Question 1

Breanna believes that Jarrod is upset with her because she interprets his tone of voice as angry. Although Jarrod states that he is not angry, from a symbolic interactionist perspective it is Breanna's __________of the situation that is most real or believable to her.

Accepted Answer

From a symbolic interactionist perspective, reality is created through the interaction between individuals and their interpretation of symbols and gestures. In this scenario, Breanna's interpretation of Jarrod's tone of voice is what she perceives to be real, regardless of whether or not Jarrod's intent matches her interpretation.

Question 2

In a study of education in the United States, __________would emphasize the daily activities and the various forms of communication between teachers and students. They would also examine the influence of peer groups and look at the reaction when school rules are either broken or followed.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionists focus on the daily interactions and communication between individuals, particularly in the context of education. They would also emphasize the importance of peer groups and the ways in which individuals interpret and react to school rules.

Question 3

A __________analysis focuses on small groups rather than large-scale social structures.

Accepted Answer

A micro-level analysis is focused on small groups such as families, individual behavior, and relationships rather than large-scale social structures. Macro-level analysis examines the broader social structure and its patterns, whereas meso-level analysis focuses on intermediate-sized social units, such as organizations or communities. Metalevel analysis refers to a level of analysis that is higher than the primary level being studied.

Question 4

According to feminist theorists, we live in a(n) __________, a system in which men dominate women and in which things that are considered to be "male" or "masculine" are more highly valued than those considered to be "female" or "feminine."

Accepted Answer

According to feminist theorists, we live in a patriarchy, a system in which men dominate women and in which things that are considered to be "male" or "masculine" are more highly valued than those considered to be "female" or "feminine." This domination can manifest in various forms, such as political, economic, and social power imbalances.

Question 5

A functionalist study has determined that __________support was the most important factor in whether Air Force personnel experienced severe suicidal ideation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A functionalist study has determined that __________support...

Question 6

Karl Marx and Max Weber were in agreement that __________was at least one source of inequality in society.

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality is a source of inequality in society because it can lead to differences in access to resources, opportunities, and power.

Question 7

According to the__________ perspective, the classical theories have been unsuccessful in explaining social life in contemporary societies that are characterized by postindustrialization, consumerism, and global communications.

Accepted Answer

The postmodern perspective challenges the classical theories and argues that they are insufficient to explain social life in contemporary societies that are marked by postindustrialization, consumerism, and global communications. The other perspectives (functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist) do not specifically address this critique of classical theories.

Question 8

In a study of education in the United States,__________ would look at the role the schools play in maintaining the social system as a whole; how education provides the young with skills they need later in life; and how education transmits cultural values from one generation to the next.

Accepted Answer

Functionalists focus on how different parts of society work together to maintain stability and social order. Education is seen as a key part of this system, providing necessary skills and transmitting cultural values. The other options, symbolic interactionists, postmodern theorists, and conflict theorists, may look at education from different perspectives, but they do not specifically emphasize the role of education in maintaining the social system as a whole.

Question 9

In a study of homelessness in American society, __________would emphasize the struggle between social classes, especially how the policies of the wealthy protect their interests while pushing certain groups into unemployment and homelessness.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists focus on the power struggle between social classes and how the actions of the wealthy and powerful protect their interests while limiting opportunities for the less privileged. This perspective is particularly relevant to understanding homelessness, as it is often the result of economic inequality and social policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

Question 10

When students go away to college they often make lifelong friends and may even find their spouse. According to Robert Merton, this would be a(n) __________function of education.

Accepted Answer

According to Robert Merton's theory of manifest and latent functions of education, manifest functions are intended and recognized outcomes of education, such as learning specific skills or knowledge, while latent functions are unintended and often hidden outcomes, such as socializing and networking with peers. Making lifelong friends and finding a spouse are examples of latent functions of education. Therefore, the best choice is B) latent.

Question 11

Social-class pressures may affect rates of suicide among young people. This view is consistent with the __________ perspective.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory focuses on how societal inequalities and power imbalances create conflict and contribute to social problems, such as suicide rates. The pressure to succeed and meet the expectations of a certain social class may lead to feelings of alienation or hopelessness among young people, which can increase the risk of suicide.

Question 12

A__________ is anything that meaningfully represents something else and includes signs, gestures, written language, and shared values.

Accepted Answer

A symbol is an object, gesture, or image that represents something else that is often abstract or intangible. It is a means of communication that can convey complex ideas or emotions. This definition fits the given description perfectly, making option A the correct choice.

Question 13

According to the__________ perspective, society is the sum of the interactions of individuals and groups.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism views society as a product of ongoing interactions between individuals and groups. This perspective emphasizes the importance of symbols, language, and communication in shaping social reality, as individuals negotiate meanings and interpretations of their experiences.

Question 14

According to the__________ perspective, groups in society are engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources.

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective emphasizes that society is not harmonious and that different groups in society constantly compete for power and control of resources. This competition can lead to conflict and tension between groups.

Question 15

Sociologists obtain their knowledge of human behavior through__________ , which is the process of systematically collecting information for the purpose of testing an existing theory or generating a new one.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists obtain their knowledge of human behavior through research, which involves the systematic collection of information for the purpose of testing an existing theory or generating a new one. This process includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, such as surveys, experiments, interviews, and observations. Unlike commonsense thinking or systematic speculation, research relies on empirically-grounded evidence and follows rigorous scientific standards to ensure the accuracy and validity of its findings. While scientific laws may describe patterns of behavior and social phenomena, they are typically derived from research rather than serving as a substitute for it.

Question 16

C. Wright Mills used the term __________in referring to a small clique composed of the top corporate, political, and military officials who hold the most power in society.

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills used the term "power elite" to refer to a small group of individuals who hold the most power in society, including top corporate, political, and military officials. The power elite work together to maintain their power and influence over society.

Question 17

Analyzing the coal industry, which theoretical perspective would most likely look at the conflict of interests between coal companies and public health?

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective is focused on the power struggles and inequalities in society, making it the most appropriate perspective to analyze the conflict of interests between coal companies and public health. This perspective would examine how the coal industry prioritizes profits over public health and how this results in a power dynamic that disadvantages those who are negatively affected by coal mining and burning.

Question 18

Midori attends nursing school so that she can work in health care. Merton would consider this a __________function of Midori's education.

Accepted Answer

A manifest function is one that is intended and recognized, such as obtaining an education for a specific career, like nursing. Midori's goal of working in health care is a clear example of a manifest function of her education.

Question 19

A __________of education in the United States is the perpetuation of gender, racial, and class inequalities, which contributes to a waste of potential talent and benefit for society.

Accepted Answer

The statement describes a dysfunction of education in the United States, as it perpetuates inequalities and results in a waste of potential talent and benefit for society. A manifest function is a positive and intended outcome of a social institution, while a latent function is an unintentional and often unrecognized positive consequence. Prerequisite function refers to the necessary function required for a society to function properly.

Question 20

A __________analysis examines whole societies, large-scale social structures, and social systems.

Accepted Answer

A macrolevel analysis focuses on the larger structures and systems in society, such as the economy, government, and institutions. This is in contrast to a microlevel analysis, which focuses on individual interactions and small groups within society. A metalevel analysis and mesolevel analysis are not commonly used terms in sociology.

Quiz 3: Socialization