Question 1

Capitalism:

Accepted Answer

A)  is generally viewed by liberals as irrelevant for democracy 
B)  is generally viewed by conservatives as a promoter of democracy 
C)  stresses the value of "equality of result" rather than "equality of opportunity" 
D)  is universally viewed as an economic system separate from the political system of democracy 
A)  is generally viewed by liberals as irrelevant for democracy 
B)  is generally viewed by conservatives as a promoter of democracy 
C)  stresses the value of "equality of result" rather than "equality of opportunity" 
D)  is universally viewed as an economic system separate from the political system of democracy B

Question 2

The belief in the classlessness of U.S. society is encouraged by:

Accepted Answer

A)  lack of agreement about the definition of social class 
B)  the increasing trend toward less privacy and personal security in the U.S. 
C)  the presence of many reliable and clear-cut physical clues to class position 
D)  the belief that economic differences exist between categories of people not just individuals 
A)  lack of agreement about the definition of social class 
B)  the increasing trend toward less privacy and personal security in the U.S. 
C)  the presence of many reliable and clear-cut physical clues to class position 
D)  the belief that economic differences exist between categories of people not just individuals A

Question 3

Why do some view the U.S. as being classless? What encourages this perception?

Accepted Answer

Some people view the U.S. as being classless due to the country's foundational principles and values, which emphasize equality, freedom, and the opportunity for upward mobility. The American Dream, a national ethos that promises prosperity and success through hard work, is a significant factor that encourages this perception. The U.S. is often portrayed as a meritocracy, where individuals can rise in social and economic status based on their abilities and efforts, rather than their birth or background.

Moreover, the U.S. lacks the formal class structures seen in some other societies, such as a titled nobility or caste system. This absence of a rigid class system can give the impression of a classless society.

However, it's important to note that this perception is often challenged. Critics argue that economic inequality, racial disparities, and limited access to quality education and healthcare can create de facto class divisions. While the U.S. may not have a formal class system, these factors can significantly impact an individual's opportunities and quality of life.

Question 4

There is general consensus among those studying social inequality as to the measurement of social class and poverty.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

How a concept is measured significantly affects the results of research.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Conservatives argue that:

Accepted Answer

A)  inequality can be eliminated 
B)  inequality is incompatible with a free society 
C)  inequality in material rewards is harmful to society 
D)  distinct social classes are largely nonexistent in the U.S. 
A)  inequality can be eliminated 
B)  inequality is incompatible with a free society 
C)  inequality in material rewards is harmful to society 
D)  distinct social classes are largely nonexistent in the U.S.

Question 7

Which of the following is a true statement supporting the argument that inequality is not inevitable?

Accepted Answer

A)  hard work determines the level of economic inequality faced by an individual 
B)  discrimination is a factor that contributes to inequality 
C)  inequality is a by-product of differences in individual talents, characteristics, and motivations 
D)  private property opens up opportunities for economic equality 
A)  hard work determines the level of economic inequality faced by an individual 
B)  discrimination is a factor that contributes to inequality 
C)  inequality is a by-product of differences in individual talents, characteristics, and motivations 
D)  private property opens up opportunities for economic equality

Question 8

Globalization has allowed nations to trade, borrow, and transport good and services more easily.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

In 2007, CEOs in 500 of the top U.S. corporations received 344 times the pay of the average worker.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Which of the flowing is NOT a consequence of globalization?

Accepted Answer

A)  freedom and open borders advantage wealthy countries while disadvantaging poor ones 
B)  transnational corporations and other international organizations can bypass regulations of national governments, weakening their power 
C)  international relationships have become more complicated 
D)  the inflow of immigrant workers decreases the significance of status differences and inequality 
A)  freedom and open borders advantage wealthy countries while disadvantaging poor ones 
B)  transnational corporations and other international organizations can bypass regulations of national governments, weakening their power 
C)  international relationships have become more complicated 
D)  the inflow of immigrant workers decreases the significance of status differences and inequality

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT an event that has led to greater social inequality?

Accepted Answer

A)  companies have been able to pass of their pension obligations to the federal government 
B)  blue collar-workers have been especially hard-hit because manufacturing jobs have either moved or been shut down 
C)  the streamlining and downsizing of businesses have increased job opportunities for experienced, specialized workers 
D)  the downsizing of companies has impacted white-collar workers 
A)  companies have been able to pass of their pension obligations to the federal government 
B)  blue collar-workers have been especially hard-hit because manufacturing jobs have either moved or been shut down 
C)  the streamlining and downsizing of businesses have increased job opportunities for experienced, specialized workers 
D)  the downsizing of companies has impacted white-collar workers

Question 12

Survey research indicates that Americans believe that "hard work" is the most important factor determining one's movement within the U.S. class structure. This belief is most consistent with which position?

Accepted Answer

A)  Inequality has sharply increased in recent years. 
B)  Equality of opportunity is preferable to equality of outcome. 
C)  Inequality is due to the obstacles that those in higher classes place in front of those in lower classes. 
D)  Inequality produces significant damaging social consequences for many people from certain
Social categories in our society. 
A)  Inequality has sharply increased in recent years. 
B)  Equality of opportunity is preferable to equality of outcome. 
C)  Inequality is due to the obstacles that those in higher classes place in front of those in lower classes. 
D)  Inequality produces significant damaging social consequences for many people from certain
Social categories in our society.

