Question 1

Social and cultural capital improves a person's chances of achieving economic success. Families higher up in the social hierarchy enjoy more capital of all types.

Accepted Answer

Social and cultural capital can provide advantages and opportunities that contribute to economic success, such as access to influential networks, knowledge of social norms and expectations, and access to high-quality education and employment opportunities. Families higher up in the social hierarchy often have more social and cultural capital, giving them an advantage in achieving economic success.

Question 2

Because of improvements in communication technology, for the first time sociologists are able to calculate to a very high degree of accuracy how many homeless people there are in Canada.

Accepted Answer

The statement is not accurate. While improvements in communication technology may have aided in efforts to estimate the number of homeless people in Canada, it is not true that sociologists are able to calculate this with a "very high degree of accuracy." Homelessness is a complex social issue and accurate measurement is still challenging for researchers.

Question 3

In Canada, having a job provides an escape from poverty.

Accepted Answer

Having a job does not necessarily guarantee an escape from poverty in Canada, as factors like low wages, high living costs, and part-time or precarious employment can still leave individuals below the poverty line.

Question 4

A definition of poverty that results in fewer Canadians being counted as poor encourages the government to completely eradicate poverty.

Accepted Answer

A definition of poverty that results in fewer Canadians being counted as poor would actually discourage the government from taking action to eradicate poverty as it would suggest that the problem is not as significant as it actually is. A more accurate and inclusive definition of poverty would encourage the government to take action to address and eliminate poverty in Canada.

Question 5

The National Council of Welfare argues that the proportion of Canadians who are poor is a measure of how well democracy is functioning.

Accepted Answer

The National Council of Welfare believes that poverty is a key indicator of societal well-being and that reducing poverty is important for supporting democracy and social inclusion. Therefore, they argue that the proportion of Canadians who are poor is a measure of how well democracy is functioning.

Question 6

Sociologists define human capital as the investment in education and training.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists define human capital as the skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by an individual, which increases their economic value and productivity. This includes investments in education and training.

Question 7

Many countries in Europe have a poverty rate well below that of Canada.

Accepted Answer

Many European countries have poverty rates similar to or higher than Canada, though some may have lower rates due to different social policies and economic conditions.

Question 8

Wealth, which is assets minus interest owed on liabilities, provides security and even improves one's health.

Accepted Answer

Wealth is typically defined as the total value of assets minus liabilities, not just interest owed on liabilities.

Question 9

According to Marx, class conflict is not inevitable. Class conflict arises only where one class systematically excludes the other classes in that society from an equal share in the benefits of that society.

Accepted Answer

Class conflict is inevitable according to Marx, and it arises when one class systematically excludes other classes in that society from an equal share in the benefits of that society.

Question 10

Wealth, which is assets minus liabilities, provides security and even improves one's health.

Accepted Answer

Wealth can provide security in terms of financial stability and the ability to cover unexpected expenses. Additionally, studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of wealth tend to have better overall health outcomes.

Question 11

Deprivation always occurs when a family has a low income, because income and consumption are correlated.

Accepted Answer

Deprivation can occur in families with low income, but it's not always the case because families might have access to resources, support systems, or savings that prevent them from experiencing deprivation despite having a low income. Additionally, income and consumption are correlated, but this relationship is not absolute, and other factors can influence a family's level of deprivation.

Question 12

Most people in low-income brackets are poor because of their specific characteristics, such as disability, poor attitude, or poor upbringing.

Accepted Answer

This statement is a common misconception known as the "personal responsibility narrative." While individual factors may contribute to poverty, such as disability or difficult upbringing, studies have shown that systemic factors such as lack of access to education, healthcare, housing, and job opportunities are the main causes of poverty. It is important to recognize this in order to address poverty effectively through policy and systemic change.

Question 13

Once immigrants have become established in Canada, statistics show that they have a lower poverty rate than those born in Canada.

Accepted Answer

According to Statistics Canada, in 2016, the poverty rate for immigrants who had been in Canada for more than 20 years was 13.5%, compared to 16.3% for the Canadian-born population.

Question 14

Any person who is trustworthy and commits the effort will succeed in achieving a good job with a high income.

Accepted Answer

While trustworthiness and effort are important factors in achieving success, they are not the only factors. There are multiple factors that contribute to job success and income, such as education, skills, experience, and market demand. Additionally, systemic barriers and inequalities can prevent individuals from achieving success despite their trustworthiness and effort.

Question 15

Marx believed that capitalist growth would eventually produce a society without classes and so without class conflict.

Accepted Answer

Marx believed that capitalism would eventually lead to a society without classes, as the working class would overthrow the capitalist class and establish a classless society based on cooperation and equality. This theory is known as communism.

Question 16

The system of tax collection and tax allocation illustrates the way that social policies affect poverty, but in Canada, the progressive tax system has done little to lessen poverty.

Accepted Answer

The progressive tax system in Canada has not been effective in reducing poverty.

Question 17

As the Canadian economy moves from a resources economy to being more knowledge-driven, education will continue to grow in importance.

Accepted Answer

With the shift towards a more knowledge-based economy, education and skills development become increasingly important in order to remain competitive and innovative. Therefore, education will continue to grow in importance in Canada.

Question 18

The real life scandal regarding the $250 million-grossing film Slumdog Millionaire reproduces which of the following themes?

Accepted Answer

The real life scandal surrounding Slumdog Millionaire involves economic exploitation of the child actors, who were paid very low wages and lived in poor conditions despite the film's massive success.

Question 19

Sociologists point to social system faults, such as the lack of good jobs, as the major cause of poverty.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists generally attribute poverty to systemic issues, such as economic inequality and lack of access to good jobs, rather than individual failings or choices.

Question 20

Canadian families earn considerably more than they did a half-century ago because they are more productive.

Accepted Answer

Canadian families have become more productive over the years, resulting in higher earnings compared to their half-century ago. This can be attributed to advancements in technology, education, and increased participation of women in the workforce.

Quiz 6: Social Stratification-Canadian and Global Perspectives