Question 1

Which of these statements about social networks is false?

Accepted Answer

Social networks do not work equally well for people of all social classes. Individuals with higher social status often have larger and more diverse networks, while those with lower social status may have more limited networks. Additionally, individuals in marginalized or disadvantaged groups may face barriers in accessing and participating in social networks.

Question 2

__________ theorists do not believe that social institutions work for the common good of everyone in society. They emphasize that social institutions are most likely to meet the needs of those with the greatest amount of power in a society.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists believe that social institutions are designed to maintain the power and status of the dominant group, rather than working for the common good of everyone in society. They argue that social inequality and power imbalances are built into the structure of institutions such as the government, the economy, and the education system. These institutions are often controlled by those with the most economic and political power, who use their influence to maintain their position of dominance.

Question 3

The family, religion, education, the economy, the government (politics), mass media, sports, science and medicine, and the military are all examples of __________ .

Accepted Answer

These are all examples of social institutions, which are organized systems and structures within society that fulfill basic societal needs and help maintain social order.

Question 4

Sociologists Emile Durkheim and Ferdinand Tӧnnies both__________  .

Accepted Answer

Both Durkheim and Tӧnnies developed typologies to explain change in the social structure of societies. Durkheim proposed the concepts of mechanical and organic solidarity, while Tӧnnies developed the concepts of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft. Both typologies were meant to explain the different types of social bonds that exist in societies and how changes in these bonds can affect the social structure.

Question 5

Which of these is not part of the sociological definition of any group?

Accepted Answer

The sociological definition of a group typically includes the criteria that it consists of two or more people, the members interact with each other, they share a feeling of interdependence, and they have a sense of identity as a group. However, the interactions do not necessarily have to be emotion-based.

Question 6

Sociologist Helen Ebaugh concluded that role exit occurs in four stages, the second of which is__________  , in which people may step away from their existing roles.

Accepted Answer

The second stage of role exit, according to Helen Ebaugh, is a search for alternatives, in which individuals begin to consider stepping away from their existing roles and explore other options.

Question 7

Sociologists define a(n) __________ as a larger, more specialized group in which members engage in more impersonal, goal-oriented relationships for a limited period of time.

Accepted Answer

Secondary groups are larger and more specialized than primary groups. Members of secondary groups engage in more impersonal, goal-oriented relationships that last for a limited period of time, compared to the long-lasting, emotional relationships of primary groups. Examples of secondary groups include work groups, political organizations, and athletic teams.

Question 8

According to Durkheim, social solidarity in industrialized societies is sustained by __________ .

Accepted Answer

Durkheim believed that social solidarity in industrialized societies is sustained by shared dependence established through the division of labor. As societies become more specialized and complex, individuals become more interdependent, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. This shared dependence is what Durkheim referred to as organic solidarity, and it replaces the mechanical solidarity of simpler societies.

Question 9

__________ include our family, close friends, and school- or work-related peer groups.

Accepted Answer

Primary groups are characterized by close social ties, frequent interaction, and emotional support. Examples of primary groups include our family, close friends, and school- or work-related peer groups.

Question 10

The sociological term for a set of social relationships that link one individual to others is __________ .

Accepted Answer

A social network is defined as a set of social relationships that link one individual to others, including friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances. The term "social support" refers to the assistance and resources provided by these social relationships, while "social solidarity" refers to the shared values and beliefs that bind members of a society together. "Social institution" refers to established and organized patterns of social behavior that are governed by a set of norms and rules.

Question 11

As a theorist, Emile Durkheim was most interest in the question:__________  .

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim was concerned with the question of what holds societies together, which became the basis for his theory of social solidarity. He believed that social integration was crucial for maintaining social order and preventing anomie, or feelings of purposelessness and detachment.

Question 12

Which of these is the best example of a secondary group?

Accepted Answer

A sociology class is a good example of a secondary group because it is a group of people who come together for a specific purpose or goal (in this case, to learn about sociology) and may not have personal relationships outside of the class. The people working together in the same department (A) could also be considered a secondary group, but they may have personal relationships outside of work which blur the lines. Best friends (B) are an example of a primary group, as they typically have close, long-lasting relationships based on personal connections. Parent and child (C) is also a primary group, as it is typically based on familial ties and personal relationships.

Question 13

Which of these is the best example of a primary group?

Accepted Answer

A primary group is characterized by intimate, face-to-face interaction among its members, a strong sense of commitment, and a long-term perspective. The people working together in the same department are likely to interact on a daily basis, have a strong commitment to their work and colleagues, and have a long-term perspective of working together for the success of their company or organization.

Question 14

Conflict and functionalist theorists are in agreement that__________  .

Accepted Answer

Both conflict and functionalist theorists agree that social institutions are originally organized to meet basic needs within society, although they differ on how these institutions operate and whose interests they primarily serve.

Question 15

__________ , or cohesion, refers to a group's ability to maintain itself in the face of obstacles. It exists when social bonds, attractions, or other forces hold members of a group in interaction over a period of time.

Accepted Answer

Social solidarity, also known as group solidarity, refers to the ability of a group to stick together and maintain itself in the face of challenges. It is based on common interests, beliefs, or values that hold group members together and encourage cooperation and support. Social solidarity is an important concept in sociology and is related to the functioning and success of groups and societies.

Question 16

From the __________ perspective, social institutions are not organized for the common good of everyone.

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective views social institutions as organized in a way that benefits some groups at the expense of others. It assumes that there are constant power struggles between social groups, leading to unequal distributions of resources and opportunities. Therefore, social institutions are not necessarily organized for the common good of everyone.

Question 17

A__________  is a highly structured group formed for the purpose of completing certain tasks or achieving specific goals.

Accepted Answer

A formal organization is a highly structured group formed for the purpose of completing certain tasks or achieving specific goals. Secondary organization, social institution, and social organization are not specific enough to capture the definition of a highly structured group with specific goals.

Question 18

__________ emphasize the role of social institutions in accomplishing essential tasks for society.

Accepted Answer

Functionalists emphasize the role of social institutions in accomplishing essential tasks for society, including maintaining social order, providing for the basic needs of individuals, and reproducing and socializing new members of society. They view society as a complex system in which each part functions to maintain the stability and continuity of the whole.

Question 19

A __________ is a set of organized beliefs and rules that establishes how a society will attempt to meet its basic social needs.

Accepted Answer

A social institution is a set of organized beliefs and rules that establishes how a society will attempt to meet its basic social needs. Choices A, B, and D do not accurately define a social institution.

Question 20

Schools, churches, and corporations are examples of __________ groups.

Accepted Answer

Schools, churches, and corporations are examples of secondary groups, which are larger and more impersonal than primary groups. They are based on some common interest or activity, and their members are likely to have formal, impersonal relationships.

Quiz 4: Social Structure and Interaction in Everyday Life