Question 1

Formal community studies have their roots in the work of
A) Emile Durkheim.
B) Jane Addams.
C) Ferdinand Tönnies.
D) Max Weber.

Accepted Answer

Formal community studies have their roots in the work of Jane Addams, who founded Hull-House in Chicago in the late 19th century. Addams was one of the first researchers to conduct systematic, empirical observations of urban poverty and community life, and her work laid the foundation for later sociological studies of urbanization and social problems. While other sociologists like Durkheim, Tönnies, and Weber also made significant contributions to the field, Addams is generally credited with pioneering the approach of using fieldwork and participant observation to study communities in depth.

Question 2

When powerful business and political interests work together to promote urban development, often at the expense of the poor and those without a political voice, sociologists refer to this urban phenomenon as
A) hyper development.
B) a boondoggle.
C) urban renewal.
D) growth machines.

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is commonly known as growth machines, where powerful players such as real estate developers, politicians, and business owners work together to drive urban development for their own benefit, often disregarding the needs and voices of the marginalized communities.

Question 3

Hull House was known for its pioneering efforts in
A) methods for community building.
B) the systematic study of urban neighborhoods.
C) providing shelters and safe houses.
D) helping the homeless.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Hull House was known for its pioneering...

Question 4

Gentrification raises property values and the overall attractiveness of the community. This is both positive and negative. Which of the following is a major problem with gentrification?
A) a housing bubble
B) too many vacant units
C) the displacement of low-income residents
D) the unintended increase in burglary cases

Accepted Answer

Gentrification often leads to an increase in property values, which makes it difficult for low-income residents to afford the cost of living in the area. As a result, they are often displaced and forced to move to less desirable neighborhoods. This can lead to a loss of community, culture, and social networks, as well as a deeper divide between the wealthy and the poor. While the other options may be associated with gentrification, they are not necessarily major problems.

Question 5

From the perspective of human ecology, the analysis of distinct urban areas focuses on their
A) formal boundaries.
B) function.
C) district political affiliation.
D) dominant ethnicity.

Accepted Answer

Human ecology examines human behavior in relation to the environment, including social and economic factors. Thus, the analysis of distinct urban areas from this perspective focuses on their function, or how people interact with and use the space in those areas. Formal boundaries, district political affiliation, and dominant ethnicity may be factors that are considered within this analysis, but they are not the primary focus.

Question 6

The growth machine benefits developers at the expense of
A) business development.
B) local residents.
C) tax revenue.
D) public projects.

Accepted Answer

The growth machine is a concept in urban political economy that refers to the alliance between local government and developers to promote economic growth and development. This often results in an emphasis on private development and profits over the needs and desires of local residents. The growth machine can lead to displacement of residents and increased gentrification, while developers benefit financially from the projects. Therefore, the growth machine benefits developers at the expense of local residents.

Question 7

Community studies typically employ which research technique?
A) direct observation
B) survey research
C) direct sampling
D) None of these answers is correct.

Accepted Answer

Community studies typically employ direct observation as a research technique because it allows researchers to collect data on the behavior of individuals and groups in their natural settings.

Question 8

The growth machine is driven primarily by
A) the pursuit of profit.
B) rational planning.
C) cultural attitudes.
D) the war on poverty.

Accepted Answer

The growth machine is primarily driven by the pursuit of profit, as it aims to increase economic development and attract businesses to an area in order to generate money and create jobs. Rational planning and cultural attitudes may also play a role, but they are secondary to the profit motive. The war on poverty is not directly related to the growth machine.

Question 9

The fact that urban infrastructure and amenities are typically of a much higher standard in the more prosperous areas of the city reflects the fact that ________ plays a major role in urban development.
A) corruption
B) misguided policies
C) class inequality
D) rational calculation

Accepted Answer

Class inequality plays a major role in urban development as it determines the allocation of resources and influences decision-making processes. The more affluent areas of the city have greater access to resources, leading to better infrastructure and amenities compared to less prosperous areas.

Question 10

The sociological perspective that studies urban environments with an emphasis on the role of politics, economics, and power is called
A) environmental sociology.
B) structural perspective.
C) the Chicago School.
D) new urban sociology.

Accepted Answer

The sociological perspective that studies urban environments with an emphasis on the role of politics, economics, and power is called new urban sociology. This perspective emerged in the 1960s and focuses on the social structures and power relations that shape urban life and development. It examines issues such as gentrification, urban poverty, and racial segregation. Environmental sociology, on the other hand, focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The structural perspective is a broader sociological approach that examines how social structures and institutions shape human behavior and interactions. The Chicago School is a specific group of sociologists who conducted research on urban sociology in Chicago in the early 20th century.

Question 11

The study of the interaction between the physical environment and social life is called
A) environmentalism.
B) the green revolution.
C) human ecology.
D) local studies.

Accepted Answer

The study of the interaction between the physical environment and social life is referred to as human ecology. Environmentalism focuses on protecting the environment from damage caused by human activities, while the green revolution refers to the agricultural reforms aimed at increasing productivity. Local studies refer to the examination of a specific community or region.

Question 12

In an urban neighborhood, people feel a sense of a community because they do not live in isolation. They are not self-sufficient. They depend heavily on others for food, services, entertainment, education, healthcare, etc. This is an example of ________ solidarity.
A) urban
B) instrumental
C) organic
D) rational

Accepted Answer

Organic solidarity refers to the social cohesion that arises from the interdependence that people have in modern societies. In urban neighborhoods, there is a high degree of interdependence and specialization, which leads to organic solidarity. The other choices are not relevant in this context. Urban solidarity is not a widely used term, instrumental solidarity is based on shared values and norms, and rational solidarity is a concept that has not gained wide acceptance in sociology.

