Question 1

Handwashing in public bathrooms is more likely to occur

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that people are more likely to wash their hands in public bathrooms if there are other people present. This is because social norms dictate that hand washing is expected in the presence of others. The other options are not supported by research.

Question 2

A term characterizing the behavior of strangers who come into contact with one another in open regions of public bathrooms is

Accepted Answer

Civil inattention refers to the behavior of strangers in public places where they acknowledge each other's presence, but avoid engaging in any form of interaction or making eye contact. This term is often used to describe the behavior of individuals in public restrooms.

Question 3

Being considered panethnic for many of these Cambodian students was seen as a positive label. However, it also has negative consequences for their group, for other Asians, and for racial and ethnic relations in America. Discuss why, despite some advantages, embracing a panethnic identity can be seen as negative for the future of American ethnic relations. What do we stand to lose if all Asian Americans (or Latinos) only choose the route of panethnicity in future generations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Being considered panethnic for many of these...

Question 4

How does the study of public bathrooms illustrate Goffman's theory of dramaturgical sociology? What concepts have you learned about that are applied to this study?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the study of public bathrooms...

Question 5

The study of public bathroom behavior is essentially a study of

Accepted Answer

The study of public bathroom behavior focuses on how individuals behave differently in the back region (inside the stalls) compared to the front region (sink area, entrance, etc.). It examines how people navigate the unspoken social rules and etiquette of using a public bathroom. It also touches on issues of privacy, cleanliness, and potential contamination. While the functions of the toilet are a part of this study, they are not the sole focus. Deference and demeanor in public life may be included in this study, but it is not the primary focus.

Question 6

Negative interpersonal rituals serve the purpose of

Accepted Answer

The answer of Negative interpersonal rituals serve the purpose of
...

Question 7

From a dramaturgical sociology perspective, what is one of the primary functions of engagement proposals?

Accepted Answer

From a dramaturgical sociology perspective, engagement proposals serve the primary function of communicating to each other and to secondary audiences that the couple is entering a new phase of their relationship, one that signifies greater commitment. It is a performative act that signals the couple's intention to marry and serves as an important step in the dramaturgical script of courtship and marriage. It also allows the couple to publicly display their love and commitment to each other, confirming their relationship status to others.

Question 8

In the study of public bathrooms, the researchers found that

Accepted Answer

The researchers found that the bathroom is a place where most people are concerned with the central values and behavioral standards that are agreed upon by society. This implies that people consider public bathrooms as a place where they have to adhere to social norms and behave in a certain way. Option A is incorrect as the researchers did not conclude that people did not care about their actions. Option B is not valid as it implies that people do not recognize the privacy of others. Option D is not correct as the researchers did not suggest that people engage in the reconstruction of civil society in public bathrooms.

Question 9

In terms of Goffman's theory, what purpose does the public bathroom serve?

Accepted Answer

According to Goffman's theory, the public bathroom serves as a back stage region where individuals can perform behavior that may be inappropriate or unacceptable in the front stage, such as bodily functions. It is a private space where individuals can stage their appearance without troubling their audience, thus maintaining social order and preserving the impression management of the front stage. Therefore, option B is the best choice as it reflects Goffman's theory of the bathroom as a back stage region.

Question 10

The "nonperson treatment" accorded most men in urinals refers to

Accepted Answer

The "nonperson treatment" refers to the way in which men carefully avoid looking at a person's activities in an adjacent urinal. This is considered a social norm in most men's restrooms.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT considered a contemporary romantic rite of passage, according to the authors of this article?

Accepted Answer

The article discusses contemporary romantic rites of passage, and lists the wedding, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and bridal showers as examples. However, divorce proceedings are not considered a romantic rite of passage, but rather a legal process that marks the end of a romantic relationship. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Question 12

What is the importance of the public bathroom? What functions does it serve for society?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the importance of the public...

Question 13

Cahill et al. state in their article that "[this] systematic study of routine bathroom behavior reveals just how loyal members of this society are to the central values and behavioral standards that hold our collective lives together." What are the central values and behavioral standards to which Cahill and his colleagues are referring? Choosing two (2) examples from this chapter, illustrate these values and behaviors.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cahill et al. state in their article...

Question 14

According to this article, the Cambodian students the researchers studied could be categorized in which of the following ways?

Accepted Answer

The article states that the researchers found that some Cambodian students were proud to be seen as Cambodians first, while others felt more comfortable identifying with different aspects of Asian culture more generally. Therefore, choice C is the best answer. Choices A, B, and D are not supported by the article.

Question 15

When in a public setting, we expect others to "have their faculties in readiness for any face-to-face interaction that might come." This phrase refers to

Accepted Answer

This phrase refers to the societal expectation that individuals should be mentally and physically prepared for direct interactions with others in public settings, which includes being presentable and ready to engage.

Question 16

This article argues for and against the ideal of Asian Americans being called a model minority. What is a model minority and provide two (2) examples why this stereotype can be a good thing and two (2) examples of why it can be a bad thing in society.

Accepted Answer

The answer of This article argues for and against the...

Question 17

In the contemporary engagement ritual, these authors found that

Accepted Answer

The contemporary engagement ritual still largely follows traditional norms where men are typically the initiators of the proposal.

Question 18

Why are mirrors present in public bathrooms?

Accepted Answer

Mirrors in public bathrooms allow people to re-establish their personal fronts, which means they provide individuals with the opportunity to check and adjust their appearance before presenting themselves to others.

Question 19

From a sociological perspective, why is washing hands in a public bathroom essential to interaction?

Accepted Answer

Hand washing in a public bathroom is essential to interaction from a sociological perspective because it demonstrates respect for others. As a social norm, washing hands after using the bathroom signifies to others that one is considerate and takes care of their personal hygiene. Adhering to this norm helps to maintain positive interactions between individuals and prevent the spread of germs and illness. While hygiene concerns are a factor, the sociological perspective focuses more on the social norms and expectations surrounding hand washing in public spaces. The other options are not necessarily accurate or relevant to the sociological perspective on hand washing.

Question 20

Describe the differences in how the "panethnic identifiers" related to their Cambodian ethnic identity with how "Cambodian identifiers" identified with their ethnic identity. Give three (3) examples for each group.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the differences in how the "panethnic...

Quiz 1: Sociological Odyssey: Contemporary Readings in Introductory Sociology