Question 1

Social problems can be good for society because
A) criminals who are caught are unable to pass along their lifestyle.
B) crime provides an avenue to financial stability for immigrants who might otherwise not have access to employment.
C) the criminal justice system employs a lot of people, thus contributing to our economy.
D) all of the above are true.
E) all of the above except for a are true.

Accepted Answer

E

Question 2

A social phenomenon becomes a social problem when:
A) Either a lot of people or a few very important people see it as a problem and attempt to solve the problem.
B) Someone becomes a whistle-blower and exposes a problem.
C) It becomes known that the social phenomenon is harmful to the environment or to a specific group of people.
D) A social problem is a problem from the very beginning because it is obviously a problem for society.

Accepted Answer

A social phenomenon becomes a social problem when a significant number of people or key individuals in society view it as problematic and try to address it. This can include issues like poverty, inequality, or substance abuse, which may not initially be viewed as problems but are recognized as such due to their negative impact on individuals or society as a whole. The other choices may contribute to identifying or addressing a social problem, but they do not necessarily define it.

Question 3

Which of the following is a questions that Heiner's social problems perspective approach raises?
A) Why do we call one phenomenon a social problem but not another (e.g., why is sexism in rap music considered offensive but sexism in country music nearly ignored)?
B) What social, racial, and ethnic characteristics combine to explain why some people take part in social problems?
C) What can first world nations do to help solve the social problems rampant in third world nations?
D) Why do some phenomena begin to be seen as social problems when they were not seen as such in the past (e.g., why are we concerned with child abuse when this was considered a "family matter" in the past)?
E) Both b and c are true.
F) Both A and D are true.

Accepted Answer

Heiner's social problems perspective approach raises the questions of why some phenomena are seen as social problems and why they change over time. Choice A and D are both examples of these questions.

Question 4

Which sociological perspective does the Heiner text take?
A) social interactionist
B) critical constructionism
C) conflict theory
D) symbolic constructionism

Accepted Answer

The text takes a critical constructionist perspective which emphasizes the ways in which social categories and identities are socially constructed and maintained through power dynamics and discourse.

Question 5

Critical constructionism is a combination of which two sociological perspectives?
A) conflict theory and alignment theory
B) conflict theory and symbolic interactionism
C) symbolic interactionism and social psychology
D) social psychology and social problems theory

Accepted Answer

Critical constructionism combines the ideas of conflict theory, which emphasizes power and social inequality, and symbolic interactionism, which focuses on how individuals create and interpret meaning in their social interactions.

Question 6

Heiner's approach focuses on the interests of which of the following social groups?
A) the elite
B) the impoverished
C) the weak
D) the vulnerable

Accepted Answer

The answer of Heiner's approach focuses on the interests of...

Question 7

Which of the following best describes critical constructionism as Heiner defines it?
A) Critical constructionism is helpful in seeking solutions to tricky social problems.
B) Critical constructionism is excellent at understanding core causes of long-term social problems.
C) Critical constructionism is good at criticizing existing efforts to cure social problems.
D) Critical constructionism is helpful in understanding how the framing of social problems reflects elite interests.

Accepted Answer

Heiner defines critical constructionism as a perspective that examines how language and discourse shape social reality, including the framing of social problems. Therefore, it is helpful in understanding how the framing of social problems reflects the interests of those in power. While critical constructionism can be used to criticize existing efforts to cure social problems, it is not necessarily focused solely on providing solutions or understanding long-term causes.

Question 8

"If we limit the amount of money someone can get from welfare, that will encourage freeloaders to get a job rather than sponge off of hardworking Americans" is an example of:
A) common sense
B) good policy
C) free will ideology
D) none of the above

Accepted Answer

This statement reflects the free will ideology, which suggests that individuals have the power to make choices and should be encouraged to work rather than rely on welfare.

Question 9

The free will and human nature philosophies are flawed because
A) they don't explain patterns (e.g., why more African American men are in jail than any other racial or ethnic group).
B) they aren't sociological.
C) they rely on religion.
D) They don't explain variation across cultures.
E) all of the above.
F) both a and d.

Accepted Answer

The free will and human nature philosophies do not provide adequate explanations for patterns of behavior within and across cultures. These patterns point to larger social structures and systems that shape our actions and beliefs, which is the focus of sociology. Religion may influence these beliefs, but it is not the only factor driving behavior. Therefore, choice F (both a and d) is the best answer.

Question 10

Why is it important to look at social problems in other cultures and countries?
A) It is not important; only the United States matters.
B) This broadened perspective can give us different ideas for solving our problems and help us see how other nations deal with their problems.
C) What is working in one country should work in ours; it saves time.
D) None of the above.

