Question 1

From "Some Principles of Stratification" by Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore
Davis and Moore offer a classical "functional" account of stratification. In particular, stratification is viewed as functional for the overall good of society. This perspective emphasizes the functional importance of positions, not the individuals who fill them; filling them ensures that all of the jobs necessary for the sustainability of society will be performed. These roles, however, contribute to the functioning of society to different degrees and the rewards attached to them are a product of how important particular roles are. Individuals who perform these roles are seen as motivated to perform them because there is a natural tendency for the abilities and talents of the individual to find the appropriate role in a social structure.
-Which of the following is a characteristic of positions that determines who will fit them? :
A) Age of positions
B) Training requirements for a position
C) Age of individuals who fill positions
D) Race/ethnicity of individuals who fill positions.

Accepted Answer

According to Davis and Moore, the training requirements for a position are a characteristic that determines who will fit them. They argue that individuals with the necessary abilities and talents will naturally seek out and perform the roles for which they are best suited, and the rewards attached to these roles reflect their demonstrated importance for the functioning of society. Age of positions, age of individuals who fill positions, and race/ethnicity of individuals who fill positions are not mentioned as characteristics that determine who will fit them in the Davis and Moore functionalist perspective.

Question 2

From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright lays out a typology of class that is informed by both Marx and Weber. He is particularly interested in finding a "location" for categories of individuals who are not incorporated in classic Marxian formulations, namely, employees with varying amounts of job authority and skills/expertise as well as categories of individuals not in the labor force.
-Why are those who are "exploited" rather than "oppressed" more likely to resort to violent confrontations with those in power?

Accepted Answer

The answer of From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright...

Question 3

From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright lays out a typology of class that is informed by both Marx and Weber. He is particularly interested in finding a "location" for categories of individuals who are not incorporated in classic Marxian formulations, namely, employees with varying amounts of job authority and skills/expertise as well as categories of individuals not in the labor force.
-Why is authority an important dimension of social class?

Accepted Answer

The answer of From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright...

Question 4

From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright lays out a typology of class that is informed by both Marx and Weber. He is particularly interested in finding a "location" for categories of individuals who are not incorporated in classic Marxian formulations, namely, employees with varying amounts of job authority and skills/expertise as well as categories of individuals not in the labor force.
-Why are skills/expertise an important dimension of social class?

Accepted Answer

The answer of From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright...

Question 5

From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright lays out a typology of class that is informed by both Marx and Weber. He is particularly interested in finding a "location" for categories of individuals who are not incorporated in classic Marxian formulations, namely, employees with varying amounts of job authority and skills/expertise as well as categories of individuals not in the labor force.
-How does Wright define the "underclass"?
A) Exploited but not economically oppressed
B) Economically oppressed but not exploited
C) Oppressed and exploited
D) None of the above.

Accepted Answer

Wright defines the "underclass" as those who are economically oppressed but not exploited, meaning they lack access to stable employment and live in poverty, but are not actively participating in the labor market or generating surplus value for capitalists.

Question 6

From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright lays out a typology of class that is informed by both Marx and Weber. He is particularly interested in finding a "location" for categories of individuals who are not incorporated in classic Marxian formulations, namely, employees with varying amounts of job authority and skills/expertise as well as categories of individuals not in the labor force.
-Students have no place in Wright's class typology.

Accepted Answer

While Wright focuses primarily on employees and those not in the labor force, he does not exclude students from his typology of class. In fact, he acknowledges that individuals in school can be part of different class locations depending on their family background and financial resources.

Question 7

From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright lays out a typology of class that is informed by both Marx and Weber. He is particularly interested in finding a "location" for categories of individuals who are not incorporated in classic Marxian formulations, namely, employees with varying amounts of job authority and skills/expertise as well as categories of individuals not in the labor force.
-How is Wright's formulation of class both Marxian and Weberian?

Accepted Answer

The answer of From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright...

Question 8

From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright lays out a typology of class that is informed by both Marx and Weber. He is particularly interested in finding a "location" for categories of individuals who are not incorporated in classic Marxian formulations, namely, employees with varying amounts of job authority and skills/expertise as well as categories of individuals not in the labor force.
-Wright's concept of "exploitation" involves which of the following?
A) Interventions
B) Interactions
C) Wealth transfers
D) None of the above.

Accepted Answer

The answer of From Class Counts by Erik Olin Wright
Wright...

Quiz 1: Foundations