A sociologist uses terms like "feminism," "doing gender," and "functionalism" to describe different aspects of society. People who are not sociologists might have trouble understanding these terms. How would the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis explain this?
A) Language is learned automatically as an individual is exposed to it.
B) Sociologists use specific words to describe sociological concepts.
C) Language is based on the environment someone is in and does not change.
D) Sociologists have common symbols that they do not share with others.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests that the language we use shapes our understanding of the world around us. Sociologists use specific terminology (like "feminism," "doing gender," and "functionalism") to describe complex sociological concepts, which might not be readily understood by those not familiar with the language of sociology. This specialized language helps sociologists to communicate complex ideas clearly among themselves but can create a barrier to understanding for those outside the field.

A Sociologist Uses Terms Like "Feminism," "Doing Gender," and "Functionalism