Question 1

Which of the following statements about nonstate societies is true?

Accepted Answer

Nonstate societies often exhibit a high degree of integration and overlap between economic, political, and religious activities. This is in contrast to modern state societies where these three spheres are more separated. Nonstate societies also typically rely more on informal social control mechanisms rather than physical coercion. Professional armies are not common in nonstate societies and political power is not necessarily tied to religion, although it may play a significant role.

Question 2

In the pre-Civil War southern United States,gatherings of five or more slaves were forbidden unless a White person was present,because

Accepted Answer

The restriction on gatherings of five or more slaves without a White person present was to prevent open expressions of resistance. Allowing slaves to assemble freely would have made it easier for them to organize and plan resistance against their White masters. Therefore, choice B is the best answer.

Question 3

The anthropological approach to the study of political systems and organization is global and comparative and includes nonstates as well as the states and nation-states usually studied by political scientists.

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists study political systems and organization globally and comparatively, including nonstate entities, which expands the scope beyond the states and nation-states that are typically studied in political science.

Question 4

The sociopolitical organization of foragers tends to be bands.

Accepted Answer

Foragers tend to organize themselves into small, mobile groups called bands, usually consisting of extended family members or other close kin.

Question 5

The presence and acceptance of which of the following is one of the key distinguishing features of a state?

Accepted Answer

Stratification, or the division of society into different social classes or layers, is a key feature of a state. States have a formal system of government and laws that establish and enforce social hierarchies based on factors such as wealth, education, and occupation. Without stratification, a society cannot be considered a state. The other choices are not necessary characteristics of a state.

Question 6

In an ethnographic field study of political systems in northern Mozambique,Nicholas Kottak found that avoiding shame can be an effective control against breaking social norms.This example of how shame can be a powerful social sanction

Accepted Answer

The statement describes an example of informal social control, specifically the use of shame as a sanction, which is a common phenomenon observed in many cultures around the world. This aligns with the idea that informal social control mechanisms, such as gossip and stigma, play a significant role in regulating behavior within societies. There is no indication that this example is unique, key to formal processes of social control, a cultural universal, or gender-specific. Therefore, option E is the most appropriate answer.

Question 7

The influential sociologist Max Weber defined which three related dimensions of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber defined wealth, power, and prestige as the three related dimensions of social stratification. These dimensions are interrelated and influence one's social status and level of privilege in society.

Question 8

According to Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault,

Accepted Answer

Bourdieu and Foucault emphasized the importance of controlling people's minds through ideology and discourse, rather than relying solely on physical control.

Question 9

According to Max Weber,prestige is the basis of

Accepted Answer

According to Weber, social status or prestige is the basis of overall status in society, including economic and political status. Power and political capital may be derived from prestige, but they are not the basis of social status. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

Question 10

In the anthropological study of political systems,social control maintains social norms (cultural standards)and regulates conflict.Which of the following is NOT a form of social control?

Accepted Answer

Exogamy is a cultural practice of marrying outside one's own social or cultural group and is not considered a form of social control. The other choices, hegemony, shame, making subordinates believe they will eventually gain power, and gossip, are all examples of social control mechanisms used to maintain social norms and regulate conflict in political systems.

Question 11

The key difference between a village head and a big man is that the big man has supporters in many villages,whereas the supporters of the village head are restricted to his respective village.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the key difference between a village head and a big man in many traditional societies. A big man has larger networks of support, often encompassing multiple villages, while a village head's power is typically more localized to their specific community.

Question 12

Since bands lack formalized law,they have no way of settling disputes.

Accepted Answer

While bands may not have a formalized legal system like a government or corporation, they can still establish their own protocols for conflict resolution which may involve mediation, group discussion, or in extreme cases, expulsion from the group.

Question 13

Most band and tribal societies in the world today are completely cut off from the rest of the world.

Accepted Answer

Most band and tribal societies in the world have some level of contact with the outside world, whether through trade, government interactions, or tourism. However, there are some isolated groups that choose to remain cut off from outside influence. Overall, it would be inaccurate to say that most band and tribal societies are completely cut off from the rest of the world.

Question 14

What is hegemony?

Accepted Answer

Hegemony refers to a stratified social order in which subordinates comply with domination by internalizing their rulers' values and accepting the "naturalness" of domination. It involves the use of cultural and ideological means, rather than just overt force, to maintain power and control over a population. This can include things like popular culture, education, media, and religion, which all help to shape people's beliefs, values, and identities in ways that support the status quo.

Question 15

Which of the following kinds of societies is most likely to have stratum endogamy (marriage within one's own group)?

Accepted Answer

State societies are most likely to have stratum endogamy, as they often have complex social structures with distinct social classes or castes, within which individuals are expected to marry.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT typical of state-level societies?

Accepted Answer

State-level societies typically have more complex economic and social systems that go beyond purely foraging-based subsistence strategies. They typically have class stratification, boundary maintenance systems, intensive, managed agriculture, and specialized decision-making systems.

Question 17

Which of the following is the most important factor in determining an individual's power and prestige in a state?

Accepted Answer

Ancestry, or one's lineage or family background, is often a crucial factor in determining power and prestige in many societies, especially those with a history of dynastic rule or inheritance of positions of influence. This can include inherited titles or property, as well as connections to important families or networks. Personality or speaking ability may also play a role in certain contexts, but they are generally less significant than factors such as ancestry, wealth, or political connections. Anthropomorphism and physical size are not relevant factors in determining power and prestige in a state.

Question 18

In tribal societies,the village head leads by example and through persuasion; he lacks the ability to force people to do things.

Accepted Answer

In tribal societies, the village head is typically a respected figure who leads by example and uses his persuasive skills to influence the behavior of others. He does not have the power to force people to do things, but relies on his reputation and respect within the community to maintain his leadership position.

Question 19

How do chiefdoms differ from states?

Accepted Answer

Chiefdoms lack socioeconomic stratification and stratum endogamy, which are characteristics of states. States have more complex social hierarchies and institutionalized inequality.

Question 20

In bands,the leader occupies an official office with coercive control over the members of the community.

Accepted Answer

In bands, leadership is based on influence and consensus rather than coercion. Although certain members may hold more sway or be more influential, there is no formal office of leadership with the power to force compliance. Decision-making is often done through discussion and agreement among all members.

Quiz 17: Political Systems