Question 1

The world has become more interconnected, and this high level of connectivity and communication is reflected in social organization. What term do sociologists use for these kinds of organizations?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists refer to these kinds of organizations as "global structures," which reflect the interconnectedness and communication across the world.

Question 2

The sociological imagination originated before C. Wright Mills even coined the term. Which of the following influenced the development of the sociological imagination?

Accepted Answer

The sociological imagination was influenced by the Scientific Revolution, the Democratic Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. These historical events brought about changes in society that prompted sociologists to analyze and understand the social world in new ways.

Question 3

According to sociologists today, Émile Durkheim's theory of suicide is an example of what type of theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim's theory of suicide is an example of functionalism, which views society as a complex system of interdependent parts working together to maintain social order and stability. Durkheim believed that suicide rates were influenced by social integration and social regulation, which reflect the degree to which individuals are connected to society and its norms and values. He argued that too much or too little social integration and regulation can lead to higher rates of suicide.

Question 4

An employment advisor tells you to ask remote acquaintances as well as close friends for job leads and contacts. Consulting both groups lets you cast a wider net. What kind of pattern of social relations is this advice exemplifying?

Accepted Answer

This advice is exemplifying a pattern of social relations in the microstructure, which encompasses individual-level social interactions and relationships. By advising to consult both remote acquaintances and close friends, the advisor is suggesting tapping into both weak ties and strong ties, which is a common strategy for job seekers in the microstructure.

Question 5

What is the definition of patriarchy?

Accepted Answer

Patriarchy refers to a social system where men hold primary power and authority, both in individual relationships and in society as a whole. This system perpetuates and maintains male privilege at the expense of women and other marginalized groups.

Question 6

What do sociologists learn by examining historical social transformations such as the Industrial Revolution?

Accepted Answer

By examining historical social transformations such as the Industrial Revolution, sociologists can learn how to analyze and overcome social problems that arise as a result of changes in technology, economy, and society. They can also identify patterns and trends in social transformations, and use historical information to inform contemporary social issues.

Question 7

Which of the following events supported the development of sociology as a science?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following events supported the...

Question 8

Consider the international organizations that shape social and individual life. What kind of structures are they?

Accepted Answer

Global structures are international organizations that shape social and individual life.

Question 9

What is the theory that emphasizes the importance of purposeful, shared values in shaping human behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of purposeful, shared values in shaping human behavior. It argues that society is a complex system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain social stability and order. Functionalists believe that social institutions such as the family, education, and religion are essential for maintaining social cohesion and promoting social order, and that shared values and beliefs are necessary to ensure that individuals behave in a coordinated and predictable manner.

Question 10

What does C. Wright Mills (1956) call the quality of mind that allows people to see the interplay between personal troubles and social structure?

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills calls the quality of mind that allows people to see the interplay between personal troubles and social structure the "sociological imagination".

Question 11

What kind of social structures does the social class system in Canada exemplify?

Accepted Answer

The social class system in Canada exemplifies a macrostructure, as it refers to the overarching and widespread social hierarchy that includes distinct social classes and their associated privileges and disadvantages. This structure is found throughout Canadian society and can significantly impact individuals' life chances and opportunities.

Question 12

What do sociologists call patterns of social relations outside a person's immediate social experience?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists call patterns of social relations outside a person's immediate social experience macrostructures. Macrostructures are large-scale patterns and systems of social relations that are beyond the level of individual interactions and experiences, such as social class, political systems, and global economic structures.

Question 13

The Industrial Revolution impressed social thinkers with a host of problems demanding resolution. How did they respond?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Industrial Revolution impressed social thinkers with...

Question 14

What is the term used by sociologists for the ability to see the connection between personal troubles and social structures?

Accepted Answer

The term used by sociologists for the ability to see the connection between personal troubles and social structures is sociological imagination.

Question 15

Which of the following movements embodied the idea of understanding society on the basis of evidence rather than speculation?

Accepted Answer

The Scientific Revolution was the movement that embodied the idea of understanding society on the basis of evidence rather than speculation. This was a time in which intellectuals began to challenge traditional beliefs and relied on observation, experimentation, and measurement to understand the world around them.

Question 16

What sociological theory stresses the stability of social relations and social organization?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is a sociological theory that emphasizes the stability and orderly functioning of social relations and social organizations. It views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain balance and order. Functionalist theorists believe that social institutions, such as education and religion, perform essential functions to maintain society's equilibrium.

Question 17

According to functionalist theories, what do social structures contribute to when they fit together?

Accepted Answer

According to functionalist theories, when social structures fit together, they contribute to social stability. This means that society is able to function smoothly due to the interconnectedness of the various social structures.

Question 18

What do sociologists call the patterns of intimate social relations formed during face-to-face interactions?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists call the patterns of intimate social relations formed during face-to-face interactions microstructures.

Question 19

Jessica is trying to decide which postsecondary institution she is most suited to to attend next fall. Which of the following is best for her to activate in order to get advice that is likely to be useful and specific to her situation?

Accepted Answer

Microstructures refer to the smaller, more immediate social structures and networks that individuals are part of, such as family, friends, and close advisors. These groups are likely to have specific knowledge about Jessica's situation, preferences, and needs, making their advice more personalized and useful for her decision-making process regarding postsecondary institutions.

Question 20

Alex and George were discussing different theoretical perspectives in their intro to sociology class. Alex felt that most people need rules to follow or chaos was sure to follow. George felt that, as far as he could tell, the rules that have been imposed on people, at least so far in history, have always been in favour of the elites, and that given half a chance, he trusted people to be able to figure things out even better if they were allowed to organize themselves. Given their views, which of the following is the most likely scenario?

Accepted Answer

George's view aligns with conflict theory, which suggests that society is divided into competing interests and those with power will maintain their dominance. Alex's view aligns with functionalism, which suggests that rules and social institutions exist to maintain social order and stability.

Quiz 1: Introducing Sociology