Social Stratification - Social Differences, Inequality, Gender MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Social Stratification - Social Differences, Inequality, Gender - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Sharmila Rege

Key Points

• Sharmila Rege
  • Sharmila Rege was an Indian sociologist, feminist scholar, and activist.
  • She is well-known for her work on caste and gender issues in India.
  • Her book “Against the Madness of Manu” critiques the Manusmriti, an ancient Indian text that codifies patriarchal and caste-based norms.
  • Rege’s writings are influential in the fields of Dalit studies and gender studies.

Additional Information

• Bina Agarwal
  • Bina Agarwal is an Indian economist and professor known for her work in development economics and gender studies.
  • She has written extensively on land rights and gender inequality.
• Neera Desai
  • Neera Desai was a pioneering Indian feminist scholar and activist.
  • She is recognized for her contributions to women's studies in India.
• Vandana Shiva
  • Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, and anti-globalization author.
  • She is known for her work on biodiversity, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.

Key Points

• Gender and Green Governance
  • This book, written by Bina Agarwal, is a seminal work in the field of ecofeminism.
  • It explores the intersection of gender and environmental governance, focusing on how women's participation in community forest governance can lead to better outcomes for both gender equity and forest conservation.
  • The book provides extensive case studies from South Asia, particularly India.

Additional Information

• Bina Agarwal
  • Bina Agarwal is a distinguished scholar in the fields of development economics and environmental studies.
  • She has published extensively on issues of gender, property rights, and environmental governance.
• Ecofeminism
  • Ecofeminism is a movement that combines ecological concerns with feminist perspectives, highlighting how environmental degradation disproportionately affects women.
  • It advocates for a more inclusive approach to environmental governance that considers gender equity.
• Community Forest Governance
  • Community forest governance involves the management of forest resources by local communities, often with a focus on sustainability and equitable access.
  • Research has shown that including women in these governance structures can lead to more effective conservation outcomes.

The correct answer is - Vandana Shiva

Key Points

• Vandana Shiva
  • Shiva's work in ecofeminism emphasizes the connection between the oppression of women and the degradation of nature.
  • Agarwal critiques Shiva's view for potentially essentializing women's roles and experiences.
  • Shiva argues that women have a special relationship with nature due to their roles in agriculture and food production.

Additional Information

• Ecofeminism
  • Ecofeminism combines ecology and feminism, examining the parallels between the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women.
  • It seeks to address both environmental and social justice issues.
• Agarwal's Critique
  • Agarwal critiques the idea that women are inherently closer to nature, suggesting that this view may reinforce traditional gender roles.
  • She advocates for a more context-specific analysis of women's environmental interactions.

The correct answer is - Women’s Studies

Key Points

• Neera Desai
  • She was a prominent Indian scholar and social activist.
  • Known for her pioneering work in Women’s Studies in India.
  • Played a crucial role in establishing the Centre for Women’s Studies at SNDT Women's University in Mumbai.
  • Her contributions include significant research and publications on women's issues and gender studies.

Additional Information

• Women’s Studies in India
  • Focuses on exploring, analyzing, and addressing issues related to gender inequality and women's rights.
  • Includes interdisciplinary approaches from history, sociology, political science, and other fields.
  • Prominent figures include scholars and activists who have contributed to policy changes and social reforms.
• SNDT Women's University
  • Established in 1916, it is one of the oldest women's universities in India.
  • The Centre for Women’s Studies was established here under the leadership of Neera Desai.
  • Aims to promote women's education and empowerment through various academic and extension activities.

The correct answer is - A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Key Points

• Social Stratification
  • Refers to a hierarchical ranking of individuals in society based on factors such as wealth, power, and status.
  • It is a society-wide system that unequally distributes resources among different groups​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
• Prejudice
  • Refers to preconceived opinions that are not based on actual experience or factual evidence​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
  • Can be positive or negative, and often results in stereotypes about particular social groups.
• Discrimination
  • Involves the actual unfair treatment of individuals based on race, gender, caste, or other identity markers​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
  • Can be overt or covert and is often justified under seemingly neutral reasons.
• Social Exclusion
  • Systematic denial of access to rights, resources, and opportunities​:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
  • Can occur due to caste, gender, economic status, or other social factors.

Additional Information

• Forms of Social Stratification
  • Common types include caste system, class system, race-based hierarchy, and gender-based divisions.
  • Social mobility may be limited or open depending on the structure of the society.
• Effects of Prejudice
  • Reinforces stereotypes and social divisions.
  • Often leads to discriminatory policies and practices.
• Legal Framework Against Discrimination
  • Many countries have anti-discrimination laws to ensure equality.
  • Examples include the Equal Protection Clause in the U.S. and Reservation Policies in India.

The correct answer is - Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Important Points

• Social stratification refers to the way in which society is organized in layers or strata.
• These layers are ranked on the basis of various criteria which may include wealth, power, race, education, ethnicity, gender, and religion.
• Social differences play a significant role in the formation and perpetuation of social stratification.
• Attributes such as ethnicity, race, religion, or gender often become bases upon which individuals or groups are valued or devalued, leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities.
• Institutional practices like policies or laws that favor certain groups perpetuate social stratification.

