Question 1

When considering social class, a doctor is generally associated with having a high status. Before doctors can practise medicine they choose to undertake extensive training and education of a high intellectual standard. How would you describe a doctor's status?

Accepted Answer

A doctor's status is an achieved status because they have chosen to undertake extensive education and training to become a doctor. It is not a set status or ascribed status that they were born into or assigned to based on their family background. While their standing may be recognized publicly, it is not necessarily a public status as it is based on their individual achievement rather than a role in society.

Question 2

A country such as Sweden has high levels of social equality between citizens. Based on talent and merit, people can rise from lower classes and achieve a higher standard of life. Which term is used to describe countries with high levels of equality enabling upward mobility?

Accepted Answer

A meritocracy is a system in which individuals are rewarded and advanced based on their abilities and achievements rather than social status or class. Countries with high levels of equality enabling upward mobility are often considered to be meritocratic societies.

Question 3

According to the text, what determines a person's social location in a caste system?

Accepted Answer

The text states that in a caste system, social status is determined at birth and remains the same for life. This means that a person's social location is based on their birth or family background, rather than their personal achievements, wealth or associations.

Question 4

Tiger Woods suffered a significant fall in status after his extramarital affair was discovered. He is still among the highest paid athletes, but it took him years to win another tournament. In sociological terms, what does he hope to gain by reclaiming his title as "#1 golfer in the world"?

Accepted Answer

Tiger Woods is aiming to regain his achieved status as the "#1 golfer in the world" after losing it due to his extramarital affair scandal. Achieved status is gained through an individual's own efforts and abilities, such as their skills as a golfer. Woods hopes to regain this title through his hard work and success in golf tournaments.

Question 5

What can we conclude about the impact of caste and stratification systems?

Accepted Answer

Both caste and stratification systems have a significant impact on the potential for social mobility. In caste systems, social mobility is largely impossible because a person's caste is determined by their birth and cannot be changed. In stratification systems, social mobility is possible but can be limited by a variety of factors such as education, wealth, and social connections. Both systems can thus impact the ability of individuals to move up or down the social ladder.

Question 6

According to the text, which of the following would most accurately describe India's caste structure?

Accepted Answer

The text describes India's caste structure as a closed system of stratification, in which individuals are born into a particular caste and are unable to change their caste throughout their lifetime.

Question 7

In a society where people are segregated through language, culture, and economics, those on the lower end of the social stratification are oppressed and refused the right for upward mobility. Which of the following terms best characterizes this type of stratification system?

Accepted Answer

A closed stratification system is one where social mobility is limited or non-existent. In a society where people are segregated based on language, culture, and economics, those on the lower end of the social hierarchy are not allowed to move up, no matter how hard they work. This type of system is oppressive and reinforces existing disparities instead of promoting equality.

Question 8

A female baby is born into a Hindu family, in the city of Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, India. What term is used by sociologists to describe the particular characteristics mentioned in the preceding sentence about this baby girl?

Accepted Answer

An ascribed status is a social position that is assigned to a person at birth, such as their gender, race, or family background. In this case, the baby girl's gender and family background (Hindu, from Pune, Maharashtra) are all ascribed statuses that she inherits simply by being born into that family.

Question 9

Which of the following characteristics sociologically defines a low position in the social stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification is defined as the categorization of people into groups based on their socio-economic status, power, prestige and wealth. A person who has little power, prestige or wealth will be categorized in a low position in the social stratification system. Options A, B, and D are not enough to categorize a person as being in a low position in the social stratification system on their own.

Question 10

At a high school in the country "X," the A+ student receives the highest honours at school. In country "Y," the fastest runner receives the highest honours at school. What sociological explanation can be given to explain the difference in what designates an honours status?

Accepted Answer

The criteria for social stratification can vary across cultures. In country "X," academic achievement is highly valued, while in country "Y," athletic ability is highly valued. These cultural differences result in different designations of honours status.

