Question 1

Wage labor is a relatively recent historical development. Which of the following structural changes is it associated with?

Accepted Answer

Wage labor is closely associated with the development of capitalism. Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, free markets, and wage labor. In a capitalist system, workers sell their labor as a commodity in exchange for wages. This is different from earlier economic systems, such as feudalism, where workers were tied to the land and worked in exchange for protection from the lord of the manor. Wage labor has been a defining feature of capitalism since its emergence in the 18th century.

Question 2

According to Marx, alienation is caused by the relationships between:

Accepted Answer

Marx believed that alienation was caused by the relationship between workers and employers, specifically the way in which workers are exploited and reduced to mere objects of production rather than being able to develop their full potential as human beings. Marx saw this as a fundamental problem with capitalism, which he believed prioritized profits over the well-being of workers.

Question 3

It is likely that most workers employed in arms manufacturing do not support recent global expansion of armed conflict. If this is so, the situation of these workers is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The situation described suggests that the workers feel disconnected and estranged from their work, potentially due to the ethical concerns surrounding their company's product. This aligns with the concept of alienation, which refers to a feeling of detachment or disconnection from one's work or society as a whole. The other options - globalization, deunionization, and unionization - do not directly apply to the situation described.

Question 4

Which of the following is the most likely to benefit from the development of transnational corporations?

Accepted Answer

Transnational corporations are primarily run by global capitalist class who have the resources, networks and expertise to set up and expand their businesses across national boundaries. These corporations bring investment, technology, and job opportunities which can benefit the host countries. However, there are concerns about exploitation, environmental degradation, and tax evasion. While there may be some benefits for the host society in terms of jobs and skill development, the primary beneficiaries of transnational corporations are likely to be the global capitalist class who gain profits and influence from these corporations.

Question 5

According to research discussed in the textbook, how did racism influence working and living conditions of indigenous Mexican migrant workers on farms in the Pacific Northwest?

Accepted Answer

Racism naturalized harsh working conditions by perpetuating stereotypes and biases that dehumanized indigenous Mexican migrant workers, making it socially acceptable to subject them to poor working and living conditions without significant public outcry or policy intervention.

Question 6

How does CEO/worker pay discrepancy in the U.S. fast-food industry relate to this discrepancy in other areas of the economy?

Accepted Answer

The CEO/worker pay discrepancy in the U.S. fast-food industry is higher than in other areas of the U.S. economy.

Question 7

Which of the following is the best example of capitalist ideology, as Marxists define this concept?

Accepted Answer

The American dream is often used as a symbol of a capitalist ideology, as it is based on the idea of achieving success and wealth through hard work and individual initiative. This concept is often criticized by Marxists, who argue that capitalism creates inequality and exploitation.

Question 8

Harpreet works in an employment agency. She has many ideas about helping her clients find work, but is not allowed to implement them because of company policies. Which characteristic of bureaucracy is limiting her ability to help her clients?

Accepted Answer

The "iron cage" is a characteristic of bureaucracy that refers to the rigid and impersonal nature of bureaucratic systems that limit individual creativity and freedom of action. This is what is limiting Harpreet's ability to implement her ideas for helping her clients find work.

Question 9

Many Canadian tourists like the fact that a "Burger King" meal in Budapest is likely to be nearly identical to a "Burger King" meal in Toronto. Which characteristic of McDonaldization does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Predictability is the characteristic of McDonaldization that refers to the standardization and uniformity of products and services, regardless of location. The fact that a "Burger King" meal in Budapest is nearly identical to one in Toronto illustrates predictability.

Question 10

According to Ritzer, McDonaldized companies are efficient from the standpoint of their:

Accepted Answer

Ritzer argues that McDonaldized companies prioritize efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control, which benefit the owners in terms of profit and productivity. However, this often comes at the expense of employee satisfaction, customer experience, and supplier relationships.

Question 11

According to the textbook, which of the following has caused a decline in trade union density in North America in the past few decades?

Accepted Answer

The decline of manufacturing has caused a decline in trade union density in North America in recent decades. The decline of manufacturing has resulted in a shift towards service-based industries which are generally less unionized.

Question 12

Which of the following is the least likely to be unionized?

Accepted Answer

McDonald's restaurants are typically franchised and have a high turnover rate of employees, making it difficult to unionize.

Question 13

By pointing out that social movements need the same kind of resources as other organizations, resource mobilization perspective criticizes the previous tendency to focus on one of the following characteristics of social movements. Which one?

Accepted Answer

The resource mobilization perspective shifts the focus from viewing social movements as arising from the deviance or marginality of their members (a common assumption in earlier theories) to understanding them as rational, organized efforts that, like other organizations, require resources such as money, labor, and materials to achieve their goals. This perspective emphasizes the importance of resource acquisition and management in the success of social movements, rather than attributing their existence to the alleged deviance of their members.

Question 14

The way a social movement frames its goals may influence the following factor of its success:

Accepted Answer

The way a social movement frames its goals impacts its legitimacy in the eyes of the public. If the movement can effectively convey its goals in a way that resonates with the public, it is more likely to gain support and be successful. Conversely, if the framing is ineffective or misunderstood, the movement may be seen as illegitimate and struggle to gain traction. Access to government funding, organizational capacity, and financial know-how may also be important factors for success, but they are not directly related to how the movement frames its goals.

Question 15

Define classes in capitalism, according to Marx. Illustrate the definitions with examples from North American society today.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

What are "McJobs"? Describe their overall effects on workers.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What are the main aspects of alienation? Give an example of each.

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Define hegemony. Describe an example of hegemony that justifies inequalities in today's North American society.

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

Why does Ritzer write that "irrationality of rationality" is one of aspects of McDonaldization?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

What are social movements? Describe ONE of the ways in which sociologists explain their success.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 3: Fast Food Blues: Work in a Global Economy