Social Inequality and Stratification Concepts

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Questions and Answers

Which element does Max Weber emphasize as contributing to social inequality?

Access to education
Wealth (correct)
Cultural heritage
Geographical location

What does the term 'dominant capitalist class' refer to in the amended class paradigm?

Individuals with high societal prestige
Small business owners and middle-income earners
Those who own or control large-scale production (correct)
Workers without any significant resources

In Weber’s view, what is 'prestige' primarily associated with?

Respect and social value (correct)
Financial success
Political influence
Educational qualifications

Which of the following sports is commonly associated with wealthier classes?

Golf (A) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is presented when applying traditional Marxist views to contemporary societies?

The capitalist-worker binary is oversimplified (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of mobility sports?

Provide financial opportunities for lower socio-economic backgrounds (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does social stratification describe society?

As divided into a series of layers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of power in Weber's analysis of social inequality?

Enables individuals to achieve goals against opposition (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary belief of neoliberal ideology regarding individual success?

Social factors have minimal impact on individual outcomes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of counter-ideology?

A critique of dominant ideologies that questions their fairness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the neoliberal ideology view social mobility?

As a fundamental characteristic of society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the dominant ideology often promote regarding wealth generation?

Trickle-down economics suggests wealth will eventually benefit all members of society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social inequality, what does hegemony refer to?

The acceptance of ideology without question by the subordinate classes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of quintiles in analyzing income inequality?

They illustrate the distribution of wealth across five equal groups. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common criticism associated with neoliberal ideology?

It fails to recognize structural barriers to success. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does stratified sampling aim to achieve?

To ensure diverse representation from each stratum. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'hegemony' refer to in the context of Antonio Gramsci's work?

Cultural dominance that is accepted by the marginalized groups. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Neo-colonialism?

Revived strategies of colonialism under new guises through global economic practices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does Dependency Theory highlight about global capitalism?

Core countries exploit the resources of peripheral nations for their own development. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of food banks in Canada serve as an indicator of social inequality?

It demonstrates the prevalence of hunger and poverty among specific demographics. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of counter ideologies like the Occupy movement?

To create significant social change and challenge established power structures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of minimum-wage jobs being easily replaced by automation?

It may exacerbate unemployment levels among low-skilled workers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to the ongoing inequalities discussed in Dependency Theory?

The historical exploitation of peripheral countries for the development of core countries. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do multinational companies (MNCs) play in the neo-colonial framework?

They perpetuate economic dependency and extract wealth from poorer nations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stratum: a group defined by shared income, education, or occupation used for statistical analysis
Stratified sampling: research method using equal samples from each stratum of the population
Quintile: segment of population, representing 20% of the total

Ideology: set of beliefs about society and individuals, often underpinning economic and political theory
Dominant Ideology: supports society's dominant culture and/or classes, often promoting trickle-down theory
Neoliberal Ideology: views individuals as independent actors, emphasizes social mobility, downplays social inequality
Counter-ideology: critiques dominant ideologies and challenges their justice and universal applicability

Weber’s Critique of Marx

Social inequality extends beyond ownership of means of production
Three factors contribute to social equity: wealth, prestige, and power.
Wealth: includes assets, property and highly respected possessions
Prestige: respect given to individuals, possessions and social status
Power: ability to achieve goals despite opposition

Difficulty applying Marxist class interpretations in contemporary societies like Canada
Most people don't fit the capitalist-worker binary
Middle class emerges as a distinct category

Class Divisions and Popular Sport

Sports like golf and tennis associated with wealthier classes
Mobility sports offer opportunities for upward mobility for people from poorer backgrounds

Social stratification: society divided into layers
Counter-ideologies seek significant social change

Hegemony

Antonio Gramsci coined "hegemony" to explain the prevalence of dominant ideology
Hegemony: Set of non-coercive methods used by the dominant class to maintain power

Neo-Marxian Analysis - Dependency Theory

Global capitalism: Core countries (capitalist West), semi-peripheral emerging nations, and periphery (least developed countries)
Global inequality is historical, rooted in colonialism and its consequences
Neo-colonialism: Modern rebranding of colonial strategies through international trade, MNCs, aid, and control of technology

Food bank use increased substantially in Canada, indicating poverty.
Minimum wage: lowest permissible hourly rate; often vulnerable to automation.

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Description

Explore key concepts of social stratification and inequality in this quiz. Delve into definitions, methodologies, and theoretical critiques surrounding social classes and ideologies. Test your understanding of the factors influencing social equity as presented by thinkers like Weber and Marx.