Question 1

Giddens's conceptions of agency and structure parallel functionalist interpretations.

Accepted Answer

Giddens's conceptions of agency and structure are opposed to functionalist interpretations, as they emphasize the role of human agency in shaping social structures and dynamics, rather than seeing individuals as simply conforming to pre-existing social norms and structures.

Question 2

Define globalization and list some of the theoretical discourses surrounding it.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Choose one of Appadurai's five dimensions of global cultural flows, according to Ritzer and explain its significance on globalization as a whole.

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

Although Hollywood actually produces only a minority of the worldwide total of films and television programmes, its control over marketing and distribution gives it an enormous input onto Third World screens.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Hollywood's control over marketing and distribution allows it to have a significant influence on the films and television programmes shown in Third World countries.

Question 5

Rising fundamentalism and ethnic conflicts reflect a heterogeneous strong consequence of globalization.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the impact of globalization on the rise of fundamentalism and ethnic conflicts, which can be attributed to the increasing interconnectedness and diversity of the world. Globalization has facilitated the spread of ideas and ideologies, allowing fundamentalist groups to gain global influence and fueling identity-based conflicts as different cultural and ethnic groups come into contact with each other.

Question 6

Immanuel Wallerstein's contribution to the study of globalization included his five dimensions of global cultural flows.

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Wallerstein is best known for developing the world-systems theory, not for identifying five dimensions of global cultural flows. The concept of five dimensions of global cultural flows was proposed by Arjun Appadurai.

Question 7

Ritzer's Mcdonaldization draws inspiration from Weber's iron cage.

Accepted Answer

Ritzer's McDonaldization theory is rooted in Max Weber's concept of the "iron cage" of bureaucracy. Ritzer argues that the principles of fast food restaurants, such as efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control, have extended into other spheres of society, leading to a homogenized and rationalized social order.

Question 8

According to the "McDonaldization of society" the following are taking place: Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, Control, Rationality

Accepted Answer

The "McDonaldization of society" includes Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, and Control, but not Rationality.

Question 9

Most theorists agree on when the process of globalization began.

Accepted Answer

There is no consensus among theorists on when globalization began. Some argue that it dates back to ancient civilizations, while others see it as a more recent phenomenon that gained momentum after World War II.

Question 10

Structures are bound by the time and space of a particular interaction, unlike Giddens's concept of rules.

Accepted Answer

Giddens's concept of structuration theory suggests that structures are both enabling and constraining, and are not bound by the time and space of a particular interaction. Instead, they exist across time and space, influencing and being influenced by the actions of agents.

Question 11

Although Hollywood actually produces only a minority of the worldwide total of films and television programmes, its control over marketing and distribution gives it an enormous input onto First World screens.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Briefly explain the role Joseph Schumpeter and Karl Polanyi's work had on Wallerstein's theories.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Wallerstein saw capitalism as an economic system whose reign will eventually end.

Accepted Answer

Wallerstein's world-systems theory predicts that capitalism will eventually decline and be replaced by a new economic system.

Question 14

Choose one of the two broad positions on the consequences of globalization and explain why you feel this consequence is more likely to occur. Use an existing scholar's concept from the position or one of your own to support your stance.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Duality of structure means that social structures are both the "medium and outcome" of the practices they empower

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

According to the "McDonaldization of society" the following are taking place:

Accepted Answer

The McDonaldization of society is a phenomenon where society's values are based on the fast-food industry's principles. According to George Ritzer, the author of the McDonaldization of Society, the principles that define McDonaldization are efficiency, calculability, predictability, control, and irrationality of rationality. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Question 17

Ritzer argues that the operating procedures perfected (but not originated) by McDonald's have been duplicated in countless arenas from amusement parks and grocery stores to childcare companies, healthcare organizations, religious institutions, educational institutions, and entertainment industries; as a result, those procedures have seeped into the very fabric of
everyday life.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately represents Ritzer's argument in his book "The McDonaldization of Society."

Question 18

In Sklair's formulation, the transnational capitalist class includes the following four fractions:
TNC executives and their local affiliates (corporate fraction); globalizing state and inter-state bureaucrats and politicians (state fraction); globalizing professionals (technical fraction); and merchants and media (consumerist fraction).

Accepted Answer

Sklair's formulation of the transnational capitalist class includes these four fractions.

Question 19

According to Sklair, the 1980s witnessed an unprecedented increase in the scale and scope of the electronic media of communication, as well as genuine innovations in their nature. He argues "the fact that this is happening within and as a result of capitalist globalization indicates that a qualitatively new relationship between culture and ideology is being forged.

Accepted Answer

Sklair argues that the increase in electronic media and its relation to capitalist globalization indicates a new relationship between culture and ideology.

Question 20

There have been only two types of world-systems in existence: world-armies and world-governments.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not entirely accurate. There have been multiple types of world-systems throughout history, including various forms of empires, trading networks, and alliances. While world-armies and world-governments have been two common forms, they are not the only ones.

Quiz 16: The Global Society