Question 1

The process of ranking or elevation occurs in social ________ ,but not in social ________.

Accepted Answer

The process of ranking or elevation, which refers to a hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups based on social status or power, occurs in social stratification. On the other hand, social differentiation refers to the process of distinguishing individuals or groups based on attributes such as age, gender, and occupation, without necessarily creating a hierarchy or ranking system.

Question 2

________ refers to the condition of being culturally rather than physically distinctive.

Accepted Answer

Ethnicity refers to the cultural or social identity that individuals or groups share based on common cultural, national, or religious traditions. It is not based on physical characteristics, unlike race. Gender refers to the characteristics and behaviors associated with being male or female. Differentiation simply means the act of distinguishing or being distinguished from others, which does not specifically relate to cultural or physical characteristics.

Question 3

________ is the exclusion of people of color from equal access to society's valued resources.

Accepted Answer

Racial stratification refers to the systematic exclusion of people of color from equal access to resources and opportunities in society, including education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Racial stratification is a form of structural inequality that is reinforced by institutional and cultural practices, and it can limit the life chances and well-being of marginalized groups. The other options, racial socialization, social differentiation, and social segregation, do not capture the systemic nature of racial inequality in society.

Question 4

Sociologist Harold Kerbo contends that, when patterns of social stratification become ________, a system of layered hierarchy has been established throughout society.

Accepted Answer

Institutionalization implies that a certain social order or hierarchy has become a norm or a part of the established structure of society. Softening or self-fulfilling patterns do not necessarily imply an established system of social stratification.

Question 5

________ is a number of persons who occupy the same relative economic rank in the stratification system.

Accepted Answer

Social class is a term used to describe a group of individuals who share a similar economic and social position in society. It is based on factors such as income, education, occupation, and social status. The members of a social class are considered to have the same relative economic rank in the stratification system.

Question 6

The unequal distribution of rewards directly affects people's ________.

Accepted Answer

The unequal distribution of rewards, such as education, income, and job opportunities, affects people's life chances. Life chances refer to the opportunities a person has to achieve success, economic security, and social mobility. When rewards are unequally distributed, some people have greater access to resources and opportunities, while others are left with limited options and reduced life chances. This can contribute to social inequality and perpetuate systems of privilege and disadvantage. Social opportunities and privileges are also affected by this unequal distribution of rewards, but these are more indirect consequences of the impact on life chances. Life courses are influenced by a range of factors, including access to rewards, but this answer is less specific to the impact of unequal distribution of rewards specifically.

Question 7

________ refers to the process of categorizing persons based on personal attributes (e.g., age, height, or occupation).

Accepted Answer

Social differentiation is the process of categorizing or distinguishing people based on various attributes such as age, height, occupation, etc. It involves recognizing and often valuing differences between individuals or groups.

Question 8

There are two ways of categorizing people: ________ and ________.

Accepted Answer

Social differentiation and social stratification are two ways of categorizing people. Social differentiation refers to the process by which different statuses develop in any group, organization, or society. Social stratification refers to a kind of social differentiation whereby a society groups people into socioeconomic strata, based upon their occupation and income, wealth and social status, or derived power (social and political).

Question 9

It is important to understand that in society, ________ are not distributed equally or randomly, but are determined by the three major social hierarchies: class, race, and gender.

Accepted Answer

Rewards in society, such as wealth, power, and prestige, are not distributed equally or randomly but are influenced by social hierarchies like class, race, and gender.

Question 10

Identify which of the following is not one of the reasons for inequality being socially structured.

Accepted Answer

This choice suggests that inequalities are caused solely by the choices and decisions of individuals. While individual agency can play a role in creating and perpetuating inequalities, there are many other factors that contribute to these social structures, such as historical and systemic discrimination, societal norms and values, and access to resources and opportunities.

Question 11

People are _______ located in a class position based on income, occupation, and/or education.

