Maharashtra Board Class 11 Sociology Important Questions Chapter 7 Social Stratification

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 11 Sociology Important Questions Chapter 7 Social Stratification Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board 11th Sociology Important Questions Chapter 7 Social Stratification

Choose the correct alternative and complete the statements.

Question 1.
Social ………………. involves the formation of horizontal social divisions.
(stratification / differentiation / hierarchy)
Answer:
differentiation

Question 2.
Social stratification involves ………………. ranking of social strata.
(horizontal / vertical / equal)
Answer:
vertical

Question 3.
Social stratification is a particular form of social ……………….
(equality / inequality / justice)
Answer:
inequality

Question 4.
In ………………. stratification there is no scope for social mobility.
(open / closed / universal)
Answer:
Closed

Question 5.
Caste is the ………………. form of social stratification.
(closed / open / equal)
Answer:
closed

Question 6.
………………. is hereditary and membership is based on birth.
(Class / Caste / Society)
Answer:
caste

Question 7.
Choice of ………………. is not free under caste system.
(prestige, occupation, wealth)
Answer:
Occupation

Question 8.
………………. is essence of caste system.
(Endogamy / Exogamy / Monogamy)
Answer:
Endogamy

Question 9.
A social ………………. is essentially a status group.
(caste / class / division)
Answer:
class

Question 10.
The positions that one inherits at birth is called ………………. status.
(achieved / ascribed / vertical)
Answer:
ascribed

Question 11.
The position that one acquires through effort is called ………………. status.
(ascribed / achieved / prestige)
Answer:
achieved

Question 12.
………………. is associated with prestige.
(Role / Status / Mobility)
Answer:
Status

Question 13.
Higher education gives opportunities for ………………. mobility.
(downward / upward / middle)
Answer:
upward

Question 14.
………………. stratification refers to social ranking, where men typically inhabit higher statuses than women.
(Class / Gender / Caste)
Answer:
Gender

Question 15.
………………. refers to the biological distinction between females and males.
(Gender / Inequality / Sex)
Answer:
Sex

Question 16.
………………. is the belief that one sex is superior that the other.
(Gender / Sexism / Feminism)
Answer:
Sexism

Question 17.
Male dominance is supported by ……………….
(matriarchy / patriarchy / endogamy)
Answer:
patriarchy

Question 18.
The process of ………………. is gendered and creates gender hierarchy.
(stratification / socialization / mobility)
Answer:
socialization

Question 19.
Social ………………. means the movement of position from lower to higher one.
(stratification / movement / equality)
Answer:
mobility

Question 20.
………………. mobility refers to change of residence or job without status change.
(Vertical / Horizontal / Intergenerational)
Answer:
Horizontal

Question 21.
………………. mobility stands for change of social position.
(Horizontal / Vertical / Intergenerational)
Answer:
Vertical

Question 22.
………………. mobility means that one generation changes its social status in contrast to previous generation.
(Vertical / Intergenerational / Intragenerational)
Answer:
Intergenerational

Question 23.
………………. mobility takes place in the lifespan of one generation.
(Vertical / Intergenerational / Intragenerational)
Answer:
Intragenerational

Correct the incorrect pair.

Question 1.
(a) Good connections, networking – Social Capital
(b) Reputation and status – Economic Capital
(c) Knowledge of art – Cultural Capital
(d) Higher education – Upward Mobility
Answer:
(b) Reputation and status – Symbolic Capital

Question 2.
(a) Emotional, Cooperative – Traditional Feminine Traits
(b) Ambitious, Independent – Traditional Masculine Traits
(c) Purity and pollution – Caste
(d) Prestige – Gender Stratification
Answer:
(d) Prestige – Class

Question 3.
(a) Endogamy – Caste
(b) Wealth and income – Class
(c) Sexism – Gender Stratification
(d) Male dominance – Matriarchy
Answer:
(d) Male dominance – Patriarchy

Identify the appropriate term from the given options.

