Question 1

One of the advantages of conflict is that, in the contexts of discussions, arguments, negotiations and management, people come to new understandings of one another.

Accepted Answer

Conflict often forces individuals to communicate and negotiate, leading to a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives, needs, and motivations, which can strengthen relationships and lead to innovative solutions.

Question 2

Jetse Sprey suggested that our goal should be helping families manage conflict rather than eliminating it.

Accepted Answer

Jetse Sprey, a prominent figure in family sociology, emphasized the importance of managing rather than eliminating family conflict, recognizing that conflict is a natural and inevitable part of family dynamics.

Question 3

Conflict is more indirect and less personal than competition.

Accepted Answer

Conflict is typically more direct and personal, involving a clash of interests or values, whereas competition can be more indirect and impersonal, focusing on achieving a goal or outperforming others.

Question 4

Conflict might actually be at the root of progress and change.

Accepted Answer

Conflict often acts as a catalyst for change by highlighting issues that need to be addressed, pushing individuals or groups to find solutions, and fostering innovation and progress through the resolution of disagreements.

Question 5

Conflict theorists believe that humans have an unlimited potential for hope.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Conflict theorists believe that humans have an...

Question 6

Conflict resolution occurs when conflict is maintained but negotiated into a stable state.

Accepted Answer

Conflict resolution involves finding a solution that completely resolves the conflict, not just maintaining it in a stable state.

Question 7

Similar to structure functionalism, conflict theory suggests that society tends to seek equilibrium.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory, unlike structural functionalism, argues that society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources. It does not suggest that society seeks equilibrium but rather is marked by power struggles.

Question 8

One cannot deal with internal conflict while also using energy to fight external conflict.

Accepted Answer

Internal conflict requires a lot of energy to resolve, and if one is also fighting an external conflict, they may not have the resources to deal with both effectively.

Question 9

Assertion is acting in a way that affirms one's rights and positions but does so at the expense of others.

Accepted Answer

Assertion involves standing up for one's rights and expressing one's needs, thoughts, and feelings in a way that is direct, honest, and respectful of others, without infringing on their rights.

Question 10

Conflict can end only when both parties reach a mutually recognized agreement.

Accepted Answer

Conflict can only end when both parties reach a mutually recognized agreement because it is the only way to ensure that both parties are satisfied with the outcome and that the conflict will not resurface in the future.

Question 11

Groups that exist over time, such as families, struggle the most to function within a system of competitiveness.

Accepted Answer

Groups that exist over time, like families, often develop strong bonds and mechanisms for cooperation and support, which can help them function effectively even within competitive systems. They may leverage their collective strength and established relationships to navigate challenges.

Question 12

Conflict can have positive outcomes.

Accepted Answer

Conflict, when managed properly, can lead to growth, innovation, and improved relationships, as it encourages the airing of differences and the finding of creative solutions.

Question 13

According to conflict theory, the nature of humans is that they are self-oriented.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory, rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx and others, posits that humans are inherently self-oriented, driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power, which leads to conflicts and inequalities in society.

Question 14

According to conflict theory, families typically do not have power differentials.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory suggests that power differentials are inherent in family structures, often leading to conflicts and struggles for power within the family unit.

Question 15

Aggression is a behavioral use of power to get others to behave to one's own advantage, often at the other's expense.

Accepted Answer

Aggression involves behaviors that are intended to harm or disadvantage others, and it can be a way of exerting power or control to achieve personal goals, often at the expense of others.

Question 16

Conflict is never healthy or helpful to families.

Accepted Answer

Conflict, when managed properly, can lead to growth, problem-solving, and stronger relationships within families. It can encourage open communication and understanding among family members.

Question 17

Using a microsocial perspective, conflict theorists would be very interested in looking inside the family to see what things - like age and gender-might bring about conflict.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists focus on power dynamics and inequalities within social structures, including families, and would indeed be interested in how age and gender can lead to conflicts within these microsocial environments.

Question 18

The "Marxian dialect" asserts that an accepted idea (thesis) will be challenged by its opposite (antithesis) until stability can be negotiated in the form of synthesis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "Marxian dialect" asserts that an accepted...

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a major assumption of conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory, rooted in Marxist thought, does not assume that the absence of conflict predicts the stability of a relationship. Instead, it posits that conflict, often arising from inequalities and the struggle over resources, is inherent in social relationships and institutions.

Question 20

According to ______, whatever truth or thesis is accepted will eventually be challenged by an opposing view, or antithesis.

Accepted Answer

This concept is associated with Friedrich Hegel, who proposed the dialectical method, which involves the conflict of opposing forces leading to a new understanding or synthesis.

Quiz 7: Social Exchange Theory