Question 1

Briefly explain the difference between a macro-level and micro-level theoretical orientation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly explain the difference between a macro-level...

Question 2

Do you see any dangers in adopting the sociological perspective too intensely? For example, if we say that society is at work in all our choices about how to live, do we lose any sense of personal responsibility for our actions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you see any dangers in adopting...

Question 3

Making use of the sociological perspective encourages:

Accepted Answer

The sociological perspective involves analyzing and questioning commonly held beliefs to better understand how society functions. It is not about blindly accepting conventional wisdom or viewing society as mysterious, but rather about critically examining social phenomena to gain a deeper knowledge and awareness of the world around us. This in turn can lead to positive social change and empowerment.

Question 4

Point out what the viewpoint of a sociologist who is influenced by the structural-functional approach (say, Emile Durkheim) has in common with that of a sociologist influenced by the social-conflict approach (say, Karl Marx). That is, how are they both sociological? At the same time, how does each represent a different assumption about the nature of the society? How is the purpose of sociological study different?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Point out what the viewpoint of a...

Question 5

Explain how the structural-functional approach is more focused on understanding society as it is, and how the social conflict approach (consider the gender-conflict or race-conflict approaches) is more focused on social change.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how the structural-functional approach is more...

Question 6

The term "sociology" was coined in 1838 by:

Accepted Answer

The term "sociology" was coined by French philosopher Auguste Comte in 1838.

Question 7

Sociologists increasingly focus on, not just U.S. society, but the world as a whole. Provide several reasons for this global focus. How is an awareness of global patterns such as immigration or social inequality very much a part of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sociologists increasingly focus on, not just U.S....

Question 8

The United States falls within which category of the world's nations?

Accepted Answer

The United States falls within the category of high-income nations, as it has a developed economy and a high standard of living.

Question 9

Explain the focus of the gender-conflict or feminist approach. Compare and contrast this approach to the race-conflict approach.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the focus of the gender-conflict or...

Question 10

Sociologists focus only on unusual patterns of behavior.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists study all patterns of behavior, not just unusual ones. They seek to understand social norms and the ways in which individuals interact with one another within society.

Question 11

As a discipline, sociology first took root in France, Germany, and England.

Accepted Answer

Sociology emerged as a distinct discipline in the 19th century in France, Germany, and England. Auguste Comte is often considered the father of sociology and lived in France, while the work of Karl Marx and Max Weber helped establish sociology as a discipline in Germany. In England, the groundbreaking work of Herbert Spencer and Emile Durkheim further contributed to the development of sociology.

Question 12

According to Emile Durkheim, a category of people with a higher suicide rate typically has:

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim's theory, lower levels of social integration lead to higher suicide rates. This can occur in groups with weaker social ties or in individuals who feel disconnected from the larger society. Clinical depression and low self-esteem may also be contributing factors, but Durkheim emphasized the importance of social factors in determining suicide rates. Economic disparities may also play a role, but they are not the primary determinant of suicide rates according to Durkheim's theory.

Question 13

The sociological perspective helps us recognize that the lives of individuals are shaped by the forces of society. Explain, in a short essay, how the sociological perspective reveals "the general in the particular." To illustrate, explain how society plays a part in your own decision to attend college.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The sociological perspective helps us recognize that...

Question 14

Looking at the United States, high suicide rates are typical of states in which people:

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown that states with rural populations have higher suicide rates than those with urban populations. This may be due to a lack of access to mental health care resources in rural areas, as well as higher rates of substance abuse, isolation, and lack of social support. Climate and income do not have a clear correlation with suicide rates in the United States.

Question 15

In several sentences, explain the focus of the symbolic-interaction approach.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In several sentences, explain the focus of...

Question 16

W.E.B. Du Bois claimed that _____ was the major problem facing the United States during the twentieth century.

Accepted Answer

W.E.B. Du Bois believed that racism and the oppression of African Americans were the major problem facing the United States during the twentieth century. He argued that race was a defining factor in American society and that it underpinned many other social and economic issues. Du Bois was a key figure in the civil rights movement and fought tirelessly for equality and justice for African Americans throughout his life.

Question 17

Herbert Spencer described human society as having much in common with:

Accepted Answer

the human body.

Question 18

Since beginning this course in sociology, how has your view of the world changed? Provide one specific example of something in your life that you see differently now compared to before you started this course. Is this change a good thing? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Since beginning this course in sociology, how...

Question 19

Develop the differences among the three theoretical approaches by applying each to the family. In each case, how do we understand a family and its operation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Develop the differences among the three theoretical...

Question 20

Explain the difference between sociological generalizations about categories of people and the simple stereotypes we hear in everyday life.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between sociological generalizations about...

Quiz 1: The Sociological Perspective