Question 1

Who, of the following, would be most likely to argue that suicide is much more than a personal act of agency by an individual?

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim, in his seminal work "Suicide" (1897), argued that suicide rates vary between societies and within societies over time, suggesting that it is not merely an individual act but is significantly influenced by social factors. He categorized suicides into different types based on the societal causes leading to them, thus viewing it as a social phenomenon rather than just a personal choice.

Question 2

All elements of a society contribute to the overall stability of the structure of that society. Who would most likely make this statement?

Accepted Answer

Functionalists believe that all parts of a society serve a purpose and work together to maintain the stability and equilibrium of the whole system. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness and contribution of each societal element to the overall structure and function of society.

Question 3

All of the following are characteristics that form the foundation of Marx's analysis of society, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Marx's analysis of society is grounded in the idea that economic conditions are fundamental to social structures and that conflict, particularly class conflict, is a driving force in societal change. He did not believe that all elements of social systems are necessarily justifiable, as this would contradict his critique of capitalism and the inherent injustices within such systems.

Question 4

Which sport do Kuper and Seymanski argue actually helps to curb suicide rates?

Accepted Answer

Kuper and Seymanski argue that soccer helps to curb suicide rates, suggesting that the communal aspects and global popularity of the sport may contribute to its positive impact on mental health.

Question 5

When we examine sport in ancient Greece and compare it to sport today, we find that:

Accepted Answer

Sport in ancient Greece, particularly in events like the pancratium (a no-holds-barred blend of boxing and wrestling) and chariot racing, was often far more violent than most sports today. Fatalities were not uncommon in these ancient competitions, highlighting a stark contrast to the generally safer sports environments of the modern era.

Question 6

Which of the following pairs of events stand out as laying the foundation for sociology as a discipline?

Accepted Answer

The democratic revolutions in France and the U.S. and the Industrial Revolution were pivotal in shaping modern society, leading to changes in social structures and prompting the development of sociology to understand these changes.

Question 7

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism was written by:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber is the author of "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," a foundational text in sociology that explores the relationship between Protestantism and the development of capitalism.

Question 8

Which of the following would be the best example of alienation in a sporting context from a Marxist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Alienation, from a Marxist perspective, refers to the feeling of disconnection and powerlessness individuals experience when they lose control over their work and life. In this context, the college softball player losing control and feeling isolated exemplifies alienation.

Question 9

According to structural functionalist analysis, sport functions to:

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalist analysis posits that social institutions, including sports, serve to integrate individuals into the broader society by instilling in them dominant values and norms, thereby promoting social cohesion and unity.

Question 10

In simple terms, sociological theory is:

Accepted Answer

Sociological theory refers to a set of propositions that seek to explain the social world and how individuals interact within it, rather than focusing on economic systems, political activities, or specific ideologies.

Question 11

The most important figure to develop the ideas of functionalism, and the founding 'father' of French sociology, was:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The most important figure to develop the...

Question 12

Who uttered the words: 'The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it'.

Accepted Answer

These words are from Karl Marx, specifically from his work "Theses on Feuerbach," where he emphasizes the importance of transforming the world through revolutionary practice, not just interpreting it.

Question 13

On which of the following modes of production did Marx focus most of his attention?

Accepted Answer

Marx focused most of his attention on the capitalist mode of production, analyzing its dynamics, contradictions, and the exploitation inherent within it.

Question 14

Human action involving the most calculated means toward to achieving a particular end is referred to by Max Weber as:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber referred to human action involving the most calculated means toward achieving a particular end as "goal-rational action" or "zweckrational" in his theory of social action.

Question 15

Which of the following was NOT true of the Democratic Revolution in France in the late 18th century?

Accepted Answer

The peasantry represented a larger portion of the population, closer to 90%, not just 75%.

Question 16

Sociology emerged to consider two main questions - the issue of social problems and:

Accepted Answer

Sociology emerged to address social problems and the issues related to community, authority, and traditions, as it sought to understand the social order and the changes brought by modernity.

Question 17

In referring to sporting events as serialized civic rituals, Alan Ingham is following the ideas and work of:

Accepted Answer

Alan Ingham refers to sporting events as serialized civic rituals in a manner that aligns with Emile Durkheim's theories on the functions of rituals in society, particularly how they reinforce social cohesion and collective consciousness.

Question 18

Which of the following would be the BEST place to look for an example of goal-rational action in sport?

Accepted Answer

High-performance athletes exemplify goal-rational action in sport because their activities are highly organized and systematically planned to achieve specific objectives, such as improving performance, winning competitions, or setting records. This contrasts with more spontaneous or habitual forms of physical activity.

Question 19

Good theory:

Accepted Answer

Good theories withstand the test of time because they continue to be relevant and accurate in explaining or predicting phenomena, even as new evidence and perspectives emerge.

Question 20

Darwin's theory of evolution had an important influence on:

Accepted Answer

Darwin's theory of evolution, particularly the concept of natural selection, influenced the development of functionalism. Functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability, similar to how Darwin viewed species adapting and functioning to survive in their environments.

Quiz 2: Thinking Sociologically: Sport, Physical Culture, and Critical Theory