Social Stratification Analysis Quiz

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Questions and Answers

According to the provided text, what is a central focus of social stratification analysis?

Documenting the random distribution of resources within society.

Identifying the transient nature of power dynamics within communities.

Analyzing how individual choices are the sole determinants of life outcomes.

Examining the mechanisms by which inequalities persist across time and generations. (correct)

What does the 'stratification' metaphor, drawn from geology, primarily illustrate about social structure?

The equal distribution of resources within all segments of society.

The uniform access to power and resources among citizens.

The uneven distribution of resources across different societal layers. (correct)

The fluid and interchangeable nature of societal roles.

How do pre-existing relations of unequal power, status, or economic resources affect individuals?

They have a minimal effect, as individual choices determine outcomes.

They act as a context, influencing life choices and opportunities. (correct)

They ensure a meritocratic system where all have an equal chance

They provide unlimited opportunities for advancement.

What key term is used in the text to describe the solidified nature of social inequalities?

Institutionalized system (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Wendy Bottero, what is a core aspect of social stratification?

The investigation of how inequalities are reproduced across generations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between individual choices and social stratification?

Individual choices are always limited by the choices of those around them. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the societal implication of the 'institutionalized system' of social inequality?

It establishes a system that determines who gets what, when, and why. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, how were the inequities faced by people with disabilities amplified in 2020?

Via a large proportion of those with long-term conditions facing job losses or reduced work hours, combined with decreased incomes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The 'medical model' of disability primarily attributes the cause of disability to which factor?

The individual's physical or mental condition. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a core concept within the 'social model' of disability?

Disability is largely a result of social oppression and discrimination. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between individualistic understandings and a social model explanation of disability?

Individualistic understandings see disability as an individual problem requiring professional help, while a social model locates disability in social forms of discrimination. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information in the provided text, what would be considered a likely consequence of reductions in income amongst disabled people in 2020?

A significant negative impact on their ability to procure food, groceries and personal protective equipment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are primarily implicated in establishing patterns of domination in social inequalities?

Skin color, sex, appearance, and social class (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of social inequality on communities?

Exclusion of certain groups from social benefits (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the differentiation and domination process manifest in society?

By using biological and social cues to create hierarchies (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is least likely associated with axes of social inequality?

Peer relationships (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does social inequality primarily reinforce within social institutions?

Patterns of domination and exclusion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following combinations is an example of factors that can lead to social inequality?

Age and cultural background (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is typically a result of the exclusion driven by social inequalities?

Disparities in pay and employment opportunities (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way might social inequalities affect individual interactions?

They create barriers in communication and trust (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept best describes the relationship between visible distinctions and social inequalities?

Visible distinctions are often used to justify exclusionary practices (D) Signup and view all the answers

What best characterizes Amartya Sen's Capability Approach to poverty?

It emphasizes individuals' freedoms to achieve lives they value. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is central to Sen's view of social exclusion?

Social exclusion relates to the deprivation of capabilities and justice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Sen believe is essential for evaluating a person's quality of life?

Their actual capabilities to achieve a valuable life. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Sen's theories, how are poverty and social exclusion related?

They are synonymous and reinforce each other. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Capability Approach from utilitarianism?

The Capability Approach emphasizes individual capabilities rather than overall happiness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Sen argues that policies should focus on which aspect to promote social justice?

Identifying and addressing limitations that hinder people's full participation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What set of elements does the Capability Approach include as valuable for a good life?

Beings and doings such as health and relationships. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Sen argue about the measurement of inequality?

Measures of well-being should incorporate capabilities beyond income. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Sen's capabilities model suggest regarding individual potential?

Individual potential is influenced by both personal and societal opportunities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which work does Sen outline the connection between capabilities deprivation and social justice?

Development as Freedom. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What key concept does Bottero introduce to explain the enduring nature of social inequalities, highlighting its influence on the circulation of resources and opportunities?

Differential Association (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Bottero's perspective challenge a purely economic understanding of social inequality?

By focusing on the role of social networks in shaping access to resources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core argument made about the persistence of inequality in the provided text?

The constant reproduction of social relationships and lifestyles helps perpetuate inequality. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does social hierarchy impact close relationships?

It constrains the formation and nature of close relationships. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements captures the relationship between social stratification and social relationships, as presented in the text?

Social relationships play a crucial role in maintaining and reproducing social stratification. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the text define social class as a form of social division?

A division based on the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key argument regarding the relationship between ethnicity and social divisions?

Ethnicity is a factor that contributes to social divisions among societal groups. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is NOT specifically mentioned as a contributing factor to social divisions in the text?

Religious Affiliation (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of 'status' as a form of social division, according to the text?

Status is primarily determined by educational attainment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned in the text as a component of the 'institutionalized system' of social inequality?

Social mobility. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication of naturalizing biological differences with regards to social inequalities?

