Question 1

Sandra Jackson decided to become a university professor after several years as a doctor.She still wanted to help people; she just wanted to do it differently.Sandra's case is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal mobility refers to a change in occupation or role that does not involve a change in social status or class. Sandra's transition from being a doctor to a university professor is a shift in her career path but does not necessarily involve a change in her social status, making it an example of horizontal mobility.

Question 2

The German sociologist Max Weber broke social rankings down into which three types?

Accepted Answer

Weber identified three distinct components of social stratification: class (wealth and property), status (social honour), and power. These components form the basis of his theory on social rankings.

Question 3

When Otis visited Toronto he watched CNN on TV in his hotel,and went to the ROM and to hear the symphony orchestra.Most likely he belongs to:

Accepted Answer

Otis' activities suggest that he has enough disposable income to stay in a hotel and to attend cultural events such as the symphony orchestra and the ROM, indicating a lifestyle typical of the upper and upper-middle classes.

Question 4

The Garrets are a lower-class family and have four children.The Devlins are middle-class family that has only two children.The fact that the Garrets have more children is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Differential fertility refers to the unequal distribution of births across different social classes or groups. In this case, the Garrets having more children than the Devlins is an example of differential fertility.

Question 5

Young,lower-class men and women who mix track suits with flashy brands and accessories from big names such as Burberry have become known as what in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The term "chavs" is commonly used in the UK to describe young, lower-class people who dress in a certain style that mixes sportswear with designer brands and accessories. The term has been associated with negative stereotypes and criticism of the individuals who conform to this style.

Question 6

People within a social class share all of these characteristics EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The statement "they tend to socialize with people from a wide variety of backgrounds" is not generally true of people within a social class. The other three characteristics listed are typically true of people within a social class.

Question 7

Nike has profited from what change in China's social system?

Accepted Answer

Nike has profited from the rising middle class in China. As more people have gained higher incomes and a greater purchasing power, they have become more interested in buying luxury goods like Nike products. This has allowed Nike to expand its market presence in China and increase its profits.

Question 8

Miriam comes from a background of old money.How might this affect her spending habits compared to her friend Harry who has recently done well?

Accepted Answer

Miriam, coming from old money, may not feel the need to flaunt her wealth as it is already established and secure, unlike someone who has recently acquired wealth and may feel the need to display it.

Question 9

Miguel has worked very hard over the past ten years and has reaped the rewards of his labours by being named company president (salary $200 000/yr.)However,even after his new-found wealth,he is unhappy.This condition is known as:

Accepted Answer

The term "affluenza" refers to the idea that having too much wealth and material possessions can lead to discontent and a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose in life, despite outward success. This seems to be an appropriate term to describe Miguel's situation.

Question 10

Although members of a particular social group carry the same identity of membership,some members are better off,better liked or respected,and have more authority or power than others.The group exhibits:

Accepted Answer

The phrase "better off, better liked or respected, and have more authority or power" indicates that there is a hierarchy within the group based on status. Therefore, the correct answer is B, a status hierarchy. A is incorrect because social inequity may refer to inequality between different social groups, not necessarily within a single group. C and D are not accurate descriptions of the situation presented in the question.

Question 11

The most influential and the earliest attempt to describe Canadian class structure was proposed in 1941 by:

Accepted Answer

Bernard Blishen is known for his work on the Canadian class structure, particularly the Blishen Scale, which was an early and influential attempt to describe social class in Canada.

Question 12

According to Karl Marx,a person's position in society was determined by their relationship to what?

Accepted Answer

According to Karl Marx, a person's position in society was determined by their relationship to the means of production, such as ownership of factories, land, or other resources needed for producing goods and services. He believed that those who owned and controlled the means of production (the bourgeoisie) exploited the working class (the proletariat) who only had their labor to sell for wages. Marx saw this class struggle as the driving force of history, leading eventually to a socialist revolution and a classless society.

Question 13

A major class difference involves the worldview of consumers.These behaviours are typical of working classes EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The other options (A, B, and C) are typical of working class behavior, but option D is not. Working class individuals tend to have a more limited income and therefore cannot typically afford a high-status lifestyle. As a result, they may not envy higher social classes and instead focus on making ends meet within their own means.

Question 14

Johann seemed to have all the luck-some would say that he was "born with a silver spoon in his mouth." This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

"Born with a silver spoon in his mouth" suggests that Johann's privileged status was assigned to him at birth, indicating an ascribed status rather than one that he earned or achieved.

Question 15

Katrina,a new recruit for Maple Leaf Foods,is promoted very quickly over longer-term employees,and is given a parking space with the company vice presidents.This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of social stratification, as it demonstrates the unequal distribution of power, status, and rewards within the company. The new recruit is being given preferential treatment and elevated above longer-term employees, creating a hierarchical structure.

Question 16

The biggest emerging consumer market at present is know by its acronym BRIC.What does it stand for?

Accepted Answer

BRIC stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China. These countries are considered the biggest emerging consumer market due to their growing economies, large populations, and increasing middle class.

Question 17

Which sector of the population is largely responsible for fuelling Japan's luxury-goods spending?

Accepted Answer

Single working women in Japan are a significant driving force behind the country's luxury goods market. They often have disposable income and a strong interest in fashion and luxury items, contributing substantially to the sector's growth.

Question 18

Which is the primary growing consumer market in the Middle East at present?

Accepted Answer

The primary growing consumer market in the Middle East at present is western luxury fashion brands. This is because of the rise of affluent middle class and increasing purchasing power of consumers in the region, leading to a shift in consumer preferences towards high-end fashion brands. Additionally, many Middle Eastern countries have been implementing policies to promote the growth of the fashion industry in their respective countries, further fueling the demand for luxury fashion brands.

Question 19

The millions of consumers around the world who can now afford higher quality products are referred to as belonging to the ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The millions of consumers around the world...

Question 20

Universally,people develop a ________ whereby they are ranked in terms of their relative standing in society.

Accepted Answer

The term "pecking order" is commonly used to describe a hierarchy or ranking system in society where individuals are ranked according to their status or authority.

Quiz 12: Income, Social Class, and Family Structure