Question 1

According to the text, what lies at the root of capitalism's concept of surplus value?

Accepted Answer

The text states that capitalism's concept of surplus value is based on the idea that the value of the goods produced by workers exceeds the cost of the materials and wages needed to produce them. This results in a surplus value that can then be appropriated by the capitalist owner of the means of production.

Question 2

A soldier just received a field promotion. This is when an individual is given an on-the-spot promotion based on demonstrated leadership skills and occupational abilities. Which of the following terms best characterizes the type of society that would provide this type of promotion?

Accepted Answer

A meritocracy is a society that values and rewards individuals based on their abilities and accomplishments rather than their social status or connections. In a meritocracy, promotions and advancements are based on an individual's demonstrated skills and performance, making it more likely for someone to receive a field promotion based on their merit and leadership abilities.

Question 3

At a shirt-making factory, the cost of materials per shirt was $2.00 and the labour per shirt was $3.00. The factory sold the shirt for $12.00. What was the surplus value of each shirt?

Accepted Answer

The surplus value is the amount by which the selling price exceeds the cost of production. In this case, the cost of production per shirt is $5.00 ($2.00 for materials + $3.00 for labor). Therefore, the surplus value per shirt is $7.00 ($12.00 selling price - $5.00 cost of production). Therefore, choice C is the correct answer.

Question 4

Chris, a dentist, furthered his education to become an orthodontist and has an annual take-home pay of around $200,000. What term best defines the type of status Chris has used to achieve his success?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chris, a dentist, furthered his education to...

Question 5

Salina bought a clothing factory, upgraded the sewing machines, and purchased higher-quality cloth to make high-fashion clothing. What would Marx say she invested in?

Accepted Answer

Marx would say that Salina invested in the means of production, which includes the physical tools, equipment, and technologies used to produce goods. Salina upgraded the sewing machines and purchased higher-quality cloth, which are both part of the means of production. The mode of production refers to the social relations and practices involved in production, so this is not the best choice. The relations of production refer to the social structures that govern the relationship between workers and owners, so this is also not the best choice.

Question 6

Janice Jardine works as a cashier at the SuperGrocer in Jasper, Alberta, and earns about $20,000 a year. Janice has a low income, no savings in the bank, and owns no property. According to Karl Marx, what term best identifies the kind of inequality she is experiencing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Janice Jardine works as a cashier at...

Question 7

Which of the following best describes Marx's prediction for capitalism?

Accepted Answer

Marx predicted that the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie would lead to widespread discontent and ultimately a revolutionary upheaval. He believed that the class struggle would eventually lead to the overthrow of the capitalist system.

Question 8

In the Catholic church, ordained priests all start their clerical careers at the same place; however, rising through the ranks is a competitive process based upon achievement. What kind of promotional structure is represented here?

Accepted Answer

The promotional structure in the Catholic church is a meritocracy, where advancement is based upon achievement and performance, rather than just seniority or position.

Question 9

A young man from a humble inner-city background works part-time to get a good education, starts a high-tech company, earns millions of dollars, and buys the local NHL franchise, and later becomes a member of Canada's parliament. What term best explains why he was able to take this career path?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one social class or status to another. The young man in this scenario was able to move from a humble inner-city background to becoming a millionaire and a member of parliament, which represents a significant level of upward social mobility.

Question 10

What term is used to refer to movement up or down the stratification system?

Accepted Answer

Social mobility refers to movement up or down the stratification system. Exchange mobility and circulatory mobility are not commonly used terms in sociology. Horizontal mobility refers to movement within the same social class or occupational category.

Question 11

The factory workers were working long hours for very little pay, although they knew that the management was making good profits. When the management announced that a reduction in pay was necessary to keep the factory open, the workers were so angry that they staged a protest and refused to let anyone into the building. Whose social theory was reflected in this protest?

Accepted Answer

Marx's social theory emphasizes the importance of class conflict and struggle between the working class and the bourgeoisie. The scenario described in the question, where the factory workers protest against management's decision to reduce their pay while acknowledging the company's profits, reflects this theory. Marx believed that such conflicts would ultimately lead to a revolution of the working class against the capitalist system.

Question 12

Marx discussed the role of conflict in his analysis of capitalism and the evolution of previous societies. What is a theme running through his work with respect to conflict?

Accepted Answer

A key theme running through Marx's work is that conflict, particularly class conflict, is the driving force behind social change. He argues that conflicts between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie in capitalist societies will ultimately lead to the overthrow of capitalist systems and the establishment of socialist societies. Marx viewed conflict as an inevitable aspect of social life, rather than simply a disruptive force.

Question 13

Which of the following social classes did Karl Marx predict would eventually disappear within the capitalist system?

Accepted Answer

Marx predicted that the petite bourgeoisie, or small business owners, would eventually be absorbed into the proletariat or bourgeoisie as capitalism advanced, leading to a more polarized class structure.

Question 14

A man exchanges his labour for a wage, producing some product that the capitalist sells at a price far exceeding the wage paid. What is the Marxist term used to describe what's left over after deducting the man's wage and other expenses from the sale price of the product?

Accepted Answer

Marxists use the term "surplus value" to describe the profit that is left over after deducting the worker's wages and other expenses from the sale price of the product. This surplus value is seen as the result of the worker's exploitation by the capitalist, who appropriates the value of the worker's labor without compensating them fully for it.

Question 15

According to the text, what are the specific measures of a person's socioeconomic status?

Accepted Answer

The text specifically states that a person's socioeconomic status is determined by their income, education, and occupation.

Question 16

What prediction did Karl Marx make with his theory about social stratification in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx's theory of social stratification in capitalist societies predicted that the exploitation of the working class would lead to a sense of consciousness and unity among workers, which would eventually result in a revolution to overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a communist society. This prediction is essentially the basis of Marx's theory of historical materialism, which argues that class struggle is the driving force behind social change.

Question 17

A poor young man born in a coastal outport in Newfoundland grows up and gets a law degree from a prestigious law school while waiting on tables in the cafeteria where his classmates eat. Eventually he becomes a top-notch lawyer and then premier of the province. Which of the following descriptions would sociologists use to describe his upward career path?

Accepted Answer

The best description for the young man's career path would be social mobility since he started at a lower socio-economic status and rose to a higher status through his own achievements (getting a law degree and becoming successful). This is an example of upward social mobility.

Question 18

What contributed to Margaret Thatcher's ability to become the prime minister of England even though she was a grocer's daughter?

Accepted Answer

Margaret Thatcher's ability to become the prime minister of England despite her humble background was due to social mobility. Social mobility refers to a person's ability to move up or down the social class ladder based on their achievements and qualifications. Thatcher's education, political skills, and determination helped her climb the social class ladder and become the first woman prime minister of England.

Question 19

Why did Max Weber maintain that social stratification is multidimensional?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber believed that social stratification was multidimensional because social position is determined by more than just wealth. Other factors such as power and prestige also play a role in determining one's position in society.

Question 20

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 of the following would Marx argue is the best solution to address the situation?

Accepted Answer

Marx would argue that the workers must realize a class consciousness, meaning they need to recognize that they are part of a larger group of laborers who share similar working conditions and economic struggles. This would allow them to unite and potentially form a movement to demand better working conditions, higher pay, and more rights. Marx would not advocate for workers to accept private ownership or rely on the owners to improve conditions, as he believed that capitalism inherently creates exploitation and inequality. He also would not argue that the owners need to realize a class consciousness, as he believed that the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) were aware of their position of power within society.

Quiz 6: Social Stratification