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Barriers to Social Mobility

Barriers to social mobility refer to the various obstacles that individuals face in their pursuit of upward movement within the social hierarchy. These barriers can include factors such as educational disparities, economic recessions affecting job availability, and systemic inequalities related to race and gender. Understanding these barriers is crucial in Sociology as it highlights how structural factors can limit opportunities for certain groups, revealing the complexities of the American Dream and prompting discussions on policy interventions for social equity.

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1

Which of the following is NOT considered a barrier to social mobility in the context of social stratification?

Having strong social connections helps people move up in society. Other options are incorrect because Some might think education is just a choice, but...

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2

How do structural factors contribute to the challenges of meritocracy in social mobility?

Structural factors like poverty or lack of education create different starting points for people. Other options are incorrect because This answer sugg...

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3

Which of the following factors is most likely to hinder upward mobility within a social stratification system?

Economic inequality makes it hard for people to improve their lives. Other options are incorrect because Some think that lack of good education is the...

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4

Which of the following factors most significantly contributes to barriers in upward mobility within social networks?

Having unequal access to quality education makes it hard for people to improve their lives. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that ...

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5

Which of the following best describes how systemic barriers influence intergenerational mobility in relation to socioeconomic status?

Systemic barriers make it hard for people in lower socioeconomic classes to get the help they need. Other options are incorrect because This answer su...

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6

Which of the following is NOT considered a barrier to social mobility in the context of social stratification?

Having high levels of social capital means you have strong connections and support. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that limited ...

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7

Which of the following best exemplifies how economic inequality acts as a barrier to social mobility?

Low-income families often cannot afford good schools. Other options are incorrect because This suggests everyone has the same job chances, which is no...

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8

Which of the following best describes a barrier to social mobility related to educational access?

In low-income areas, there are often not enough good schools. Other options are incorrect because Some might think job competition is the main issue; ...

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9

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a barrier to social mobility?

Discrimination in hiring stops people from getting jobs they deserve. Other options are incorrect because Some might think a scholarship helps everyon...

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10

Which of the following factors are considered barriers to social mobility? Select all that apply.

None of the options listed actually prevent people from moving up in society. Other options are incorrect because Some think that differences in educa...

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11

Barriers to social mobility often arise from systemic inequalities related to ______, which can limit opportunities for individuals trying to improve their socioeconomic status.

Systemic inequalities based on race can create unfair obstacles. Other options are incorrect because Some might think personality affects social mobil...

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12

If economic growth has occurred but social mobility remains stagnant for certain groups, which of the following is the most likely underlying cause?

Some groups face unfair barriers in education and jobs. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that people just don't want to succeed; This...

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13

Which of the following factors best exemplifies a systemic barrier to social mobility?

Limited access to good schools affects many people at once. Other options are incorrect because Some think that hard work alone determines success; Pe...

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14

Maria, a recent college graduate, applied for multiple jobs but was repeatedly turned down despite her qualifications. Her friend, who graduated from the same program but belongs to a more affluent background, found a job quickly. Which barrier to social mobility best explains Maria's situation?

Maria's friend likely had better connections. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that education is the main problem; This idea means ev...

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15

Barriers to social mobility are to socioeconomic advancement as A: B is to C: ?

Just like barriers stop people from moving up in society, lack of education stops people from getting good jobs. Other options are incorrect because S...

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16

Which of the following best illustrates a barrier to social mobility?

Job opportunities often require higher education. Other options are incorrect because Some might think a good school helps everyone equally; A communi...

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17

Arrange the following barriers to social mobility in the order they are typically addressed in policy discussions: A) Educational Disparities → B) Economic Recession → C) Systemic Inequalities → D) Income Distribution

Educational disparities are often the first focus because education helps people gain skills and jobs. Other options are incorrect because This choice...

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