Social Stratification MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Social Stratification - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - (A), (B), (C) and (D)

Key Points

• Stereotypes
  • Often applied to ethnic and racial groups, leading to generalized assumptions about individuals within those groups.
  • They tend to fix whole groups into a single entity, ignoring the individual differences and complexities within the group.
  • Refuse to recognize the variation across individuals, leading to a homogenized and often inaccurate view of the group.
  • Partly colonial constructs, created and propagated during colonial times to justify and maintain control over colonized populations.

Additional Information

• Impact of Stereotypes
  • Can lead to discrimination and social injustice as individuals are judged based on generalized beliefs rather than their personal attributes.
  • Often result in self-fulfilling prophecies where individuals conform to the stereotypes associated with their group.
  • Can negatively impact mental health and self-esteem of those who are stereotyped.
• Countering Stereotypes
  • Promoting awareness and education about the diversity and individuality within groups.
  • Encouraging critical thinking and questioning of generalized beliefs.
  • Fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

The correct answer is - Parsons

Key Points

• Parsons
  • The statement, "Stratification, in its valuational aspect, is the ranking of units in a social system in accordance with the common value system," is attributed to the sociologist Talcott Parsons.
  • Parsons was a prominent American sociologist known for his work in structural functionalism.
  • He emphasized the importance of social structures and their role in maintaining order and stability in society.

Additional Information

• Structural Functionalism
  • Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system with various parts working together to promote stability and social order.
  • Parsons believed that each part of society, such as institutions, norms, and values, has a function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the society.
• Social Stratification
  • Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into different levels of power, wealth, and status within a society.
  • It is often based on factors such as class, race, gender, education, and occupation.
  • Parsons viewed stratification as a necessary mechanism to ensure that the most capable individuals occupy the most important roles in society, thus promoting efficiency and stability.
• Value System
  • A value system is a set of consistent values and measures that guide the behavior and decision-making processes of individuals within a society.
  • According to Parsons, the common value system in a society plays a crucial role in determining the criteria for social stratification and ranking individuals.

The correct answer is - Hierarchical relation

Key Points

• Hierarchical relation
  • Dumont defines a hierarchical relation as a connection between larger and smaller entities.
  • This concept involves one entity encompassing another, creating a structure of levels or ranks.
  • It is a key principle in the study of social structures and systems, emphasizing the organization and ranking of elements.

Additional Information

• Universal relation
  • A universal relation generally refers to a connection that applies across all contexts or categories.
  • In social sciences, it may imply concepts or principles that are universally applicable.
• Empathetic relation
  • An empathetic relation involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
  • It is more about emotional connection and less about structural ranking or encompassing.
• Emotional relation
  • Emotional relations are based on emotional bonds and interactions between individuals.
  • These are centered on feelings, unlike hierarchical relations which focus on structure and rank.

The correct answer is Sociology.Key Points

• Inequality—the state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities1—is a concept very much at the heart of social justice theories.
• Power refers to the ability to have one's will be carried out despite the resistance of others. Most of us have seen a striking example of raw power when we are driving a car and see a police car in our rearview mirror. At that particular moment, the driver of that car has enormous power over us
• Power and Inequality examine the origins and maintenance of different forms of human inequality across time and space, as well as social mobilizations that have challenged them.
• An important basis of social stratification is power, or the capacity to influence people and events to obtain wealth and prestige. That is, having power is positively correlated with being rich, as evidenced by the domination of wealthy males in high‐ranking governmental positions.
• Max Weber formed a three-component theory of stratification in which social difference is determined by class, status, and power.

Additional Information

• Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth's surface and the human societies spread across it.
• History is the study of change over time, and it covers all aspects of human society. Political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious, and military developments are all part of history.
• Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists are actively involved in studying and understanding mental processes, brain functions, and behavior.

Thus, Inequality of power and advantage is central to Sociology because of the crucial place of stratification in the organization of society.

Movement from one stratum to another up or down by one of the possible stratification hierarchies is called Vertical Mobility.Important Points Vertical Mobility is a change in social status. A change in the following factors influence social status has the potential to lead to vertical mobility.

• Income
• Career or occupation
• Education level
• Marital status
• Health status

Additional Information

• Horizontal Mobility, which is a type of social mobility, refers to the change of physical space or profession without changes in the economic situation, prestige, and lifestyle of the individual, or the forward or backward movement from one similar group or status to another.
• Upward Mobility refers to an increase or upward shift when they move from a lower to a higher socio economical class.
• Download Mobility takes place when a person moves from a higher position in society to a lower one. It can occur when someone is caught performing a wrongful act that can result in the loss of the position they currently hold.

Movement from one stratum to another up or down by one of the possible stratification hierarchies is called Vertical Mobility.Important Points Vertical Mobility is a change in social status. A change in the following factors influence social status has the potential to lead to vertical mobility.

• Income
• Career or occupation
• Education level
• Marital status
• Health status

Additional Information

• Horizontal Mobility, which is a type of social mobility, refers to the change of physical space or profession without changes in the economic situation, prestige, and lifestyle of the individual, or the forward or backward movement from one similar group or status to another.
• Upward Mobility refers to an increase or upward shift when they move from a lower to a higher socio economical class.
• Download Mobility takes place when a person moves from a higher position in society to a lower one. It can occur when someone is caught performing a wrongful act that can result in the loss of the position they currently hold.

The correct answer is - Parsons

Key Points

• Parsons
  • The statement, "Stratification, in its valuational aspect, is the ranking of units in a social system in accordance with the common value system," is attributed to the sociologist Talcott Parsons.
  • Parsons was a prominent American sociologist known for his work in structural functionalism.
  • He emphasized the importance of social structures and their role in maintaining order and stability in society.

Additional Information

• Structural Functionalism
  • Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system with various parts working together to promote stability and social order.
  • Parsons believed that each part of society, such as institutions, norms, and values, has a function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the society.
• Social Stratification
  • Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into different levels of power, wealth, and status within a society.
  • It is often based on factors such as class, race, gender, education, and occupation.
  • Parsons viewed stratification as a necessary mechanism to ensure that the most capable individuals occupy the most important roles in society, thus promoting efficiency and stability.
• Value System
  • A value system is a set of consistent values and measures that guide the behavior and decision-making processes of individuals within a society.
  • According to Parsons, the common value system in a society plays a crucial role in determining the criteria for social stratification and ranking individuals.

The correct answer is - Hierarchical relation

Key Points

• Hierarchical relation
  • Dumont defines a hierarchical relation as a connection between larger and smaller entities.
  • This concept involves one entity encompassing another, creating a structure of levels or ranks.
  • It is a key principle in the study of social structures and systems, emphasizing the organization and ranking of elements.

Additional Information

• Universal relation
  • A universal relation generally refers to a connection that applies across all contexts or categories.
  • In social sciences, it may imply concepts or principles that are universally applicable.
• Empathetic relation
  • An empathetic relation involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
  • It is more about emotional connection and less about structural ranking or encompassing.
• Emotional relation
  • Emotional relations are based on emotional bonds and interactions between individuals.
  • These are centered on feelings, unlike hierarchical relations which focus on structure and rank.

Caste-based stratification is Ascribed. Important Points

• Features of caste-based stratification are 
  • Segmental division of society
  • Hierarchy
  • Civil and religious disabilities
  • Endogamy
  • Untouchability

Additional Information

• Caste is a hereditary social group where a person’s rank and his rights are decided on the caste he is born into.
• For instance, the Hindu religion has castes that range from Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudra.
• A person’s caste enables one to inherit the status and function of their parents.
• While the Brahmins are the highest caste, they enjoy all the amenities which the lower caste person isn’t allowed to.
• People are not allowed access to certain things solely because of their caste.
• This creates a lot of division in the Indian society.

Movement from one stratum to another up or down by one of the possible stratification hierarchies is called Vertical Mobility.Important Points Vertical Mobility is a change in social status. A change in the following factors influence social status has the potential to lead to vertical mobility.

• Income
• Career or occupation
• Education level
• Marital status
• Health status

Additional Information

• Horizontal Mobility, which is a type of social mobility, refers to the change of physical space or profession without changes in the economic situation, prestige, and lifestyle of the individual, or the forward or backward movement from one similar group or status to another.
• Upward Mobility refers to an increase or upward shift when they move from a lower to a higher socio economical class.
• Download Mobility takes place when a person moves from a higher position in society to a lower one. It can occur when someone is caught performing a wrongful act that can result in the loss of the position they currently hold.

The correct answer is Sociology.Key Points

• Inequality—the state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities1—is a concept very much at the heart of social justice theories.
• Power refers to the ability to have one's will be carried out despite the resistance of others. Most of us have seen a striking example of raw power when we are driving a car and see a police car in our rearview mirror. At that particular moment, the driver of that car has enormous power over us
• Power and Inequality examine the origins and maintenance of different forms of human inequality across time and space, as well as social mobilizations that have challenged them.
• An important basis of social stratification is power, or the capacity to influence people and events to obtain wealth and prestige. That is, having power is positively correlated with being rich, as evidenced by the domination of wealthy males in high‐ranking governmental positions.
• Max Weber formed a three-component theory of stratification in which social difference is determined by class, status, and power.

Additional Information

• Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth's surface and the human societies spread across it.
• History is the study of change over time, and it covers all aspects of human society. Political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious, and military developments are all part of history.
• Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists are actively involved in studying and understanding mental processes, brain functions, and behavior.

Thus, Inequality of power and advantage is central to Sociology because of the crucial place of stratification in the organization of society.

The correct answer is - (A), (B), (C) and (D)

Key Points

• Stereotypes
  • Often applied to ethnic and racial groups, leading to generalized assumptions about individuals within those groups.
  • They tend to fix whole groups into a single entity, ignoring the individual differences and complexities within the group.
  • Refuse to recognize the variation across individuals, leading to a homogenized and often inaccurate view of the group.
  • Partly colonial constructs, created and propagated during colonial times to justify and maintain control over colonized populations.

Additional Information

• Impact of Stereotypes
  • Can lead to discrimination and social injustice as individuals are judged based on generalized beliefs rather than their personal attributes.
  • Often result in self-fulfilling prophecies where individuals conform to the stereotypes associated with their group.
  • Can negatively impact mental health and self-esteem of those who are stereotyped.
• Countering Stereotypes
  • Promoting awareness and education about the diversity and individuality within groups.
  • Encouraging critical thinking and questioning of generalized beliefs.
  • Fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

The correct answer is - Parsons

Key Points

• Parsons
  • The statement, "Stratification, in its valuational aspect, is the ranking of units in a social system in accordance with the common value system," is attributed to the sociologist Talcott Parsons.
  • Parsons was a prominent American sociologist known for his work in structural functionalism.
  • He emphasized the importance of social structures and their role in maintaining order and stability in society.

Additional Information

• Structural Functionalism
  • Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system with various parts working together to promote stability and social order.
  • Parsons believed that each part of society, such as institutions, norms, and values, has a function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the society.
• Social Stratification
  • Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into different levels of power, wealth, and status within a society.
  • It is often based on factors such as class, race, gender, education, and occupation.
  • Parsons viewed stratification as a necessary mechanism to ensure that the most capable individuals occupy the most important roles in society, thus promoting efficiency and stability.
• Value System
  • A value system is a set of consistent values and measures that guide the behavior and decision-making processes of individuals within a society.
  • According to Parsons, the common value system in a society plays a crucial role in determining the criteria for social stratification and ranking individuals.

The correct answer is - Hierarchical relation

Key Points

• Hierarchical relation
  • Dumont defines a hierarchical relation as a connection between larger and smaller entities.
  • This concept involves one entity encompassing another, creating a structure of levels or ranks.
  • It is a key principle in the study of social structures and systems, emphasizing the organization and ranking of elements.

Additional Information

• Universal relation
  • A universal relation generally refers to a connection that applies across all contexts or categories.
  • In social sciences, it may imply concepts or principles that are universally applicable.
• Empathetic relation
  • An empathetic relation involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
  • It is more about emotional connection and less about structural ranking or encompassing.
• Emotional relation
  • Emotional relations are based on emotional bonds and interactions between individuals.
  • These are centered on feelings, unlike hierarchical relations which focus on structure and rank.

Caste-based stratification is Ascribed. Important Points

• Features of caste-based stratification are 
  • Segmental division of society
  • Hierarchy
  • Civil and religious disabilities
  • Endogamy
  • Untouchability

Additional Information

• Caste is a hereditary social group where a person’s rank and his rights are decided on the caste he is born into.
• For instance, the Hindu religion has castes that range from Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudra.
• A person’s caste enables one to inherit the status and function of their parents.
• While the Brahmins are the highest caste, they enjoy all the amenities which the lower caste person isn’t allowed to.
• People are not allowed access to certain things solely because of their caste.
• This creates a lot of division in the Indian society.