Question 1

Prince William was born into the British Royal family and was assigned a higher status that could not be taken away.Which term best describes Prince William's status?

Accepted Answer

Prince William's status was ascribed, meaning it was assigned to him based on his birth into the Royal family and could not be taken away. Public status refers to a person's status based on their reputation or public image, achieved status is earned through personal accomplishments, and set status is a status that is determined by society and does not typically change.

Question 2

The Smith family has a monthly income of $2000,of which they spend $1300 (65 percent of their income)on food,rent,home heating,and electricity.According to Statistics Canada,which measure characterizes the Smith family as living in poverty?

Accepted Answer

The low-income cutoff measure is the most likely measure to characterize the Smith family as living in poverty, as it compares their income to a threshold below which a family is considered to be in poverty. The fact that they spend 65% of their income on necessities suggests that they may struggle to afford other basic needs. The other measures listed are not as appropriate in this situation- the absolute measure looks at income levels but does not compare them to a poverty threshold, the market basket measure focuses on the costs of a designated set of goods and services rather than income, and the social welfare measure focuses on access to government support programs.

Question 3

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

Ascribed status refers to the social status that an individual is assigned at birth based on their characteristics such as sex, ethnicity, and family background. In this case, the baby girl's gender and birth into a Hindu family in Pune, Maharashtra are examples of ascribed status.

Question 4

According to the text,how long would it take the average Canadian worker (employed full-time and year-round)to earn as much as the average annual income of the top 100 CEOs of Canada?

Accepted Answer

It would take the average Canadian worker 200 years to earn as much as the average annual income of the top 100 CEOs in Canada, highlighting the significant income disparity between top executives and average workers.

Question 5

Judy is a single mother who works two jobs,but every month she must choose between paying the electric bill and buying food.Which term best classifies Judy's kind of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Judy is working but still struggling to make ends meet and afford basic necessities such as food and electricity. This fits the definition of working poor, which refers to individuals or families who have jobs but still live below the poverty line. Option A) capitalist pauper does not fit as Judy is not a beggar or relying on charity. Option B) relative poverty refers to individuals or families who have less than the average level of resources and opportunities in their society, but Judy's situation is more about the basics necessities for survival. Option D) absolute poverty refers to lack of basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, but since Judy is able to meet some of these needs through working, it is not accurate to classify her as in absolute poverty.

Question 6

According to Gerhard Lenski's evolutionary model,which of the following societies is least stratified?

Accepted Answer

According to Lenski's model, hunting and gathering societies are the least stratified because they have minimal divisions of labor and material possessions are shared among the group. There are no significant inequalities in power or wealth.

Question 7

In a particular 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.What type of system is this?

Accepted Answer

The description given refers to a caste system, which is a social stratification system based on inherited social status. In such a system, individuals are born into a particular caste and their social mobility is restricted. The legal barriers mentioned likely refer to the caste system present in some regions of India.

Question 8

According to Gerhard Lenski,how was the evolutionary trend toward ever-increasing inequality reversed?

Accepted Answer

Gerhard Lenski argued that the evolutionary trend toward ever-increasing inequality was reversed by ever-increasing technological complexity in society. This complexity led to new forms of social organization and economies that could support a larger middle class, thus reducing some aspects of inequality.

Question 9

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 term best characterizes this type of stratification system?

Accepted Answer

In a closed stratification system, social mobility is limited or nonexistent due to factors such as race, language, culture, or economic class. This type of system is common in societies where social status is determined by birth or by ascribed characteristics rather than achieved ones. The fact that people are segregated through language, culture, and economics in this society indicates that it is a closed system, with little opportunity for upward mobility for those at the lower end of the social hierarchy.

Question 10

To be a social worker in Canada,a person must be a graduate of a school accredited by the social work association,complete the association's written examination,and maintain membership in the association.According to Weber,what term best describes this association's practices?

Accepted Answer

According to Max Weber, the term "social closure" best describes the practices of limiting access to a profession by requiring specific qualifications, such as accreditation, examinations, and membership in a professional association. This concept is used to maintain professional standards and restrict entry to a profession, thereby controlling competition and ensuring a certain level of expertise and professionalism within the field.