It validates existing societal structure and reinforces pre-existing biases. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'intersectionality' shed light on the complexity of social inequalities?

It demonstrates how various forms of inequality reinforce each other, creating a system of compounding disadvantage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a central argument made regarding the impact of social inequality on individuals?

It hampers economic development and prevents the reduction of poverty. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of the statement "women's place is in the home" as it relates to gender inequality?

It masks a history of power imbalance and domination by men, using nature as a justification. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately reflects the relationship between social inequality and social development?

Social inequality is a major obstacle to long-term social and economic development. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of social stratification imply about individual choices in society?

The freedom of choice is influenced by existing relationships of power and resources. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the metaphor of stratification, how are social layers visualized?

As horizontal layers similar to rock strata. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social stratification is emphasized in its analysis across generations?

How social inequalities are established between generations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of an institutionalized system of social inequality?

It solidifies unequal distributions of power and resources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the enduring nature of social stratification?

Social structures reproduce patterns of inequality over time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does differential association influence the persistence of social inequality?

It conserves opportunities and resources within specific groups. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are social divisions primarily defined by according to the content?

The unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects the relationship between ethnicity and social divisions?

Different ethnic groups are often associated with specific occupations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does status play in contemporary society as a form of social division?

It serves as a marker of one's position within a consumerist framework. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way do social relationships contribute to the reproduction of social hierarchy?

They reinforce existing attitudes and lifestyles associated with inequality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT directly associated with social class as a social division?

Cultural identities and ethnic classifications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does social hierarchy have on personal relationships?

It constrains close social relationships through stratification. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What major trend regarding global inequalities is highlighted in the report?

Inequalities between wealthy and poor nations are worsening. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is stated as contributing to the failure of collective action?

A lack of unified approach to tackle climate change. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the market capitalization of the three largest tech companies exceed?

The GDP of more than 90 percent of the world's countries. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Achim Steiner, what is a significant consequence of the current global inequalities?

Worsening polarization and eroded trust in institutions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is economic concentration illustrated in the report?

By indicating that a large percentage of global trade is dominated by a few nations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does Achim Steiner identify as critical for global societies?

Leveraging interconnectedness to address shared challenges. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant economic disparity is discussed in conjunction with tech companies?

Market capitalization of leading tech firms surpasses many countries' GDPs. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an implied result of failing to address inequalities and collective action, as mentioned in the report?

A rise in societal polarization and mistrust. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social stratification is the patterning of inequality and its lasting effects on individuals' lives.
Inequality is shaped by relations involving unequal power, status, or economic resources.
These factors influence life choices and opportunities.
Social stratification analysis examines how these inequalities persist across generations.

Social stratification is a system of social inequality.
This system determines who gets what, when, and why.
Stratification is often depicted metaphorically as layers in rock.
This illustrates how resources are unequally distributed across different social levels.

The study analyses how inequalities between people at any given time are perpetuated across generations.
Social stratification refers to the ongoing presence of hierarchical inequalities within a society.
Intergenerational transmission of inequality is significant; inequality in one generation impacts the next.

Upper strata are comprised of individuals possessing more resources.
Lower strata contain individuals with fewer resources.
Social stratification assigns people to socioeconomic levels based on factors such as wealth, income, education, race and power.

Social inequality is beyond individual differences and refers to systematic inequalities.
Inequality shapes opportunities related to economics, social and political life based on factors like group membership, race, ethnicity etc.
Sociologists focus on structural conditions that create social inequality.

Examples of Inequality

Women and children lack access to critical healthcare, resulting in preventable deaths.
Migrants and refugees face a lack of opportunity and discrimination.
One in five people globally experience discrimination prohibited by international human rights law.
Statistics on global wealth inequality, such as certain groups holding a disproportionate share of global wealth.

Social inequalities are differences in income, resources, power and status within or between societies.
These inequalities are maintained through institutions and societal processes.
Inequalities can be distinguished as economic, based on income conditions and broader living conditions or legalistic, based on individual rights and obligations.

Social inequalities are differences generated by differentiation and domination in human interactions, institutions and groups.
These differences are frequently shaped by visible indicators like skin color, sex or appearance.
Inequality often results in exclusion from societal opportunities or different levels of pay.

Race, ethnicity, gender, class and age are axes of inequality in societies.
Inequality can also reflect differences in other aspects like language or sexual orientation
Inequalities in these areas influence social relationships, institutions and groups often naturalizing these differences, as for instance, through assumptions about gender and opportunity.

Dimensions of inequality (race, class, gender) often intersect, leading to cumulative effects of disadvantage, particularly for marginalized groups.
The intersection of categories (like race, class and gender) affects both the experience and expression of inequality.

Inequality can hinder societal and economic development, causing poverty reduction issues, and damaging a populace’s sense of self-worth.

