Question 1

According to the textbook,how are patterns of income inequality usually depicted?

Accepted Answer

Patterns of income inequality are usually depicted as quintiles, which divide the population into five equal groups based on their level of income. This is a commonly used method for analyzing and illustrating income distribution in a society.

Question 2

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

By enrolling in the Business Administration program at university, Ryan is investing in his human capital. Human capital refers to the knowledge, skills, and abilities that an individual possesses, which increase their productivity and value in the labor market. By gaining knowledge and skills through his studies, Ryan is enhancing his human capital and increasing his chances of being hired by a multinational corporation as a manager.

Question 3

What do we call the organization of society into a hierarchical structure?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification refers to the organization of a society into a hierarchical structure where individuals are ranked based on their status, power, and wealth. It includes factors such as occupation, education, income, and social class.

Question 4

According to the textbook,which of the following is becoming an increasingly important determinant of income and occupation in Canada?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

The share of all pre-tax income enjoyed by the top 20 percent of Canadians increased at the expense of which group?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The share of all pre-tax income enjoyed...

Question 6

Figure 8.3 in the textbook shows the distribution of market income.What has happened to income inequality between 1951 and 2008?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Figure 8.3 in the textbook shows the...

Question 7

Garrett is interested in working at a large multinational manufacturing company. His uncle knows the family who owns the company,so Garrett asks his uncle if he can help get him an interview.What is Garrett making use of in asking his uncle?

Accepted Answer

Garrett is making use of his uncle's connections and relationships within the manufacturing company. This is an example of social capital, which refers to the resources and benefits that individuals gain from their social networks and relationships. In this case, Garrett is leveraging his uncle's social capital to potentially secure an interview at the company.

Question 8

If Daniel's family earned $79 000 in 2008,how would their earnings rate,relative to other Canadian families at that time?

Accepted Answer

In 2008, the median total income for Canadian families was around $70,000, so earning $79,000 would place Daniel's family close to the average.

Question 9

Why do writers and filmmakers often use "shipwrecks" to talk about society?

Accepted Answer

Shipwrecks often represent a scenario where people from different social backgrounds are forced to rely on each other for survival, regardless of their usual status or position in society. This allows writers and filmmakers to explore the dynamics of human relationships and the effects of societal structures on people's behavior.

Question 10

According to the textbook,why can the welfare state be compared to Robin Hood?

Accepted Answer

The welfare state can be compared to Robin Hood because both redistribute wealth or income from the rich to the poor. Robin Hood was a legendary figure who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and the welfare state uses taxation and social programs to achieve a similar goal.

Question 11

Which fictional character does the textbook suggest that the welfare state should be likened to?

Accepted Answer

The textbook suggests that the welfare state should be likened to Robin Hood because both take from the rich to give to the poor. Robin Hood is known for taking from the wealthy and distributing it to the less fortunate, much like how the welfare state redistributes wealth through social programs and assistance to those in need.

Question 12

Why are Marilyn and Peter able to buy so much more for their family today than a family in the 1950s would have?

Accepted Answer

Marilyn and Peter both work for pay, which increases their overall income and buying power. This is a significant difference from the 1950s when it was common for only one parent to work outside the home.

Question 13

According to the textbook,which comparably rich country has the lowest income inequality?

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook, Denmark has the lowest income inequality among comparably rich countries. Denmark has a strong welfare state, including universal healthcare, free education, and a comprehensive social safety net, which helps to reduce income inequality. Additionally, the country has a tradition of collective bargaining, which ensures fair and equitable wages for workers.

Question 14

For most Canadians,which of the following plays a major role in income level?

Accepted Answer

Occupation plays a major role in determining income level for most Canadians. This is because different occupations have different pay scales and opportunities for advancement, which can significantly impact one's earning potential. While patterns of inequality and the existence of a welfare state can also have an impact, they are not as direct and consistent as the influence of occupation. Genetics, on the other hand, is not a relevant factor in determining income level.

Question 15

According to the textbook,which comparably rich country has the highest income inequality?

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook, the United States, despite being comparably rich, has the highest income inequality among other rich countries.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Canada is situated between the United States and Denmark in terms of extremes regarding income inequality. While the United States has extremely high income inequality, Denmark has comparatively low income inequality, making Canada fall in the middle.

Question 17

Kate has just finished law school and is keen to gain a position with a prestigious corporate law firm in Vancouver. Besides her talent and education,which of the following would be the most help to her in being hired there?

Accepted Answer

Cultural and social capital includes connections, relationships, and shared values that can provide access to opportunities and resources. In the context of Kate's job search, these connections and relationships can help her get her foot in the door at a prestigious corporate law firm in Vancouver.

Question 18

Ruth has spent much of her adolescence away at school where,besides academic subjects,she was taught other skills such as how to speak and walk properly,manners,and public speaking.What has Ruth invested in by learning these skills?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital refers to non-financial social assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means, such as education, intellect, style of speech, and appearance. Ruth's learning of skills like speaking, walking, and manners aligns with this concept.

Question 19

Roselynn and her partner are both on disability benefits from the government due to chronic illness,and this is their only source of income.According to Figure 8.3 in the textbook,which shows the distribution of market income,what percentage of all income in Canada do they,along with others in their position,earn annually?

Accepted Answer

According to Figure 8.3 in the textbook, individuals on disability benefits, along with others in similar positions, earn 6 percent of all income in Canada annually.

Question 20

Figure 8.2 in the textbook shows the average annual earnings by distance up the CN Tower.How far up the CN Tower would the "average"-earning workers be located?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Figure 8.2 in the textbook shows the...

Quiz 8: Social Stratification