Chapter 1 Answers to "Test Your Knowledge" and "Questions for Critical Thought" questions

Theories of Social Inequality

Click on each question to check your answer.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Define social inequalities. How are real inequalities different from sensed or imagined social inequalities?

Social inequalities refer to a situation in which some people have more and some people have less of the things that are most valuable and most valued in a society. Sensed or imagined social inequalities arise when people feel as though they have less than other people and less than they deserve or what is fair.

2. What is the sociological imagination?

The sociological imagination is a way of thinking that enables individuals to see connections between their own lives and the social world they live in and between personal or private troubles and public issues.

3. What is the difference between macro-level analysis and micro-level analysis?

Micro-level analysis focuses on the interactions between individuals in small groups, while macro-level analysis focuses on the societal level.

4. Name a few criticisms we might level at neoliberalism and the neoliberal way of looking at inequality.

Neoliberalism appears to serve the interests of the rich better than the interests of the poor and produces unpredictable economic outcomes.

5. What is intersectionality and how does it strengthen our understanding of social inequality while making it seemingly more complicated?

Intersectionality looks at unique combinations of disadvantage. This is truer to life than looking at one disadvantage at a time, but it creates almost endless possibilities for analysis.

6. Match the theoretical perspective with its main points:

Theoretical Perspectives	Main Points
Functionalism	a. Conflicting groups, classes, and individuals all oppose efforts of others to impose control, and often conflict intensifies.
Conflict theories	b. We learn gender inequalities through childhood learning and ideology.
Symbolic interactionism/social constructionism	c. Elements in society are interconnected and interrelated by common values. Well- functioning societies need social cohesion and social control.
Feminist perspective	d. Society is a product of continuous face-to-face interactions. Accounts about social inequalities are socially constructed.

Functionalism: c
Conflict theories: a
Symbolic interactionism/social constructionism: d
Feminist perspective: b

Questions for Critical Thought

1. Think of a time you tried to justify something unfair that happened to you or a friend. Is there a different way you can account for what happened?

Possible answers are not limited to any particular experience. You should relate a real-life experience to the theoretical discussions in this chapter. Example: John’s friend Ashley got evicted from her home because her rent was overdue. While John knows that the actions of Ashley’s landlord are legally just, are they just morally? Is it fair for Ashley to have to pay for a basic necessity like having a home and shelter? Should a landlord have this much power over another human, on the sole basis that they own a house and the other person does not? Questions like these could stimulate a critical discussion.

2. How did you spend yesterday? How might you have spent the day differently if you were twice as wealthy? If you were twice as poor?

Here, the question asks you to reflect on your personal life and your social status. Would being poorer change your current social status, and would you be able to relate to individuals that live in poverty on a daily basis? Would being richer change your current social status and make you happier? The purpose of this question is for you to understand social inequality and take the perspective of others in society.

3. The functional theory of stratification asserts that inequality is universal because it is necessary for the survival of society, and fear of poverty motivates people to work hard. Is there a better way we could motivate people to perform necessary, valuable work?

Reference to Davis and Moore’s (1945) “functional theory of stratification” is essential here. The theory’s flaws in not addressing generational wealth through inheritance, discussions about social roles in society, and abnormalities should be referenced. You should then articulate an argument that resolves the flaws of the theory and its main claims. This argument could include any form of egalitarian system that incentivizes people to work and still be efficient, without being fueled by the fear of poverty.

4. Think of three places where you could meet people who try to justify inequality. Where would these people be, how would they discuss inequality, and why might they talk about it in that way?

Examples include wealthy people, politicians, conservatives, and neoliberals. Other examples can also be articulated, and the answers are not limited to the choices listed.

5. Can you think of a society, anywhere in the world, where meritocratic values – that is, where the highest value is placed on talent and hard work – are not the norm? What values do people in that society give the highest priority to instead?

A discussion of Nordic states is preferable here. Their extensive welfare systems and universal support systems place an emphasis on the individual's welfare and wellbeing, rather than their qualifications. Reference to any social-democratic/egalitarian system would suffice.

6. Do you think you have an objective perspective on some social issues or aspects of your life? What topics do you think you’re more likely to have a subjective perspective on?

Here, you are encouraged to question your beliefs and determine where you stand on social issues. A thoughtful answer that engages with social issues and your own beliefs is desired by this question.