Additional InformationSocial Stratification 

• Historical Patterns: Social stratification reflects unique economic, cultural, and political contexts across different times and places.
• Global Variability: The concept and practice of social stratification differ globally due to cultural beliefs, colonial histories, and economic structures.
• Social Mobility: The fluidity of a society's stratification system is indicated by the degree of social mobility, which varies widely across different societies.
• Reforms and Policies: Attempts to counteract social stratification include reforms and policies focused on ending discrimination, enhancing equality, and redistributing resources.
• Educational Impact: Education serves as both a potential pathway for upward mobility and a means through which social inequalities are perpetuated.

The correct answer is - Sharmila Rege

Key Points

• Sharmila Rege
  • Sharmila Rege was an Indian sociologist, feminist scholar, and activist.
  • She is well-known for her work on caste and gender issues in India.
  • Her book “Against the Madness of Manu” critiques the Manusmriti, an ancient Indian text that codifies patriarchal and caste-based norms.
  • Rege’s writings are influential in the fields of Dalit studies and gender studies.

Additional Information

• Bina Agarwal
  • Bina Agarwal is an Indian economist and professor known for her work in development economics and gender studies.
  • She has written extensively on land rights and gender inequality.
• Neera Desai
  • Neera Desai was a pioneering Indian feminist scholar and activist.
  • She is recognized for her contributions to women's studies in India.
• Vandana Shiva
  • Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, and anti-globalization author.
  • She is known for her work on biodiversity, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.

Key Points

• Gender and Green Governance
  • This book, written by Bina Agarwal, is a seminal work in the field of ecofeminism.
  • It explores the intersection of gender and environmental governance, focusing on how women's participation in community forest governance can lead to better outcomes for both gender equity and forest conservation.
  • The book provides extensive case studies from South Asia, particularly India.

Additional Information

• Bina Agarwal
  • Bina Agarwal is a distinguished scholar in the fields of development economics and environmental studies.
  • She has published extensively on issues of gender, property rights, and environmental governance.
• Ecofeminism
  • Ecofeminism is a movement that combines ecological concerns with feminist perspectives, highlighting how environmental degradation disproportionately affects women.
  • It advocates for a more inclusive approach to environmental governance that considers gender equity.
• Community Forest Governance
  • Community forest governance involves the management of forest resources by local communities, often with a focus on sustainability and equitable access.
  • Research has shown that including women in these governance structures can lead to more effective conservation outcomes.

The correct answer is - Vandana Shiva

Key Points

• Vandana Shiva
  • Shiva's work in ecofeminism emphasizes the connection between the oppression of women and the degradation of nature.
  • Agarwal critiques Shiva's view for potentially essentializing women's roles and experiences.
  • Shiva argues that women have a special relationship with nature due to their roles in agriculture and food production.

Additional Information

• Ecofeminism
  • Ecofeminism combines ecology and feminism, examining the parallels between the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women.
  • It seeks to address both environmental and social justice issues.
• Agarwal's Critique
  • Agarwal critiques the idea that women are inherently closer to nature, suggesting that this view may reinforce traditional gender roles.
  • She advocates for a more context-specific analysis of women's environmental interactions.

The correct answer is - Women’s Studies

Key Points

• Neera Desai
  • She was a prominent Indian scholar and social activist.
  • Known for her pioneering work in Women’s Studies in India.
  • Played a crucial role in establishing the Centre for Women’s Studies at SNDT Women's University in Mumbai.
  • Her contributions include significant research and publications on women's issues and gender studies.

Additional Information

• Women’s Studies in India
  • Focuses on exploring, analyzing, and addressing issues related to gender inequality and women's rights.
  • Includes interdisciplinary approaches from history, sociology, political science, and other fields.
  • Prominent figures include scholars and activists who have contributed to policy changes and social reforms.
• SNDT Women's University
  • Established in 1916, it is one of the oldest women's universities in India.
  • The Centre for Women’s Studies was established here under the leadership of Neera Desai.
  • Aims to promote women's education and empowerment through various academic and extension activities.

The correct answer is - A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Key Points

• Social Stratification
  • Refers to a hierarchical ranking of individuals in society based on factors such as wealth, power, and status.
  • It is a society-wide system that unequally distributes resources among different groups​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
• Prejudice
  • Refers to preconceived opinions that are not based on actual experience or factual evidence​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
  • Can be positive or negative, and often results in stereotypes about particular social groups.
• Discrimination
  • Involves the actual unfair treatment of individuals based on race, gender, caste, or other identity markers​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
  • Can be overt or covert and is often justified under seemingly neutral reasons.
• Social Exclusion
  • Systematic denial of access to rights, resources, and opportunities​:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
  • Can occur due to caste, gender, economic status, or other social factors.

