Question 1

Mears and Finlay's study of models might be criticized by some for glorifying a sexist industry that perpetuates the tyranny of the woman's body in American culture. From this perspective, perhaps, models should not be studied sociologically, but should merely be used as examples of what is wrong with how cultural messages to women. Nevertheless, the authors defend their study on a number of grounds, explaining why this is an important study. Describe three (3) reasons why they think studying models can be a worthwhile endeavor for sociologists.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mears and Finlay's study of models might...

Question 2

Which of the following describes how models learn to manage their bodily capital effectively?

Accepted Answer

Managing bodily capital effectively for models involves learning to take criticism and rejection, and maintaining their bodily capital as they age and potentially gain weight.

Question 3

As the immigrants who came to the United States stay here longer and become more assimilated, we are seeing a greater number of third-generation Americans. Explain what this generation encounters as they navigate through their lives. What will they have to experience than Americans who have been here longer? How does this relate to the ideas of racialization and flexible ethnicity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of As the immigrants who came to the...

Question 4

According to research done prior to Anderson's on men who work in feminized arenas, men in these arenas bolstered their masculinity by

Accepted Answer

Men in feminized arenas often express homophobic and antifeminine-acting attitudes to distance themselves from femininity and reaffirm their masculinity.

Answer: A 
 While some men in feminized arenas may engage in physical activities that enhance their body image, this is not a universal way in which men bolster their masculinity in these environments.

Answer: B 
 Being a sexual predator and attempting to conquer women in physical ways is not a healthy or acceptable way for men to bolster their masculinity in any environment.

Answer: D 
 Pretending to be gay and ignoring the issue of masculinity altogether is not a common way in which men in feminized arenas bolster their masculinity.

Question 5

Models may be described as engaging in the kind of dramaturgical performances described by Goffman and others. What are the performances in which models engage and what can these tell us more generally about women and society? Do you think that models have a detrimental effect on women's self-images? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Models may be described as engaging in...

Question 6

Vasquez tells the story of Carmina Dos Santo, a monoracial woman. Which of the following best describes Carmina?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Vasquez tells the story of Carmina Dos...

Question 7

What is the inherent problem that models experience concerning fitting into clothes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the inherent problem that models...

Question 8

What is meant by bodily capital? What other professions need to be concerned about bodily capital? Describe three (3) ways that models manage their bodily capital.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is meant by bodily capital? What...

Question 9

Vasquez says that the people in her study were at an identity and cultural "crossroads." What does she mean by that? Explain three (3) problems encountered by people in this study due to their "flexible ethnicity."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Vasquez says that the people in her...

Question 10

Which of the following is the greatest worry of the models studied by Mears and Finlay?

Accepted Answer

The article states that the models studied by Mears and Finlay worry most about their weight, as they believe it is critical to their success in the modeling industry.

Question 11

Which of the following is a way that models learn how to handle rejection?

Accepted Answer

Models often focus on improving their external appearance as a strategy to enhance their employability and cope with the competitive nature of the modeling industry.

Question 12

Mears and Finlay describe some similarities between strippers and exotic dancers and models. Yet, according to them, there is a fundamental difference between these occupational groups. What is it?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mears and Finlay describe some similarities between...

Question 13

When it is said that models become objectified and commodified, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

When models become objectified and commodified, their bodies become seen as separate from themselves, and they are judged exclusively on how they look rather than any other aspect of their personalities or selves. They become reduced to objects to be used for the purpose of selling a product, rather than being treated as full and complex human beings. This can be harmful to their self-esteem and can lead to negative mental health consequences.

Question 14

Define racialization. How was it manifested in this study? Was it a good thing or bad? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define racialization. How was it manifested in...

Question 15

Anderson offers the concept of inclusive masculinity as a relatively new phenomenon that men who work in feminized terrain have adopted. Which of the following would describe inclusive masculinity?

Accepted Answer

Inclusive masculinity is characterized by the rejection of homophobia and antifemininity, the valuing and embracing of gay teammates, and the acknowledgment and acceptance of the feminized nature of their sport. Therefore, all of the above options describe inclusive masculinity.

Question 16

For the most part, people who experienced "flexible ethnicity" in this study were

Accepted Answer

The study found that women were more likely to have experienced "flexible ethnicity," and those who identified as multiracial were also more likely to have had this experience. Therefore, the best choice is D - women and multiracial.

Question 17

While rejection is part of many occupations, it seems to be more evident among models. What makes rejection so much harder for models than for many others?

Accepted Answer

All of the given options contribute to why rejection is harder for models than for many others. The modeling industry can be particularly harsh, with people making negative comments about a model's body and engaging in behavior that would be considered sexual harassment in other workplaces. Additionally, and perhaps most significantly, models' sense of self-worth is heavily tied to their appearance, so any negative feedback or rejection can feel like a direct challenge to their identity and sense of beauty.

Question 18

Why were only women models selected for this study?

Accepted Answer

Each statement contributes to explaining why only women models were selected for the study: A) highlights the greater opportunities available for women in modeling compared to men; B) points out the unique industry aspect where women earn more than men; and C) reflects the cultural glorification of modeling as a career for women.

Question 19

Age is an important part of the modeling business. According to this article, by about what age does a model's career terminate?

Accepted Answer

A model's career often terminates by their mid-twenties, as the industry typically favors younger individuals for many types of modeling jobs.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a reason cited by the authors for why models are an important group to study sociologically?

Accepted Answer

The authors did not cite the reason that models are important to study because they are usually women who the society sees as beautiful and this is a good avenue to study sexism in American culture.

Quiz 1: Sociological Odyssey: Contemporary Readings in Introductory Sociology