Deck 2: In Marxs Wake: Theories of Social Stratification and Social Inequality

Question 1

Davis and Moore's version of structural-functional theory proposes that groups in conflict adjust in a way that promotes

A) conflict
B) unnecessary
C) equal pay
D) stability

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The conflict perspective contends that the competition for all but which of the following should be the main concern of sociology?

A) power
B) prestige
C) housing
D) wealth

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which of the following is not found in Marx's analysis of the capitalist system?

A) power elite
B) false consciousness
C) proletariat
D) petit bourgeoisie
E) all are found in Marx's conflict perspective

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Marx's four social classes include all but which of the following?

A) proletariat
B) means of production
C) lumpenproletariat
D) bourgeoise
E) petit bourgeoisie

Question 5

Which of the following is not included under Max Weber's bureaucratic system of authority?

A) rigid
B) hierarchical
C) flexible
D) written records

Question 6

Thomas Piketty's theory was based on which of the following?

A) political party affiliation
B) capitalism in the hands of many
C) historical and contemporary data
D) shared control over the production process

Question 7

Thomas Dye's theory of the institutional elite states that the power elite, also known in his theory as "multiple interlockers" are those who are

A) educated, female, and affluent
B) male, educated, and located in rural areas
C) affluent, minority, and educated
D) white, affluent, and male
E) male, young, and educated

Question 8

Capitalism's main proponent has been Karl Marx.

Question 9

Marx's theory of capitalism and other modes of production focuses on two core concepts: superstructure and supreme structure.

Question 10

A superstructure involves the noneconomic parts of society like family and education.

Question 11

Karl Marx believed that revolution was the only answer to overthrowing the system of capitalism.

Question 12

Although Marx's theoretical work had strengths, all theorists agree capitalism is the only option for economic equality.

Question 13

Marxist theory had little impact on theories and research on social inequality and social stratification

Question 14

Max Weber's contribution to the conflict perspective was his focus on class, status, and party.

Question 15

Conspicuous consumption involves the purchasing of food from big box grocery stores.

Question 16

Thomas Piketty used surveys about what people thought they earned to challenge the Marxist theory of the capitalist system.

Question 17

G. William Domhoff both found that the corporate class have parents with privileged educational backgrounds but their children rarely enter college.

Question 18

An interlocking directorate is when there is a formal connection between two major corporations when an officer from one company serves on the board of directors of another.

Question 19

Explain how social stratification is explained by the Davis-Moore theory of structural-functionalism and how it compares to that of Tumin.

Question 20

What are the two major classes of Marx's social stratification theory and the other two classes used in the theory?

Question 21

Explain the three main features of Weber's conflict theory.

Question 22

Using the different theories that use the concept of the power-elite, discuss the ways in which corporate connections, wealth, status, and education help to perpetuate social stratification.