Quick Gists

  1. Overview of social stratification theories and their evolution
  2. Comparison of Marx and Weber's perspectives on social class
  3. Analysis of China's unique social stratification characteristics
  4. Discussion on cultural, economic, and political aspects of social stratification
  5. Examination of functionalist approach to social stratification

20 Quizzes with Answers

  1. Who are the two main theorists discussed in the text regarding social stratification?

    Answer: Karl Marx and Max Weber

  2. What are the three dimensions of social stratification according to Weber?

    Answer: Wealth and income (economic status), power (political status), and prestige (social status)

  3. What is the main difference between Marx and Weber's views on class action?

    Answer: Marx believed class action was inevitable, while Weber did not think class necessarily leads to collective action

  4. What phenomenon does the author describe regarding cultural and economic stratification in China during periods of great social change?

    Answer: Cultural and economic stratification often become misaligned

  5. What is the "conflict type" occupational prestige evaluation mentioned by the author?

    Answer: It refers to significant disagreements in society regarding the evaluation of the same occupation

  6. What system in China is mentioned as an example of unequal distribution of civil rights resources?

    Answer: The household registration (hukou) system

  7. What are the four environmental conditions Weber proposed for class members to organize class struggles?

    Answer: 1) Direct, concentrated conflict of interest; 2) Large number of members in similar class positions; 3) Relative spatial concentration; 4) Clear goals for struggle

  8. According to the text, what is the essence of the hukou system in China?

    Answer: It is essentially a status system

  9. What does the author mean by "ascribed factors" in determining social status?

    Answer: Factors a person is born with, not acquired through effort, such as age, gender, and family background

  10. What is the main drawback of a status-based system according to the author?

    Answer: It restrains the vitality and initiative of social members by limiting their ability to overcome predetermined status

  11. What does the functionalist perspective on social stratification argue?

    Answer: Society is a unified whole composed of interconnected parts, each part functioning to maintain the overall balance of society

  12. According to the functionalist view, what are the four basic conditions necessary for any society to maintain good operation?

    Answer: 1) Social division of labor is necessary; 2) Some jobs are viewed as more important than others; 3) People have different talents, knowledge, and skills; 4) The most talented should take on the most important work

  13. What did Durkheim seek to find in the context of social transformation?

    Answer: A new way to reconnect society, or achieve "social integration"