Question 1

The conflict paradigm in sociology begins most essentially with the theories of ___________.

Accepted Answer

The conflict paradigm in sociology is primarily associated with the theories of Karl Marx, who believed that society is based on social conflicts between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). His ideas centered on economic inequality and exploitation, which continue to be relevant in contemporary social analysis.

Question 2

Structural assimilation is the blending of all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Structural assimilation refers to the blending of behaviors, values and beliefs, and social interaction. It does not involve the blending of genes because genetics are determined by biological factors and cannot be assimilated through social processes.

Question 3

All of the following are part of Park's race-relations cycle EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism is not explicitly mentioned in Park's race-relations cycle. The four stages that are included are: contact, competition, accommodation, and assimilation.

Question 4

"Societies are held together by the power of dominant classes to impose their will on others." This maxim is basic to which theoretical paradigm in sociology?

Accepted Answer

This maxim is a key tenet of the conflict paradigm in sociology, which argues that society is characterized by competition and inequality between groups with differing amounts of power and resources. This perspective emphasizes the role of conflict and struggle in shaping social structures, and sees social change as the result of the power struggles between different social groups.

Question 5

In Gordon's paradigm, interaction among members of different ethnic groups within personal networks, like clubs and friendship circles, is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Structural assimilation refers to the process where members of different ethnic groups enter into and participate in the social structures of the host society, such as clubs, organizations, and friendship circles. This concept is part of Milton Gordon's theory on the stages of assimilation, highlighting the importance of interpersonal interactions in the integration process.

Question 6

Regarding ethnic conflict, the author explains that:

Accepted Answer

The author states that some multiethnic societies experience relative harmony among their various groups, indicating that ethnic conflict is not necessarily a fixed characteristic of all multiethnic societies. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Option B is incorrect as the author does not suggest that intergroup relations are fixed and unchanging. Option C is also incorrect as the author does not suggest that ethnic conflict is always reduced as a society becomes more multiethnic. Option D is incorrect as the author does not make a blanket statement that intergroup conflict cannot be reduced.

Question 7

An ideal-typical corporate pluralistic society would contain:

Accepted Answer

A pluralistic society is characterized by the presence of multiple ethnic or cultural groups, and none of them have dominant status over others. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate choice. Options A and B include the presence of dominant and subordinate ethnic groups, which contradict the basic tenet of a pluralistic society. Option D eliminates the possibility of having any ethnic or cultural diversity, which again contradicts the concept of a pluralistic society.

Question 8

To the extent that Italian Americans have intermarried with Anglo Americans and are proportionately represented in various societal institutions, they have experienced:

Accepted Answer

Structural assimilation refers to the process by which ethnic and racial minorities become fully integrated into mainstream society, including intermarriage and representation in societal institutions. This best describes the experience of Italian Americans who have intermarried with Anglo Americans and are proportionately represented in various societal institutions. Acculturation refers to the adoption of the dominant culture's values and customs by a minority group, which may or may not lead to structural assimilation. Minitorization refers to the exclusion and marginalization of a minority group, which does not describe the experience of Italian Americans. Ethnic loss refers to the erosion or abandonment of a minority group's ethnic identity and cultural heritage, which is not the case for Italian Americans in this context.

Question 9

What dimension of assimilation involves change in self-identity?

Accepted Answer

Psychological assimilation involves change in self-identity, including beliefs, values, and attitudes, in order to conform to the dominant culture. The other choices involve different types of assimilation: cultural assimilation refers to adopting the values and norms of the dominant culture; structural assimilation refers to participating in the social institutions of the dominant culture; and biological assimilation refers to intermarriage and genetic mixing.

Question 10

Which of the following best illustrates cultural assimilation?

Accepted Answer

Cultural assimilation occurs when members of one cultural group adopt the language, practices, and beliefs of another group, often the dominant one in a society. Adopting the language and religion of the dominant group is a clear example of this process.

Question 11

Theories suggest that ethnic groups follow one of two paths:

Accepted Answer

The two paths that theories suggest ethnic groups follow are assimilation (the process of adopting the culture of the dominant group) or pluralism (the coexistence and mutual respect of different cultures within society). Conflict and function, political and cultural, and economic and social are not typically seen as the two paths of ethnic groups.

Question 12

When Europeans arrived in North America, the native (Indian) population numbered in the millions.By the end of the 19th century, the Indian population was less than 300,000.This fact alone indicates that the major form of ethnic relations between Europeans and Indians was:

Accepted Answer

The drastic decrease in the Native American population from millions to less than 300,000 indicates that the major form of ethnic relations was annihilation, which refers to the deliberate killing, or extermination, of a group of people. This was often done by European colonizers through warfare, disease, forced relocation, and other forms of violence. Amalgamation, integration, or caste were not dominant forms of ethnic relations in this context.

Question 13

___________ had the strongest influence on order theory.

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim is considered the father of modern sociology and made significant contributions to the development of order theory. He emphasized the importance of social order and the role of institutions in maintaining it, as well as the need for individuals to conform to social norms for the benefit of the collective.

Question 14

The author argues that assimilation is best understood as a process because:

Accepted Answer

The author argues that assimilation is best understood as a process because it is a change that individuals and groups experience over time.

Question 15

The fact that some Haitian Americans assimilate into African-American culture provides evidence specifically for:

Accepted Answer

The assimilation of some Haitian Americans into African-American culture reflects the concept of segmented assimilation, which recognizes that assimilation experiences vary based on factors such as socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. Haitian Americans may face discrimination and marginalization within mainstream American society, leading some to identify more closely with African-American culture and experiences.

Question 16

Acculturation is another term for:

Accepted Answer

Acculturation refers to the process of cultural assimilation, where individuals or groups adopt the beliefs, values, and practices of another culture.

Question 17

Which of the following illustrates cultural assimilation?

Accepted Answer

Cultural assimilation refers to the process by which members of an ethnic or minority group adopt the language, values, customs, and behaviors of the dominant culture. In this case, members of ethnic group X are adopting the language and religion of the dominant group, which is a clear example of cultural assimilation. Option B refers to integration rather than assimilation, whereas option C and D do not reflect assimilation in any form.

Question 18

The most critical factor in determining the degree and rate of assimilation is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The most critical factor in determining the...

Question 19

It is sometimes observed that African Americans are increasingly entering mainstream institutions like universities, prestigious occupations, political offices, etc.At the same time, they remain relatively isolated socially from Euro-Americans.African Americans, then, exhibit:

Accepted Answer

African Americans are entering mainstream institutions (secondary structural assimilation) but remain socially isolated (low primary structural assimilation).

Question 20

Mr.Wiercinski immigrated to the United States from Poland when he was a child.Today, when asked to identify himself in terms of ethnicity, he answers "American." His answer indicates which dimension of assimilation?

Accepted Answer

Mr. Wiercinski's identification as "American" reflects a psychological dimension of assimilation, where an individual's self-identity changes to align with the dominant culture or society. This is about how he perceives himself and his sense of belonging, rather than cultural practices, social structures, or biological aspects.

Quiz 4: Patterns of Ethnic Relations: Assimilation and Pluralism