Question 1

Some politicians present welfare policies as wasteful, unfair, and not worthy of serious consideration.In Weber's terms, what are they trying to achieve by presenting policies of their opponents in this way?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some politicians present welfare policies as wasteful,...

Question 2

The GST and HST are examples of progressive taxes.

Accepted Answer

The GST (Goods and Services Tax) and HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) are actually examples of regressive taxes, as they apply the same rate of tax to all income levels regardless of their ability to pay.

Question 3

According to the textbook, which of the following influences rates of poverty among immigrants to Canada?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the textbook, which of the...

Question 4

Why does Canada have no statistics on the number of poor people?

Accepted Answer

Canada has no official definition of poverty, which makes it difficult to accurately determine and measure poverty rates in the country. Without a clear definition, it is challenging to develop statistics on the number of poor people in Canada.

Question 5

In terms of extremes regarding income inequality, between which two wealthy countries is Canada placed?

Accepted Answer

Canada is placed between the United States and Denmark in terms of extremes regarding income inequality. The United States has one of the highest levels of income inequality among wealthy countries, while Denmark is one of the most equal. Canada falls somewhere in the middle.

Question 6

The following figures are income shares of the lowest quintiles in four societies.Which indicates the highest level of income inequality?

Accepted Answer

The lowest income share (3.5 percent) indicates the highest level of income inequality, as it means the bottom quintile has the smallest portion of the total income compared to the other options.

Question 7

In which social system is one class required to protect another, that gives a portion of its agricultural labour and crops in return?

Accepted Answer

Feudalism is a social system in which a lord or noble is granted land by a monarch in exchange for military service and protection of the peasants who work the land. The peasants, also known as serfs, give a portion of their agricultural labor and crops in return for the protection of the lord.

Question 8

Karim's parents are high-school teachers.He has just finished university, but is only able to find a job in the customer service centre of an insurance company.What is Karim experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Karim is experiencing intergenerational mobility, which refers to the change in social status from one generation to the next. In this case, Karim, despite having a university degree, is working in a job that might be considered of a different social status than that of his parents, who are high-school teachers.

Question 9

Approximately what percentage of families in Canada own almost no assets?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Approximately what percentage of families in Canada...

Question 10

In a survey of 18 nations, which of the following statements did most Canadians polled agree with?

Accepted Answer

According to the article, "Canadians are overwhelmingly likely to agree that inequality continues because it benefits the rich and powerful". This statement is in line with choice A.

Question 11

Rosa's parents have very little money and she often has to go to elementary school without breakfast or lunch.Rosa is very bright, but on the days when this happens, she finds it difficult to concentrate on her schoolwork.What does Rosa lack in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Rosa lacks equality of condition, as she does not have access to basic necessities like food that would allow her to have an equal chance at success in school compared to her peers.

Question 12

Leif believes that poverty is caused by the boom and bust cycles of a capitalist economic system and by people's tolerance of low-wage jobs and union busting.His views are consistent with which of the following explanations of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Structural explanation

Question 13

William and his family experienced a dramatic increase in their wealth since 1999.Given what is known about which groups experienced increases in family wealth, in which group do William and his family most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

The question states that William and his family experienced a "dramatic increase" in their wealth since 1999. This suggests that their wealth increased significantly, which is more likely to be the case for families in the top 20 percent of wealth distribution.

Question 14

What happens when lower-income Canadians spend more of their income on consumption?

Accepted Answer

Lower-income Canadians are more heavily impacted by regressive taxes, such as consumption taxes, as a larger portion of their income goes towards consumption. This can lead to a disproportionate burden on these individuals and can exacerbate income inequality.

Question 15

Ryan is interested in working at a multinational corporation as a manager.In order to increase his chances of getting hired there, he has enrolled in the Business Administration program at his university.What is he investing in by going to university?

Accepted Answer

Ryan is investing in his human capital by enrolling in a Business Administration program at his university. This program will help him develop knowledge, skills and abilities that are valued in the job market, and will increase his chances of getting hired at a multinational corporation as a manager.

Question 16

Ryuichi's parents have decided to send him to a private high school.Which of the following assets contributing to high income can they reasonably hope that he will gain there?

Accepted Answer

Private high schools are often associated with affluence and prestige, and attending one can provide students with cultural capital, which refers to non-financial social assets such as education, knowledge, skills, and cultural practices that help individuals attain social and economic advantages. Ryuichi's parents can hope that he will gain cultural capital, which can enhance his prospects for higher education and career success. Natural talent (A) is innate and not necessarily dependent on schooling, while social conscience (B) and enlightenment (D) are more related to moral and ethical values than to financial or career gains.

Question 17

Approximately what percentage of Canadians who experienced poverty during one year are likely to remain poor for more than two years?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Approximately what percentage of Canadians who experienced...

Question 18

According to the textbook, which of the following is the main feature of power?

Accepted Answer

The textbook states that the main feature of power is that it is a social relationship. Power exists between people and is not a tangible object or entity. It is the ability of one person or group to influence the behavior of another person or group. This relationship is based on social dynamics and interactions between individuals or groups.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the upward mobility of David Siegel, portrayed in the documentary The Queen of Versailles?

Accepted Answer

The documentary highlights how public policies that made "cheap money" available, in particular, the subprime mortgage market, allowed David Siegel to expand his timeshare business and become incredibly wealthy.

Question 20

What percentage of Canadians owe more than they own?

Accepted Answer

20 percent of Canadians owe more than they own, indicating they have a negative net worth.

Quiz 8: Social Stratification