Accepted Answer

Looking at social problems in other cultures and countries can provide us with different ideas and solutions for solving our own problems. It also helps us to understand and respect other nations and their approaches to various issues. Believing that one solution will work for all countries is narrow-minded and unrealistic.

Question 11

Which of the following is accurate about market freedom?
A) It distinguishes the United States from the rest of the world, making the United States the most capitalist nation.
B) The principles that accompany market freedom (deregulation, for example) have a hand in creating or worsening social problems.
C) Principles of market freedom to the extreme taken by the United States are beginning to spread globally.
D) All of the above.

Accepted Answer

Market freedom, including its principles like deregulation, can indeed contribute to social problems. The United States is often highlighted for its capitalist nature, but the principles of market freedom are not unique to it and are spreading globally.

Question 12

What is the primary goal of modern media?
A) To inform the public so that we can have an informed democracy.
B) To entertain the public so that the companies can make a profit.
C) Both of the above,

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the primary goal of modern...

Question 13

Which of the following affect media reporting on social problems?
A) Conflicts with large, conglomerate parent companies.
B) Conflicts with advertising contracts with large companies.
C) Conflict between media structure as a corporation and social problems caused by corporatization.
D) All of the above.

Accepted Answer

All of the options mentioned have the potential to affect media reporting on social problems. Conflicts with parent companies or advertising contracts may lead to self-censorship or bias in reporting, while conflicts with the structure of the media as a corporation may prioritize profit over addressing social problems.

Question 14

Media bias in the United States tends toward
A) big government.
B) corporations.
C) fair and balanced coverage.
D) liberal propaganda.
E) conservative propaganda.

Accepted Answer

Media bias in the United States often tends toward corporations due to the ownership and influence of large media conglomerates, which can affect the framing and coverage of news stories.

Question 15

What is a problem with the homogenization of US culture?
A) The US loses some of its culture as it is diffused throughout the rest of the world.
B) The American Dream is not available to all world citizens and thus is an unreachable goal.
C) US problems accompany the spread of the culture.
D) Cultural diversity is lost.
E) All of the above except for A.

Accepted Answer

Homogenization of US culture leads to the loss of cultural diversity, the spread of US problems, and the unavailability of the American Dream to all, which are all issues except for the US losing its culture through diffusion.

Question 16

All social problems are bad.

Accepted Answer

While many social problems such as poverty, violence, and discrimination are undoubtedly negative, some social problems can also have positive outcomes. For example, the #MeToo movement has brought attention to the issue of sexual harassment and assault and has led to increased awareness and advocacy for survivors. Additionally, social problems can prompt individuals and society as a whole to take action and create change.

Question 17

A social problem becomes a social problem because it is inherently bad.

Accepted Answer

A social problem becomes a social problem because it is perceived as bad by society, but what is considered bad varies across different cultures and time periods. Thus, it is a socially constructed issue rather than inherently bad.

Question 18

All social problems arise from a basic inequality in the social system.

Accepted Answer

Social problems can arise from a variety of factors including, but not limited to, inequality. Other causes can include cultural differences, lack of education, economic downturns, environmental issues, and political instability.

Question 19

Critical constructionism focuses on the interests of the elite.

Accepted Answer

Critical constructionism asserts that knowledge and social realities are constructed by those in positions of power and privilege, also known as the elite. Therefore, critical constructionism often focuses on how the interests of the elite shape social structures and systems.

Question 20

Critical constructionism is not very helpful for providing solutions to social problems.

Accepted Answer

Critical constructionism is a theoretical framework that focuses on analyzing how social norms, values, and beliefs are constructed and maintained through social interactions and institutions. While it can identify and illuminate social problems, it does not offer concrete solutions for addressing them. Instead, it generally encourages individuals and communities to challenge dominant narratives and power structures in pursuit of more equitable outcomes.

Quiz 1: An Introduction to the Sociology of Social Problems

Social problems can be good for society because

A social phenomenon becomes a social problem when:

Which of the following is a questions that Heiner's social problems perspective approach raises?

Which sociological perspective does the Heiner text take?

Critical constructionism is a combination of which two sociological perspectives?

Heiner's approach focuses on the interests of which of the following social groups?

Which of the following best describes critical constructionism as Heiner defines it?

"If we limit the amount of money someone can get from welfare, that will encourage freeloaders to get a job rather than sponge off of hardworking Americans" is an example of:

The free will and human nature philosophies are flawed because

Why is it important to look at social problems in other cultures and countries?

Which of the following is accurate about market freedom?

What is the primary goal of modern media?

Which of the following affect media reporting on social problems?

Media bias in the United States tends toward

What is a problem with the homogenization of US culture?

All social problems are bad.

A social problem becomes a social problem because it is inherently bad.

All social problems arise from a basic inequality in the social system.

Critical constructionism focuses on the interests of the elite.

Critical constructionism is not very helpful for providing solutions to social problems.