(Open stratification, Prestige, Education, Sex, Vertical Mobility, Horizontal Mobility, Closed Stratification, Lifestyles, Gender Stratification, Sexism, Gender Socialization, Intergenerational Mobility, Intragenerational Mobility.)
Question 1.
The varna and the caste system in India.
Answer:
Close Stratification

Question 2.
Power, property, intelligence, skills etc.
Answer:
Open Stratification

Question 3.
It reflects the speciality in preferences, tastes and values of a class.
Answer:
Lifestyles

Question 4.
It refers to the respect and admiration with which an occupation is regarded by society.
Answer:
Prestige

Question 5.
It gives opportunities for upward mobility.
Answer:
Education

Question 6.
It refers to social ranking where men typically inhabit higher statuses than woman.
Answer:
Gender Stratification

Question 7.
Biological distinction between females and males.
Answer:
Sex

Question 8.
A belief that one sex is superior than the other.
Answer:
Sexism

Question 9.
Boys are given toy cars or ball to play.
Answer:
Gender Stratification

Question 10.
Ascending or descending type of mobility.
Answer:
Vertical Mobility

Question 11.
It refers to change of residence or job without status change.
Answer:
Horizontal Mobility

Question 12.
An individual moves up and occupies a higher social position than his previous social position.
Answer:
Intragenerational Mobility

Correct underlined words and complete the sentence.

Question 1.
Social stratification refers to the existence of structured equalities in a society.
Answer:
Social stratification refers to the existence of structured inequalities in a society.

Question 2.
The pattern of mobility stays same from generation to generation.
Answer:
The pattern of inequality stays same from generation to generation.

Question 3.
Open stratification is one in which individuals do not enjoy the freedom of changing their social strata.
Answer:
Close Stratification is one in which individuals do not enjoy the freedom of changing their social strata.

Question 4.
In closed stratification there is scope for social mobility.
Answer:
In open stratification there is scope for social mobility.

Question 5.
The caste system in modern industrial society is an example of open stratification.
Answer:
The class system in modern industrial society is an example of open stratification.

Question 6.
The Spanish word ‘casta’ means colour.
Answer:
The Spanish word ‘casta’ means breed or race

Question 7.
The membership of caste is determined by effort.
Answer:
The membership of caste is determined by birth.

Question 8.
Hereditary is a scheme, which arranges castes in terms of higher and lower status.
Answer:
Hierarchy is a scheme, which arranges castes in terms of higher and lower status.

Question 9.
In a caste society, there is an equal distribution of privileges and disabilities among its members.
Answer:
In a caste society, there is an unequal distribution of privileges and disabilities among its members.

Question 10.
Every caste insists that its members should marry outside the group.
Answer:
Every caste insists that its members should marry within the group.

Question 11.
Caste is related to status.
Answer:
Class is related to status.

Question 12.
Caste is almost a universal phenomenon.
Answer:
Class is almost a universal phenomenon.

Question 13.
Rank is associated with prestige.
Answer:
Status is associated with prestige.

Question 14.
An open class system is one in which horizontal social mobility is possible.
Answer:
An open class system is one in which vertical social mobility is possible.

Question 15.
Hereditary reflect the specialty in preferences, tastes and values of a class.
Answer:
Life-styles reflect the specialty in preferences, tastes and values of a class.

Question 16.
Bourdieu gives three types of capital to explain hierarchy in society.
Answer:
Bourdieu gives four types of capital to explain hierarchy in society.

Question 17.
A social class is an achievement of people who have same status, rank etc.
Answer:
A social class is an aggregate of people who have same status, rank etc.

Question 18.
One’s class position is directly proportionate to one’s income.
Answer:
One’s class position is not directly proportionate to one’s income.

Question 19.
There is an open reciprocal relationship between social class and education.
Answer:
There is a close reciprocal relationship between social class and education.

Question 20.
Education refers to the respect and admiration with which an occupation is regarded by society.
Answer:
Prestige refers to the respect and admiration with which an occupation is regarded by society.

Question 21.
Race stratification refers to unequal distribution of wealth, power and privilege between the two sexes.
Answer:
Gender stratification refers to unequal distribution of wealth, power and privilege between the two sexes.

Question 22.
Sex refers to the social aspects of differences between male and female.
Answer:
Gender refers to the social aspects of differences between male and female.

Question 23.
Submissive, dependent, timid are traditional notion of masculine traits.
Answer:
Submissive, dependent, timid are traditional notion of feminine traits.

Question 24.
Under horizontal mobility, a person changes one’s occupation but the overall social standing remains the same.
Answer:
Under vertical mobility, a person changes one’s occupation but the overall social standing remains the same.

