Question 1

Has the risk of death by suicide among youth changed since the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

The risk of death by suicide among youth has increased since the 1960s, reflecting broader trends in mental health and societal changes that have impacted young people.

Question 2

According to the text,what sociological lesson was produced by the Democratic Revolution?

Accepted Answer

The text states that the Democratic Revolution "taught sociologists that people can indeed change society, and that social change is not always the product of slow evolutionary processes." This lesson aligns with option A, that "It is possible for people to change society."

Question 3

Karissa went to a meeting of the debate team and introduced herself as a sociology major;however,she had taken only one course.She did this because she wanted to be taken seriously and if the team saw her as a first-year student she would likely not be invited to join.Which theoretical approach is Karissa using to position herself?

Accepted Answer

Karissa is using symbolic interactionism, which suggests that individuals create meanings through their interactions with others. By introducing herself as a sociology major, she is attempting to influence how the debate team perceives her, aiming to be taken more seriously despite her limited experience. This approach emphasizes the importance of symbols (in this case, her self-identification as a sociology major) in social interactions.

Question 4

Which statement best explains the absence of women in early sociology?

Accepted Answer

During the nineteenth century, societal norms dictated that women's roles were primarily domestic, resulting in limited occupational choices. Women were discouraged from pursuing careers in academia, including sociology, which was considered a male-dominated field. This limited their opportunities for education and prevented them from contributing to the development of sociology as a field of study.

Question 5

Why would a sociological theory be referred to as tentative?

Accepted Answer

Sociological theories are tentative because further research could always provide evidence that contradicts or disproves a particular theory. Theories are constantly being refined or abandoned based on new evidence, so they are not considered definitive or absolute truths.

Question 6

For the class debate on capitalism,Colin was assigned to argue using a Marxist perspective.Which statement would Colin use as a talking point?

Accepted Answer

Colin, arguing from a Marxist perspective, would argue that capitalists are only interested in maximizing profits, even if it means exploiting workers or damaging the environment. The adoption of new tools, machines and production methods is seen as a way of increasing productivity, reducing costs and therefore increasing profits, rather than benefiting society as a whole. The Marxist perspective emphasizes the class struggle between the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (workers) and sees capitalism as inherently exploitative. Therefore, it is unlikely that Colin would choose options A, B or D, which imply that capitalists have positive intentions towards society or the working class.

Question 7

What focus of analysis is shared by the conflict and functional perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Both conflict and functional perspectives analyze social structures across society, although they approach them in different ways. Conflict theory focuses on the ways in which social structures create and perpetuate inequalities and conflict between different groups. Functionalism, on the other hand, sees social structures as necessary components of a smoothly functioning society, with each part serving a purpose to contribute to the overall stability of the system. Despite these differences, both perspectives analyze social structures and their effects on society.

Question 8

Who developed the conflict approach?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx developed the conflict approach or perspective, which highlights the ways in which power differentials and inequalities contribute to social conflict and change. Marx argued that society is divided into classes based on ownership of the means of production, and that these classes are in constant conflict over resources and power. Other sociologists, such as Max Weber, John Porter, and Émile Durkheim, developed different approaches to understanding social phenomena, but the conflict perspective is closely associated with Marx's ideas.

Question 9

In a class discussion,Judith argues that gender is not an innate characteristic but rather something that is performed as a result of social conditions.Which perspective has Judith adopted?

Accepted Answer

Judith has adopted a social constructionist perspective, which emphasizes that gender is not biologically determined but is created and shaped by cultural and social norms, expectations, and practices. This perspective suggests that gender roles and identities are performed rather than innate.

Question 10

Philip has been trying to find a good job for three years.He is frustrated because his education and experience should merit a manager's position,but he can get only a job as an assistant.Which unresolved social issue in today's society does Philip's situation reflect?

Accepted Answer

Philip's situation reflects the issue of prosperity versus inequality in society, where education and experience do not necessarily guarantee access to high-paying managerial positions. The unequal distribution of opportunities and income can lead to frustrations and dissatisfaction among individuals in society.

Question 11

According to the text,which term refers to patterns of social relations that lie outside and above your circle of acquaintances?

