HomeQuestionsSociologyMeritocracy and Social Mobility

Meritocracy and Social Mobility

Meritocracy refers to a social system where individuals' success is based on their abilities and efforts. In the U.S., while personal merit can influence socioeconomic status, factors such as family background, race, and gender significantly shape opportunities for upward mobility. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in sociology, as it helps to explore the persistent inequalities that affect different demographic groups across generations.

17 practice questions with detailed explanations

17
Questions Available

Practice Questions

Click any question to see detailed solutions

1

What is the primary role of education in a meritocratic society?

Education helps everyone have a fair chance to succeed. Other options are incorrect because Some might think education keeps people in their social cl...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
2

How does socio-economic status influence an individual's chances of achieving socioeconomic mobility in a meritocratic society?

People from lower socio-economic backgrounds often face challenges that make it harder to succeed. Other options are incorrect because Some might thin...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
3

Which of the following best describes how privilege can act as a barrier to social mobility in a meritocratic society?

People from wealthy families often get better schools and tutors. Other options are incorrect because Some think meritocracy means everyone starts equ...

mediummultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
4

In a meritocratic society, which factor is most likely to contribute to downward mobility among individuals from previously higher socioeconomic backgrounds?

All these factors can lead to people losing their higher status. Other options are incorrect because Some might think education alone is the only issu...

hardmultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
5

In a meritocratic society, how does class structure interact with socioeconomic mobility, particularly in the context of merit-based systems?

Class structure can create barriers that limit how far people can move up in society. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that clas...

hardmultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
6

What is the primary principle of a meritocracy?

A meritocracy rewards people based on what they can do and what they achieve. Other options are incorrect because Some might think a meritocracy means...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
7

What is the primary principle of meritocracy in relation to social mobility?

In a meritocracy, people achieve success based on their skills and hard work. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that your family ...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
8

How does socio-economic status influence an individual's chances of achieving upward social mobility in a meritocratic society?

Having a higher socio-economic status means better access to good schools and jobs. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that social s...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
9

Which of the following factors can influence an individual's success in a meritocratic system? Select all that apply.

In a true meritocracy, success is based only on individual talent and effort, not outside factors. Other options are incorrect because Some might thin...

mediummultiple_correctClick to view full solution
10

In a society where individuals' success is largely influenced by their family background and social connections, what underlying cause affects upward social mobility the most?

Systemic inequalities based on demographics create barriers for some groups. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that everyone has th...

easycause_effectClick to view full solution
11

Meritocracy : Individual Success :: Social Mobility : ?

Social mobility means moving up or down in society. Other options are incorrect because Some might think social mobility is about wealth gaps; Cultura...

hardanalogyClick to view full solution
12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of meritocracy in relation to social mobility?

This example shows how hard work and determination can lead to success. Other options are incorrect because This scenario suggests that wealth guarant...

mediumclassificationClick to view full solution
13

Arrange the following factors that contribute to social mobility in a meritocratic system from most to least influential: A. Individual effort, B. Family background, C. Educational opportunities, D. Societal structures.

Educational opportunities are the most important because they give everyone a fair chance to succeed. Other options are incorrect because This answer ...

mediumorderingClick to view full solution
14

Which of the following best describes the concept of meritocracy in relation to social mobility?

This answer is right because it shows that both personal skills and outside factors affect where people end up in life. Other options are incorrect be...

easymultiple_choiceClick to view full solution
15

In a true meritocracy, individuals' success is ideally based on their personal abilities and efforts, but in reality, _____ also play a significant role in determining one's opportunities for social mobility.

Socioeconomic factors include things like family income and background. Other options are incorrect because Many believe that personal choices alone d...

easyfill_in_blankClick to view full solution
16

In a meritocratic society, which factor is least likely to influence an individual's socioeconomic mobility?

In a meritocracy, people succeed based on their skills and hard work. Other options are incorrect because Many believe that family background is the m...

mediumcase_studyClick to view full solution
17

Maria comes from a low-income family and has worked hard to excel in school, earning a scholarship to a prestigious university. However, she still faces significant challenges related to her socioeconomic background and finds it difficult to access resources that her wealthier peers take for granted. How does Maria's experience illustrate the concept of meritocracy in the context of social mobility?

Maria's story shows that even if she works hard, there are still barriers that make it hard for her to move up in society. Other options are incorrect...

hardscenario_basedClick to view full solution

Master Meritocracy and Social Mobility

Ready to take your understanding to the next level? Access personalized practice sessions, progress tracking, and advanced learning tools.