Question 1

According to Davis and Moore, a division of labor exists in which positions are clustered in four functionally necessary areas. Which of the following is NOT one of those areas?

Accepted Answer

Davis and Moore identified the four functionally necessary areas as economic, political, technological, and religious. Recreational is not considered a necessary area in their theory.

Question 2

Functionalism, the theoretical paradigm used by Davis and Moore, provides a useful way of:

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is a theoretical paradigm often used to analyze the different parts of a social structure and their functions in maintaining social order.

Question 3

Dahrendorf asserted that the more several conflicts overlap with one another, the greater their intensity.

Accepted Answer

This is a central argument in Dahrendorf's theory of conflict. He argued that when conflicts overlap with one another, they become more complex and their intensity increases. This is because multiple groups or interests are involved, and the issues at stake become more intricate and interconnected. This can lead to a more polarized and volatile situation.

Question 4

In stating his propositions formally, Dahrendorf took theoretical analyses to a new level of sophistication.

Accepted Answer

Dahrendorf was a prominent sociologist who is credited with developing a conflict theory of society. He was known for his formal and rigorous approach to theory building, which involved stating his propositions in a clear and precise manner. This level of sophistication set a new standard for theoretical analyses in sociology.

Question 5

Dahrendorf asserted all but which of the following propositions:

Accepted Answer

Dahrendorf did not assert that every society will fail in time. He did believe that every society is subject to change, that dissent and conflict are present in every society, that every element in a society contributes to its disintegration and change, and that every society is based on coercion.

Question 6

Dahrendorf is easy to criticize, but this is because he made his assumptions:

Accepted Answer

Dahrendorf's assumptions were clear and well-defined, allowing for his theories to be empirically tested and evaluated.

Question 7

In order to explain the basis of stratification, Lenski focuses on the distribution of food within societies.

Accepted Answer

Lenski focuses on the distribution of power and technology as the basis of stratification, not food.

Question 8

According to Lenski, fate will determine the distribution of nearly all of the surplus possessed by a society.

Accepted Answer

Lenski believed that the distribution of surplus in a society is not determined solely by fate, but rather by social structures and institutions such as religion, politics, and economics.

Question 9

In order to explain why the stratification structure varies from one society to another, Lenski focused on two main factors: the amount of natural resources available and types of family structures.

Accepted Answer

Lenski's theory of sociocultural evolution focuses on technological advancements and information distribution as the primary factors explaining variations in societal stratification, rather than natural resources and family structures.

Question 10

Lenski argues that advanced industrial societies will move even further from the traditional elitist ideal, but this trend will stop substantially short of the egalitarian ideal in which power and privilege are shared equally.

Accepted Answer

Lenski argues that while advanced industrial societies have moved away from traditional elitism, they will still not reach complete egalitarianism. There will still be some level of power and privilege that is not shared equally.

Question 11

Lenski demonstrated ________________ in all societies over the course of history.

Accepted Answer

Lenski's theory of sociocultural evolution focuses on the relationship between technology and society, and how changes in technology lead to changes in social organization and values. One of the key concepts in his theory is "stratification," or who gets what and why, which he argues is present in all societies throughout history. Therefore, the best choice to fill in the blank is E, who gets what and why.

Question 12

Lenski hypothesized that people will share the product of their labor to the extent required to insure the survival and continued productivity of:

Accepted Answer

Lenski's hypothesis suggests that people will share the products of their labor with others whose actions are beneficial to themselves, emphasizing a reciprocal relationship that ensures mutual survival and productivity.

Question 13

Lenski hypothesized that the greater the surplus of goods and services in a society, the more _____________ determines their distribution.

Accepted Answer

Lenski believed that as a society becomes more complex and produces a surplus of goods and services, power becomes the dominant factor in determining their distribution. This is because those who control the surplus also have the power to distribute it in a way that benefits themselves and their interests.

Question 14

Lenski suggested that the greater the level of ________ and the more democratic the state, the less inequality.

Accepted Answer

Lenski's theory of sociocultural evolution argues that as societies develop more advanced technology, there is a natural tendency for inequality to decrease. This is because technology allows for greater efficiency and productivity, which can lead to higher standards of living and a more equitable distribution of resources. Therefore, as the level of technology increases, so does the potential for a more equal distribution of goods and services. However, it is worth noting that this theory has been criticized for oversimplifying the complex interactions between technology, politics, and social structures.

Question 15

Capitalism refers to the production of goods and services in a closed market for the purpose of making profit.

Accepted Answer

Capitalism refers to an economic system where the production of goods and services is based on supply and demand in the general market (not a closed market), and it is primarily driven by private ownership and the goal of making a profit.

Question 16

The American Dream can be defined as the ideology shared by nearly all citizens that everyone born into wealth has the ability to achieve economic success.

Accepted Answer

The American Dream can be defined as the ideology shared by nearly all citizens that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, has the ability to achieve upward mobility and success through hard work and determination. It is not limited to those born into wealth.

Question 17

According to Merton, anomie refers to the connection between cultural values and the legitimate means to achieve them.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Merton, anomie refers to the...

Question 18

Although opportunity is great and everyone is supposed to strive for success, built in restrictions limit the legally approved means for achieving this goal.

Accepted Answer

While opportunity is important and success is valued in society, there are legal and ethical restrictions in place to ensure that individuals do not use illegal or harmful means to achieve their goals. These restrictions include laws against fraud, theft, and other forms of criminal activity, as well as ethical guidelines that discourage actions that could harm others or undermine the common good. Therefore, while individuals are free to pursue their goals and aspirations, they must do so within the boundaries of legal and ethical restrictions.

Question 19

The five responses towards an anomic society, described by Merton, include conformity, ritualistic, retreatism, innovation, and rebellion.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes Merton's five responses towards an anomic society.

Question 20

According to Weber, these dynamic processes combine to create modern societies:

Accepted Answer

Weber believed that industrialization, capitalism, science, democracy, rule of law, and a culture of capitalism were important factors that combined to create modern societies. These processes transformed traditional societies into modern industrialized ones, causing a shift in the way people lived, worked, and interacted with each other.

Quiz 1: Sociology and Stratification