Thirteen of the 17 UN Sustainable Development goals directly address forms of inequality.
Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) specifically targets inequality reduction.

Federal Policy (Canada)

The Canadian government has strengthened the implementation of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).
This aims to create responsive and inclusive initiatives.
Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy seeks to reduce poverty and systemic barriers.
This strategy includes initiatives such as the Canada Child Benefit, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the National Housing Strategy.

Social exclusion is a shorthand term for the combined effect of several issues.
The three main areas are resource access, social participation, and quality of life.
Issues such as unemployment, low incomes, poor housing, high crime, and family breakdown.

Definitions of Poverty

Poverty is an important concern and is often related to inequality.
Poverty can be measured by income, either using absolute measures (basic needs like food, shelter) or relative measures (comparing to a society's standards).

Absolute and Relative Poverty

Absolute poverty is the inability to meet basic needs (food, shelter).
Relative poverty is a comparison to resources available in a society.
It is important for context, as someone with a higher income could be considered still poor in a given area or society.

Gross Domestic Income (GDI) per capita comparisons are used.
The distribution of income across a population is important. The Gini Index shows inequality, with a higher Gini index indicating greater inequality.
Household surveys provide individual income data.

Income inequality is a common metric for inequality but isn't the sole factor.
Social inequality encapsulates poverty, difficulty, danger, and disrespect for dignity.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs describes levels of human needs (physiological, safety, love, esteem, self-actualization).
This hierarchy is presented in a pyramid format.
Critics point out that the needs are not always progressive or hierarchical.

Capability Approach

Amartya Sen's work on 'capabilities' suggests that evaluating well-being is vital.
This approach values capabilities of people in terms of what they can do.
Sen argues that people’s capabilities are impacted by their living circumstances.

Human Development Index (HDI)

The HDI is used in assessing development by considering factors other than income.
It includes components of health, education and a decent living standard.
This index is used to measure inequality across several countries and regions.

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

The global MPI is an international resource tool measuring multifaceted poverty in developing nations.
It reviews factors like health, education, and standard of living as criteria for analysis, instead of single measures like income.
The MPI is computed using deprivation profiles for households reviewing 10 dimensions.

Global Inequality

44% of the global population lives below the upper middle-income line.
8.5% lives below the extreme poverty line.

Global Challenges and Patterns : COVID-19

COVID-19 increased existing inequalities, impacting livelihoods, income, and wellbeing.
Differences across demographics and circumstances were heightened.
Data showed that the pandemic exacerbated inequality.

Measuring Inequality: Examples

Tables of Gini coefficients from countries show the income disparities.
Comparison tables of countries show different HDI values, providing insight on global development disparities.

Housing policy, as observed across major developed countries, includes various interventions to assist in maintaining a degree of balance between private and public housing.
Housing policy has undergone dramatic changes, moving away from extensive state interventions in favour of free-market and private sector models.
The transition in housing policy has led to greater social stratification as individuals face uneven access to affordable accommodation.

Class is a societal division resulting from wealth, prestige, and power inequality.
Education inequality exists across gender lines and between ethnic groups and social classes.
Ethnicity forms social divisions based on cultural identities.
Status is a social positioning within society related to wealth, prestige, material possessions and lifestyle, including an understanding of the various levels of social status within a given society.

Case Study: Disabled People and Inequality/Covid-19

People with disabilities face discrimination related to employment, access to services and promotion opportunities.
Impacts of Covid-19 have highlighted the widening gaps in inequality across various communities with disabilities.

Case Study: Age and Inequality

Older people often face material deprivation and limited social rewards due to their labour market history and experiences.
Ageing societies are increasingly challenging with respect to income, health and social protection.

Sociological Theories about Age

Functionalist theories suggest that older people must adapt to their changing roles and may disengage from society as they feel less useful, thereby enabling societal function.
The life-course perspective sees aging as a continuous process from birth to death.

Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

Age-friendly communities are encouraged globally via the WHO initiative to adapt services and environments to better support people as they age.
Age-friendliness is a multifaceted community approach focusing on policy, services, and physical and social structures to accommodate the needs of older people, not on a limited set of design features.

Other Challenges from Age-Friendly Cities

How to achieve an equitable integration of older people into the design of their environment,
Identifying reliable ways to measure age-friendliness or age adaptation indicators across various cities.

Group Discussion:

Discussion prompts focus on the impact of the pandemic on homelessness and inequality.
It aims to explore consequences, positive and negative, of the pandemic on relevant social groups.
The discussion includes considerations of the impact on those who had already been experiencing disadvantages and those who might now be in that position.

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Description

Test your understanding of social stratification concepts, including power dynamics, inequality, and the impact of societal structures on individuals. This quiz covers key theories and models, such as the medical and social models of disability and their implications. Challenge yourself with questions inspired by the text on social inequalities and their manifestations.