Unit 3 of 5
Study guide for CLEP CLEP Introductory Sociology — Unit 3: Social Stratification and Inequality. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.
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According to conflict theory, social stratification is primarily driven by which factor?
Cultural and social norms
Competition for resources
Government policies and laws
Consensus and shared values
Social cohesion and cooperation
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 "Social cohesion and cooperation", 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.
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?
The study will find that individuals with lower socioeconomic status have equal access to healthcare due to their increased reliance on community clinics
The study will find that socioeconomic status has no impact on access to healthcare because all individuals have equal access to medical facilities.
The study will find that individuals with lower socioeconomic status have better access to healthcare due to government-funded health programs.
The study will find that access to healthcare is determined solely by geographic location, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The study will find that individuals with higher socioeconomic status have better access to healthcare due to their ability to afford private health insurance.
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.
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?
Conflict theory, which investigates how social inequality affects access to healthcare
Exchange theory, which studies how individuals trade resources for healthcare services
Functionalism, which analyzes how healthcare institutions contribute to the overall functioning of society
Symbolic interactionism, which examines how individuals interact with each other in healthcare settings
Structuralism, which explores how healthcare systems reflect the underlying social structure
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.
What is the term for the movement of individuals from one social class to another?
Social mobility
Social cohesion
Social stratification
Social change
Social inequality
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.
A sociologist studying the impact of population growth on urban development notes that as cities expand, they often experience an increase in social inequality. Which of the following best explains this phenomenon?
Urban expansion leads to increased social inequality due to a decrease in competition for resources
As cities grow, they become more homogeneous, reducing social inequality.
The increase in social inequality is due to the influx of rural migrants who are unprepared for urban life.
Urban expansion is typically accompanied by a decline in social services, leading to increased inequality.
The growth of cities leads to increased competition for resources, resulting in greater social inequality.
Answer: E — Population growth in cities can lead to increased competition for resources, resulting in greater social inequality.
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