Question 1

"Survival of the fittest" is a concept most closely associated with which of the following theorists' work?

Accepted Answer

Herbert Spencer is the theorist most closely associated with the concept of "survival of the fittest," which he applied to societies in a way that paralleled Charles Darwin's ideas of natural selection in the biological realm.

Question 2

Michelle believes that prostitution is beneficial for society because it provides people with outlets for sexual gratification that they might not have otherwise. Which of the following theories is her idea most closely aligned with?

Accepted Answer

Michelle's idea aligns with functionalism because this perspective examines the roles different aspects or institutions within society play in maintaining social order, cohesion, and stability. In this case, she views prostitution as serving a functional role by providing an outlet for sexual needs, which contributes to societal stability.

Question 3

Which of the following theories enjoyed great popularity in North American sociology for approximately 30 years, beginning around the time of the Great Depression?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism was the dominant theoretical perspective in North American sociology from around the time of the Great Depression for about 30 years. It focuses on how societal institutions and structures maintain social order and stability.

Question 4

Which theorist is responsible for calling the scientific study of society "sociology"?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte is credited with coining the term "sociology" and is considered the father of sociology. He aimed to establish sociology as a legitimate and distinct scientific discipline that would study society using empirical evidence.

Question 5

Which theorist is historically associated with the development of functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim is historically associated with the development of functionalism, a perspective in sociology that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

Question 6

Massimo has noticed that while universities are places where people learn specific skills that prepare them for the world of employment, they are also excellent places for meeting one's future mate. Which of the following best characterizes the "marriage market" role of the university?

Accepted Answer

The "marriage market" role of the university is considered a latent function because it is an unintended, secondary consequence of attending university, as opposed to its primary purpose of education and skill acquisition, which would be an overt function.

Question 7

Which of the following terms refers to ideas about good and bad, and right and wrong?

Accepted Answer

Values refer to the beliefs people have about what is important, desirable, and morally right or wrong, which guide their behavior and judgments.

Question 8

Adrian states that children who have a close bond with their parents are less likely to engage in drug use and vandalism because they feel more closely tied to mainstream norms that discourage this type of behaviour. Which of the following is Adrian engaging in?

Accepted Answer

Adrian is engaging in theorizing because he is developing a theory or explanation about how close bonds with parents might influence children's behavior in relation to societal norms, without necessarily conducting empirical research or scientific investigation at this stage.

Question 9

Zoë is interested in studying the ways that family socialization contributes to social harmony. Which theorist's work is most closely aligned to her interests?

Accepted Answer

Talcott Parsons is known for his work on the social system, including the role of the family in socialization and its contribution to the stability and harmony of society. He emphasized the importance of the nuclear family in functioning to socialize children and stabilize adult personalities within the societal structure.

Question 10

Priya is interested in studying the ways that family socialization contributes to formation of its members' identities. Which theorist's work is most closely aligned her interests?

Accepted Answer

George Herbert Mead's work is most closely aligned with the study of how family socialization contributes to the formation of its members' identities. Mead's theory of social behaviorism emphasizes the role of social interaction in the development of the self, making his perspectives particularly relevant to understanding identity formation within the family context.

Question 11

Dallin thinks that more funding should be spent on researching alternatives to fossil fuel. According to the textbook, what likely drives his opinions about what funding should be spent on?

Accepted Answer

Dallin's opinion on funding for researching alternatives to fossil fuel is likely driven by his personal values, which influence his priorities and beliefs about what is important for society.

Question 12

Amandev has noticed that while universities are places where people learn specific skills that prepare them for the world of employment, they are also excellent places for meeting one's future mate. Which theorist's work is he using in identifying these differing functions?

Accepted Answer

Robert Merton introduced the concepts of manifest and latent functions, which can be applied to understand the dual role of universities in providing education and facilitating social interactions, including forming romantic relationships.

Question 13

Which of the following theories focused on the ways in which the breadwinner-homemaker family popular in the 1950s helped society run smoothly?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism posits that every aspect of society serves a purpose and contributes to the overall stability and functioning of society. The breadwinner-homemaker family model is seen through this lens as playing a crucial role in maintaining social order by dividing labor and responsibilities in a way that supports the cohesion and smooth operation of society.

Question 14

Which important characteristic do the works of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber share?

Accepted Answer

Marx, Durkheim, and Weber all sought to understand and analyze societal structures and dynamics with the aim of suggesting ways to improve people's lives, though their approaches and focuses differed.

Question 15

Which of the following theories is characterized by the study of macrostructures, shared values, and a focus on societal equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is characterized by its focus on macrostructures, shared values, and societal equilibrium, emphasizing how different parts of society work together to maintain stability and order.

Question 16

Jonah is researching the ways that the public education system has taken on the work of educating children that families and religious groups used to do. What theoretical tradition is he most likely following in his research?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is a theoretical tradition that examines the roles and functions of social institutions, like the education system, in maintaining social stability and fulfilling societal needs, such as educating children.

Question 17

According to the textbook, which theory has arisen in recent decades to correct some omissions in earlier sociological theories?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory has arisen in recent decades to address omissions in earlier sociological theories, particularly those related to gender inequalities and the experiences of women.

Question 18

When there is great social upheaval, people are often attracted to theories that focus on restoring social harmony. Which of the following theories is likely to be most popular in such a situation?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism focuses on the stability and cohesion of societies, emphasizing the interdependence of its parts and their contribution to the overall social equilibrium. During times of great social upheaval, people may be drawn to functionalism because it offers perspectives and solutions aimed at restoring social harmony and order.

Question 19

Justifying the privileges of the wealthy by saying that they are simply better people than the poor is consistent with which of the following ideas?

Accepted Answer

Justifying the privileges of the wealthy by suggesting they are inherently better than the poor aligns with social Darwinism. This concept applies Darwin's theory of natural selection to social and economic issues, suggesting that wealth and power naturally accumulate to those who are most "fit" in a societal context.

Question 20

Tanya is interested in the way people behave in public spaces. She spends one hour every day for a week at her office building riding the elevator, observing people's behaviour, and making notes. What type of scientific activity is Tanya engaging in?

Accepted Answer

Tanya is engaging in research by systematically observing and recording people's behavior in a specific setting (an elevator) to gather data about their behavior in public spaces.

Quiz 1: A Sociological Compass