Question 1

According to the textbook, what characterizes work in a postindustrial society?

Accepted Answer

A postindustrial society is characterized by a shift from manufacturing to service jobs, reflecting changes in the types of work available as societies evolve technologically and economically.

Question 2

When sociologists examine networks, they come to the conclusion that "it's a small world."

Accepted Answer

Sociologists studying networks often find that people are connected by surprisingly short chains of acquaintances, leading to the conclusion that "it's a small world," a concept formalized by the small-world experiment and the idea of "six degrees of separation."

Question 3

Carol is employed by a high-tech firm in British Columbia doing data analysis and computer projections. The part of the workforce to which Carol belongs represents approximately what percentage of Canadians?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Carol is employed by a high-tech firm...

Question 4

In which type of society were the first permanent settlements established?

Accepted Answer

The first permanent settlements were established in agricultural societies, where people relied on farming to produce food.

Question 5

Which of the following significant events occurred during the industrial era?

Accepted Answer

During the industrial era, there was a notable shift in gender roles and opportunities, particularly as women began to enter the workforce in factories and other industrial settings. This period marked the beginning of a long-term trend towards greater gender equality, although significant disparities remained. The other options (A, B, C) do not accurately describe trends during the industrial era; unionization and manufacturing actually increased, and class inequality often intensified due to the rapid economic changes of the time.

Question 6

Which of the following is one of the most significant developments of agricultural societies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is one of...

Question 7

According to the textbook, which of the following inventions marks the shift to the most recent era in global societies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the textbook, which of the...

Question 8

The Milgram experiment has shown that most people socialized in democratic societies will resist authority when asked to harm innocent strangers.

Accepted Answer

The Milgram experiment actually showed that many ordinary people are willing to obey an authority figure's commands, even if that means inflicting harm on another person. Only a minority of participants resisted authority and refused to administer the highest levels of shock.

Question 9

Which type of society first brought widespread social inequality with it?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which type of society first brought widespread...

Question 10

Public support for the Holocaust was an extraordinary event, unlikely ever to be repeated.

Accepted Answer

The Holocaust was a unique event in history due to its scale, systematic execution, and the ideology behind it, but public support for mass atrocities has occurred in other instances, suggesting that under certain conditions, similar events could potentially happen again.

Question 11

In what type of society did trade unions first began to appear?

Accepted Answer

Trade unions first began to appear in industrial societies, where the rise of factories and the mechanization of work led to a need for workers to band together to protect their interests and improve working conditions.

Question 12

In which type of society did large cities first appear?

Accepted Answer

Large cities first appeared in agricultural societies, where the development of farming allowed for surplus food production. This surplus supported larger populations and led to the establishment of cities.

Question 13

Canadian coins bear an image of Elizabeth II and the inscription D.G.REGINA (by the grace of God, queen). In which type of society did this type of justification of rule become established?

Accepted Answer

The justification of rule "by the grace of God" became established in agricultural societies, where monarchies and the divine right of kings were common ways to legitimize authority. This concept reflects the societal structure where agriculture was the main economic activity, and rulers often claimed their right to govern was sanctioned by a divine power.

Question 14

Kunwaktok is the female leader of a fairly non-hierarchical group of people who live in a large area abundant with animals, berries, and plants readily available for food. Based only on this information, what type of society is Kunwaktok from?

Accepted Answer

Kunwaktok's society is described as non-hierarchical and relies on readily available animals, berries, and plants for food, which aligns with the characteristics of a pedestrian foraging society.

Question 15

The Glen Ridge community of New Jersey refused to accept the fact that a group of boys living in the community were guilty of raping a mentally handicapped girl, in part because there was widespread tolerance of male misconduct.

Accepted Answer

The Glen Ridge rape case, which occurred in 1989, involved a group of popular high school athletes from Glen Ridge, New Jersey, who were accused and later convicted of raping a mentally handicapped girl. The community's initial response was marked by disbelief and denial, with many refusing to accept the boys' guilt. This reaction was partly attributed to the community's values, which included a tolerance of male misconduct and a tendency to protect its young men, reflecting broader societal issues regarding the treatment of women and victims of sexual assault.

Question 16

Which of the following best described the effect of postindustrialization on class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Postindustrialization has had varied effects on class inequality across different societies. In some cases, it has led to an increase in class inequality due to factors like technological advancements and the decline of manufacturing jobs, which benefit those with higher skills and education. In other cases, it has led to a decrease in class inequality through the creation of new job opportunities in the service sector and increased access to education and training for broader segments of the population. The impact is not uniform and can vary based on a range of factors including government policies, the structure of the economy, and social mobility mechanisms in place.

Question 17

Which of the following is the basis for differences between types of societies discussed in the textbook?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the basis...

Question 18

According to the textbook, what is the only safeguard against the worst aspects of a genetically engineered world?

Accepted Answer

Democracy is considered the only safeguard against the worst aspects of a genetically engineered world because it involves public participation and decision-making, ensuring that ethical considerations and the interests of the broader community are taken into account.

Question 19

Rennae agrees to take part in an experiment at the psychology department at her university. However, when she is asked to engage in behaviour that she believes would be harmful to another person in the study, she refuses. She bases her decision on familiarity with existing research. Whose research is it likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Milgram's research on obedience, where participants were asked to administer electric shocks to another person, is likely what Rennae is recalling. This study highlighted the extent to which individuals are willing to follow orders from an authority figure, even when it involves harming another person.

Question 20

An increase in and stability of which of the following is a defining characteristic of agricultural societies?

Accepted Answer

Agricultural societies are primarily defined by an increase in and stability of food production, which allows for population growth and the development of complex social structures.

Quiz 6: Networks, Groups, Bureaucracies, and Societies