Social Inequalities - Paper 2 Flashcards
What is social inequality?
The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
True or False: Social inequality only refers to economic disparities.
False
Fill in the blank: Social class is often determined by factors such as __________, education, and occupation.
income
What are the main types of social inequality?
Economic inequality, racial inequality, gender inequality, and educational inequality.
Define ‘structural inequality’.
Inequality that is embedded in the social structure and institutions of society.
Which sociological perspective focuses on the role of social institutions in perpetuating inequality?
Structural functionalism
What does the term ‘intersectionality’ refer to?
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
True or False: The conflict perspective argues that social inequality is a result of competition for limited resources.
True
What is the primary focus of the feminist perspective in sociology?
To analyze and address gender inequalities and the social structures that perpetuate them.
Fill in the blank: The __________ theory suggests that social stratification benefits society by ensuring that the most qualified individuals fill the most important roles.
functionalism
What is the difference between absolute and relative poverty?
Absolute poverty refers to a condition where an individual lacks the basic necessities for survival, while relative poverty is defined in relation to the economic status of other members of society.
Define ‘meritocracy’.
A system where individuals succeed based on their abilities and merits rather than their social class or background.
Which sociologist is known for his work on class and social stratification?
Max Weber
What does the term ‘social mobility’ mean?
The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social hierarchy.
True or False: Social inequality is a static condition that does not change over time.
False
What is the concept of ‘the glass ceiling’?
An invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to top positions in organizations.
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective emphasizes the ways in which race and ethnicity shape social experiences and inequalities.
racial
What is ‘cultural capital’?
Non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, such as education, intellect, style of speech, and dress.
Which theory posits that social inequalities are maintained through policies and practices that favor one group over another?
Critical race theory
True or False: Social stratification systems are uniform across all societies.
False
What is the main argument of the social constructionist perspective regarding social inequalities?
That social inequalities are created and maintained through social interactions and cultural norms.
Define ‘digital divide’.
The gap between those who have easy access to digital technology and those who do not.
What is the role of socialization in perpetuating social inequalities?
Socialization teaches individuals the norms and values of their social class, which can reinforce existing inequalities.
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the systematic disadvantage experienced by certain groups due to their race or ethnicity.
Racial inequality
Which sociological approach critiques the capitalist system for creating inequality?
Marxism
What is ‘white privilege’?
The societal privileges that benefit white people over non-white people in some societies.
True or False: Education is a key factor in determining social mobility.
True
What does the term ‘gentrification’ refer to?
The process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste, often leading to the displacement of lower-income residents.
Define ‘ageism’.
Discrimination based on a person’s age, often targeting older adults.
What is the significance of the ‘poverty line’?
It is an income threshold used to determine the minimum level of income necessary to secure basic needs.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term used to describe the disparities in wealth and opportunity experienced by different social classes.
Social stratification
What is ‘systemic racism’?
Racial discrimination that is embedded in the policies and practices of social and political institutions.
True or False: Social inequalities can impact health outcomes.
True
What role do social movements play in addressing social inequalities?
They advocate for change and raise awareness about issues of inequality and injustice.
Define ‘wealth gap’.
The unequal distribution of assets among residents of a country or community.
What is the impact of globalization on social inequalities?
Globalization can exacerbate social inequalities by creating disparities in wealth and access to resources between countries and within societies.
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the social and economic factors that influence an individual’s or group’s position in society.
Social stratification
