Question 1

__________ theorists maintain that in capitalistic societies, where a few people control the labor of many, the social structure reflects a system of relationships of domination and subordination.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists argue that in capitalist societies, power lies in the hands of a few people who control the labor of many. This creates a system of relationships of domination and subordination, where those with power exploit and oppress those without it. Conflict theorists point to the unequal distribution of wealth and resources as evidence of this system.

Question 2

Which of these is an example of an achieved status?

Accepted Answer

Achieved status refers to a social position that a person chooses or works towards. Husband is an example of an achieved status because getting married and assuming the role of a husband is a choice made by an individual. Daughter, African American, and adolescent are all examples of ascribed statuses, which are social positions that a person is born into or given involuntarily.

Question 3

A(n)__________  status is a social position conferred at birth or received involuntarily later in life, based on attributes over which the individual has little or no control, such as race/ethnicity, age, and gender.

Accepted Answer

Ascribed status is a social position that is assigned at birth or later in life based on factors beyond an individual's control, such as race, ethnicity, age, and gender. In contrast, achieved status is a position that is earned and acquired over time through actions, abilities, or accomplishments. Central and universal status are not relevant to the definition of ascribed status.

Question 4

Being homeless, having immigrant status, wearing a prison uniform, and having a visible physical disability are all examples of __________ _.

Accepted Answer

These are all examples of stigmas - socially constructed negative attitudes or beliefs about individuals or groups based on certain characteristics or attributes. These stigmas can lead to discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society.

Question 5

All of these statements about social structure are true, except__________  .

Accepted Answer

Social structure is essential for the survival of society and provides a web of familial support and social relationships. While it may not be necessary for individual well-being, it can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and opportunities.

Question 6

A(n) __________ status is a social position a person assumes voluntarily as a result of personal choice, merit, or direct effort.

Accepted Answer

Achieved status refers to social position that a person chooses for themselves based on their own efforts and abilities. It is usually acquired through hard work, talent or education. Merit and personal choice play a key role in achieving this status. In contrast, ascribed status is one that is assigned to an individual at birth based on their gender, race, and family of origin.

Question 7

__________ refers to the state of being part insider and part outsider in the social structure, such as that of immigrants who simultaneously share the life and traditions of two distinct groups.

Accepted Answer

Social marginality refers to the state of being part insider and part outsider in the social structure, such as that of immigrants who simultaneously share the life and traditions of two distinct groups. Alienation refers to feeling disconnected or estranged from society. Stigmatization refers to the process of being labeled as deviant or discredited due to some characteristic or behavior. Anomie refers to a state of normlessness or loss of direction in society.

Question 8

Which of these is not considered to be a social institution?

Accepted Answer

Family, economy, and science are all recognized as social institutions, while travel is not, as it does not have the same level of structure, authority, and organization as the other three.

Question 9

Teacher, student, professional athlete, rock musician, and homeless person are all examples of __________ .

Accepted Answer

These are examples of social statuses, which are defined as a position in society that comes with a set of expectations and rights. Roles refer to the behaviors and expectations associated with a particular status, while labels and classes are more general terms.

Question 10

A __________ is a socially defined position in a group or society characterized by certain expectations, rights, and duties, and it exists independently of the specific people occupying the position.

Accepted Answer

A status is a socially defined position in a group or society characterized by certain expectations, rights, and duties, and it exists independently of the specific people occupying the position. A role refers to the expected behavior associated with a particular status, while a label is a term used to categorize or describe a person. Class typically refers to social and economic distinctions based on factors such as wealth and occupation.

Question 11

Which of these statements about social structure is false?

Accepted Answer

Social structure does not necessarily create relationships that are equal. In fact, social stratification and hierarchy are often embedded within social structures, creating unequal power dynamics and relationships.

Question 12

Social structure consists of all of these, except__________  .

Accepted Answer

Values are an important part of culture, but they are not typically considered part of social structure. Social structure refers to the organized patterns of social relationships and institutions in a society, including groups, organizations, status, roles, and institutions.

Question 13

The sociological term for any physical or social attribute or sign that devalues a person's social identity and disqualifies that person from full social acceptance is __________ .

Accepted Answer

The term for any physical or social attribute or sign that devalues a person's social identity and disqualifies that person from full social acceptance is stigma. Deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms, anomie refers to a breakdown of social norms and values, and alienation refers to a feeling of disconnection or detachment from society.

Question 14

__________ theorists emphasize that social structure is essential because it creates order and predictability in a society.

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theorists emphasize the importance of social structure in creating order and stability in society. They believe that social institutions and structures work together to maintain social harmony and ensure that individuals know their roles and responsibilities within society.

Question 15

Occupation is an example of a(n) __________ status.

Accepted Answer

Occupation is an achieved status because it is something that a person acquires or accomplishes through their own efforts, skills, and abilities. It is not determined by factors such as birth or heritage (ascribed status) or inherent identity traits (primary status). It can also be constantly changing and evolving throughout a person's life (evolving status), but its initial acquisition is achieved.

Question 16

Amber is a first grade teacher, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a Presbyterian, a soccer coach, and a Kansas resident. Taken together, all of these socially defined positions constitute her __________ .

Accepted Answer

Amber's positions as a first grade teacher, daughter, wife, mother, Presbyterian, soccer coach, and Kansas resident make up her status set. A status set refers to all the statuses someone holds at a given time, whereas a status grouping or category refers to a shared characteristic, such as occupation or gender, among people who hold a particular status. A status diagram is not a commonly used term in sociology.

Question 17

At the __________ , the social structure of a society has several essential elements: social institutions, groups, statuses, roles, and norms.

Accepted Answer

The social structure of society is a macrolevel concept as it looks at the overall structure and organization of society as a whole, including its various institutions, groups, and norms. The other options are not appropriate as they refer to smaller or larger levels of analysis, which are not relevant to the concept of social structure.

Question 18

Which of these is not generally considered a component of the social structure?

Accepted Answer

Values and beliefs, while influential in shaping social structure, are not considered direct components of it. Social structure typically refers to the organized pattern of social relationships and social institutions that together compose society.

Question 19

Jorge is a male born to Mexican American parents; he was assigned these positions at birth. He is an adult and-if he lives long enough-will someday become an "older adult," later in life. All of these are considered__________  statuses.

Accepted Answer

"Ascribed" statuses are those that are assigned to an individual at birth or are based on uncontrollable factors such as race or gender. In this case, Jorge's male and Mexican American identities were assigned to him at birth, making them ascribed statuses. Universal statuses are associated with all members of a particular society, achieved statuses are earned or attained through an individual's efforts, and central statuses are those that are highly important to an individual's identity and self-concept. While some of Jorge's other statuses may fit these categories (e.g. he may attain an achieved status like college graduate), his male and Mexican American identities are specifically ascribed statuses.

Question 20

The sociological term for the process by which people act toward and respond to other people, and which is considered the foundation for all relationships and groups in society, is__________ .

Accepted Answer

Social interaction refers to the process by which people act toward and respond to other people, and it is considered the foundation for all relationships and groups in society. This includes verbal and non-verbal communication, gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Social interaction is a main focus of sociology as it helps to explain how individuals create and maintain social relationships and institutions.

Quiz 4: Social Structure and Interaction in Everyday Life