Question 25.
Intragenerational mobility may be upward or downward.
Answer:
Intergenerational mobility may be upward or downward.

Question 26.
Inequality is social and persists over generation.
Answer:
Stratification is social and persists over generation.

Write suitable examples of given concepts and justify your answer.

Question 1.
Caste as closed system of stratification.
Answer:
Example : Varna System – Hindu society is divided into four varnas – Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaishyas and Shudras. Occupation social status and lifestyle of every varna is determined by some rules and regulations and it is a group based on birth.

Each position in the caste structure is defined in terms of its ‘purity and pollution’. In a caste stratification system, an individual’s position depends on the status attributes ascribed by birth. Therefore, caste is the closed form of social stratification. Since membership based on birth, morality from one caste to another is impossible. Each caste has its own traditional social status, occupation, customs, rules and regulations. Castes are endogamous group and every caste insist that its members should marry within the group which further makes the caste system rigid.

Question 2.
Gender role socialization.
Answer:
Example : Boys are given toy cars or lego sets or bat and ball to play whereas girls are given household sets, medical sets, dolls etc. It explains why human males and females behave in different ways and learn different social roles.

The concept of gender stratification refers to society’s unequal distribution of wealth, power and privilege between the sexes. The process of socialization is gendered and creates gender hierarchy.

Question 3.
Almost all societies are characterised by sexism.
Answer:
Example : Sexist concepts teaches narratives about traditional gender roles for males and females. Women are considered to be the weaker sex and less capable than man in various areas like business, politics etc., and they are confined to the domestic realm of nurturance.

In most countries throughout the world, societies allocate fewer resources to women than to men. Sexism is the belief that one sex is superior than the other and almost all societies are characterized by sexism. Although, societies have been believing in the superiority of men over women and therefore have been dominating women. The male dominance is supported further by patriarchy, which is a form of social organization in which men dominate, oppress and exploit women.

Question 4.
Social stratification is universal but variable.
Answer:
Example : Influence of caste system on all aspects of the Indian society. Practice of class system, gender roles around the world.
Societies around us are heterogeneous in nature and thus divided into various strata or groups. Most societies exist with social systems of social division and social stratification. Everywhere society is divided into various strata. Hence, social stratification is found everywhere. At the same time the nature of inequality varies. ‘What’ is unequal and ‘how’ unequal, changes within the context of the societies.

Write short notes.

Question 1.
Gender stratification.
Answer:
1. Gender stratification refers to social ranking, where men typically inhabit higher statuses than women. A common general definition of gender stratification refers to the unequal distribution of wealth, power and privilege between the two sexes.

2. Throughout the world, most societies allocate fewer resources to women than men. Almost all societies are characterized by sexism. Sexism is the belief that one sex is superior than the other.

3. Although, societies have been believing in the superiority of men over women and therefore have been dominating women. This male dominance is supported further by patriarchy.

4. The process of socialization is gendered and creates gender hierarchy. E.g., Boys are given toy cars or legs sets or bat and ball to play whereas girls are given household sets, medical sets, dolls, etc.

Question 2.
Types of social stratification.
Answer:
Social stratification is of two types – Closed stratification and Open stratification.
1. Closed stratification is one in which individuals or groups do not enjoy the freedom of changing their social strata. The individual who gets a social strata by birth can never change it in one’s lifetime. In this type of social stratification there is no scope for social mobility. Example – The Varna system and the caste system in India are examples of closed stratification.

2. Open stratification is one in which individuals or groups enjoy the freedom of changing their social strata, i.e., in this type of social stratification there is scope for social mobility. Example – The class system in modern industrial society is an example of open stratification, The criteria of open stratification are power, property, intelligence, skills, etc.

Question 3.
Characteristics of class.
Answer:
1. Wealth and Income: Possession of substantial amounts of wealth is the main characteristics distinguishing the upper class from the other class groups in society. Persons having more wealth and income generally have higher social position and respect in society.

2. Occupation : Occupation is an exceedingly important aspect of social class. It is another determinant of class status. It is a well known fact that some kinds of work are more honourable than others, e.g., doctors, engineers, administrators, professors and lawyers hold a higher position than people who are in labour-intensive professions.

3. Education : There is a close reciprocal relationship between social class and education. Higher education gives opportunities for upward mobility. Thus education, is one of the main levers of social class.

