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Unit 3: Social Stratification and Inequality

Study guide for CLEP CLEP Introductory Sociology — Unit 3: Social Stratification and Inequality. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

81

Practice Questions

15

Flashcards

7

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

class systems
social mobility
income inequality
racial and ethnic stratification
gender inequality
intersectionality
global inequality

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 81.

Q1HARD

According to conflict theory, social stratification is primarily driven by which factor?

A) Cultural and social norms
B) Competition for resources
C) Government policies and laws
D) Consensus and shared values
E) Social cohesion and cooperation
Show Answer

Answer: B — Conflict theory posits that social stratification arises from the Competition for resources, where individuals and groups vie for limited resources such as wealth, power, and status. This concept suggests that those who possess more resources will use them to maintain their advantage, leading to social inequality. In contrast, social cohesion and cooperation, as in option E, would actually reduce stratification, not drive it. The underlying idea of Competition for resources highlights the role of scarcity and self-interest in shaping social hierarchies.

Q2MEDIUM

A sociologist is studying the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare in a metropolitan area. Which of the following best explains the likely outcome of this study?

A) The study will find that individuals with lower socioeconomic status have equal access to healthcare due to their increased reliance on community clinics
B) The study will find that socioeconomic status has no impact on access to healthcare because all individuals have equal access to medical facilities.
C) The study will find that individuals with lower socioeconomic status have better access to healthcare due to government-funded health programs.
D) The study will find that access to healthcare is determined solely by geographic location, regardless of socioeconomic status.
E) The study will find that individuals with higher socioeconomic status have better access to healthcare due to their ability to afford private health insurance.
Show Answer

Answer: E — This question requires the application of sociological concepts to a real-world scenario, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.

Q3EASY

Which of the following best describes a meritocracy?

A) A system in which social status is based on individual achievement
B) A system in which social status is based on occupation
C) A system in which social status is based on geographic location
D) A system in which social status is based on family background
E) A system in which social status is based on wealth and income
Show Answer

Answer: A — A system in which social status is based on indivi... is correct because a meritocracy is based on individual achievement and talent.

Q4MEDIUM

A sociologist is studying the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare in a large city. Which of the following best describes the sociological perspective the researcher is likely using?

A) Conflict theory, which investigates how social inequality affects access to healthcare
B) Exchange theory, which studies how individuals trade resources for healthcare services
C) Functionalism, which analyzes how healthcare institutions contribute to the overall functioning of society
D) Symbolic interactionism, which examines how individuals interact with each other in healthcare settings
E) Structuralism, which explores how healthcare systems reflect the underlying social structure
Show Answer

Answer: A — The researcher is likely using Conflict theory, which investigates how social inequality affects access to healthcare, as it examines how socioeconomic status impacts healthcare access, highlighting power imbalances and disparities. This perspective focuses on how social inequality leads to unequal distribution of resources, including healthcare. In contrast, Functionalism, which analyzes healthcare's role in society, doesn't directly address inequality, making Conflict theory a better fit for this study.

Q5EASY

What is the term for the movement of individuals from one social class to another?

A) Social mobility
B) Social cohesion
C) Social stratification
D) Social change
E) Social inequality
Show Answer

Answer: A — Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals from one social class to another, often due to changes in occupation, education, or income. This concept involves the idea that people can change their social status, either upward or downward, throughout their lives. In contrast, social stratification refers to the rigid categorization of people into distinct social classes, which is a different concept. Social mobility is the correct term because it specifically describes the dynamic process of individuals changing their social class.

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Study Tips for Unit 3: Social Stratification and Inequality

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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