Identity - Paper 1 Flashcards
What is social inequality?
The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
Define ‘stratification’.
The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on factors like wealth, power, and social status.
True or False: Social mobility refers to the ability to move up or down the social hierarchy.
True
What are the three main types of social stratification?
Caste system, class system, and estate system.
Fill in the blank: ________ is a system of stratification based on ascribed status.
Caste system
What is the primary focus of the functionalist perspective on social inequality?
To explain how inequality contributes to the stability and functioning of society.
Who proposed the concept of ‘meritocracy’?
Michael Young
Multiple Choice: Which sociologist is associated with the conflict theory of social inequality? A) Emile Durkheim B) Karl Marx C) Max Weber D) Talcott Parsons
B) Karl Marx
What does the term ‘intersectionality’ refer to?
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping systems of disadvantage.
True or False: The poverty line is a fixed income level that does not change over time.
False
What is absolute poverty?
A condition where an individual cannot meet basic needs for survival, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
What is relative poverty?
A condition where an individual is unable to maintain an average standard of living compared to others in society.
Fill in the blank: ________ refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their social group.
Discrimination
What is the role of education in social mobility?
Education can provide individuals with the skills and qualifications necessary to improve their social status.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a form of capital according to Pierre Bourdieu? A) Economic B) Cultural C) Social D) Historical
D) Historical
Who is known for the study of ‘social capital’?
Pierre Bourdieu
True or False: Gender inequality is only a concern in developing countries.
False
What does ‘glass ceiling’ refer to?
An invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing in their careers.
Fill in the blank: ________ is a term that describes the disparity in income and wealth between different groups in society.
Economic inequality
What is the significance of the ‘Davis-Moore hypothesis’?
It argues that social stratification is necessary for the functioning of society, as it ensures that the most qualified individuals fill the most important roles.
What are ‘life chances’?
The opportunities individuals have to improve their quality of life based on their social position.
Multiple Choice: Which sociologist analyzed the relationship between social class and lifestyle? A) Erving Goffman B) Thorstein Veblen C) Georg Simmel D) Robert Putnam
B) Thorstein Veblen
What is ‘status inconsistency’?
A situation where an individual holds differing levels of status in different social contexts.
True or False: The welfare state is designed to reduce social inequality.
True
