Social Status

Ingrid worked hard to become the CEO of her company. What type of status has she attained through her own actions?

• Ascribed status

• Achieved status

Answer explanation

Ingrid attained the position of CEO through her own efforts and actions, which qualifies as achieved status. This contrasts with ascribed status, which is assigned at birth or involuntarily.

In Lydia's neighborhood, people often talk about different social classes. Which of the following is an example of social class?

• Socialism

• Communism

• Upper class

• Utopia

Answer explanation

The term 'Upper class' refers to a specific social class characterized by wealth and privilege, making it a clear example of social class. In contrast, socialism, communism, and utopia are political or ideological concepts.

In a school play, Reagan was given a position that carries a set of expectations. What is this position called?

• job

• role

• status

Answer explanation

In a school play, the term 'status' refers to the position assigned to an individual, which comes with specific expectations. While 'job' and 'role' are related, 'status' best captures the formal standing in this context.

Liam is evaluating his financial situation. Which of the following would be considered part of his wealth?

• Tax forms and bank statements

• Inheritance and other personal possessions

• A paycheck that will be mailed next Friday

• A house that a person rents

Answer explanation

Inheritance and other personal possessions are considered part of Liam's wealth as they contribute to his net worth. In contrast, tax forms, bank statements, a future paycheck, and a rented house do not count as personal wealth.

A mail carrier works hard to give his daughter, Ismita, the opportunity to go to college and then medical school to become a doctor. This is an example of:

• Downward Mobility

• Intragenerational Mobility

• Intergenerational Mobility

• Structural Mobility

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates intergenerational mobility, as the mail carrier's efforts enable his daughter, Ismita, to achieve a higher social status through education, contrasting with his own position.

Aiden is an undocumented immigrant, so he can't receive government benefits. He makes $9/hr in farm work. Occasionally, he can't pay rent and he and his children have to move to a homeless shelter. What might a sociologist call Aiden's situation?

• Structural Mobility

• De jure Discrimination

• Relative Poverty

• Absolute Poverty

Answer explanation

Aiden's situation exemplifies Absolute Poverty, as he struggles to meet basic needs like shelter and food, indicating a severe lack of resources. This differs from Relative Poverty, which compares income levels within a society.

Damian is an electrician. He makes $60,000/yr. He is a single dad taking care of his two sons. They live in an apartment and Damian is still driving a 1998 Honda Civic. While he makes sure to pay every one of his bills on time, Damian often cannot afford to buy his sons all the name brand clothing and games they want. What social class is Damian's family in?

• Upper Class

• Upper Middle class

• Lower Middle class

• Poor

Answer explanation

Damian earns $60,000 a year and struggles to afford extras for his sons, indicating limited financial resources. This situation aligns with the characteristics of the Lower Middle class, as he is not in poverty but also not affluent.

Robel is excited to go to his high school reunion, so his classmates can see that he was successful and became a surgeon. Robel is essentially looking forward to receiving what from his classmates?

• Prestige

• Power

• Prejudice

• Classism Treatment

Answer explanation

Robel is eager to showcase his success as a surgeon, indicating he seeks recognition and admiration from his classmates. This desire aligns with 'prestige', which refers to respect and admiration based on achievements.

As a mechanical Engineer, Carson makes $97,000 a year before taxes. This is part of his:

• Wealth

• Prestige

• Income

Answer explanation

Carson's salary of $97,000 represents his earnings from work, which is classified as income. Wealth refers to accumulated assets, while prestige relates to social status, making 'income' the correct choice.

Robel and Ingrid are discussing the social stratification system in the United States, which is typically broken down into 4 general categories - poor, lower class, middle class, and upper class. They note that people have the ability to move throughout the levels within their lifetime. Which type of system is this an example of?

• Slavery

• Caste

• Estate

• Class

Answer explanation

This is an example of a class system, as it allows for social mobility between categories like poor, lower class, middle class, and upper class, unlike caste or estate systems which are more rigid.