Additional Information

• Forms of Social Stratification
  • Common types include caste system, class system, race-based hierarchy, and gender-based divisions.
  • Social mobility may be limited or open depending on the structure of the society.
• Effects of Prejudice
  • Reinforces stereotypes and social divisions.
  • Often leads to discriminatory policies and practices.
• Legal Framework Against Discrimination
  • Many countries have anti-discrimination laws to ensure equality.
  • Examples include the Equal Protection Clause in the U.S. and Reservation Policies in India.

The correct answer is - A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

Key Points

• Stree Purush Tulana → Tarabai Shinde
  • Written in 1882, it is one of the earliest feminist critiques of gender inequality in India.
  • It challenges patriarchal norms and argues against the oppression of women in Indian society.
• Sultana’s Dream → Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain
  • Published in 1905, this is a feminist utopian novel set in a world ruled by women.
  • It critiques gender roles and promotes the idea of women's empowerment.
• Unheard Voices → Harsh Mander
  • This book highlights the struggles of marginalized communities in India.
  • It presents real-life stories of poverty, discrimination, and injustice.
• Contemporary India: A Sociological View → Satish Deshpande
  • This book provides a sociological perspective on modern India.
  • It discusses issues like caste, inequality, and globalization.

Additional Information

• Feminist Literature in India
  • "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir is a global landmark in feminist literature.
  • "We Also Made History" by Meera Kosambi explores women's movements in India.
• Social Issues Addressed in These Books
  • Gender Discrimination: Critique of societal norms restricting women.
  • Social Exclusion: Stories of marginalized communities and their struggles.
  • Political and Economic Inequality: The role of caste, class, and gender in shaping opportunities.

The correct answer is - Social stratification is a characteristic of individuals, not society.

Key Points

• Social stratification is a characteristic of society
  • It refers to a structured system where people are ranked in a hierarchy based on factors such as class, caste, gender, and race.
  • It is not based on individual characteristics but is a system imposed by society.
  • Example: The caste system in India is a society-wide structure that impacts opportunities and access to resources.
• Other correct principles of social stratification
  • Persistence across generations: Social positions and advantages/disadvantages are often inherited.
  • Supported by ideologies: Beliefs and norms justify the hierarchy, making it seem natural or fair.
  • Unequal distribution of resources: Wealth, power, and privileges are distributed unevenly among social groups.

Additional Information

• Types of Social Stratification
  • Caste System: A rigid hereditary system, e.g., India's caste hierarchy.
  • Class System: Based on wealth and occupation, e.g., upper, middle, and lower class.
  • Slavery: A historical system where people were owned as property.
  • Estate System: Found in feudal societies, dividing people into nobles, clergy, and commoners.
• Effects of Social Stratification
  • Impacts access to education, healthcare, and employment.
  • Creates social inequality and economic disparities.
  • Can lead to social movements and demands for equal rights.
• Modern Examples of Stratification
  • Gender pay gap: Women often earn less than men for the same work.
  • Racial discrimination: Some ethnic groups have limited access to resources.
  • Economic inequality: The richest 1% control a significant portion of global wealth.

The correct answer is - Plasticsexuality

Key Points

• Plasticsexuality
  • Plasticsexuality refers to human sexuality that is freed from the needs of reproduction.
  • This concept is shaped by individual choices rather than biological imperatives.
  • It emphasizes the fluidity and flexibility in sexual preferences and practices.
  • Plasticsexuality allows for a broader spectrum of sexual expressions and identities.

Additional Information

• Human Sexuality
  • Human sexuality encompasses a range of behaviors, attractions, and identities.
  • It includes terms like heterosexuality (attraction to the opposite sex) and homosexuality (attraction to the same sex).
  • Sexuality is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Sexual Identity
  • Sexual identity is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves based on their sexual attraction and behaviors.
  • Common identities include bisexuality (attraction to both sexes), asexuality (lack of sexual attraction), and pansexuality (attraction to people regardless of their gender).
• Sexual Orientation
  • Sexual orientation is an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes.
  • It is distinct from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept rather than actions.

The correct answer is - Structural inequalities and systemic barriers to education and employment opportunities.

Important Points

• The concept of "the underclass" predates Charles Murray's influential works, having been used by sociologists and social commentators for describing marginalized social segments.
• It refers to individuals at the lowest stratum of the social ladder, often deeply affected by systemic obstacles.
• Members of the underclass are marginalized from mainstream socio-economic activities and opportunities.
• Characterized by significant unemployment levels, limiting their access to stable and sufficient income.
• Experiences of persistent poverty are a defining characteristic, with limited means to escape this cycle.
• A reliance on welfare systems for subsistence, often due to a lack of better opportunities.
• In some cases, individuals may resort to illegal means to supplement their income due to the lack of legitimate economic opportunities.
• The underclass experiences exclusion not just economically, but also socially and politically, affecting their overall quality of life and opportunities for improvement.
• Ken Auletta is one of the figures credited with popularizing the term in the context of American society in the 1980s, especially through his book "The Underclass" (1982).