Question 1

Which theory focuses on the gap between expected rewards and received rewards?

Accepted Answer

Relative deprivation theory focuses on the feelings of discontent that arise from the perception of a gap between expected and received rewards. It suggests that this perceived discrepancy can lead to frustration and potentially to social unrest or change.

Question 2

Having a doctoral degree, a job as a professor, and a large savings account are all examples of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

These are examples of social rewards, as they are benefits or positive outcomes that individuals receive as a result of their status, achievements, or position in society.

Question 3

Which theory suggests that social movements emerge from collective actions when people who are discontented succeed in building a solid membership base?

Accepted Answer

Solidarity theory suggests that social movements emerge from collective actions when discontented individuals succeed in building a strong membership base, emphasizing the importance of social networks and organizational strength.

Question 4

According to relative deprivation theory, when are people induced to rebel?

Accepted Answer

Relative deprivation theory suggests that rebellion or social unrest is likely to occur when there is a significant discrepancy between people's expectations and their actual opportunities or achievements, particularly when expectations increase but opportunities decrease.

Question 5

According to the textbook, why were people predisposed to participate in the 1907 Vancouver riot?

Accepted Answer

The 1907 Vancouver riot was largely fueled by racist attitudes, particularly against Asian immigrants, which led to violent actions by the rioters.

Question 6

What do sociologists call Gustave Le Bon's argument?

Accepted Answer

Gustave Le Bon's argument is known as contagion theory, which suggests that crowds can exert a hypnotic influence on their members leading to irrational and emotionally charged behavior.

Question 7

In connection with the 1907 Vancouver riot, what did breakdown theory argue that rapid economic growth produced?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown theory argues that rapid economic growth produces strain, which can lead to social unrest and violence.

Question 8

The idea that a crowd can create a sense of invincibility in a person that allows her or him to yield to basic instincts she or he would normally not give in to is the central tenet of which of the following theories?

Accepted Answer

The central tenet of contagion theory is that individuals in a crowd can lose their sense of individual self and moral constraints, leading them to act in ways they normally would not, often mimicking the behavior of those around them. This theory suggests that the crowd can exert a contagious influence, leading to a sense of invincibility and a lowering of inhibitions.

Question 9

When evaluating breakdown theory, what do critics conclude may be viewed as "necessary but not sufficient" for non-routine collective action to take place?

Accepted Answer

Deprivation is often seen as a necessary condition for non-routine collective action according to breakdown theory, but critics argue that it alone is not sufficient to cause such action. Other factors must also be present for collective behavior to occur.

Question 10

Led by the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP), a group of homeless people occupies an abandoned building in the Four Corners area of Toronto. According to the textbook, what most likely sparked this action?

Accepted Answer

Deprivation most likely sparked this action, as it refers to a lack of basic resources, which is a common issue faced by homeless populations. Occupying an abandoned building can be seen as a direct response to the need for shelter and the inadequacy of available resources.

Question 11

What do we call the situation where norms are violated as part of breakdown theory?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory suggests that social structures within society may pressure citizens to commit crimes. It posits that when there's a disconnect between societal goals and the means available to achieve those goals, individuals may feel strained or stressed. This strain can lead to the violation of norms as individuals attempt to achieve these goals through means that are not socially accepted, which is a core aspect of breakdown theory.

Question 12

A group of single mothers protests cuts to welfare benefits. According to the textbook, what is most likely to have sparked this action?

Accepted Answer

Relative deprivation, as described in sociological literature, refers to the perception or feeling that one is worse off compared to others in society or compared to one's own expectations. This sense of being deprived relative to others can motivate groups to take action, such as protesting, to address perceived injustices or inequalities. In the case of single mothers protesting cuts to welfare benefits, they may feel relatively deprived compared to what they previously received or in comparison to what they believe is fair or necessary for their well-being, sparking the action.

Question 13

During the 2011 Stanley Cup riot, otherwise ordinary citizens began vandalizing cars and buildings in downtown Vancouver. Which theory would argue that this behaviour could be expected?

Accepted Answer

Contagion theory suggests that individuals in a crowd can lose their sense of individual self and moral judgment, leading them to act in ways they normally would not, such as engaging in vandalism during a riot. This theory explains how collective behavior can spread among individuals, causing them to act in a similar destructive manner.

Question 14

During the 2011 Stanley Cup riot, otherwise ordinary citizens began vandalizing cars and buildings in downtown Vancouver. Which theorist would argue that this behaviour could be expected?

Accepted Answer

Gustave Le Bon would argue that this behavior could be expected due to his work on crowd psychology. He believed that individuals in crowds could act in ways they typically would not on their own, due to the anonymity and collective mind that forms within a crowd.

Question 15

Which theory of group action suggests that discontent is sometimes expressed collectively and in uncustomary ways?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown theory suggests that social discontent can lead to collective action, especially when traditional social structures are perceived to fail, leading individuals to express their grievances in uncustomary or innovative ways.

Question 16

When a social movement emerges from the collective actions of a group, what must discontented people succeed in establishing?

Accepted Answer

An organizational base is crucial for the emergence of a social movement, as it provides the structure and coordination needed for collective actions and strategies.

Question 17

Which theory argues that people are most likely to rebel when rising expectations are met by an abrupt decline in social rewards?

Accepted Answer

Relative deprivation theory suggests that people rebel when they feel a significant discrepancy between their expected and actual social and economic conditions, especially when their rising expectations are suddenly and sharply disappointed.

Question 18

When low-wage workers of one ethnic group and high-wage workers from another ethnic group compete for the same jobs, what is the likely result?

Accepted Answer

When low-wage workers of one ethnic group and high-wage workers from another ethnic group compete for the same jobs, it often leads to non-routine collective action. This is because the competition can exacerbate tensions and lead to organized efforts to address perceived injustices or inequalities.

Question 19

When the white workers at the XYZ plant went on strike, the XYZ plant management brought in Sikh workers to do their jobs and paid them less than the white workers. According to the textbook, what is a likely outcome of this management strategy?

Accepted Answer

The introduction of Sikh workers being paid less could lead to tensions and resentment among the striking workers, potentially resulting in violent protests as a reaction to perceived unfair labor practices and discrimination.

Question 20

Non-routine action can occasionally be unpredictable and uncontrolled. What other characteristic does non-routine organization usually have?

Accepted Answer

Non-routine organization is usually socially structured, meaning it has an underlying social organization or pattern even though its actions may appear unpredictable or uncontrolled. This structure helps in coordinating actions and achieving objectives despite the non-routine nature of the activities.

Quiz 21: Collective Action and Social Movements