Soc 100 Final Medium Exam

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Questions and Answers

What does social stratification primarily involve?

Sorting people based on their age

Grouping people by geographical location

Ranking people and rewarding higher-ranking groups (correct)

Evaluating individuals based on their educational background

Which of the following best describes prejudice?

An application of a stereotype to an individual based on group membership (correct)

A positive attitude towards all members of a group

A general belief about a group of people

An act of kindness toward a group member

Which characteristic is NOT part of Gordon Allport’s five characteristics of discriminatory behavior?

Social acceptance (correct)

Verbal rejection

Active discrimination

Physical attacks

How can institutional discrimination appear deceptive?

It can seem fair while having discriminatory outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a minority group in society?

They are singled out for unequal treatment based on characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of stereotypes in human cognition?

To simplify the perception of new information Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is NOT indicative of individual discrimination?

A policy that disadvantages a certain group Signup and view all the answers

What does opportunity hoarding refer to in the context of the upper middle class?

Rigging the competition to favor certain groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following explanations does Reeves provide for the increasing income of the upper middle class?

Increased labor market value of education and pooling of high incomes Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a necessary step to obtain a professional job according to the content?

Engaging in unpaid internships Signup and view all the answers

How does intersectionality help us understand social identities?

It highlights overlapping privileges and disadvantages. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of class inequality as outlined in the content?

It shapes perceptions of merit, hard work, and opportunity. Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly referred to as the barrier that women face in promotions despite being qualified?

Glass ceiling Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon describes men being promoted more quickly in female-dominated professions?

Glass escalator Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a woman or minority who achieves a managerial position and is expected to represent their entire group?

Token Signup and view all the answers

According to Paula England, which group has experienced fewer changes in professional opportunities since the gender revolution?

Men Signup and view all the answers

What general assertion does England make about traditionally female activities and jobs?

They have consistently been devalued in society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason cited for women moving into nontraditional jobs compared to men?

Devaluation of traditional female roles Signup and view all the answers

What impact do parents traditionally have on the types of toys given to children?

They give girls traditionally male toys but not vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a common perception influencing earning potential and social status?

Implicit reference groups from previous generations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence for tokens when they make errors in professional settings?

Their mistakes affirm stereotypes about their group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor differentiating wealth from income?

Wealth is everything you own minus everything you owe. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about racial wealth disparities is true?

A White family's median wealth is nine times greater than that of a Black family. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the FHA play in housing after WWII?

The FHA refused to subsidize mortgages in black neighborhoods. Signup and view all the answers

According to Thomas Shapiro, what does wealth represent in the context of racial inequality?

Wealth illustrates the accumulation of racial advantages and disadvantages over time. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of determining social status, wealth is primarily used to secure what?

A desired standard of living. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception do many white Americans hold about racism today?

Racism is largely limited to historical contexts and is a thing of the past. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of wealth disparities imply about race inequalities?

Wealth disparities reinforce racial inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between wealth and income as defined above?

Income includes all sources of financial payments, while wealth is a net total. Signup and view all the answers

How do historical segregationist policies affect minorities today?

They have created long-term consequences for home ownership and wealth accumulation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the estate system of social stratification?

Status is determined by birth and divinely ordained. Signup and view all the answers

In the class system of social stratification, which of the following is considered a legitimating rationale?

Opportunity to get ahead is available to all. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes intergenerational mobility?

The fluctuations in social class from one generation to another. Signup and view all the answers

How does structural mobility differ from individual mobility?

It is caused by changes in the economy rather than individual efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about social mobility in the United States is accurate?

It is comparable to the levels found in France and England. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of informal norms in the caste system?

They enhance the strength and persistence of the caste hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the first estate in England's feudal system?

The nobility who owned land and held power. Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical misconception about the class system?

Social class is determined only by wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key features of the caste system that persists even after its outlawing?

Enforcement by informal norms and social sanctions. Signup and view all the answers

What does upward structural mobility signify?

General improvements in the economy benefiting many individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

All societies categorize people into higher or lower ranking groups. Higher-ranking groups are rewarded more favorably in society (e.g., health, power, respect). This system is social stratification.
Stereotypes are beliefs about groups of people. They are used to simplify the process of perceiving and understanding new information. Applying stereotypes to individuals results in prejudice.
Prejudice is a negative attitude toward an individual merely for belonging to a certain group. This presumption is based on undesirable qualities attributed to that group.
Discrimination involves acting on prejudice. It results in unequal treatment based on group membership. Gordon Allport described five forms of discriminatory behavior: verbal rejection, bullying, avoiding certain places, active discrimination, extermination.
Dominate & Minority Groups
A minority group is a group in society that is treated unequally based on physical or cultural characteristics. The status of "minority" is not about the number of people in the group, but about inequality and exclusion.
Discrimination Feels Different for Dominant & Minority Group Members.
Isms:
- Sociologists categorize specific strong types of discrimination as "isms" (e.g., sexism, racism, heterosexism, ableism).
- "Isms" are different than ordinary discrimination.
- Only acts consistent with systematic patterns of discrimination are considered "isms".
Gender Inequality
- In virtually every society, men and women are treated unequally.
- Many believe differences in biological factors lead to the different values, attitudes, and behaviours of men and women.
- Sociologists argue that if gender inequality were a product of biological differences, it would look the same in every culture.
- Gender inequality varies significantly between societies.
Sex vs. Gender
- Sex refers to biological characteristics.
- Gender refers to behaviors and attitudes considered appropriate for a society's men and women.
Nature vs. Nurture
Biological factors are just one side to the issue of gender dynamics.
The sociological implication of gender is that societies use it as a tool to control its members.

