Questions and Answers
What best describes social stratification?
It is the system of structured social inequality and the structure of mobility in a society.
In societies where social mobility is possible, which of the following is most accurate?
Steve's belief that hard work leads to success represents which system?
Meritocracy
Which of the following would NOT apply to social stratification?
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What is the system of social stratification that is fixed and permanent called?
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How many castes are traditionally included in the Indian caste system?
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On whose estate does Geoff, a serf in the feudal system, work?
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Which of the following was included in the feudal system?
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What is a cause of the decline of feudalism?
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What is the most modern form of stratification called?
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Chris's ability to change social locations in the United States is an example of what concept?
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Who was the first social scientist to make class a foundation of their entire theory?
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What best describes the mode of production?
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What Marxian concept does Allison's factory own represent?
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Which of the following is the best example of a proletariat?
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Which of the following is NOT one of Max Weber's components to social class?
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What is one's socially defined position in a group characterized by certain expectations and rights called?
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What concept best describes John's ability to control his working situation?
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How many socioeconomic classes do today's sociologists argue may exist in the United States?
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Which social class has no income and no connection to the job market?
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Which of the following is NOT simply identified as an ascribed status but also as an achieved status?
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Which United States president declared a war on poverty?
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Which of the following is NOT true about the poor in America?
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What concept is demonstrated by women heading one-half of all poor families?
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Which best describes the culture of poverty?
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What form of social mobility is demonstrated by the difference between John, a CEO, and his father, who is still working class?
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What is social mobility when a working-class person moves into the upper class called?
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Study Notes
Social Stratification
- Defined as a system of structured social inequality and mobility within a society.
- In societies permitting social mobility, individuals often remain in the same social class throughout their lives.
- Meritocracy suggests that hard work leads to success, while lack of effort results in failure.
Types of Social Stratification
- Caste system: A fixed, permanent social stratification with no opportunity for mobility.
- Indian caste system classifies society into four main castes.
Historical Context
- In the feudal system, serfs like Geoff worked on the estates of feudal lords.
- Feudalism declined as society shifted from rural settings to urban centers.
Modern Class Structure
- The most contemporary form of stratification is referred to as class, with sociologists identifying at least six socioeconomic classes in the U.S., often categorized by household income.
- The underclass represents individuals with no income and no ties to the job market.
Social Mobility
- Chris's journey from a working-class family in Harlem to a tenured position at Harvard exemplifies social mobility.
- Karl Marx highlighted class dynamics as central to societal theory.
- Status reflects one's socially defined position within a group, characterized by expectations and rights.
- Power describes an individual's control over work conditions.
Socioeconomic Classes
- Class can be both ascribed (given at birth) and achieved (attained through performance).
- Lyndon Johnson declared a "war on poverty" to address income disparities in America.
- It is misleading to assume the elderly are the most poverty-stricken demographic in the U.S.
Feminization of Poverty
- Women head about half of all impoverished families, illustrating the feminization of poverty.
- The culture of poverty refers to generational socialization into a mindset of hopelessness and lack of aspiration.
Intergenerational and Intragenerational Mobility
- John’s rise to CEO status illustrates intergenerational social mobility, contrasting his circumstances with those of his father.
- Intragenerational social mobility occurs when a working-class individual moves into the upper class during their lifetime.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of social stratification, including its definition, types like caste and class systems, and their historical contexts. Understand how social mobility works in different societies and the modern class structure in the U.S.