Question 1

Sociologists believe that persistent problems in the United States are

Accepted Answer

Sociologists believe that persistent problems in the United States, such as inequality, racism, and poverty, are embedded in society rather than solely the result of individual behavior or psychological problems. They argue that these issues are deeply rooted in social structures, institutions, and cultural norms, and require collective action and systemic change to address. The idea of free will is not typically considered a significant factor in explaining persistent social problems.

Question 2

The second wave of feminism

Accepted Answer

The second wave of feminism, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, saw the development of feminist theory that explored the intersections of gender, race, and class. This wave of feminism was characterized by a focus on women's rights to control their own bodies and sexuality, and to have equal access to education and job opportunities. It was not a backlash against the first wave of feminism, nor did it seek to exclude men from positions of power. Women had already won the right to vote in many countries by this time, during the first wave of feminism.

Question 3

According to Marx, class conflict is

Accepted Answer

Marx believed that class conflict is inherent in the capitalist system as it creates an unequal distribution of wealth and power, leading to exploitation of the working class by the capitalist class. The system of capitalism generates conflict between the two classes as each tries to maximize their own interests at the expense of the other. Thus, class conflict is an essential part of the capitalist system according to Marx.

Question 4

According to Durkheim, during an economic crisis

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim, during an economic crisis, people will blame marginalized groups, like immigrants, for taking their jobs.

Question 5

According to the text, the problem of the color line described by W. E. B. DuBois

Accepted Answer

The text states that DuBois' concept of the color line still exists in the twenty-first century, suggesting that the problem he described persists.

Question 6

What distinguishes sociology from mere opinion or other forms of social commentary?

Accepted Answer

Sociology distinguishes itself from mere opinion or other forms of social commentary by relying on empirical analysis, which involves collecting and analyzing data to test theories and hypotheses. This scientific method ensures that sociological claims are based on evidence rather than personal biases or beliefs.

Question 7

The sociological perspective that views power struggles as the source of social change is

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory, proposed by Karl Marx, suggests that power struggles between different social groups are the driving force behind social change. This perspective views society as being in a constant state of conflict and focuses on the inequalities and power imbalances that exist between different groups. Functionalism, on the other hand, emphasizes the consensus and cooperation that exist in society, while symbolic interactionism focuses on the everyday interactions between individuals and how they construct meaning in their social worlds.

Question 8

Discuss how the key contributions of feminism help to understand gender interactions in society.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

When conducting research, sociologists

Accepted Answer

Sociologists seek to achieve critical distance, which means they maintain an objective and unbiased perspective when studying social phenomena. This allows them to analyze and interpret their findings without being influenced by personal biases or preconceptions. Choices A and B are not necessarily true or recommended, as sociologists may conduct research in familiar settings or observe events without actively participating in them. Choice D is also incorrect, as many sociological studies require real-life observation and data collection rather than laboratory experiments.

Question 10

Durkheim, Marx, and Weber have which of the following in common?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim, Marx, and Weber were all macro-level theorists, meaning they focused on societal structures and large-scale systems rather than individuals.

Question 11

Compare and contrast functionalism and conflict theory. Describe the distinctive features of each as well as common criticisms of each paradigm.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

The text uses a discussion of the Chinese practice of footbinding to demonstrate that

Accepted Answer

The text likely uses the discussion of footbinding to illustrate the challenges in understanding and critiquing cultural practices from an outsider's perspective, suggesting that it's easier to question or debunk the knowledge or practices of another culture than those of one's own due to biases and lack of deep cultural understanding.

Question 13

Contemporary feminist scholarship has produced which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Contemporary feminist scholarship has produced vital knowledge about women, including their experiences, contributions, and struggles for equality. It has also highlighted the many ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression, such as race, class, and sexuality. While feminist scholarship has certainly revealed conflict and inequalities between men and women, its ultimate goal is to achieve equality and justice for all.

Question 14

Explain the concept of debunking within sociology. Provide an example. How is sociological objectivity important when debunking commonsense explanations of social life?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

The #MeToo movement has led to loss of jobs, loss of reputation, and sometimes criminal charges against individuals who have been credibly accused of sexual harassment. A sociologist would most likely understand this as

Accepted Answer

Sociologists study how social forces impact individuals and the larger society. The #MeToo movement is an example of how collective action and shared values about sexual harassment can lead to significant consequences for individuals who violate those values. This is not just about individual choices or failed socialization, but a broader cultural shift that is leading to changes in norms and expectations around workplace behavior.

Question 16

Which condition was associated with the development of sociology?

Accepted Answer

The rapid growth of capitalism in the 19th century led to significant social changes and created new challenges, which spurred the development of sociology as a discipline to address these changes.

Question 17

When young adults return to living with their families after graduating from college because they cannot find jobs that pay enough to both pay back their student loans and live independently, the young adults

Accepted Answer

Many graduates in this situation are feeling the effects of larger social forces such as a competitive job market, rising student loan debt, and a lack of affordable housing. This is not solely a result of individual choices or laziness, but rather a systemic issue.

Question 18

Sociological research on education has found that

Accepted Answer

Sociological research on education has shown that schooling is not just about learning academic subjects, but also socialization into the norms, values, and expectations of society. Schools are communities with their own micro-cultures, where students learn about social relationships, power, and authority. Schools also transmit cultural and societal practices and beliefs, such as the importance of punctuality, civic duty, and respect for authority.

Question 19

Explain how symbolic interactionism differs from functionalism and conflict theory. How are symbols important for shared understanding within interactions between individuals?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

According to Karl Marx, capitalism

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx argued that capitalism is built on the exploitation of workers through the extraction of surplus value from their labor. He believed that class inequality is inherent in capitalist societies and that it creates a system of domination and subordination. Therefore, exploitation is a fundamental feature of the capitalist system according to Marx.

Quiz 1: Sociological Perspective