Question 1

Anthropologist Alvin Wolfe has proposed that multinational corporations are beginning to evolve into supranational entities that are more powerful and influential than the nation-state.

Accepted Answer

According to anthropologist Alvin Wolfe, multinational corporations are indeed evolving into supranational entities that have increased power and influence compared to nation-states.

Question 2

One of the principal cultural ideals in the United States is that any person can move up the social ladder through hard work and motivation.

Accepted Answer

This cultural ideal is commonly known as the "American Dream" and is deeply ingrained in American society. It reflects the belief that success is achievable through individual effort and determination, regardless of an individual's background or social status.

Question 3

Kinship in industrial societies becomes less important as new structures and organizations take over the primary functions of kinship groupings.

Accepted Answer

Industrialization and urbanization have led to a shift from kinship-based societies to more individualistic and merit-based societies, where people rely on formal organizations such as corporations, governments, and education systems for support, rather than their extended family or kinship group. However, kinship still plays an important role in many aspects of social life, such as marriage, inheritance, and rituals.

Question 4

In addition to social stratification based on occupation, many industrial states have a system of stratification based on ethnic or "racial" descent.

Accepted Answer

Many industrial states do have a system of stratification based on ethnic or "racial" descent in addition to occupation-based social stratification. Examples of this include caste systems in India, apartheid in South Africa, and ethnic hierarchies in many parts of the world.

Question 5

The Industrial Revolution is a term that is used to describe the events that occurred when humans changed from foraging (hunting and gathering) to food production (domestication of plants and animals) about 10,000 years ago.

Accepted Answer

The Industrial Revolution refers to the period of rapid industrialization that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, characterized by technological advances and a shift from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing. The shift from foraging to food production is known as the Agricultural Revolution.

Question 6

Membership in the House of Commons in Great Britain is determined by popular vote, while membership in the House of Lords is inherited through families.

Accepted Answer

Membership in the House of Commons in Great Britain is determined by popular vote in elections, while membership in the House of Lords is mainly determined through inheritance or appointment by the monarch, although some members are also appointed by the prime minister or elected by the House of Lords itself.

Question 7

Socialism evolved as a reaction to the considerable economic inequalities that existed in capitalist societies.

Accepted Answer

Socialism emerged as a response to the perceived injustices and inequality that were inherent in capitalist societies. Socialists believed that a new system, in which resources and wealth were more equitably distributed, was necessary to address these issues.

Question 8

A market economy is one in which the value of goods is determined by supply and demand.

Accepted Answer

In a market economy, the price of goods and services is determined by the forces of supply and demand.

Question 9

Unlike bands, tribes, or chiefdoms that are affected by the environment, industrial states have developed such complex, modern systems that they tend to be exempt from environmental influences and can operate free of environmental constraints.

Accepted Answer

Industrial states are not exempt from environmental influences and are not free of environmental constraints. In fact, many industrial processes have significant environmental impacts, and industrial states must often implement regulations and practices to mitigate these impacts. Additionally, industrial states are still reliant on the environment for resources such as energy and natural resources.

Question 10

Divorce rates tend to be lower in industrial societies than in preindustrial societies.

Accepted Answer

Divorce rates are generally higher in industrial societies due to factors like increased individualism, economic independence, and changing social norms, whereas preindustrial societies often have more traditional and stable family structures.

Question 11

An oligopoly occurs when a few very large corporations control production in major industries.

Accepted Answer

An oligopoly is a market structure in which a few large firms dominate the market, creating barriers to entry for new competitors. They have significant control over the price and output of the industry, often leading to higher prices and limited choices for consumers.

Question 12

A major factor leading to the diminishing importance of the extended family in industrial societies was the high rate of geographic mobility.

Accepted Answer

The high rate of geographic mobility in industrial societies made it difficult for extended families to live close to each other and provide the support and care that was common in pre-industrial societies. As a result, the importance of extended family diminished over time.

Question 13

One of the major consequences of the Industrial Revolution was a dramatic decrease in population.

Accepted Answer

The Industrial Revolution actually led to a significant increase in population due to improved living conditions, healthcare, and increased food production.

Question 14

Since statuses are fixed in industrial states, individuals in these societies are unable to move into different social classes from which they were born.

Accepted Answer

While social mobility may be more limited in industrial states compared to other societies, it is not impossible for individuals to move between social classes. Education, occupation, and income are all factors that can potentially impact an individual's social status over time.

Question 15

Since social class in the United States is an achieved status, factors such as family background, the economy, and ethnic background do not have any influence on social mobility.

Accepted Answer

Factors such as family background, the economy, and ethnic background do have an influence on social mobility. While social class can be achieved through education, occupation, and income, these other factors can still play a significant role in determining one's opportunities for social mobility. For example, someone born into poverty may face more challenges in attaining higher education and better job opportunities compared to someone born into a wealthy family. Similarly, discrimination based on ethnicity or race can limit access to certain occupations and opportunities.

Question 16

Both Adam Smith and Karl Marx argued that market exchange and competition would lead to lower prices, higher profits, and increased prosperity for all segments of society.

Accepted Answer

While Adam Smith did argue that market exchange and competition would lead to lower prices, higher profits, and increased prosperity, Karl Marx argued that these things would only benefit the wealthy capitalists, and that the working class would actually become more impoverished as a result of the capitalist system.

Question 17

Capitalism is an economic system in which natural resources and the means of producing and distributing goods and services are privately owned and controlled.

Accepted Answer

Capitalism is based on private ownership of resources and businesses, with minimal government intervention.

Question 18

The former Soviet Union was a classless society because ownership of the means of production was in the hands of the Communist government.

Accepted Answer

The former Soviet Union aimed to be a classless society, but in practice, it had a hierarchical structure with a ruling elite, and the state ownership of production did not eliminate class distinctions.

Question 19

During the latter phase of the demographic transition, birthrates increased while mortality rates increased dramatically.

Accepted Answer

During the latter phase of the demographic transition, birthrates continue to decline while mortality rates also decline but at a slower pace. This leads to an aging population with a smaller proportion of young people.

Question 20

Anthropologists have found that it is not possible to study industrial societies using techniques such as participant observation and key informants that worked well in preindustrial societies.

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists can still use participant observation and key informants in industrial societies, but they may need to adapt their methods and use additional techniques such as surveys or document analysis to fully understand the complexities of these societies.

Quiz 12: Industrial States