Social Stratification Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary motivation behind conspicuous consumption?

To display a certain social status. (correct)

To save money for future investments.

To make practical purchases for everyday needs.

To avoid social interactions.

Which of the following is NOT a measure of Socioeconomic Status (SES)?

Family heritage (correct)

Income/Wealth

Education

Prestige of Occupation

What does the term 'intergenerational mobility' refer to?

The impact of education on wealth accumulation.

Children moving up or down in social class compared to their parents. (correct)

The ability of a family to maintain their wealth.

The social status of a family remaining static across generations.

Why is the middle class considered crucial for the economy?

They are the primary consumers and less conscious about money. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between income and wealth?

Income refers to money coming in, while wealth includes income plus assets minus debts. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a closed stratification system?

There is little to no movement between social levels. Signup and view all the answers

What does status consistency measure?

The alignment of a person's social standing across various categories. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about meritocracy is true?

It acknowledges the role of inheritance and social inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a caste system?

A rigid social structure with no possibility of change. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stratification allows for social mobility based on achievement?

Class system Signup and view all the answers

What does high status consistency indicate?

A uniform social standing across wealth, power, and prestige. Signup and view all the answers

In a class system, which factor does NOT influence an individual's class position?

Ethnic origin Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of individuals in a low status consistency situation?

They excel in one category but struggle in others. Signup and view all the answers

What defines upward mobility in social mobility terms?

Achieving higher social status through education or promotions. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the concept of prestige in society?

The level of respect or admiration based on achievements. Signup and view all the answers

Which category best describes the working poor?

Those who hold full-time jobs but remain below the poverty line. Signup and view all the answers

What are endogamous marriages?

Unions of people in the same social category. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT related to social stratification?

Individuals' personal interests. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the underclass in social stratification?

Those facing chronic poverty and unemployment. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about global stratification is true?

It compares the quality of life across different nations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these illustrates intergenerational mobility?

A person moving to a higher class than their parents through education. Signup and view all the answers

What describes structural mobility?

Changes that move groups up or down due to societal shifts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors significantly affects social mobility?

Educational opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a barrier to achieving social mobility?

Discrimination in job opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'feminization of poverty' refers to:

Women, especially single mothers, disproportionately affected by poverty. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the middle class in the U.S.?

A diverse group ranging from upper-middle professionals to lower-middle workers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the standard of living refer to?

The level of wealth and resources available to individuals or societies. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gross National Product (GNP) measure?

Total value of goods and services produced by a nation’s citizens regardless of location Signup and view all the answers

Which model is now outdated for categorizing countries based on their industrialization levels?

First world, second world, and third world Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences global stratification?

Geographic size of the country Signup and view all the answers

What does Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) help sociologists understand?

The standard of living across different countries by adjusting for price differences Signup and view all the answers

According to Functionalist theory, why is social stratification necessary?

It ensures that the most skilled individuals fill important roles in society Signup and view all the answers

How do Conflict theorists perceive social stratification?

As a system of inequality benefiting the wealthy and powerful Signup and view all the answers

What does Gross National Income (GNI) emphasize compared to GNP?

Income earned by the country’s residents Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary criticism of the Davis-Moore Thesis in Functionalism?

It overlooks inequalities related to race and gender Signup and view all the answers

Which concept refers to individuals using expensive items to signal their social status?

Conspicuous Consumption Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Symbolic Interactionism view social stratification?

As something that shapes personal identity and social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Max Weber's definition of social class includes which of the following factors?

Wealth, power, and prestige Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about GDP?

It focuses on production that occurs inside a country’s borders Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of life tends to be significantly lower in low-income countries compared to high-income countries?

Educational opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What is one method used by sociologists to analyze living standards across countries?

Assessing Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social stratification is the ranking of individuals and groups in a society based on factors like wealth, income, education, family background, and power.
The term "stratification" comes from geology, describing rock layers.
Stratification systems are categorized as closed (little movement) or open (movement possible).
Caste systems are rigid and closed, with limited social mobility.
Class systems are more flexible, allowing for movement based on achievements.
Meritocracy is an ideal where social standing is solely based on merit, but no system is fully meritocratic.
Status consistency is the alignment of social standing across wealth, power, and prestige. High consistency means similar ranking; low consistency means disparities.
Social Mobility involves vertical movement between classes, influenced by marriage (endogamous or exogamous) and individual achievements.

Types of Stratification Systems

Closed Systems: (e.g., caste systems) Little movement between social levels.
Open Systems: (e.g., class systems) Allow movement between levels based on achievement.

Vertical Mobility: Movement between classes based on achievements.
Intergenerational Mobility: Movement between classes from one generation to the next.
Intragenerational Mobility: Movement within one's lifetime.
Structural Mobility: Societal changes that affect entire groups' class positions.
Upward Mobility: Moving to a higher social class.
Downward Mobility: Moving to a lower social class.
Barriers to Mobility: Discrimination, unequal access to resources, and limited opportunities.

Factors Influencing Stratification

Economic Factors: Wealth and income.
Cultural Factors: Beliefs and values that support the stratification system.
Inheritance: Family wealth and social position passed down generations.
Occupational Structure: Professional prestige vs. income.

US Class Structure

US classes are often grouped as upper class, middle class, and lower class; each with subcategories defined by wealth, education, and power.
Upper Class: Old money (inherited) and new money (self-made).
Middle Class: Diverse group from upper-middle professionals to lower-middle workers.
Lower Class: Working class, working poor, and underclass (chronic poverty).
Wealth Distribution: The top 1% holds a significant portion of national wealth (about 1/3.)
- Bottom 50% owns a very small percentage.

Global Stratification

Global stratification is the unequal distribution of resources, wealth, power, and social standing amongst countries.
Measures: Gross National Product (GNP), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GNI, PPP (Purchasing Power Parity)
GNP: Total value of goods/services produced by a nation's citizens anywhere in the world.
GDP: Total value of goods/services produced within a country.
Outdated Models: First, second, and third world classifications.
Modern Models: More-developed and less-developed nations.
Quality of Life: Access to amenities (electricity, clean water, healthcare) impacts quality of life in different countries.

Functionalism: Stratification is necessary; higher-paying jobs require more skills and motivate individuals to fill them.
Conflict Theory: Stratification results from inequality and exploitation; benefits the wealthy.
Symbolic Interactionism: Social standing shapes everyday interactions and self-identity.
- Conspicuous consumption: Buying items to display status.

Max Weber's Definition: Social class is based on wealth, power, and prestige.
Socioeconomic Status (SES): Measures social class based on education, occupation, and income/wealth.

Income vs. Wealth

Income: Money coming in (salary).
Wealth: Total assets (including income and possessions) minus debts.

Intergenerational Mobility

Whether children move up or down in social class compared to their parents.
High "Social class stickiness" means many stay in the same social class as their parents.

The middle class is vital to the economy; if they stop buying, the system could collapse.
Wealthy often benefit from lower tax rates on wealth rather than income, maintaining top positions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on social stratification concepts, including ranking, mobility, and different systems like caste and class. This quiz covers the factors that influence social standing and examines the implications of meritocracy and status consistency.