4.  Prestige : It refers to the respect and administration with which an occupation is regarded by society. Besides wealth, occupation and education, there are certain other criteria which help a person to gain prestige and subsequent higher social status in the society, e.g., family background, kinship, place of residence, etc.

Differentiate between.

Question 1.
Horizontal Mobility and Vertical Mobility.
Answer:

Horizontal Mobility	Vertical Mobility
(i) It refers to change of residence or job without status change.	(i) It refers to any change in the occupational economic or political status of an individual or a group which leads to change of their position.
(ii) Under this type of social mobility a person changes one’s occupation but the overall social position remains the same.	(ii) It stands for change of social position either upward or downward.
(iii) Certain occupation like doctor, engineer and teacher may enjoy the same status hence when an engineer changes one’s occupation from engineer to teaching engineering, there is a horizontal shift but no change takes place in his social position.	(iii) A person who works hard as a salesman, earns money and starts his own business successfully. In such position there is a clear change in the position of the individual.
(iv) A change in the social hierarchy does not take place.	(iv) Change in the social hierarchy takes place.

Question 2.
Closed stratification and Open Stratification.
Answer:

Closed stratification	Open stratification
(i) Closed stratification is one in which individuals or groups do not enjoy the freedom of changing their social strata.	(i) Open stratification is one in which individuals or groups enjoy the freedom of changing their social strata.
(ii) In this type of social stratification there is no scope for social mobility.	(ii) In this type of social stratification there is scope for social mobility.
(iii) Ascribed status – The individual who gets a social strata by birth can never change it in one’s lifetime.	(iii) Achieved status – Individuals or groups move from one strata to another on the basis of their achievement.
(iv) Example : The varna system and the caste system in India are examples of close stratification.	(iv) Example : The class system in modern industrial society is an example of open stratification.

Explain the following concept with suitable examples.

Question 1.
Intragenerational Mobility
Answer:

1. This type of mobility takes place in the lifespan of one generation.
2. Here the individual moves up and occupies a higher social position than previously.

Example : A person may start one’s career as a clerk and after acquiring more education, becomes an IFS Officer.

Question 2.
Horizontal Mobility
Answer:

1. It refers to change of residence or job without status change.
2. Under this type of social mobility, a person changes one’s occupation but the overall social standing remains the same.

Example : Certain occupation like doctor, engineer and teacher may enjoy the same status but when an engineer changes one’s occupation from engineer to teaching engineering there is a horizontal shift from one occupational category to another but no change has taken place in the system of social stratification.

Question 3.
Closed stratification
Answer:

1. Closed stratification is one in which individuals or groups do not enjoy the freedom of changing their social strata.
2. The individual who gets a social strata by birth can never change it in one’s lifetime.
3. In this type of social stratification there is no scope for social mobility.
   Example : The Varna system and the caste system in India are examples of closed stratification.

Question 4.
Prestige
Answer:

1. It refers to the respect and admiration with which an occupation is regarded by society.
2. Prestige is independent of the particular person who occupies a job.
3. Sociologists have tried to assign prestige rankings to various occupations.
4. Besides wealth, occupation and education, there are certain other criteria which help a person to gain prestige and subsequent higher social status in the society.
   Example : Family background, kinship, place of residence, etc.

Question 5.
Gender and sex
Answer:

1. Sex refers to the biological distinction between females and males.
2. In contrast the term gender refers to the social aspects of differences and hierarchies between male and female.
3. Sex may be male or female whereas gender refers to the social meaning of masculinity and femininity. Gender determines how one should behave in society.

Example : Men are supposed to behave in a masculine manner and certain attributes are assigned to men such as courage, bravery, physical strength. On the other hand, women are assigned with attributes like nurturance, care, love, sacrifice which help them to behave in a feminine manner.

Complete the concept maps.

Question 1.

Answer:

Question 2.

Answer:

Question 3.

Answer:

Question 4.

Answer:

Question 5.

Answer:

Question 6.

Answer:

State whether the following statements are true or false with reasons.

Question 1.
Occupation is determinant of class status
Answer:
This statement is True.

1. Occupation is an important aspect of social class and it is another determinant of class status.
2. It is a well-known fact that some kinds of work are more honourable than others, e.g., doctors, engineers, professors and lawyers hold a higher position than people who are in labour-intensive professions.
3. Occupation is also one of the best clues to one’s way of life, and therefore to one’s social class membership.

