ from traditional Marxist interpretations?

It considers factors beyond ownership of production. Signup and view all the answers

What does social stratification describe in society?

A series of layers within society Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the capitalists who own the means of production according to Marx?

Bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

Which class is characterized by a lack of true representation and often harbors false consciousness?

Proletariat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts best describes the relationship between an individual's class and their awareness of class interests?

Class consciousness Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what is the one determining factor that influences all other social structures?

Economy Signup and view all the answers

Who popularized the term 'class' to discuss social inequality?

Karl Marx Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Marx's theories, which group acts as the owners of small-scale means of production?

Petty Bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Marx's perspective on the Industrial Revolution?

A backdrop for his analysis of class struggle Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Lumpenproletariat as identified by Marx?

They are often involved in petty crime or are unemployed Signup and view all the answers

What is a stratum in the context of statistical analysis?

A group of individuals defined by income or education Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes quintiles in population analysis?

They represent five equal segments of a population Signup and view all the answers

Which ideology emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in socioeconomic success?

Neoliberal ideology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of dominant ideology?

Promoting beliefs that uphold dominant culture and classes Signup and view all the answers

What is a critique offered by counter-ideology?

It challenges the justice of dominant ideologies Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by Antonio Gramsci to describe the non-coercive methods of maintaining power by the dominant class?

Hegemony Signup and view all the answers

In the trickle-down theory, what is assumed about wealth generation?

The wealthy's success generates benefits for all societal levels Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the dependence of peripheral countries on the wealth of core countries?

Dependency Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of minimum wage jobs?

Higher skill requirements Signup and view all the answers

What does neoliberal ideology downplay in its perspective?

Concerns over social inequality Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of food bank users in March 2018 were single person households in Canada?

45% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes stratified sampling?

Equal samples are taken from each identified stratum Signup and view all the answers

How does neo-colonialism manifest in modern global trade?

Control of international organizations like the WTO Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate increase in food bank use by March 2018 compared to March 2008?

28% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of minimum wage jobs being easily replaceable?

Vulnerability to automation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms best describes the rebranding of old colonial strategies in contemporary contexts?

Neo-colonialism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social inequality is the existence of significant differences in access to goods and services among social groups.
Social inequality is a function of factors like ethnicity, race, gender, class, and stratification.

Progression of Human Society

Auguste Comte proposed three stages of human society: theological, metaphysical, and positive.
Growth and development are not the same.
Growth is quantitative, while development is qualitative.

The Industrial Revolution (1760-1850) marked a shift from crude implements to mechanization.
The American Revolution (1775) and the French Revolution (1789) were key political events.
The Technological Revolution (1880-present) continues to shape social structures.

Karl Marx popularized the concept of class, focusing on the relationship to the means of production.
Marx identified two classes: the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers).
Max Weber expanded on Marx, recognizing wealth, prestige, and power as contributing factors to social inequality.

Class Divisions and Popular Sport

Sports like golf and tennis are associated with wealthy classes.
Mobility sports, such as basketball, soccer, and boxing, offer opportunities for advancement for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Social stratification divides society into layers based on factors like income, education, and occupation.
Strata are used in stratified sampling, a research method where equal samples are drawn from each stratum.

Ideology is a set of beliefs about society and its people, shaping arguments on social inequality.
Dominant ideology supports society's dominant culture and classes, often promoting individual responsibility for success or failure.
Counter-ideology critiques dominant ideology, challenging its justice and universal applicability, seeking social change.

Neo-Marxian Analysis and Dependency Theory

Dependency theory highlights the historical relationship between core countries (capitalist West) and peripheral countries (least developed countries), often with the core benefitting from the exploitation of the periphery.
Neo-colonialism involves rebranded colonial strategies through international trade controlled by core nations, multinational companies, and aid programs that can perpetuate inequality.

Poverty and Excess

Food banks are indicators of inequality in Canada, with their use increasing significantly.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate a person can be paid, often vulnerable to automation.
The living wage is a measure of the hourly income needed to meet basic needs, highlighting the discrepancy between minimum wage and actual living costs.

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Description

Explore the complex themes of social inequality, including its causes and historical trends. This quiz covers key concepts from sociological theorists such as Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, and Weber, as well as the impact of major revolutions. Test your understanding of how social class and stratification influence access to resources in society.