Question 1

According to the textbook, peer groups can be defined as social groups in which members:

Accepted Answer

Peer groups are defined as social groups in which members are of similar age and social background, and have shared experiences and interests. Growing up in the same household or having the same hair color are not sufficient criteria to define a peer group, while being born in the same country may not necessarily be a relevant factor in the formation of a peer group.

Question 2

Chelsea started playing video games three hours a day, and her mother is scared that Chelsea's grades will suffer as a result. Would sociologists support Chelsea's mother's fears?

Accepted Answer

Research shows there is no direct correlation between video games and school performance.

Question 3

At the age of eight, Ricky is in school and is not required to have a job. Would expectations likely have been similar for Ricky's great-great-grandfather?

Accepted Answer

Childhood as a distinct stage of life course only emerged in contemporary society. In the past, children were often expected to work and contribute to the family's livelihood. Therefore, the expectations for Ricky and his great-great-grandfather regarding work and education would likely have been different.

Question 4

In modern societies, death is most commonly associated with old age, but a few hundred years ago, death was most commonly associated with infancy. How do sociologists understand this transformation?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists understand this transformation as a result of cultural and material circumstances shaping the life course. In earlier societies, high infant mortality rates due to poor living conditions and lack of medical advancements meant that death was most commonly associated with infancy. In contrast, modern societies have improved living conditions, medical advancements, and a higher life expectancy, resulting in death being more commonly associated with old age.

Question 5

In our schools we learn a formal curriculum in various academic subjects. However, schools are more subtle agents of socialization. Which of the following is an example of the latent aspects of socialization in schools?

Accepted Answer

A latent aspect of socialization is something that is not directly taught in the formal curriculum but is absorbed through the overall school experience. Students' expectations of themselves are influenced by the school culture, interactions with peers and teachers, and other subtle factors. Teaching proper English (A) and comma usage (D) are part of the formal curriculum. The importance of math (C) is also part of the curriculum.

Question 6

Sociologists argue that social and geographic mobility have affected our self-identities in which way?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists argue that social and geographic mobility have made our self-identities less stable. With the ability to move and interact with various communities, individuals are exposed to different cultural and societal influences, which can lead to changes in their self-identities over time.

Question 7

Pointing to medieval paintings in which children were portrayed with mature faces and participating in the same work and play activities as adults, French historian Philippe Ariès made the argument that:

Accepted Answer

Philippe Ariès argued that childhood did not exist in medieval times, as evidenced by the portrayal of children in art with mature faces and participating in adult activities. This does not necessarily mean that children were considered nuisances or that they had the same rights as adults, nor does it address the issue of early marriage.

Question 8

By what age do children generally have a partial understanding of what gender is?

Accepted Answer

Children generally start to develop an understanding of gender by the age of two.

Question 9

Sal, a ten-year-old from Houston, lives with his two parents and four brothers. In addition to the family, one of the most important socializing agents for kids like Sal is/are their:

Accepted Answer

Peer groups are one of the most important socializing agents for children, especially around the age of ten. This is the age when children begin to build relationships with their peers, share interests, learn and enforce societal norms and values, and develop their own sense of identity. While extended family, teachers, and babysitters can also play important roles in a child's socialization, peer groups are often the most influential during this stage of development.

Question 10

Devonte and Michelle have one child. This social formation is known as:

Accepted Answer

A nuclear family consists of two parents and their children living together in one household. Devonte and Michelle, along with their child, fit this definition. The other options (B, C, and D) do not accurately describe their social formation.

Question 11

Gender socialization begins at:

Accepted Answer

Gender socialization begins at infancy, as soon as a child is born, through the messages and behaviors they receive from their parents and caregivers, as well as from the larger cultural context. Infants are socialized based on their gender through cues such as clothing, toys, and interactions with others.

Question 12

What did researchers do to realize children are now consuming 7.5 hours of media per day?

Accepted Answer

Researchers expanded the definition of media to include music, the Internet, social networks, and video games to realize children are now consuming 7.5 hours of media per day.

Question 13

For most individuals in modern society, ________ is/are the agent(s) of socialization that is/are most responsible for their early childhood development.

Accepted Answer

Research consistently shows that the family is the primary agent of socialization for children, especially in their early years. This is because children spend the most time with their parents and siblings, and the family is responsible for teaching basic skills, social norms, and values. While preschool, friends, and the media may also play a role, they are often more influential during later childhood and adolescence.

Question 14

In a 1972 study examining gender roles in children's books, Lenore Weitzman found that females were more likely to be indoors and engaged in passive activities. What is the sociological implication of this research?

Accepted Answer

The research suggests that children's books reflect and perpetuate gender roles and stereotypes, which can have lasting effects on children's understanding and acceptance of gender norms. This highlights the role that media and cultural products play in shaping gender socialization.

Question 15

Functionalists argue that social roles:

Accepted Answer

Functionalists believe that social roles are necessary for the smooth functioning of society, and therefore they tend to remain relatively stable over time. This stability is essential for individuals to know what is expected of them and for society to have a predictable structure. While power dynamics can affect the distribution of roles within a society, the roles themselves are generally assumed to be stable and consistent. Social roles also vary between societies, as different cultures have different expectations for behavior and conduct.

Question 16

Jesse, a server at a large chain restaurant, feels exhausted after trying to keep customers happy all day. What sociological pattern does Jesse's experience fit into?

Accepted Answer

Jesse's experience of needing to learn how to manage emotions on the job is a common pattern that many workers in service industries face. This is a result of the emotional labor required in these jobs, where workers are expected to regulate their emotions in order to create a positive experience for customers. This can lead to exhaustion and burnout, as well as issues with mental health. This pattern is well-studied in sociology and is known as "emotional labor."

Question 17

According to sociologists, which of the following best describes the relationship between identity and socialization?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists generally believe that socialization is a crucial process by which individuals develop a sense of identity and learn the cultural norms and values of their society. Through socialization, individuals are not robbed of their individuality or free will but rather gain the capacity for individual thought and action. There is also no set age after which socialization is complete, as individuals continue to be influenced by their social environments throughout their lives.

Question 18

Why are older adults of great interest to policy makers?

Accepted Answer

Older adults are the life stage group seeing the greatest growth, which means they will have a significant impact on society and policy in the coming years. As a result, policy makers are likely to be interested in understanding the needs and concerns of this group in order to develop effective policies and programs. Choices A, B, and D are not accurate or relevant reasons why older adults are of great interest to policy makers.

Question 19

Our ________ identity marks the way in which we are different from others.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Our ________ identity marks the way in...

Question 20

As a doctor, Ivan is expected to follow certain standards, such as keeping patient information confidential. What would a sociologist call these expectations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of As a doctor, Ivan is expected to...

Quiz 3: Socialization, the Life Course, and Aging