Question 1

Which sociologist explored what it meant to be female and Black living in the U.S.?
A) Jane Addams
B) Ida Wells-Barnett
C) Harriet Martineau
D) Meda Chesney-Lind

Accepted Answer

Ida Wells-Barnett was a sociologist who explored the experiences of Black women in the United States, particularly in the context of racism and sexism. She was a fierce advocate for women's rights and for the end of lynching, and her work continues to be influential in the study of intersectionality.

Question 2

Which sociologist saw "society as a vast network of connected parts,each of which contributes to the maintenance of the system as a whole?"
A) Karl Marx
B) Erving Goffman
C) Max Weber
D) Talcott Parsons

Accepted Answer

Talcott Parsons developed the concept of functionalism, which views society as a system made up of interconnected parts, each with a specific function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of society. This perspective emphasizes social order and stability, and sees society as working together to maintain equilibrium.

Question 3

Which sociological perspective sees the social world as being in continual struggle?
A) functionalist perspective
B) conflict perspective
C) interactionist perspective
D) global perspective

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective sees the social world as being in continual struggle between groups over power, resources, and access to opportunities. This perspective emphasizes the role of coercion and competition in social relationships and views social inequality and injustice as inherent in capitalist societies.

Question 4

An element or a process of society that may actually disrupt a social system or lead to a decrease in stability is known as a:
A) latent function.
B) manifest function.
C) dysfunction.
D) conflict function.

Accepted Answer

A dysfunction is any element or process of society that may disrupt a social system or lead to a decrease in stability. It is the opposite of a manifest function, which is a recognized and intended consequence of any social pattern. A latent function is an unintended consequence that is not immediately obvious. A conflict function is not a commonly used term in sociology.

Question 5

Which sociological approach focuses on the macrolevel and would tend to view inequality in gender as central to behavior and organization?
A) functionalist perspective
B) conflict perspective
C) interactionist perspective
D) feminist perspective

Accepted Answer

The feminist perspective focuses on the macrolevel and views inequality in gender as central to behavior and organization. This perspective highlights the ways in which gender shapes social interactions, institutions, and systems of power.

Question 6

Which sociological perspective holds the view that people create their social worlds through interaction and manipulation of symbols?
A) functionalist
B) conflict
C) interactionist
D) global

Accepted Answer

The interactionist perspective emphasizes the importance of the individual's active role in creating and shaping their social reality. This is done through the use and interpretation of symbols, such as language and gestures, in their interactions with others. Functionalist and conflict perspectives focus more on the broader structural aspects of society, while the global perspective takes a more macro-level approach to understanding social phenomena.

Question 7

A sociologist studies drug-use patterns among small groups of college students in a Midwestern college.This would be an example of:
A) conflict theory.
B) functionalism.
C) macrosociology.
D) microsociology.

Accepted Answer

Microsociology focuses on the study of small groups and individual interactions, which is consistent with the sociologist in this scenario studying drug-use patterns among small groups of college students.

Question 8

Which of the following could be a manifest function of colleges?
A) They are a place to meet future husbands or wives.
B) They sometimes fail to teach students how to read or write effectively.
C) They help to maintain the economic status quo in the U.S.
D) They prepare students for post-college careers.

Accepted Answer

Manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of social practices or institutions. One of the primary functions of colleges is to prepare students for post-college careers, which is an explicitly stated purpose of higher education. The other options listed are not manifest functions of colleges, as meeting future spouses, failing to teach literacy, and maintaining the economic status quo are not typically the explicit goals of universities.

Question 9

Which of the following would be an example of social capital?
A) knowledge of fine wines
B) your dad, the janitor
C) deep knowledge of Mozart
D) your Uncle, the powerful Senator

Accepted Answer

Social capital refers to the resources and connections one has through their social networks. Being related to a powerful senator can provide access to valuable connections and opportunities, making it an example of social capital. Options A, B, and C are examples of cultural capital, which refers to knowledge and skills that are valued in society.

Question 10

Children who experience divorce in their family are more likely to experience divorce themselves when they are adults.This is an example of a:
A) dysfunction of families.
B) latent function of families.
C) manifest function of families.
D) proactive function of families.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a dysfunction of families because it highlights a negative consequence or outcome that can arise within family structures, such as the increased likelihood of experiencing divorce in adulthood for children who witness it in their own family. Dysfunctions are unintended and often harmful effects that can disrupt the stability or well-being of the family or its members.

Question 11

Contemporary conflict theorists are concerned with the conflict between:
A) women and men.
B) cities and suburbs.
C) Blacks and Whites.
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Contemporary conflict theorists are interested in analyzing the conflicts that exist within societies and how power is distributed among different groups. This includes conflicts between genders (women and men), urban and suburban communities, as well as racial groups such as Blacks and Whites. Therefore, the best answer is D, all of these.

Question 12

Which sociological perspective generalizes about everyday forms of social interaction in order to understand society as a whole?
A) functionalist perspective
B) conflict perspective
C) interactionist perspective
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

The interactionist perspective focuses on everyday forms of social interaction, such as language and symbols, in order to understand how they shape larger social processes and institutions. This perspective emphasizes the importance of meaning and interpretation in human behavior, and how individuals actively create and negotiate social reality. It is often used to study phenomena such as identity, culture, and power in society. The functionalist and conflict perspectives, on the other hand, tend to generalize about society as a whole based on the functions or dysfunctions of social structures and systems, or the struggle between different groups for resources and power.