Question 11

Keith Nicholson,a Calgary resident,has worked all his life at low-paying jobs.Until recently,he lived in housing for low-income earners,but the government sold his housing development to a private real-estate company and the new owners raised the rent.Now Keith lives on the street and in shelters.Which term best classifies Keith's kind of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Keith Nicholson is classified as a working poor individual as he has worked all his life at low-paying jobs and is unable to afford adequate housing due to rising living costs.

Question 12

Canada,unlike Britain,does not have an aristocracy.According to the text,which statement most accurately reflects Canada's social stratification picture?

Accepted Answer

Canada, while not having an aristocracy like Britain, is still a stratified society where inheritance and privilege play a significant role in determining social status and opportunities. This reflects the reality that despite the absence of formal titles, economic and social inequalities exist, influenced by factors such as family background and wealth.

Question 13

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,which term best describes the situation the child is referring to?

Accepted Answer

The child's age, which is an ascribed status, is the reason for being made to go to bed early. Ascribed status refers to the status that is assigned to a person based on factors outside of their control, such as age, gender, race, family background, etc.

Question 14

What do studies of poverty in Canada show?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that compared to decades ago, the working poor are now a larger proportion of the poor. This means that a growing number of individuals and families who are employed are still struggling to make ends meet and are living below the poverty line. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the findings of studies on poverty in Canada.

Question 15

Davis and Moore would argue that doctors,plumbers,construction workers,domestic workers,and lawyers are all necessary in a functioning society.Which necessary feature found in all societies do they believe that these many professions point to?

Accepted Answer

Davis and Moore argue that inequality is a necessary feature of society because it ensures that the most important roles are filled by the most qualified individuals. They believe that different professions, including doctors, plumbers, construction workers, domestic workers, and lawyers, all point to the existence of social stratification as a means to motivate individuals to achieve the training and skills needed for these roles.

Question 16

The workers in a shoe factory were tired of the long hours,poor working conditions,and low pay.They demanded that the situation improve and stopped working as a demonstration of discontent to the owners.Which statement would Marx argue is the best solution to address the situation?

Accepted Answer

Marx would argue that the best solution is for workers to realize a class consciousness, as this awareness among the working class of their shared interests and struggles against the capitalist class is central to Marxist theory. This consciousness is seen as a necessary step towards the working class uniting to challenge and ultimately overthrow the capitalist system.

Question 17

According to Davis and Moore,position in the status hierarchy is based on people's effort and ability: if a person's job is more important,then that person gets paid more.What was their determination based upon?

Accepted Answer

Davis and Moore's determination was based on functional necessity, which means that certain positions in society require greater levels of skill, expertise, and responsibility, and therefore should be rewarded with higher levels of compensation. They argued that this system of stratification is necessary for society to function efficiently and effectively.

Question 18

According to the text,what type of inequality has been increasing in Canada during the past decade?

Accepted Answer

The text states that "wealth inequality has been increasing in Canada over the past decade."

Question 19

Which of the following is taken into consideration when calculating the low-income cutoff in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The low-income cutoff in Canada considers the size of the community because the cost of living can vary significantly between larger urban areas and smaller towns or rural areas. This factor helps to adjust the threshold for what is considered low income based on the general cost of living in different types of communities.

Question 20

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

By reclaiming his title as "#1 golfer in the world," Tiger Woods is aiming to regain his achieved status - a position he had previously earned through his talent, hard work, and dedication. Achieved status is a social position that one has earned, rather than being born into or given by others, and it is based on one's individual abilities, choices, and accomplishments. Becoming the #1 golfer in the world would signify that Woods has reclaimed his status as one of the best golfers in the world, and it would restore his reputation as a skilled athlete and a champion. It may also boost his economic status if he is able to secure more endorsements, sponsorships, and prize money as a result. However, it is important to note that while Woods may gain mediated and public status as a result of his achievements on the golf course, these are not the primary motivations for his desire to reclaim his title.

Quiz 7: Social Stratification