Question 2.
In most countries, societies allocate equal resources to women and men.
Answer:
This statement is False.

1. In most countries throughout the world, societies allocate fewer resources to women than to men.
2. Almost all societies are characterized by sexism. Sexism is the belief that one sex is superior that the other.
3. All through, societies have been believing in the superiority of men over women and therefore have been dominating women which is further supported by patriarchy.

Question 3.
Horizontal mobility can be labelled as ascending or descending type of mobility.
Answer:
This statement is False.

1. It refers to change of residence or job without status change.
2. Under this type of social mobility, a person changes one’s occupation but the overall social standing remains the same.
3. Certain occupations like doctor, engineer, and teacher may enjoy the same status but when an engineer changes one’s occupation from engineer to teaching engineering, there is horizontal shift from one occupational category to another but no actual change takes place in the system of social stratification.

Question 4.
Social stratification is consequential.
Answer:
This statement is True.

1. Social stratification is consequential as it affects every aspect of life of all individuals.
2. Some individuals experience positive consequences, while others face negative consequences of the hierarchy in a particular society.
3. It leads to two important consequences – life chances and life styles.

Question 5.
One’s class position is directly proportionate to one’s income.
Answer:
This statement is False.

1. One’s class position is not directly proportionate to one’s income.
2. For example, a car mechanic has a lower social status than a teacher, though the income may be greater than the teacher.
3. Income is not always the determinant of one’s class position.

Question 6.
Gender and sex are interchangeable term.
Answer:
This statement is False.

1. Gender and sex are not interchangeable terms. Sex refers to the biological distinction between males and males.
2. In contrast, the term gender refers to the social aspects of differences and hierarchies between male and female. Gender is result of socialization and a social construct.
3. Sex may be male or female whereas gender refers to the social meaning of masculinity and femininity. It determines how one should behave in society.

Give your personal response.

Question 1.
Women prohibited by certain gatherings, spaces or positions is a result of gender stratification.
Answer:
Gender stratification leads to discrimination which affects many aspects in the lives of woman. Gender stratification results into gender inequality can be analysed on the bases of prestige, style of life, privileges, and opportunities, association with social groups, income, education, occupation, and power. These highly discriminatory practices are still taking place at an alarming rate, affecting the lives of many women today.

Question 2.
There is a close reciprocal relationship between social class and education. Explain how education is one of the main levers of social class.
Answer:
Education is a means to help develop ideas and skills, generate knowledge and help people to seek employment or self employment which further helps to change one’s social position. Higher education gives opportunities for upward mobility, one’s amount and kind of education affects the class rank he will secure. Thus, education is one of the main levers of a man’s social class.

Question 3.
Membership of the caste is not voluntary or not by selection but is obligatory and accidental. Explain how caste system is the closed form of stratification.
Answer:
In a caste stratification system, an individual’s position depends on the status attributes ascribed by birth. Each position in the caste structure is defined in terms of its ‘purity and pollution’. The individual who gets a social strata by birth can never change it in one’s lifetime. There is no scope for social mobility. Therefore, caste is closed form of social stratification.

Question 4.
Caste discrimination exists in India despite special laws.
Answer:
Despite legislation caste discrimination and caste-based crimes persist throughout India. Scheduled Castes (SC), have been the victims of the Hindu caste system for centuries. They are subjected to numerous forms of caste discrimination.

Answer the following in detail (About 150-200 words).

Question 1.
Discuss caste as a form of social stratification.
Answer:
In traditional Indian society different castes formed a hierarchy of social preference. Each position in the caste structure is defined in terms of its purity and pollution. In a caste stratification system, an individual’s position depends on the status attributes ascribed by birth. Therefore, caste is the closed form of social stratification. Caste is hereditary and thus the status of the person in caste based. Society is not determined by the wealth one owns but it depends on the status of the caste in which one is born.

Each caste has its own traditional social status , occupations, customs, rules and regulations. In a caste society, there is an unequal distribution of privileges and disabilities among its members. Choice of occupation is not free under the caste system as occupations are hereditary. The members of a caste are expected to follow their traditional occupation. Caste are divided into sub-castes and each sub-caste is an endogamous group. Hence, a caste is a rigid social class into which members are born.