Question 1

Which of these is compatible with is the structural-functional theory of stratification?

Accepted Answer

The structural-functional theory of stratification argues that stratification is necessary for society to function correctly. According to this theory, individuals with high ability and merit should occupy top positions in society. Thus, choice A aligns with this perspective.

Question 2

The ability,or inability,to change one's place within the social classes in a society is called which of these?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility refers to the ability or inability of an individual to move up or down the social ladder within a society. It can be achieved through various means including education, occupation, or financial success. Stratification refers to the division of society into different layers based on factors such as wealth, power, and status. Mobilization refers to the process of organizing social or political movements. Achievement status refers to an individual's standing within a society based on their accomplishments or achievements.

Question 3

What is the status of poverty in the U.S.since 1959?

Accepted Answer

The poverty rate in the U.S. has varied from year to year since 1959, with increases during the Great Recession and a slight decrease in recent years. Although the number of people in poverty has grown, it has become a smaller proportion of the population.

Question 4

The largest occupational category,from 1930 to today,has changed from which of these?

Accepted Answer

From 1930 to today, the largest occupational category has shifted from blue-collar to white-collar jobs. This trend can be attributed to the growth of the service industry and the decline of manufacturing jobs in the United States.

Question 5

Upward and downward mobility are the key components of which of these?

Accepted Answer

Upward and downward mobility are the key components of vertical mobility, which refers to the movement of individuals or groups up or down the social hierarchy.

Question 6

Which of these does the chapter text list as a major disadvantage of being in the lower class in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these does the chapter text...

Question 7

Which of these factors is the least likely to explain the feminization of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Men's likelihood to live alone is the least likely factor to explain the feminization of poverty. The feminization of poverty refers to the phenomenon where women are more likely to be poor than men, often due to factors such as lower earnings, longer life spans leading to more years in retirement with insufficient income, and the challenges faced by single mothers. Men living alone does not directly contribute to this issue.

Question 8

In 2016 what percentage of the women in the U.S.are below the poverty line?

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's report on Income and Poverty in the United States: 2016, 14% of women in the U.S. were below the poverty line in 2016.

Question 9

Which of these family types has the lowest rate of poverty?

Accepted Answer

Married-couple families typically have higher household incomes and better financial stability due to the benefits of having two earners and shared expenses. Therefore, they have a lower rate of poverty compared to other types of families.

Question 10

Lindsay is a part-time teacher at a local preschool.She decides to go to school and get her teaching certificate.Eventually,she becomes a full-time math teacher.Which of these is exemplified by her change of position?

Accepted Answer

Lindsay's change from a part-time pre-school teacher to a full-time math teacher involves a change in her occupation, which is an example of occupational mobility. Vertical mobility involves moving up or down the social or economic ladder, structural mobility refers to changes in the societal system that affect everyone's position, and horizontal mobility involves changing jobs at the same level of status or prestige.

Question 11

The caste system,found among the Hindus of India,is primarily based on which of these?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The caste system,found among the Hindus of...

Question 12

According to the text,how many people in the U.S.were living below the poverty line in 2016?

Accepted Answer

The text states that in 2016, 12.7% of people in the U.S. were living below the poverty line.

Question 13

Sean,31,earns $10,000 a year as a seasonal worker at Macy's.His parents earn a combined income of $200,000 as lawyers.Which of these terms applies to Sean's position relative to his parents?

Accepted Answer

Downward intergenerational mobility is a situation in which a person's social status is lower than that of their parents. In this scenario, Sean's parents are high-income earners, while Sean earns a relatively low seasonal salary, indicating a decline in social status from his parents' position.

Question 14

Fred has been homeless for over 10 years.He often does NOT have adequate food each day.Which of these best describes the type of poverty Fred is experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Fred is experiencing absolute poverty, which is when a person is unable to meet their basic needs for survival, such as food, shelter, and clothing. This type of poverty is not dependent on one's income or social status, but rather on their access to basic necessities.

Question 15

The poverty line in the U.S.is measured by the federal government using which of these formulas?

Accepted Answer

The poverty line in the U.S. is measured by the federal government using the cost of a nutritionally adequate food plan multiplied by three. This is known as the "Thrifty Food Plan" and is adjusted for inflation and geographic variations in food costs. It is used to determine eligibility for various government assistance programs.

Question 16

Sharon is a cashier at a grocery store,making $20,000 a year.When the store goes out of business,she takes a job at a department store making $21,000 a year.Which of these is exemplified by her change of position?

Accepted Answer

Sharon's change in job from a grocery store cashier to a department store cashier with a slight increase in salary represents horizontal mobility, as she remains in a similar social and economic position.

Question 17

Nathan and Cynthia are both factory workers who earn a combined annual income of $30,000.They have four children.They rarely go out to eat,and they rely on family and friends for help with day care and other needs.Their family would be considered to live in which of these?

Accepted Answer

Relative poverty is when a family's income is below the median income level and they struggle to make ends meet. Nathan and Cynthia's combined income would place them below the median income level, and their reliance on family and friends for support suggests they may be struggling to meet their basic needs. They may not be in absolute poverty (which refers to a lack of basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing) but their income level may still not be enough to provide a comfortable standard of living. Limited poverty is not a widely recognized term in poverty research, and comparative poverty refers to a situation where individuals or families lack the resources to participate fully in their society, which is not indicated in the scenario given.

Question 18

Single-parent households headed by women are more likely to live in poverty compared to single-parent households headed by men.What does this exemplify?

Accepted Answer

This exemplifies the feminization of poverty, which refers to the disproportionate number of women who live in poverty compared to men. It highlights the gender inequality in economic opportunities and the impact it has on single-parent households headed by women.

Question 19

Britain's Prince William and Prince Harry,sons of Prince Charles,were born into royalty and thus gained instant notoriety.This is an example of which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Ascription refers to the assignment of social status based on characteristics such as family background, gender, or race rather than accomplishments or merits. Prince William and Prince Harry were born into royalty, meaning their status was ascribed to them due to their family background rather than any personal achievements or accomplishments.

Question 20

Mary is a real estate agent who makes $100,000 a year.The economy takes a downturn and she loses her job,then her home,and her vehicle.She becomes homeless.Which of these explains Mary's situation?

Accepted Answer

Mary experiencing a decline in social status, income and assets represents the situation of downward mobility.

Quiz 8: Social Stratification in the United States