Accepted Answer

The term that refers to patterns of social relations that lie outside and above your circle of acquaintances is macrostructures. The other options, such as building structures, infrastructures, and global structures, may refer to physical or organizational aspects rather than social relations beyond one's immediate social circle.

Question 12

The federal government passes several laws getting tough on street crimes,claiming that it needs to protect the public and make citizens feel safe.However,crime trends indicate that crime is declining.Which sociological theory would be most interested in examining the government's ability to impose laws on the people that do not reflect the actual crime rates?

Accepted Answer

The conflict theory focuses on the power struggle between different groups in society, including the government and its citizens. This theory would be particularly interested in examining why the government might pass laws that do not necessarily reflect the reality of crime rates and how this conflict might contribute to social inequality and injustice.

Question 13

"I can't believe that Amala went behind my back and bought the necklace I told her I wanted to buy myself.Either she is terribly selfish or she is going to give it to me for my birthday.Without knowing her motives,I won't know the truth." Which sociological method is reflected in this statement?

Accepted Answer

The statement reflects the sociological method of understanding, which involves trying to understand the motives and reasons behind a person's behavior or actions without making assumptions or judgments. By recognizing that the speaker doesn't know Amala's motives, they acknowledge the need to understand her perspective before drawing any conclusions about her behavior.

Question 14

"The increasing suicide rates in today's society are a reflection of limited access to education and jobs." Which theory would this statement typify?

Accepted Answer

The statement reflects a functionalist perspective, which asserts that society is composed of interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability and social order. Functionalists focus on how social institutions like education and employment contribute to the smooth functioning of society. Therefore, the statement emphasizes the role of limited access to education and jobs in contributing to a social problem, in this case, the increasing suicide rates.

Question 15

Which of the following is a variant of the symbolic interactionist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Social constructionism is a variant of the symbolic interactionist perspective that emphasizes the role of language and social context in shaping individual experiences and meanings. Social functionalism and structural functionalism focus more on how society as a whole functions, while feminist theory prioritizes gender-based analyses of social phenomena.

Question 16

Which trend is a leading cause of postindustrialism?

Accepted Answer

Postindustrialism refers to the shift from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based economy driven by technological advancement. Therefore, the technology-driven shift from manufacturing to service industries is a leading cause of postindustrialism.

Question 17

Shawn is an adolescent boy who is confused about his sexual identity as a heterosexual,but he is aware that his family is unaccepting of alternative sexual identities.In an attempt to resolve this confusion,he joins an online forum for young homosexuals so that he can experiment with an alternate sexual identity.Which unresolved social issue in today's society does Shawn's behaviour reflect?

Accepted Answer

Shawn's behavior reflects the unresolved social issue of autonomy versus constraint, specifically the tension between the individual's freedom to explore and express their sexual identity and societal constraints and expectations that limit this freedom. Shawn's decision to join an online forum for young homosexuals suggests a desire to exercise his autonomy in exploring an alternative sexual identity, despite the constraints placed by his unaccepting family.

Question 18

According to Durkheim,which statement best reflects a person's risk of death by suicide?

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim, a person's risk of death by suicide decreases with the degree to which they are integrated into society. This means that individuals who are well-connected to their community and have strong social ties are less likely to commit suicide compared to those who are socially isolated. Durkheim believed that suicide rates were influenced by social factors rather than personal psychological factors.

Question 19

In her paper,Aneesha defined a term as a group of social positions,connected by social relations,which performs a social role.What term was Aneesha defining?

Accepted Answer

Aneesha was defining a social institution, which is a group of social positions connected by social relations that perform a social role. The other options (conflict paradigm, social interaction, feminist perspective) are not related to this definition.

Question 20

Gerhard Schroeder believes in the necessity of hard work as a component of a person's calling and worldly success,and as a component of personal salvation.What term best identifies Gerhard's beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Gerhard Schroeder's beliefs align with the Protestant ethic, which emphasizes the importance of hard work and personal responsibility in achieving success and salvation. The Protestant ethic is often associated with the teachings of reformer John Calvin and is characterized by a strong work ethic and focus on individual achievement. The idea of a "good-works ethic" is related but not as specific to Protestantism, as it can refer to any belief system that values the importance of doing good deeds and being a productive member of society.

Quiz 1: Introducing Sociology