Social Inequalities - Paper 2

Question 1

What is social inequality?

Answer 1

The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society.

Question 2

True or False: Social inequality only refers to economic disparities.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Social class is often determined by factors such as __________, education, and occupation.

Answer 3

income

Question 4

What are the main types of social inequality?

Answer 4

Economic inequality, racial inequality, gender inequality, and educational inequality.

Question 5

Define ‘structural inequality’.

Answer 5

Inequality that is embedded in the social structure and institutions of society.

Question 6

Which sociological perspective focuses on the role of social institutions in perpetuating inequality?

Answer 6

Structural functionalism

Question 7

What does the term ‘intersectionality’ refer to?

Answer 7

The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

Question 8

True or False: The conflict perspective argues that social inequality is a result of competition for limited resources.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is the primary focus of the feminist perspective in sociology?

Answer 9

To analyze and address gender inequalities and the social structures that perpetuate them.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The __________ theory suggests that social stratification benefits society by ensuring that the most qualified individuals fill the most important roles.

Answer 10

functionalism

Question 11

What is the difference between absolute and relative poverty?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Define ‘meritocracy’.

Answer 12

A system where individuals succeed based on their abilities and merits rather than their social class or background.

Question 13

Which sociologist is known for his work on class and social stratification?

Answer 13

Max Weber

Question 14

What does the term ‘social mobility’ mean?

Answer 14

The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social hierarchy.

Question 15

True or False: Social inequality is a static condition that does not change over time.

Answer 15

False

Question 16

What is the concept of ‘the glass ceiling’?

Answer 16

An invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to top positions in organizations.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective emphasizes the ways in which race and ethnicity shape social experiences and inequalities.

Answer 17

racial

Question 18

What is ‘cultural capital’?

Answer 18

Non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, such as education, intellect, style of speech, and dress.

Question 19

Which theory posits that social inequalities are maintained through policies and practices that favor one group over another?

Answer 19

Critical race theory

Question 20

True or False: Social stratification systems are uniform across all societies.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

What is the main argument of the social constructionist perspective regarding social inequalities?

Answer 21

That social inequalities are created and maintained through social interactions and cultural norms.

Question 22

Define ‘digital divide’.

Answer 22

The gap between those who have easy access to digital technology and those who do not.

Question 23

What is the role of socialization in perpetuating social inequalities?

Answer 23

Socialization teaches individuals the norms and values of their social class, which can reinforce existing inequalities.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the systematic disadvantage experienced by certain groups due to their race or ethnicity.

Answer 24

Racial inequality

Question 25

Which sociological approach critiques the capitalist system for creating inequality?

Answer 25

Marxism

Question 26

What is 'white privilege'?

Answer 26

The societal privileges that benefit white people over non-white people in some societies.

Question 27

True or False: Education is a key factor in determining social mobility.

Answer 27

True

Question 28

What does the term 'gentrification' refer to?

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Define 'ageism'.

Answer 29

Discrimination based on a person's age, often targeting older adults.

Question 30

What is the significance of the 'poverty line'?

Answer 30

It is an income threshold used to determine the minimum level of income necessary to secure basic needs.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: __________ is the term used to describe the disparities in wealth and opportunity experienced by different social classes.

Answer 31

Social stratification

Question 32

What is 'systemic racism'?

Answer 32

Racial discrimination that is embedded in the policies and practices of social and political institutions.

Question 33

True or False: Social inequalities can impact health outcomes.

Answer 33

True

Question 34

What role do social movements play in addressing social inequalities?

Answer 34

They advocate for change and raise awareness about issues of inequality and injustice.

Question 35

Define 'wealth gap'.

Answer 35

The unequal distribution of assets among residents of a country or community.

Question 36

What is the impact of globalization on social inequalities?

Answer 36

Globalization can exacerbate social inequalities by creating disparities in wealth and access to resources between countries and within societies.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the social and economic factors that influence an individual's or group's position in society.

Answer 37

Social stratification