Understanding Social Stratification

Which of the following BEST describes stratification?

• A system where people can freely choose their social position

• A way society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy

• A type of economy where wealth is equally distributed

• A system that eliminates inequality

In a caste system:

• People are ranked based on achievement

• Social position is inherited and lifelong

• There is high social mobility

• Education always changes your social class

Meritocracy means:

• Advancement depends on inherited wealth

• Advancement depends on individual ability or achievement

• Advancement depends on family connections

• Advancement depends on political loyalty

Which scenario BEST illustrates intragenerational mobility?

• A farmer’s son becomes a doctor

• A woman starts as a cashier and becomes a manager within her lifetime

• A teacher’s child becomes a lawyer

• A poor neighborhood becomes wealthy over 50 years

Status inconsistency occurs when:

• Someone has equal standing in income, education, and occupation

• Someone’s position in one area is higher or lower than in another

• Someone changes jobs frequently

• Someone gains high status in a short period of time

Which of the following is an ascribed status?

• Becoming a professional athlete

• Being assigned female at birth

• Winning a scholarship

• Getting promoted at work

Conspicuous consumption refers to:

• Buying expensive goods for personal comfort

• Buying products to show social status

• Buying things on sale to save money

• Buying goods only for survival needs

The Davis-Moore Thesis argues that inequality:

• Is harmful to social stability

• Exists because some roles are more important and require greater rewards

• Should be eliminated to achieve fairness

• Exists because people compete unfairly

Which statement matches Karl Marx’s Conflict Theory?

• Inequality motivates people to work harder

• Inequality exists to reward talent and skill

• Inequality is maintained by those in power to protect their interests

• Inequality naturally disappears over time

Which example BEST illustrates cultural capital?

• Owning a luxury car

• Speaking multiple languages and knowing etiquette

• Inheriting a fortune from a relative

• Receiving a yearly salary