Question 1

Imagine you are sitting at a table thinking about love. How would Herbert Blumer distinguish the three types of objects that could be subject to interpretation in your situation?

Accepted Answer

According to Herbert Blumer's theory of symbolic interactionism, there are three types of objects that can be subject to interpretation - physical, social, and abstract. In this scenario, the table is a physical object, the person (you) is a social object, and love is an abstract idea. Therefore, the best choice is C - the table is physical, the person is social, and the idea is abstract.

Question 2

According to __________, social programs such as food stamps and "Obamacare" are concessions made to the working class to save capitalism from its own worst tendencies.

Accepted Answer

Neo-Marxists argue that social programs are concessions made to the working class in order to mitigate the worst tendencies of capitalism, such as inequality and exploitation. They view these programs as a way for capitalism to maintain stability and avoid revolution.

Question 3

Sandy and John recently went to an art museum together. While they were there, Sandy discovered that John was very knowledgeable about art history and contemporary art. Bourdieu would argue that John has high __________.

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital refers to the non-financial resources that individuals possess, such as knowledge, skills, education, and cultural experiences, that give them social status and power. John's expertise in art history and contemporary art is a form of cultural capital that gives him cultural competence and distinguishes him from others who do not possess this knowledge.

Question 4

Structural individualism is a theory of analytical sociology that argues that society is based on the choices and actions that individuals and groups make, while __________.

Accepted Answer

Structural individualism recognizes that individuals and groups make choices and take actions, but also acknowledges that those choices and actions are shaped and constrained by social structures and institutions. It does not see individuals as operating in isolation, but rather as embedded within larger social systems that both enable and limit their agency.

Question 5

In The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Goffman compares social life to __________ and claims that we are __________.

Accepted Answer

Goffman compares social life to the theater and claims that we are like actors playing roles. He argues that we use various forms of impression management and role-playing to construct and maintain a desired image of ourselves in different social situations, much like actors on a stage.

Question 6

Emile Durkheim's definition of religion is centered on those parts of society that are considered sacred. How does Durkheim explain the sacred in society? In your answer describe at least three examples of sacred elements in contemporary society.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Emile Durkheim's definition of religion is centered...

Question 7

The "dramaturgical" approach to social life outlined by Erving Goffman uses the stage as a metaphor for understanding how individuals behave in society. He argues that social actors use "impression management" to present themselves to others in all social situations. Explain "impression management" and present an example of how you have used this in your own life.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "dramaturgical" approach to social life outlined...

Question 8

One perspective from feminist theory points to the interlocking nature of inequality. This perspective is referred to as intersectionality. Using yourself as an example, apply the concept of intersectionality to three aspects of your identity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One perspective from feminist theory points to...

Question 9

Georg Simmel discusses social circles and social distance to demonstrate how individuals are connected to the rest of society. Explain what a social circle is using two that you are a member of. Include in your explanation how the idea of social distance applies to your two example social circles.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Georg Simmel discusses social circles and social...

Question 10

The interlocking nature of social inequality that shapes how gender is constructed and performed is also known as __________.

Accepted Answer

The interlocking nature of social inequality that shapes how gender is constructed and performed is known as intersectionality. This concept acknowledges that people are not defined by one characteristic or identity, but rather by a combination of factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, ability, etc. Therefore, the construction and performance of gender cannot be understood in isolation from other forms of social inequality and marginalization.

Question 11

The NSA's ability to tap phone lines and review our email is a form of surveillance that Foucault would argue is part of __________.

Accepted Answer

Foucault's concept of the Panopticon is a prison design that allows a single guard to observe all prisoners without being seen by them, creating a sense of constant surveillance and control. He believed the modern-day Panopticon is a metaphorical concept that refers to the way in which modern society uses surveillance to maintain control over individuals. The NSA's ability to monitor our communications, without us knowing when we are being watched, is a prime example of this type of surveillance.

Question 12

The capitalist world system is a theory of globalization that argues __________.

Accepted Answer

The capitalist world system theory argues that capitalism is an economic system that has consequences between countries and not just within them. This means that the global economy is interconnected and the practices of one country's economy can affect others.

Question 13

Understanding everyday social interactions, such as having dinner with friends, going out on a date, or attending a football game, are at the center of understanding society according to __________.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism focuses on individual interactions and communication within society. It emphasizes the importance of understanding everyday social interactions in order to comprehend larger social structures and patterns.

Quiz 2: Social Theory