Race Inequality I

Race as a biological or genetic distinction has no basis in empirical fact.
Physiological similarities between races outweigh the differences.
Race is a social construct with real social implications.
Race is a socially constructed category.
Definitions of race shift across cultures and through time.
Race vs. Ethnicity
- Race is based on physical characteristics (external markers like skin color)
- Ethnicity is based on cultural heritage.
Symbolic Ethnicity is when people choose to claim an ethnicity for leisure. A non-material, socially constructed way of expressing ethnicity.

Race Inequality II

The historical origins of segregated neighborhoods
White Americans deliberately created separate neighborhoods for people of color.
The U.S. government perpetuated racial segregation into housing with federal policies (e.g., redlining)
Institutional discrimination continues in housing today, disadvantaging minorities.
Many white Americans believe racism is a thing of the past.
While discrimination is less obvious than in the past, it remains a real issue.

Credit Scoring & Wealth

Credit scores are designed to measure the financial trustworthiness of a loan applicant.
Racial inequalities influence credit scores, and therefore, the interest rates on loans.
Wealth disparity is a significant issue, with significant difference between average White family wealth compared to minority families.
This wealth gap has long-term consequence for racial groups.

Weathering

Race-based stress from constant racism has a significant negative impact on health and wellbeing.
Black teens' babies tend to be healthier than the babies of older Black mothers due to resilience in the face of racism-related stress.
Exposure to racism-related stress may contribute to premature aging and chronic illnesses for minority groups, particularly Black Americans.

All societies categorize people into different classes and reward higher-class people more.
Class systems persist and are resistant to social change. They are bolstered by widely accepted justifications for the existing hierarchy.
Caste systems determine social class at birth, with no chance of social mobility.
Estate systems (e.g., feudal Europe) also assign social class at birth.
Class systems, in contrast, offer some potential for social mobility based on merit.

Social class is based on income, occupation, and wealth.
Social mobility is the movement between different social classes.
Intergenerational and structural mobility are examples.
Class divisions influence education, health, and lifestyle for social class members.

Cultural Capital & Taste

Class is more than just income or wealth; it includes cultural knowledge, tastes, and habits.
Socioeconomic status
A combination of income, occupation, wealth, and education used to measure an individual's social standing.

Intersectionality

Addresses the complex interplay of social identities (e.g., race, class, gender, sexuality, able-bodiedness) in shaping experiences of privilege, opportunity, and disadvantage.
Identities are not additive; they intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
Experiences of inequality should not be viewed in isolation.

Family I

Families are structured differently across cultures.
Myths about the traditional family (e.g., the nuclear family, the ideal family of the past) are inaccurate and do not reflect the reality of most families.
Social class influences family dynamics.
Financial hardship and inequality significantly impacts family life and wellbeing.

Family II: Marriage

Marriage is a social institution that is undergoing deinstitutionalisation.
The practical importance of marriage has decreased, in contrast to the strong symbolic value remaining. This is due to a more independent way of living for many.
Marital relationships are affected by social class and economic inequalities.

Primary & Secondary Education

Educational institutions play an important role in society.
Education helps to teach specific skills and knowledge to prepare people for the workforce and to provide a structure for societal participation.
There is a significant difference in educational opportunities based on socioeconomic class and race.
Educational outcomes are influenced by the social and educational environment experienced.

College Education

Inequality in higher education persists despite laws and societal changes promoting equality.
Students of lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority groups have lower access to college education and experience disadvantage in the system.
The admissions policies and practices of certain institutions, while not necessarily openly discriminatory, contribute to the inequality.

Work and the Economy

The economy functions as a social institution.
Capitalism is associated with private ownership and market competition .
Three features characterise Capitalism in many nations:
- Private ownership of the means of production
- Pursuit of profits
- Market-driven (competitive)
Socialism is a system of economic organization in which central planning and lack of private ownership and profit motive are hallmarks.
There are many issues facing low-skill workers in the work environment.
Gender and economic factors influence the distribution of resources in this social setting.

The Great Recession

The Great Recession (2007–2009) had significant negative impacts on individuals, families, and the economy as a whole .
The housing bubble burst triggering the recession.
A decline in employment, income, wages & wealth led to many issues.
Many citizens experienced loss of homes, difficulty affording food, & issues with mental health.

Citizenship

Citizenship is a social construct that differs across states.
It involves a set of rights and duties bestowed by the relevant jurisdiction.
Citizenship matters can be debated vigorously and can differ even within the same nation.
The current concept of citizenship needs to accommodate for various societal changes, such as changing demographics and globalization..
The debate about birthright citizenship has gained significant attention, particularly in regards to its impact on immigration and social justice.

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