Question 13

Why did (and do) city newcomers typically gravitate toward ethnic enclaves?
A) They faced ethnic bias.
B) They faced housing segregation.
C) They faced economic discrimination.
D) They sought support and cohesion.

Accepted Answer

City newcomers typically gravitate toward ethnic enclaves because they seek support and cohesion. These enclaves offer a sense of familiarity and community to those who are new to the area and may not have established connections elsewhere. It can also provide a sense of comfort to be surrounded by people who share similar cultural backgrounds and values. While ethnic bias, housing segregation, and economic discrimination may be factors that contribute to the formation of ethnic enclaves, the primary reason is the desire for support and cohesion.

Question 14

The patterns of urban growth reflect
A) the structure of class inequality.
B) political district divisions.
C) urban cultural attitudes.
D) rational analysis.

Accepted Answer

Urban growth patterns often reflect the structure of class inequality, as socioeconomic factors influence where different classes live and how cities expand.

Question 15

The perspective of human ecology holds that the physical environment impacts social life on which level?
A) micro level
B) meso level
C) macro level
D) The impact takes place on all levels.

Accepted Answer

The perspective of human ecology posits that the physical environment affects social life across all levels: micro (individual), meso (community), and macro (societal), indicating that environmental factors influence human interactions and social structures at every scale.

Question 16

Efforts to rehabilitate and upgrade a declining neighborhood for the purposes of attracting higher-income residents is referred to as
A) urban upgrade.
B) gentrification.
C) urban investment.
D) beautification.

Accepted Answer

The process of rehabilitating and upgrading a declining neighborhood with the intention of attracting higher-income residents is known as gentrification. This process often results in increased property values, displacement of original residents, and changes in the neighborhood's character. Urban upgrade, urban investment, and beautification may also be involved in the process of gentrification, but they do not fully capture the societal implications and complexities of this phenomenon.

Question 17

The built environment of cities can reflect and reinforce broader cultural values. This is a ________ analysis of the physical environment.
A) macro level
B) functionalist
C) meso level
D) community studies

Accepted Answer

A macro level analysis looks at the larger societal factors that shape physical environments, including cultural values. The other choices are not as applicable for this type of analysis.

Question 18

From the perspective of human ecology, the built environment in cities reflects and reinforces cultural values. Which of the following is an example of this perspective?
A) Skyscrapers symbolize the power of business.
B) Hospitals care for the sick.
C) The homeless symbolize lack of compassion.
D) Churches symbolize Christianity.

Accepted Answer

Skyscrapers, with their association to corporate power and dominance, reflect cultural values of capitalism and material success, reinforcing the importance of these values in urban life. The other options do not directly reflect cultural values and are not unique to the urban environment.

Question 19

From the perspective of human ecology, the development of cities
A) is random.
B) depends on the physical environment.
C) depends on the founders' preferences.
D) depends upon the availability of funding.

Accepted Answer

Human ecology examines the relationship between humans and their environment. The development of cities depends on the physical environment, including factors such as climate, topography, water, and natural resources. Factors such as founders' preferences or availability of funding may contribute to certain aspects of city development, but they are not the primary determinants. Therefore, choice B is the best answer.

Question 20

People find dilapidated buildings unappealing and choose to live in areas that are well-maintained. This is an example of which level of analysis of the physical environment?
A) macro level
B) micro level
C) meso level
D) psychology

Accepted Answer

The answer of People find dilapidated buildings unappealing and choose...

Quiz 15: Communities, the Environment, and Health

Formal community studies have their roots in the work of

When powerful business and political interests work together to promote urban development, often at the expense of the poor and those without a political voice, sociologists refer to this urban phenomenon as

Hull House was known for its pioneering efforts in

Gentrification raises property values and the overall attractiveness of the community. This is both positive and negative. Which of the following is a major problem with gentrification?

From the perspective of human ecology, the analysis of distinct urban areas focuses on their

The growth machine benefits developers at the expense of

Community studies typically employ which research technique?

The growth machine is driven primarily by

The fact that urban infrastructure and amenities are typically of a much higher standard in the more prosperous areas of the city reflects the fact that ________ plays a major role in urban development.

The sociological perspective that studies urban environments with an emphasis on the role of politics, economics, and power is called

The study of the interaction between the physical environment and social life is called

In an urban neighborhood, people feel a sense of a community because they do not live in isolation. They are not self-sufficient. They depend heavily on others for food, services, entertainment, education, healthcare, etc. This is an example of ________ solidarity.

Why did (and do) city newcomers typically gravitate toward ethnic enclaves?

The patterns of urban growth reflect

The perspective of human ecology holds that the physical environment impacts social life on which level?

Efforts to rehabilitate and upgrade a declining neighborhood for the purposes of attracting higher-income residents is referred to as

The built environment of cities can reflect and reinforce broader cultural values. This is a ________ analysis of the physical environment.

From the perspective of human ecology, the built environment in cities reflects and reinforces cultural values. Which of the following is an example of this perspective?

From the perspective of human ecology, the development of cities

People find dilapidated buildings unappealing and choose to live in areas that are well-maintained. This is an example of which level of analysis of the physical environment?