Questions and Answers
What factor makes caste systems closed?
People cannot change their social standings.
What factor makes class systems open?
They allow for movement between the classes.
Which of these systems allows for the most social mobility?
Which person best illustrates opportunities for upward social mobility in the United States?
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Which statement illustrates low status consistency?
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Based on meritocracy, a physician's assistant would:
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In the United States, most people define themselves as:
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Structural mobility occurs when:
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The behaviors, customs, and norms associated with a class are known as:
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Which of the following scenarios is an example of intergenerational mobility?
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Occupational prestige means that jobs are:
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Social stratification is a system that:
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Which graphic concept best illustrates the concept of social stratification?
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The GNI PPP figure represents:
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The basic premise of the Davis-Moore thesis is that the unequal distribution of rewards in social stratification:
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Unlike Davis and Moore, Melvin Tumin believed that, because of social stratification, some qualified people were _______ higher-level job positions.
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Which statement represents stratification from the perspective of symbolic interactionism?
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When Karl Marx said workers experience alienation, he meant that workers:
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Conflict theorists view capitalists as those who:
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Study Notes
Caste and Class Systems
- Caste systems are characterized by closed social standings, preventing individuals from changing their social class.
- Class systems are open, allowing individuals to move between different classes based on various factors, including economic status and education.
Social Mobility
- Class systems facilitate the highest levels of social mobility.
- An example of upward mobility in the U.S. includes first-generation college students achieving greater success than their parents.
- Low status consistency is exemplified by a college dropout who successfully runs a high-earning online company.
Meritocracy and Class Identification
- Meritocracy suggests that individuals, such as a physician's assistant, can earn raises based on performance.
- Most individuals in the U.S. identify as middle class, reflecting a common standard of self-perception and societal position.
Structural and Intergenerational Mobility
- Structural mobility involves significant shifts in class rankings for large groups due to societal changes, such as economic downturns or booms.
- Intergenerational mobility is illustrated when an individual, like an executive, comes from a different social class than their parents.
Class Traits and Occupational Prestige
- Class traits encompass the behaviors, customs, and norms associated with specific social classes.
- Occupational prestige indicates jobs are valued differently within society, influencing individuals' social identities and opportunities.
Social Stratification
- Social stratification categorizes society members into ranked positions, affecting access to resources and opportunities.
- A visual representation of social stratification is often depicted as a pyramid, where wider bases represent lower strata.
Economic Indicators and Social Theories
- Gross National Income (GNI) adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) indicates the average annual income of citizens in a country.
- The Davis-Moore thesis argues that unequal distribution of societal rewards serves a necessary purpose.
- Contrary to Davis and Moore, Melvin Tumin asserts that social stratification can hinder qualified individuals from attaining higher job roles.
Symbolic Interactionism and Capitalist Perspectives
- From a symbolic interactionist viewpoint, individuals' social experiences influence their comfort levels in different social settings, such as a janitor preferring humble dining over upscale restaurants.
- Conflict theorists perceive capitalists as profiting disproportionately while workers remain impoverished, highlighting systemic inequalities in wealth distribution.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key concepts in Sociology Chapter 9, focusing on caste and class systems. This quiz covers definitions and social mobility, helping you understand the dynamics of social standing. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their learning.