Question 11

Madison comes from a poor, working-class family. However, she worked hard, got good grades, and landed a great job. She is now considered middle class. Which of the following terms best characterizes the type of stratification system that Madison experienced?

Accepted Answer

An open stratification system allows for social mobility through individual effort, such as education and hard work. Madison was able to move up from a lower class to a middle-class position through her own efforts, demonstrating the openness of her society’s system.

Question 12

Prince William was born into the British Royal family and was assigned a higher status that could not be taken away. Prince William's status can be best described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Prince William's status is an ascribed status, which means that it is assigned at birth and cannot be changed or earned through personal accomplishments. It is based on his position as a member of the royal family and is not something that he actively worked to achieve.

Question 13

According to the text, which term identifies persistent patterns of social inequality, perpetuated by the distribution of wealth, power, and prestige passed from one generation to the next?

Accepted Answer

The term that identifies persistent patterns of social inequality, perpetuated by the distribution of wealth, power, and prestige passed from one generation to the next is social stratification. Social mobility refers to the ability to move up or down in the social hierarchy, social striation refers to the layering of social groups based on factors like income or occupation, and social position refers to an individual's place in the social hierarchy.

Question 14

Joe is of Aboriginal descent. According to a sociological analysis, he believes he did not get the job he wanted because of his ascribed status in Canadian society. Using more common terms, what did Joe declare was the reason he didn't get the job?

Accepted Answer

Joe is suggesting that he did not get the job due to discrimination based on his Aboriginal background, which falls under the category of racism.

Question 15

In this type of system, people know exactly where they fit in and there is little to no room for social mobility. For example, some members of this system will face legal barriers if they attempt to enter into Indian politics.

Accepted Answer

The system described in the question is the caste system, which is a social hierarchy system in which people are born into a specific social group that determines their opportunities, occupations, and social interactions. It is a rigid system that restricts social mobility and can prevent people from accessing certain opportunities based on their caste.

Question 16

What term would describe a world in which everyone would have an opportunity to compete for higher-status positions and those most capable would be awarded the highest ranks?

Accepted Answer

A world where everyone has an opportunity to compete for higher-status positions and those most capable are awarded the highest ranks is known as a meritocracy. This refers to a system where individuals are selected for positions based on their merit or abilities, rather than factors like social class, wealth, or race. In a capitalist system, wealth and ownership of resources are the primary factors that determine social status and power. In a socialist system, the means of production are owned and controlled by the state, with the goal of creating a more equal distribution of resources and opportunities. Democracy refers to a political system where citizens have an equal say in decision-making through voting and elected representatives.

Question 17

Robert has worked hard and put in a lot of hours as a lawyer. Recently, his boss offered him partnership in the law firm where he works. Which of the following best describes Robert's status as a new partner in the law firm?

Accepted Answer

Robert's status as a new partner in the law firm is not a set or ascribed status, as it is not predetermined or given to him based on factors such as his race or social background. It is also not a public status, as it only pertains to his position within the law firm. Rather, his status as a new partner is an achieved status, as he earned it through his hard work and dedication as a lawyer.

Question 18

What is an ascribed status?

Accepted Answer

Ascribed status is a social position that an individual is assigned to at birth or by their personal characteristics that are outside of their control, such as race, gender, and age. It is not based on personal choice or performance.

Question 19

Which of the following two status sets would describe (in order) a female who is also a nurse?

Accepted Answer

A nurse is usually considered an achieved status because it requires specialized education and training to obtain. Being female is an ascribed status, which is something that one is born with or that is attributed to them based on societal characteristics such as gender, race or ethnicity. Therefore, the correct order of status sets for a female nurse would be ascribed status (female) followed by achieved status (nurse).

Question 20

When a child complains, "It's not fair! My parents make me go to bed early just because I'm younger than them!" According to the text, to what type of status is this child referring?

Accepted Answer

The child is referring to their ascribed status of being younger than their parents, which has determined their bedtime.

Quiz 6: Social Stratification