Question 1

Racial boundaries are very clear-cut in Brazil.

Accepted Answer

Brazil has a complex and nuanced system of race and ethnicity, with a significant mixed-race population and varying degrees of racial and social mobility. While there may be some general societal patterns of discrimination and inequality, the racial boundaries are not as clear-cut as in some other countries.

Question 2

There is no such thing as a pure class or caste society.

Accepted Answer

In reality, societies are complex and multifaceted. Even in societies with apparent class or caste distinctions, there are always exceptions, mobility, and some level of intermixing between groups. Additionally, factors such as race, gender, and religion can also play a role in social stratification. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that any society is purely class or caste-based.

Question 3

Race and racism are highly correlated with industrial pollution.

Accepted Answer

Studies have found that communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by industrial pollution and hazardous waste. This is due to systemic racism that has resulted in these communities being located close to polluting industries and being denied access to political power and environmental decision-making processes.

Question 4

Conflict theory argues that specific cultural institutions function to support and serve the needs of its people even when there is no consensus.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory suggests that institutions reflect and maintain the power dynamics of society, often benefiting those in positions of power rather than serving the needs of all people equally. It implies that there is a struggle between different groups for control and resources, and that there is not necessarily consensus about what is best for all members of society.

Question 5

Generally speaking,Brazilians who identify themselves as having African ancestry are far worse off than those who identify themselves as white.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. There is a significant gap between the socioeconomic status of Brazilians who identify as black or mixed (often with African ancestry) and those who identify as white. This is a result of systemic racism and discrimination which has historically limited opportunities for people of African descent in Brazil.

Question 6

According to Melissa Checker's research in Hyde Park,Georgia,communities of color and poor in the United States have made very important advances in environmental protection laws and environmental oversight.

Accepted Answer

Melissa Checker's research highlights that communities of color and poor communities in the United States often face significant challenges and disparities in environmental protection and oversight, rather than having made very important advances.

Question 7

Changes in China since the death of Mao have resulted in increasing prosperity and increasing equality.

Accepted Answer

Since the death of Mao, China has indeed experienced increasing prosperity due to economic reforms and opening up to the global market. However, these changes have also led to increasing inequality, with a significant wealth gap between urban and rural areas, and among different social classes.

Question 8

In a capitalist society,wealth is always a source of prestige.

Accepted Answer

In a capitalist society, wealth often correlates with prestige, but it's not always a direct source of it. Prestige can also come from factors like personal achievements, contributions to society, or family background, independent of wealth.

Question 9

In the 19ᵗʰ century,many Americans were concerned that an influx of immigrants would lower wages and challenge American values.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Many Americans in the 19th century were worried about the impact of immigration on wages and the perceived threat to American values and culture.

Question 10

In the United States,legislation in the 1920s limited immigration to people from the "Nordic" races of Northern and Western Europe.

Accepted Answer

This is true. The Immigration Act of 1924 established quotas based on national origin, with a preference for immigrants from Northern and Western Europe, and severely limited the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia and Africa. This policy remained in effect until the 1960s.

Question 11

In a caste system,children are the same caste as both of their parents.

Accepted Answer

In a caste system, children inherit the same caste as their parents. This system is known as a hereditary class system.

Question 12

The Camars of Agra were successful in changing their position in the caste system as soon as they made some money.

Accepted Answer

The Camars of Agra, despite economic improvements, faced significant challenges in changing their position within the rigid caste system, as social mobility in such a system is not solely determined by economic status.

Question 13

Inequality is inevitable in large-scale social systems.

Accepted Answer

Inequality is a natural consequence of differences in abilities, skills, resources, and opportunities. In large-scale social systems, these differences become magnified and can result in significant disparities in wealth, power, and status. While some level of inequality may be necessary for social and economic functions, excessive inequality can lead to social unrest, political instability, and economic inefficiency.

Question 14

Education plays a role in social mobility in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Education is often seen as a key factor in upward social mobility in the US, as higher education levels can lead to better job opportunities and higher earning potential. Additionally, education can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to participate more fully in society and take advantage of available opportunities. However, other factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and access to resources can also impact social mobility.

Question 15

China's recent economic experiences show the difficulty of producing prosperity without high levels of social stratification.

Accepted Answer

China's rapid economic growth has indeed lifted millions out of poverty, but it has also led to increased social stratification, with a significant wealth gap between urban and rural areas, and between the coastal cities and the interior regions. This reflects the difficulty of achieving widespread prosperity without creating significant disparities in wealth and social status.

Question 16

A good example of an achieved status in the United States is marriage.

Accepted Answer

Marriage is considered an achieved status in the United States because it is not something that one is born into or assigned at birth. It is something that is attained over time through personal choices and actions.

Question 17

The RACE project is an effort by the American Anthropological Association to challenge commonly held ideas about race.

Accepted Answer

The RACE project is indeed an effort by the American Anthropological Association to challenge commonly held ideas about race.

Question 18

The distribution of assets in the United States greatly favors the middle class.

Accepted Answer

The distribution of assets in the United States is highly unequal, with the top 1% owning more wealth than the bottom 90% combined. This means the distribution does not greatly favor the middle class.

Question 19

In contemporary China,peasants are considered better off than urban dwellers.

Accepted Answer

In contemporary China, urban dwellers are generally considered to have higher incomes and more opportunities for education and social mobility compared to peasants. However, there may be some variations depending on the specific location and circumstances.

Question 20

Race is a term that is always linked to classifying people according to physical differences.

Accepted Answer

Race is often associated with social, historical, and cultural factors, in addition to physical characteristics. It is not solely defined by physical differences.

Quiz 11: Stratification