Please read all the questions carefully and answer them accordingly. Each question answered accurately and thoroughly is worth about 10 points. The entire exam is worth 100 points. Remember not to PLAGIARIZE. Cite all sources that you may use!

1. Briefly summarize and critically evaluate Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore’s arguments on why stratification (economic inequality) is functional or necessary in society. What is one social position in society that supports their argument? What is one social position in a society that refutes their argument? What are some of the limitations of their theory?

1. Proponents of conflict theory are always contradicting or arguing against structural functionalists on many social issues. First, compare and contrast the structural-functional and conflict views of social stratification. Second, discuss at least three ways that social class can affect an individual’s life chances and lifestyle at either the micro or the macro level of interaction.

1. To many scholars (including sociologists and geneticists) race is a figment of our imagination, and for that matter doesn’t exist. What do we mean by this statement? Provide some of the limitations against the biological definition of race, and and explain why sociologists argue that race is a social construct/concept rather than biological.

1. Although many people tend to interchange the concepts prejudice and discrimination, they are not the same. First, with practical examples distinguish between prejudice and discrimination. Second, describe how prejudice and discrimination operate at the micro and macro levels, and demonstrate how discrimination and racism affects racial and ethnic minorities in the US.

1. List four (4) agents of gender socialization, and with specific/concrete examples explain (only TWO of the agents of socialization) how boys and girls are socialized into their respective gendered roles by these agents. What are some of the reasons why certain societies across the world (especially in developing countries) practice female genital mutilation despite the harmful effects of this cultural practice?

1. On average, men earn more money than women do for performing the same job with the same level of education and experience. Explain this phenomenon from either the structural functionalist or conflict theory perspective. Describe how side-effect discrimination has affected women. Include concrete examples in your answer. What do you think can be done to reduce or eradicate gender gap in wages and improve the socioeconomic status of women in the US and across the globe?

1. Across the U.S., it is becoming more economically advantageous to have a college degree. Due to this trend, more and more parents are going back to college to earn advanced degrees. How will the strains for these nontraditional students be different from those of traditional students? What kind of changes on the micro and macro levels might be implemented by colleges to help students? List at least three things that U.S. employers could do to improve working conditions for parents.

1. List 2 manifest and 2 latent functions of education. According to conflict theory, education perpetuates both racial and economic inequalities. Describe the three (3) main mechanisms/processes by which the educational system works to perpetuate racial and economic inequalities. What do you think can be done to improve the academic performances of racial/ethnic minorities in the US?

1. Studies have found that social factors such as gender, race, and social class are strong determinants of health outcomes rather than biological factors such as germs or bacteria. How do gender and occupational roles contribute to health and illness? What do you think can be done to minimize or eradicate health disparities in the US?

1. Summarize and explain the conflict theorists’ perspective on the health care system/institution. What are some of the factors responsible for the high cost of health care or medical expenses in the US? What can be done to minimize or control the high cost of health care/expenses in the US?

BONUS QUESTIONS: (SELECT ONLY ONE, 11A OR 11B)

11A) Compare and contrast the functions and dysfunctions of having minority and dominant groups in society. Distinguish between side-effect and past-in-present discrimination. Provide an example of each.

11B) Give one example of an ascribed and achieved status stratification system. Compare and contrast these two systems detailed in your text. In your answer, explain the opportunity for social mobility.