Question 13

Which sociological perspective would be most likely to argue that the existence of big-city political machines suggests that these political organizations satisfy certain basic social needs?
A) functionalist perspective
B) conflict perspective
C) interactionist perspective
D) global perspective

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective views society as a complex system with various parts working together to maintain stability and order. Therefore, a functionalist would argue that big-city political machines satisfy certain basic social needs by providing services and resources to citizens in exchange for votes and loyalty, thus maintaining stability and order in the city.

Question 14

Which sociological perspective would suggest that if an aspect of social life does not contribute to a society's stability,then it does not serve a useful function?
A) functionalist perspective
B) conflict perspective
C) interactionist perspective
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective views society as a complex system where different parts work together to maintain stability and order. According to this perspective, anything that does not contribute to the stability of society is seen as dysfunctional or unnecessary. Therefore, the functionalist perspective suggests that if an aspect of social life does not serve a useful function, it is not contributing to the stability of society.

Question 15

Which sociologist is widely regarded as the founder of the interactionist perspective?
A)C. Wright Mills
B) George Herbert Mead
C) Charles Horton Cooley
D) Erving Goffman

Accepted Answer

George Herbert Mead is widely regarded as the founder of the interactionist perspective, which emphasizes the importance of the individual in interpreting and creating meaning in social interactions. Mead's work has had a significant influence on the development of symbolic interactionism, which is a key theoretical perspective in sociology.

Question 16

Which of the following would be an example of cultural capital?
A) knowing all the names of Monster Truck drivers
B) knowledge of great American authors
C) a close network of extended relatives
D) knowledge of Laotian cuisine

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital refers to non-financial assets, such as education, skills, and knowledge, that can be used to gain advantages in society. Knowledge of great American authors would be considered cultural capital because it is a form of cultural knowledge that is valued in certain social circles or contexts. Knowing the names of Monster Truck drivers or having a close network of extended relatives may not necessarily provide the same kind of social advantage or recognition. Knowledge of Laotian cuisine could potentially be considered cultural capital in some contexts, but it would depend on the specific situation.

Question 17

According to the functionalist perspective,an aspect of social life is passed on from one generation to the next if it:
A) can be used by one group to subjugate another group.
B) enhances impression management.
C) promotes value consensus among members of a society.
D) is dysfunctional.

Accepted Answer

According to functionalists, one of the functions of social institutions is to promote value consensus and social stability. Therefore, if an aspect of social life promotes value consensus among members of a society, it is more likely to be passed on from one generation to the next. Choices A, B, and D do not align with the functionalist perspective.

Question 18

A study of divorce rates among the populations of Canada,England,the U.S.,and France is an example of:
A) alienation.
B) anomie.
C) microsociology.
D) macrosociology.

Accepted Answer

The study of divorce rates among multiple countries involves analyzing large-scale social patterns and structures, making it an example of macrosociology rather than microsociology. The study is not necessarily focused on alienation (feeling disconnected from society) or anomie (a breakdown of social norms), but rather on broader societal trends.

Question 19

Critics of television often suggest that executives of major television networks and movie corporations are wealthy White males who decide which programs or movies will be produced and which directors and actors will obtain jobs in the industry.This analysis reflects the:
A) functionalist perspective.
B) conflict perspective.
C) interactionist perspective.
D) global perspective.

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective focuses on the inequalities and struggles for power within society. This analysis highlights the power dynamic between wealthy White males who control the television and movie industries and the marginalized groups who may not have equal access to opportunities within the industry.

Question 20

Which sociological perspective would view society as a living organism in which each part of the organism contributes to its survival and stability?
A) functionalist perspective
B) conflict perspective
C) interactionist perspective
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective views society as a complex system with interdependent parts that work together to promote stability and survival, similar to the way different parts of an organism work together to maintain its overall health.

Quiz 1: Understanding Sociology

Which sociologist explored what it meant to be female and Black living in the U.S.?

Which sociologist saw "society as a vast network of connected parts,each of which contributes to the maintenance of the system as a whole?"

Which sociological perspective sees the social world as being in continual struggle?

An element or a process of society that may actually disrupt a social system or lead to a decrease in stability is known as a:

Which sociological approach focuses on the macrolevel and would tend to view inequality in gender as central to behavior and organization?

Which sociological perspective holds the view that people create their social worlds through interaction and manipulation of symbols?

A sociologist studies drug-use patterns among small groups of college students in a Midwestern college.This would be an example of:

Which of the following could be a manifest function of colleges?

Which of the following would be an example of social capital?

Children who experience divorce in their family are more likely to experience divorce themselves when they are adults.This is an example of a:

Contemporary conflict theorists are concerned with the conflict between:

Which sociological perspective generalizes about everyday forms of social interaction in order to understand society as a whole?

Which sociological perspective would be most likely to argue that the existence of big-city political machines suggests that these political organizations satisfy certain basic social needs?

Which sociological perspective would suggest that if an aspect of social life does not contribute to a society's stability,then it does not serve a useful function?

Which sociologist is widely regarded as the founder of the interactionist perspective?

Which of the following would be an example of cultural capital?

According to the functionalist perspective,an aspect of social life is passed on from one generation to the next if it:

A study of divorce rates among the populations of Canada,England,the U.S.,and France is an example of:

Critics of television often suggest that executives of major television networks and movie corporations are wealthy White males who decide which programs or movies will be produced and which directors and actors will obtain jobs in the industry.This analysis reflects the:

Which sociological perspective would view society as a living organism in which each part of the organism contributes to its survival and stability?