Chapter 8

Question 1

Social inequality

Answer 1

Describes a condition in which members of society have differing amounts of wealth, prestige, or power

Question 2

Stratification

Answer 2

A structured ranking of entire groups of people that perpetuates unequal economic rewards and power in a society

Question 3

Social mobility

Answer 3

Refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one position in a society’s stratification system to another

Question 4

Open system

Answer 4

Implies that the position of each individual is influenced by his or her achieved status

Question 5

Closed system

Answer 5

Allows little or no possibility of individual social mobility, ie slavery and caste systems

Question 6

Proletariat

Answer 6

Karl Marx term for the working class in a capitalist society

Question 7

False consciousness

Answer 7

Karl Marx term to describe an attitude held by members of a class that does not accurately reflect their objective position

Question 8

Bourgeoisie

Answer 8

Karl Marx’s term for the capitalist class, compromising the owners of the means of production

Question 9

Caste

Answer 9

A hereditary rank, usually religiously dictated that tends to be fixed and immobile

Question 10

Class consciousness

Answer 10

Karl Marx’s term for subjective awareness held by members of a class regarding their common bested interests and the need for collective political action to bring about social change