Sociology Chapter 8 and 9 Test Review

What is social stratification?

• The ranking of people or groups according to their unequal access to scarce resources

• The division of society into classes that have equal amounts of resources

According to the functionalist theory of stratification, why do certain jobs have higher monetary rewards and prestige?

• Because of the voluntary agreement of people to the stratification structure

• Because certain jobs are more important and require special talent and training

What is false consciousness according to conflict theory?

• The adoption of the ideas of the dominant class by the less powerful class

• The realization of the true nature of social stratification

How does symbolic interactionism explain the acceptance of the existing stratification structure?

• By promoting the idea of challenging the existing system

• By focusing on how people are socialized to believe that social class is the result of talent and effort

What is the looking-glass process in the context of symbolic interactionism?

• The process of self-esteem being based on how we think others see us

• The process of self-concepts helping preserve the status quo

In the context of social stratification, what is the role of self-esteem for the higher classes?

• It leads to the realization of the true nature of the stratification structure

• It fuels the conviction that the present arrangement is unjust

What is the main focus of the conflict theory of stratification?

• The importance of certain jobs and the rewards attached to them

• The struggle for scarce resources among various groups in society

According to the functionalist theory, why do doctors make more money and have more prestige than bus drivers?

• Because certain jobs are more important and require special talent and training

• Because of the voluntary agreement of people to the stratification structure

What is the basis of power according to conflict theorists?

• Ownership of the means of production and control of the economy

• Expert knowledge, fame, and social positions

How does symbolic interactionism help us understand the acceptance of the existing stratification structure?

• By emphasizing the role of force in maintaining the stratification structure

• By focusing on how people are socialized to believe that social class is the result of talent and effort