Sociology Systems of Stratification Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Based on the caste system in India, the Harijans are the highest rank in their caste system.

False

A division of society into categories, ranks, or classes is called social stratification.

True

A division that is based on individual characteristics, abilities, and behaviors does not lead to social inequality.

False

There are five basic types of stratification.

False Signup and view all the answers

Wealth, power, and prestige define a social class.

True Signup and view all the answers

Scarce resources and social rewards are not the basis of ascribed statuses.

False Signup and view all the answers

The owners of the means of production in a capitalist society are known as the proletariat.

False Signup and view all the answers

The division of society into categories, ranks, or classes is called __________.

social stratification Signup and view all the answers

What is marriage outside one's own social category commonly called?

Exogamy Signup and view all the answers

What is social stratification?

Social stratification is the ranking of individuals or categories of people on the basis of unequal access to scarce resources and social rewards. Signup and view all the answers

What is social inequality?

Social inequality is an unequal sharing of social rewards and resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is a caste system?

The caste system is a system in which scarce resources and rewards are distributed on the basis of ascribed statuses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a class system?

A class system is a system in which scarce resources and rewards are determined on the basis of achieved statuses. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a social class?

A social class is a grouping of people with similar levels of wealth, power, and prestige. Signup and view all the answers

What is wealth in the context of social stratification?

Wealth is the most obvious dimension of social stratification because it is made up of the value of everything the person owns and money earned through salaries and wages. Signup and view all the answers

What is power?

Power is the ability to control the behavior of others, with or without their consent. Signup and view all the answers

What is prestige?

Prestige is respect, honor, recognition, or courtesy an individual receives from other members of society. Signup and view all the answers

What is socioeconomic status?

The socioeconomic status is a rating that combines social factors such as level of education, occupational prestige, and place of residence with the economic factor of income in order to determine an individual's relative position in the stratification system. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social stratification refers to the division of society into categories, ranks, or classes based on unequal access to resources and social rewards.
Wealth, power, and prestige are essential components that define an individual’s social class.

Caste and Class Systems

The caste system distributes resources and rewards based on ascribed statuses, which are predetermined characteristics (e.g., birth, ethnicity).
The class system evaluates individuals based on achieved statuses, which are based on personal accomplishments and efforts.

Key Definitions

Social inequality: The uneven distribution of social rewards and resources among individuals and groups.
Social class: A collective grouping of individuals who share similar levels of wealth, power, and prestige.

Components of Stratification

Wealth: Encompasses the total value of owned assets and income from salaries and wages, marking it as a clear dimension of stratification.
Power: The capacity to influence or control others' behaviors, regardless of their consent.
Prestige: The regard, honor, or recognition individuals receive from their community or society.

Additional Concepts

Socioeconomic status (SES): A composite measure that combines social factors (education, occupation) with economic factors (income) to rank individuals within a stratification system.
Exogamy: The practice of marrying outside one’s own social category, influencing social mobility and interactions.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

The claim that the Harijans hold the highest rank in India’s caste system is false; they are traditionally considered lower in the hierarchy.
There is no definitive number of types of stratification; this notion is also inaccurate.
Scarce resources and social rewards are indeed foundational to understanding ascribed statuses, contradicting claims suggesting otherwise.

Important Entities

Proletariat: Refers to workers or the laboring class, specifically in capitalist societies, distinct from those who own the means of production (the bourgeoisie).

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Description

Test your knowledge on systems of stratification, including the caste system in India and social stratification concepts. This quiz will challenge your understanding of societal divisions and individual characteristics. See how well you grasp these critical sociological concepts!