Accepted Answer

People are socially located in a class position based on factors such as income, occupation, and education, which are determined by social structures, institutions, and cultural norms. This social location is not necessarily permanent or solely dependent on individual choices, but is shaped by larger societal factors. Therefore, option A and B are incorrect, and the correct answer is C.

Question 12

______ is defined on the basis of presumed common genetics, resulting in distinguishing physical characteristics.

Accepted Answer

Race is defined by physical characteristics that are presumed to be common due to genetics. This categorization is controversial because the genetic differences between individuals within the same race can be greater than the genetic differences between individuals of different races. Additionally, the concept of race has been used historically to justify discrimination and unequal treatment.

Question 13

____ refers to systems of inequality in which some fixed group membership or social category, such as race, religion, or national origin, is a major criterion for ranking members' social positions and their differing access to rewards.

Accepted Answer

Racial and ethnic stratification refers to the system of inequality in which race or ethnicity is a major criterion for ranking social positions and the differential access to rewards. This system is characterized by the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges based on race or ethnicity.

Question 14

Class position generates different combinations of ________, which refers to the distribution of goods and services, situations, and experiences that are highly valued and beneficial.

Accepted Answer

Social privilege refers to the advantages and benefits that come with belonging to a particular social class. Class position determines the extent and kind of social privilege a person enjoys. Social status refers to the degree of social honor and prestige attached to a person's social position, while social organization refers to the way society is structured and organized. Social differentiation refers to the process by which people are categorized and distinguished based on social characteristics such as class, race, gender, etc.

Question 15

Class, race, and gender are _______ of inequality within the stratification system, which organize society as a whole.

Accepted Answer

Class, race, and gender are considered structures of inequality because they are deeply ingrained in the social, economic, and political systems of society. These structures dictate access to resources, opportunities, and power, which in turn shape the experiences and life chances of individuals and groups. Matrices and levels are not commonly used in sociology to describe inequality, and while status is certainly related to inequality, it is not as comprehensive a term as structure.

Question 16

The patterning of ______ is connected with many aspects of the society, such as politics, education, and religion.

Accepted Answer

The patterning of stratification (D) is closely interconnected with many aspects of society, such as politics, education, and religion. It affects an individual's access to resources and power, as well as their social mobility and opportunities. Social privilege (A) and rewards (B) are related to stratification but are not as pervasive in their influence on society. Ethnicity (C) is a factor that can contribute to stratification, but it is only one of the many variables involved.

Question 17

All known societies have some system of ranking individuals and groups along a continuum of ________.

Accepted Answer

While some societies may also have ranking based on ability, racial purity, or economic value, the most common and pervasive system of ranking is based on perceived superiority or inferiority among individuals or groups. This can take various forms such as caste systems, social classes, or hierarchical structures in organizations.

Question 18

________ refers to ranking people in a vertical hierarchy that differentiates them as superior or inferior.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification refers to the process of ranking people in a vertical hierarchy that differentiates them as superior or inferior based on factors such as income, education, occupation, and social status. Social structuring refers to the ways in which society is organized, while social patterning refers to the regularities or patterns in social life. Social differentiation refers to the way in which individuals or groups are distinguished from one another based on factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity.

Question 19

The structures of inequality create varied environments for society members through unequal distribution of ______.

Accepted Answer

The structures of inequality create varied environments for society members through unequal distribution of social opportunities, such as access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment. While natural talent and intelligence can also contribute to inequality, they are not the primary factors affected by social structures of inequality.

Question 20

Social stratification refers to ________ social inequality, a term used to refer to stratification being socially patterned.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification involves the categorization of individuals or groups into hierarchical levels based on factors such as wealth, power, and status. Such stratification is not random but structured and patterned. It is not necessarily legitimate or differential, although those factors can contribute to the patterned nature of social stratification.

Quiz 9: Social Stratification

The process of ranking or elevation occurs in social ,but not in social .