Question 1

The probability that an individual will change class levels in an open class system is __________.

Accepted Answer

In an open class system, individuals are free to move between class levels based on their achievements and abilities. This means that the probability of an individual changing class levels is relatively high.

Question 2

People known as mestizos in Latin America represent __________.

Accepted Answer

Mestizos in Latin America are people of mixed race, usually of European and Indigenous American ancestry. They do not necessarily have a predetermined socioeconomic status, power or inferiority.

Question 3

Before the caste system in Rwanda was overthrown, which was seen as the undesirable caste?

Accepted Answer

The Twa were seen as the undesirable caste in Rwanda before the caste system was overthrown. They were marginalized and discriminated against by the Hutu and Tutsi castes.

Question 4

In most ranked societies, chiefs may be called the "owners" of the land. This usually means that __________.

Accepted Answer

In ranked societies, chiefs are often seen as stewards or custodians of the land, meaning others can use the land but the chief holds a symbolic ownership or authority over it.

Question 5

Based on his observations of egalitarian societies, what did Christopher Boehm conclude about dominance?

Accepted Answer

Dominance is a natural trait in humans, as observed by Christopher Boehm in his studies of egalitarian societies. He found that even in societies that strive for equality, the urge for dominance exists, suggesting it is an inherent human characteristic rather than solely a product of specific cultural or social conditions.

Question 6

Where do we find the highest genetic diversity among human populations?

Accepted Answer

Africa is considered as the cradle of human evolution where humans evolved and diversified over millions of years. As a result, the continent has a high level of genetic diversity among its populations. Additionally, Africa is home to the largest number of indigenous ethnic groups in the world, each with their unique genetic makeup, contributing to the high genetic diversity. Therefore, the highest genetic diversity among human populations can be found in Africa.

Question 7

How is chiefly status obtained among the Ifaluk culture?

Accepted Answer

Chiefly status among the Ifaluk culture is obtained genealogically, meaning it is based on one's ancestry and familial relationships. It is passed down from one's mother's side and is determined by how closely one is related to previous chiefs.

Question 8

The term ethnicity involves a group of people emphasizing shared __________.

Accepted Answer

Ethnicity typically involves a shared history, culture, and often language, which distinguishes it from other groups. While physical characteristics and religion may be a part of ethnicity, they are not always defining factors. socioeconomic status is also not typically a defining factor of ethnicity.

Question 9

In egalitarian societies, people may differ in prestige, but these differences are not related to __________.

Accepted Answer

In egalitarian societies, prestige differences are not related to social group, as these societies aim to minimize social hierarchies and emphasize equality among all members.

Question 10

In an egalitarian system, any prestige gained by ability __________.

Accepted Answer

In an egalitarian system, the focus is on equal opportunities and equal distribution of resources. Therefore, prestige gained by ability cannot be passed on to one's children as it would create inequalities and perpetuate a hierarchy.

Question 11

What strategy do egalitarian societies use to keep one individual from dominating others?

Accepted Answer

Egalitarian societies often use ridicule as a social mechanism to prevent any one individual from gaining too much power or dominance over others.

Question 12

Japan, Italy, and Germany have __________ class mobility than the United States, and/but __________ inequality.

Accepted Answer

Japan, Italy, and Germany have less class mobility than the United States, but less inequality.

Question 13

How do social scientists generally measure the degree of class mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social scientists generally measure the degree of class mobility by comparing the class of individuals with the class of their parents. This helps in understanding whether people are able to move up or down the social ladder across generations.

Question 14

__________ diversity is almost always associated with differential access to advantages.

Accepted Answer

Ethnic diversity is almost always associated with differential access to advantages because different ethnic groups often have different levels of social, economic, and political power.

Question 15

Most societies with social ranking practice __________.

Accepted Answer

Most societies with social ranking practice herding or agriculture because these modes of subsistence support the accumulation of surplus resources, which can lead to the development of social hierarchies and stratification.

Question 16

What is happening to the gap between rich and poor nations?

Accepted Answer

The gap between rich and poor nations has been rising steadily since the Industrial Revolution.

Question 17

Who is an Aryan?

Accepted Answer

The term "Aryan" refers to a language family originated in ancient India, and it includes many modern languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Persian, Kurdish, and others. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Options B and C are incorrect because they are both based on false racial and social hierarchies that do not have any scientific or historical basis. Option D is also incorrect because being a member of the Nazi party is a political affiliation, not a racial or linguistic one.

Question 18

What is racism?

Accepted Answer

Racism is the belief that some races are inferior to others. It involves creating a hierarchy of races and justifying discrimination based on this false belief. The recognition of biological differences across human groups (B) is not necessarily racist, as long as it does not lead to the belief in the superiority or inferiority of any group. Taking pride in one's heritage or ancestry (C) is also not inherently racist, but it can become a problem if it involves the belief that one's own group is superior to others. The idea that your own culture is more moral or logical than other cultures (D) is a form of cultural or ethnic chauvinism, and while it can be related to racism, it is not the same thing.

Question 19

Which nation had a hereditary caste system known as the burakumin?

Accepted Answer

The burakumin is a hereditary caste system in Japan, who were historically considered to be "untouchables" and worked in occupations seen as impure or unclean, such as leather-working or butchery. The discrimination against them, known as buraku discrimination, persists to this day despite efforts to abolish it. Brazil, Egypt, and India also have caste systems, but they are not specifically known as the burakumin.

Question 20

When people from Dominica, Haiti, or Cuba come to the United States, they often find that their __________ has changed.

Accepted Answer

In the United States, the concept of race is socially constructed and can differ significantly from the racial classifications in other countries. People from Dominica, Haiti, or Cuba may find that the way they are racially categorized in the U.S. does not align with their self-identification or the racial categories of their home countries. This is due to the unique history, culture, and social dynamics of race in the U.S.

Quiz 8: Social Stratification: Class, Ethnicity, and Racism