Question 1

Economic inequality and the unequal distribution of resources in the United States are some of the more obvious aspects of our stratifications system. But unlike in less-developed countries, our cultural resources are more or less equally distributed.

Accepted Answer

While economic inequality and unequal distribution of resources are obvious aspects of the stratification system in the US, cultural resources are not equally distributed. Access to high-quality education, exposure to diverse cultural experiences, and opportunities for professional networking all contribute to cultural inequalities that exist in the US.

Question 2

Which of the following best summarizes the ruling in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission?

Accepted Answer

The ruling in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission erased restrictions on corporate spending in political elections.

Question 3

A class system is based on a combination of achievement and ascribed status.

Accepted Answer

A class system is based on both achievement, such as education and occupation, and ascribed status, such as race or gender.

Question 4

All systems of stratification are based on some type of economic inequality.

Accepted Answer

Systems of stratification can be based on various factors such as race, gender, age, or religion, in addition to economic inequality.

Question 5

Those who are weakest and have the lowest status in a society are unable to resist power.

Accepted Answer

While those with lower status may face significant challenges, history and social studies show that even the weakest members of society can and have resisted power through various means such as grassroots movements, protests, and other forms of resistance.

Question 6

The major source of presidential campaign contributions is

Accepted Answer

Corporations are a major source of presidential campaign contributions, often through political action committees (PACs) and other means, as they seek to support candidates who align with their interests.

Question 7

Under the Indian caste system, people must marry within their own caste.

Accepted Answer

The Indian caste system believes in endogamy, which means that people are expected to marry within their own caste.

Question 8

A small but powerful minority, comprised of less than 1 percent of Americans, is responsible for what portion of total American campaign contributions?

Accepted Answer

According to multiple studies, including a report by the Center for Responsive Politics, less than 1 percent of Americans contribute around 60 percent of total campaign contributions in the United States.

Question 9

Unlike in Europe, in the United States, class always corresponds with status.

Accepted Answer

In the United States, although class and status are often linked, they are not necessarily the same thing. Status can be influenced by factors such as occupation, education, wealth, and social connections, whereas class is primarily based on income and occupation. Additionally, social mobility is more possible in the United States than in many European countries, which means that individuals can move between classes and change their status over time.

Question 10

Systems of stratification based on an ascribed status commonly exist in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Ascribed status, such as race or gender, often play a significant role in social stratification in the US. This can be seen through disparities in income, education, and access to resources based on these ascribed characteristics.

Question 11

Once power becomes legitimate, its survival depends on the subjects' compliance.

Accepted Answer

Legitimacy is the acceptance or belief of the subjects that the power holder has the right to exercise authority over them. Compliance is the act of following or obeying the rules and decisions of the power holder. Therefore, if power becomes legitimate, the survival of that power is dependent on the compliance of the subjects. If the subjects stop complying, the power holder's authority will be challenged and may lead to the downfall of that power.

Question 12

The amount of money spent in American political campaigns has

Accepted Answer

The amount of money spent in American political campaigns has grown dramatically in recent years, with the 2020 presidential election being the most expensive in history, with a total spending of approximately $14 billion. The trend of increasing spending has been observed since at least the 1990s.

Question 13

Max Weber conceived of class as the opportunity related to a person's economic position.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's concept of class is based on a person's economic position, which is determined by their access to resources, opportunities, and wealth. Weber argued that social classes are defined by a person's market situation, with those who possess similar economic resources grouped into the same class. This focus on economic factors differentiates Weber's approach from other theorists, such as Karl Marx, who emphasized the importance of ownership of the means of production in determining class position.

Question 14

Countries with democratic socialism as a form of government are among the most affluent in the world.

Accepted Answer

Countries that have adopted democratic socialism, such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, consistently rank among the wealthiest and most prosperous nations in various measures of socio-economic development, including high levels of GDP per capita, low levels of income inequality, high standards of living, and robust social welfare systems that provide universal healthcare, free education, and generous unemployment benefits. While the success of democratic socialism is still a subject of debate among economic and political scholars, these countries have certainly demonstrated that it is possible to combine prosperity and social justice in a democratic and egalitarian society.

Question 15

In a capitalist system, such as in the United States, a small capitalist elite holds disproportionate power.

Accepted Answer

In a capitalist system, wealth and capital are concentrated in the hands of a small capitalist elite, which often results in them holding disproportionate power and influence over the economy and politics. Studies have shown that a small percentage of the population (often referred to as the "top 1%") hold a disproportionate amount of wealth and income, leading to concerns about inequality and the concentration of power.

Question 16

In the United States, class represents only a small portion of overall inequality.

Accepted Answer

In the United States, class is a significant factor contributing to overall inequality, affecting access to education, healthcare, job opportunities, and wealth accumulation.

Question 17

The main problem with a highly concentrated economic power in the context of a democracy in the United States is that it can be

Accepted Answer

Concentrated economic power can easily convert into political power, as wealthy individuals or corporations can use their economic resources to influence politicians and policy decisions. This gives them disproportionate power and undermines the democratic process, as the interests of the wealthy may not align with those of the general public. Therefore, a highly concentrated economic power can threaten the principles of democracy by distorting the balance of political power.

Question 18

All groups that enjoy a privilege in society are keenly aware of their privilege

Accepted Answer

Many individuals or groups with societal privileges may not be aware of their advantages because these privileges are often normalized and invisible to those who benefit from them.

Question 19

In a democracy, political participation is equal for all groups.

Accepted Answer

While in theory political participation should be equal for all groups in a democracy, in practice certain groups such as those who are economically disadvantaged or belong to minority communities may face barriers to participation such as voter ID laws or lack of access to transportation to polling places. Additionally, certain groups may be politically marginalized or discriminated against, further limiting their ability to participate fully in the democratic process.

Question 20

In the age of globalization, the caste system is in decline all over India.

Accepted Answer

While globalization has brought about significant changes, the caste system remains deeply entrenched in many parts of India, influencing social, economic, and political spheres.

Quiz 5: Power