$$\text{Poverty Line} = 3 \times \text{Annual Cost of Food}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'wealth' in social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Wealth refers to cumulative economic assets, including property, income, and possessions, that can be passed on to the next generation.

Question 2

A society where movement between social positions is limited by ascribed statuses is known as:

Accepted Answer

A closed stratification system

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of status inconsistency?

Accepted Answer

A high school math teacher with a PhD in economics who works a second job to meet expenses

Question 4

The 'feminization of poverty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The disproportionate number of the poor who are women

Question 5

Which theory argues that low-income countries are exploited and dominated by high-income countries?

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory

Question 6

According to the Davis–Moore thesis, social stratification is beneficial because:

Accepted Answer

It motivates people to work hard and succeed, ensuring important positions are filled

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of the poverty line as defined by the federal government?

Accepted Answer

It accurately reflects the minimum income needed for basic subsistence

Question 8

If Cameron graduated from college, left welfare, and secured a semiprofessional position, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Intragenerational mobility

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'life chances'?

Accepted Answer

The opportunity to access social and economic resources that improve one’s quality of life

Question 10

Which perspective views social stratification as dysfunctional because it hurts individuals and societies?

Accepted Answer

Conflict perspective

Question 11

A person living on less than $1.90 a day is considered to be experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Extreme poverty

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of prestigious occupations?

Accepted Answer

They require more formal education, offer autonomy, and are seen as socially important

Question 13

According to world-systems theory, global economic systems:

Accepted Answer

Allow rich countries to stay rich while poor countries remain poor

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of intergenerational mobility?

Accepted Answer

A daughter who becomes a doctor while her mother worked cleaning motels

Question 15

Which formula best represents the calculation of the poverty line in the United States?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Poverty Line} = 3 	imes 	ext{Annual Cost of Food}$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a macro-level factor that creates and sustains poverty?

Accepted Answer

Government policies and programs

Question 17

Which perspective is most likely to focus on how people create, change, and reproduce social class through everyday interactions?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective

Question 18

Which of the following is a criticism of the functionalist perspective on stratification?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the critical role of inheritance in maintaining privilege

Question 19

Which group had the highest poverty rate according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

American Indian and Alaska Native population

Question 20

A person’s socioeconomic status (SES) is determined by which combination of factors?

Accepted Answer

Income, education, and occupation

Social Stratification and Socioeconomic Inequality: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions