Social Stratification/ Class systems/ Poverty

What is the U.S. minimum wage?

• $1.90

• $5.00

• $7.25

• $11.00

Answer explanation

The U.S. minimum wage is currently set at $7.25 per hour, which has been in effect since July 2009. This amount is higher than the other options listed.

Sociological term for the movement of individuals or groups from one level in a stratification system to another is ____.

• life chances

• stratification

• social mobility

• meritocracy

Answer explanation

The correct term for the movement of individuals or groups between different levels in a stratification system is 'social mobility.' This concept reflects changes in social status and economic position.

Carry started her career as a high-tech factory worker. By taking courses and continuing to learn she became an entrepreneur and started her own business. Her advancement is an example of ____ mobility.

• exchange

• intergenrational

• structural

• intragenerational

Answer explanation

Carry's career progression from factory worker to entrepreneur illustrates intragenerational mobility, as it reflects changes in her social status within her own lifetime, rather than between generations.

Even today we find places where the caste system still exist in _______.

• India & South Africa

• Australia

• Southeast Asia & Philippines

• many South American countries

Answer explanation

The caste system is still prevalent in India, where it has deep historical roots, and in South Africa, where it has been influenced by social hierarchies. Other regions listed do not have a significant caste system.

__ mobility occurs when people experience a gain or loss in position/income that does not produce a change in their place in the class structure.

• horizontal

• situational

• vertical

• structural

Answer explanation

Horizontal mobility refers to changes in position or income that do not affect an individual's class status. This contrasts with vertical mobility, which involves upward or downward movement in the class structure.

Occupations such as medical techs, teachers, and nurses pertain to the ___, which make up about 30% of the U.S. Populations

• middle class

• upper class

• upper-upper class

• upper-middle class

Answer explanation

Occupations like medical techs, teachers, and nurses are typically associated with the middle class, which constitutes about 30% of the U.S. population, making 'middle class' the correct answer.

Working single mothers and their children and African Americans are overrepresented in the ___ class.

• middle

• working poor

• upper

• working

Answer explanation

Working single mothers and their children, along with African Americans, often face economic challenges, leading to their overrepresentation in the working poor class, which reflects low income and job instability.

Which of the racial/ethnic groups has the highest rate of poverty?

• whites

• African American

• Asian American

• Hispanics

Answer explanation

The African American group has historically faced systemic barriers, leading to a higher poverty rate compared to whites, Asian Americans, and Hispanics. This trend is supported by various socioeconomic studies.

Recognition, respect and admiration attached to social positions

• prestige

• power

• control

• a title

Answer explanation

Prestige refers to the recognition, respect, and admiration associated with social positions. It highlights the value and status individuals hold in society, making it the correct choice over power, control, or a title.

the creation of layers (or strata) of people who possess unequal shares of scarce resources.

• social class

• social mobility

• social stratification

• social movement

Answer explanation

The creation of layers of people with unequal shares of resources is defined as social stratification. This term specifically refers to the hierarchical arrangement in society based on wealth, power, and status.