Question 13

The less social interaction you have with people from social classes different than yours, the greater the likelihood that:

Accepted Answer

A)  social class is "invisible" for you 
B)  you are aware of significant class differences between people. 
C)  you will believe that inequality produces detrimental consequences for society 
D)  you will believe that poverty is a result of the system rather than the poor themselves 
A)  social class is "invisible" for you 
B)  you are aware of significant class differences between people. 
C)  you will believe that inequality produces detrimental consequences for society 
D)  you will believe that poverty is a result of the system rather than the poor themselves

Question 14

There is really no difference between the concepts of "sex"and "gender".

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Varying definitions and measures of social inequality indicators make comparability of data difficult and raise communication problems among scholars attempting to study the same phenomenon.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Liberals tend to argue that:

Accepted Answer

A)  the U.S. is a classless society 
B)  unbridled capitalism is destructive of human beings 
C)  the effects of inequality on individuals are primarily positive 
D)  inequality is largely a natural phenomenon, rather than an artificial creation 
A)  the U.S. is a classless society 
B)  unbridled capitalism is destructive of human beings 
C)  the effects of inequality on individuals are primarily positive 
D)  inequality is largely a natural phenomenon, rather than an artificial creation

Question 17

CEO compensation has increased at a much lower rate than the average worker.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

In the last 30 years, class has become less important.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Statistics confirm that inequality is decreasing.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

Which of the following statements would be made by functionalists regarding inequality?

Accepted Answer

A)  inequality is a necessary function of society 
B)  inequality endangers society 
C)  inequality is unnecessary but not a bad thing 
D)  inequality hinders individuals from filling the most difficult societal positions 
A)  inequality is a necessary function of society 
B)  inequality endangers society 
C)  inequality is unnecessary but not a bad thing 
D)  inequality hinders individuals from filling the most difficult societal positions

Capitalism:

The belief in the classlessness of U.S. society is encouraged by:

Why do some view the U.S. as being classless? What encourages this perception?

There is general consensus among those studying social inequality as to the measurement of social class and poverty.

How a concept is measured significantly affects the results of research.

Conservatives argue that:

Which of the following is a true statement supporting the argument that inequality is not inevitable?

Globalization has allowed nations to trade, borrow, and transport good and services more easily.

In 2007, CEOs in 500 of the top U.S. corporations received 344 times the pay of the average worker.

Which of the flowing is NOT a consequence of globalization?

Which of the following is NOT an event that has led to greater social inequality?

Survey research indicates that Americans believe that "hard work" is the most important factor determining one's movement within the U.S. class structure. This belief is most consistent with which position?

The less social interaction you have with people from social classes different than yours, the greater the likelihood that:

There is really no difference between the concepts of "sex"and "gender".

Varying definitions and measures of social inequality indicators make comparability of data difficult and raise communication problems among scholars attempting to study the same phenomenon.

Liberals tend to argue that:

CEO compensation has increased at a much lower rate than the average worker.

In the last 30 years, class has become less important.

Statistics confirm that inequality is decreasing.

Which of the following statements would be made by functionalists regarding inequality?

Economic Inequality

Status Inequality

Political Inequality

Sex and Gender Inequality

Sexual Orientation and Inequality

Racial and Ethnic Inequality

Classical Explanations of Inequality

Contemporary Explanations of Inequality

The Impact of Inequality on Personal Life Chances

Social Consequences of Inequality

Social Inequality and Social Movements

Social Mobility and Status Attainment: Openness in Us Society

Justice and Legitimacy: Assessments of the Structure of Inequality

Addressing Inequality and Poverty: Programs and Reforms

Filters

Exam 1: An Introduction to the Study of Social Inequality

Capitalism:

The belief in the classlessness of U.S. society is encouraged by:

Why do some view the U.S. as being classless? What encourages this perception?

There is general consensus among those studying social inequality as to the measurement of social class and poverty.

How a concept is measured significantly affects the results of research.

Conservatives argue that:

Which of the following is a true statement supporting the argument that inequality is not inevitable?

Globalization has allowed nations to trade, borrow, and transport good and services more easily.

In 2007, CEOs in 500 of the top U.S. corporations received 344 times the pay of the average worker.

Which of the flowing is NOT a consequence of globalization?

Which of the following is NOT an event that has led to greater social inequality?

Survey research indicates that Americans believe that "hard work" is the most important factor determining one's movement within the U.S. class structure. This belief is most consistent with which position?

The less social interaction you have with people from social classes different than yours, the greater the likelihood that:

There is really no difference between the concepts of "sex"and "gender".

Varying definitions and measures of social inequality indicators make comparability of data difficult and raise communication problems among scholars attempting to study the same phenomenon.

Liberals tend to argue that:

CEO compensation has increased at a much lower rate than the average worker.

In the last 30 years, class has become less important.

Statistics confirm that inequality is decreasing.

Which of the following statements would be made by functionalists regarding inequality?

Economic Inequality

Status Inequality

Political Inequality

Sex and Gender Inequality

Sexual Orientation and Inequality

Racial and Ethnic Inequality

Classical Explanations of Inequality

Contemporary Explanations of Inequality

The Impact of Inequality on Personal Life Chances

Social Consequences of Inequality

Social Inequality and Social Movements

Social Mobility and Status Attainment: Openness in Us Society

Justice and Legitimacy: Assessments of the Structure of Inequality

Addressing Inequality and Poverty: Programs and Reforms

Filters