Question 1

Economist Gary Becker proposed that husbands and wives make joint decisions to maximize the benefits for the entire family, such as deciding who works outside the home. These ideas are very closely related to which theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

Gary Becker's ideas align with the exchange theory, which focuses on the cost-benefit analysis individuals use to make decisions, aiming to maximize benefits and minimize costs within relationships, including family dynamics.

Question 2

The Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges guaranteed same-sex couples the right to marry in every state, making same-sex marriage legal across the United States.

Question 3

In which institutional arena does facilitation of divorce take place?

Accepted Answer

The state facilitates divorce through its legal system, providing the legal framework and institutions necessary for individuals to dissolve their marriages.

Question 4

A researcher is studying family interactions. She notices a common practice and asks, "What is the function of this practice? What good is it doing that permits it to survive?" The researcher is engaging with what perspective?

Accepted Answer

The researcher is engaging with the consensus perspective, which focuses on the functions and benefits of social practices and how they contribute to social stability and cohesion.

Question 5

Modernity theorists break the modern era of family into two periods, each with different characteristics. Since the 1970s, they argue we are currently in the second modernity. This era is characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Significant diversity of family forms is a characteristic of the second modernity era.

Question 6

An institutional arena is governed by

Accepted Answer

An institutional arena is governed by accepted rules of interaction, which are the norms and expectations that guide behavior within that arena.

Question 7

Which theoretical perspective does the following statement represent? "Society is the 'collective expression of shared norms and values.'"

Accepted Answer

The statement represents the consensus perspective, which emphasizes the role of shared norms and values in creating social order and cohesion. This perspective views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together harmoniously.

Question 8

When a social position is accompanied by accepted patterns of behavior, it becomes __________.

Accepted Answer

A role is defined by the accepted patterns of behavior that accompany a social position, distinguishing how individuals are expected to act in certain positions.

Question 9

Which of the following is a criticism of Talcott Parsons's view of family structures?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is a criticism...

Question 10

What theoretical perspective does the following statement represent? "The roles of men and women are part of an 'unstable system ripe for change.'"

Accepted Answer

The statement reflects the conflict perspective, which views society as composed of groups competing for resources and power, and sees social roles and structures as potentially contentious and changeable. This perspective often highlights the instability and inequality in social arrangements, such as gender roles.

Question 11

Which of the following examples provides evidence that the role of the state is changing?

Accepted Answer

The growth of public services in health care and education indicates a changing role of the state, as it takes on more responsibilities to provide for the welfare of its citizens.

Question 12

A group of citizens vote for politicians to represent them. Those politicians create a government agency that works to reduce domestic violence and assist victims of domestic violence. What does this describe?

Accepted Answer

This describes the state arena, where government agencies and policies are created through the political process to address social issues, in this case, domestic violence.

Question 13

What constitutes the breadwinner-homemaker family as understood as traditional in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

The traditional breadwinner-homemaker family model of the 1950s typically consisted of an employed father who was the sole provider for the family, while the mother stayed at home to take care of the children and manage household duties.

Question 14

Which of the following arguments would a conflict theorist make about the work wives have historically done at home without pay?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists argue that the unpaid labor of women at home supports a capitalist system by allowing employers to pay men less, as the domestic work done by women subsidizes the cost of reproducing labor power.

Question 15

According to the author, the state affects families directly through regulations, like granting marriage licenses. This is an example of the

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the author, the state affects...

Question 16

In which institutional arena does wealth accumulation take place?

Accepted Answer

Wealth accumulation primarily takes place in the market, where goods and services are exchanged, investments are made, and economic activities are conducted to generate and increase wealth.

Question 17

Some _________theorists argue that the unpaid work historically done by women (cooking, cleaning, and raising children) helps men while the financial support that employed husbands provide helps women.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some _________theorists argue that the unpaid work...

Question 18

Jenelle and Adham are about to have a child, but they cannot afford to pay for childcare. They agree that the person who earns less should stop working and take care of their child full time. What institutional arena is this decision related to?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jenelle and Adham are about to have...

Question 19

What did Talcott Parsons believe was necessary to preserve the family as an institution?

Accepted Answer

Parsons believed that the breadwinner-homemaker family model was essential for the stability and functionality of the family unit within society. He argued that this model, where one partner (traditionally the male) works outside the home to provide for the family while the other (traditionally the female) manages the household and cares for the children, was necessary to preserve the family as an institution.

Question 20

A couple is in the process of adopting a child. They are very excited to become parents and often talk about introducing their child to their favorite foods, what kinds of outfits they will buy for their child, and what they hope to teach their child. This couple is discussing the________ arena.

Accepted Answer

The couple is discussing aspects related to the family arena, as their conversations revolve around personal and familial activities and plans for their future child, which are characteristic of family life and relationships.

Quiz 1: A Sociology of the Family