Question 1

Peter Berger used the term _____ to refer to questioning actions and ideas that are usually taken for granted.

Accepted Answer

The term used by Peter Berger for questioning actions and ideas that are usually taken for granted is "debunking". Berger believed in the importance of debunking in order to gain a clearer understanding of social reality and to avoid accepting false assumptions without critical examination.

Question 2

Unlike conflict theory and functionalism, symbolic interaction

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the importance of immediate social interaction, seeing "society" as existing within these interactions rather than as a separate entity.

Question 3

In Durkheim's view of society, people come to believe what society expects them to believe because

Accepted Answer

Durkheim believed that individuals come to believe what society expects of them because they internalize the existence of society in their minds. He argued that society is like an external force that exists independent of individuals but exerts a powerful influence on them, shaping their beliefs, values, and behavior. In this sense, social norms and values become internalized and operate as a kind of moral constraint on individuals, guiding their actions and shaping their consciousness. Durkheim referred to this process as the "socialization" of individuals, and he saw it as a central feature of the social order.

Question 4

Auguste Comte believed sociology could

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte believed that sociology could discover the laws of human social behavior, which could be used to understand and ultimately improve society. He believed that sociology could provide a scientific basis for social change and progress, and that by studying society and its underlying social structures and processes, sociologists could develop solutions to social problems.

Question 5

Which of the following is an observation that Alexis de Tocqueville made in his study of American society?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an observation...

Question 6

In the early twentieth century, American sociologists believed that sociology

Accepted Answer

American sociologists in the early twentieth century believed that sociology could use an understanding of the causes of problems to alleviate those problems. This is evident in the work of scholars such as Jane Addams, who used sociological theories to study and address issues such as poverty and inequality.

Question 7

Marx used the term _____ for those people in society who are discarded by the capitalist system and _____ for those in the working class.

Accepted Answer

Marx used the term Lumpenproletariat for those people in society who are discarded by the capitalist system, such as beggars, criminals, and the homeless. He used the term Proletariat for those in the working class who sell their labor for wages. The other options are incorrect as they either refer to other social classes or misapply the terms.

Question 8

Applying the sociological _____ means that one has the ability to see the societal patterns that influence individual and group life.

Accepted Answer

The sociological perspective refers to the ability to view individual behavior and social patterns in a larger societal context, including examining how social structures and institutions shape human behavior. Having this perspective can help sociologists identify and explain patterns of inequality, discrimination, and social change.

Question 9

Georg Simmel explained the concept of "critical distance," which refers to being

Accepted Answer

"Critical distance" refers to the ability to detach from the situation at hand in order to view it objectively and critically. It allows for a more analytical and unbiased perspective, which is beneficial in sociological research.

Question 10

The goal of sociologists is to study controversial topics with an open mind, even if this results in the discovery of "inconvenient" or disturbing information. An example of an inconvenient fact presented in the text is that

Accepted Answer

The fact that two-thirds of women in prison are mothers is presented as an inconvenient truth because it challenges commonly held beliefs about who makes up the prison population and the impact of incarceration on families. It is a topic that may be considered controversial and uncomfortable to discuss, but is important for sociologists to study in order to better understand the effects of the criminal justice system on individuals and communities.

Question 11

Marx is to _____ as Martineau is to _____.

Accepted Answer

Marx is known for his class analysis and critique of capitalism, while Martineau is associated with participant observation and her work on feminism and social inequalities.

Question 12

Recently, certain politicians have used attacks on groups such as immigrants, people of color, reporters, and political opponents as a way to galvanize their base and create a shared sense of identity. Which theorist observed a similar phenomenon with anti-Semitism in France?

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim observed a similar phenomenon with anti-Semitism in France, where he noted that the persecution of Jews served as a way for people to create a shared sense of identity and cohesion within their community.

Question 13

Sociological imagination refers to the ability to

Accepted Answer

The sociological imagination is the ability to connect individual experiences to broader societal patterns. It allows individuals to understand how larger social structures and institutions affect their own outcomes and actions, and in turn, how their own actions can impact society as a whole. Being able to see the societal patterns that influence individuals and groups is a key component of this concept.

Question 14

Among other notable accomplishments, _____ was the first Black person in any field to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard.

Accepted Answer

W. E. B. DuBois earned a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University in 1895, becoming the first Black person to do so.

Question 15

How do functionalists view disorganization within society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalists see society as a system of interrelated parts. When disorganization occurs, they believe it prompts changes to restore stability and equilibrium, rather than viewing it as inherently negative or isolated to one area.

Question 16

The Enlightenment was characterized by

Accepted Answer

The Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and philosophical development characterized by a belief in reason, scientific inquiry, and the discovery of natural laws that could be used for the betterment of society. This was a departure from traditional religious and societal beliefs.

Question 17

According to the text, Durkheim's major contribution to the discipline of sociology was the understanding of the

Accepted Answer

The text states that Durkheim's major contribution to the discipline of sociology was his understanding of the social basis of human behavior. While Durkheim did write about the effects of capitalism on society, the relationship between humanity and nature, and the limitations of verstehen in sociology, his focus was primarily on the role of social structures and institutions in shaping human behavior. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 18

Which statement about feminist theory is true?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory provides new ways of seeing the world by challenging traditional assumptions about gender roles and power dynamics. By emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and highlighting the experiences of marginalized groups, feminist theory contributes to a more complete and nuanced understanding of society.

Question 19

According to Durkheim, public rituals, including punishment, are important because they

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim, public rituals, including punishment, serve to reinforce and create a sense of solidarity among members of society. These rituals create a shared experience and sense of belonging, thereby strengthening the social bond. Additionally, they serve as a reminder of the values and norms of society, which helps to maintain social order.

Question 20

How do troubles and issues differ?

Accepted Answer

Troubles are more personal problems that affect individuals or small groups of people, while issues are larger societal problems that affect larger groups of people and are often rooted in the history and institutional arrangements of a society. Troubles can be exacerbated by societal forces, but they typically have their origins in personal experiences or feelings. On the other hand, issues are often influenced by societal structures and can be addressed through larger-scale social change.

Quiz 1: Sociological Perspective