Question 1

Simmel argued that group membership in society was a series of __________.
A) social systems
B) horizontally aligned groups
C) overlapping social circles
D) structures of social order

Accepted Answer

Simmel argued that group membership in society was a series of overlapping social circles, where individuals belong to multiple groups and interact with various individuals in different social contexts. This idea reflects his concept of sociability and the importance of social interactions in shaping individual behavior and social structures. Simmel believed that social relationships and networks played a crucial role in modern society and its development, and he emphasized the need for sociologists to study these relationships to understand the complexity of social life. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 2

When Derek arrived at his new high school for the first day of school he noticed that there weren't any other black students in his classrooms. Derek had never felt so aware of his race before. Du Bois would argue that Derek is experiencing __________.
A) double consciousness
B) overt discrimination
C) institutional racism
D) limited opportunities

Accepted Answer

Du Bois' concept of double consciousness describes the experience of being both American and black, and feeling the tension between the two. Derek's awareness of his race and the lack of representation in his school reflects this concept. Overt discrimination, institutional racism, and limited opportunities may also be present, but they do not specifically describe this experience.

Question 3

Dominant theories of race during the time of W. E. B. Du Bois claimed that race __________.
A) was not important in daily life
B) was a socially created distinction
C) had deep cultural patterns that shaped individuals' lives
D) biologically determined different levels of intelligence in individuals

Accepted Answer

The dominant theories of race during the time of W. E. B. Du Bois claimed that race was biologically determined and that different races had different levels of intelligence, which is now known to be untrue.

Question 4

A(n) __________ is when different groups have inequality that persists over time and can result in conflict between those groups.
A) moral system
B) economic system
C) group status system
D) stratification system

Accepted Answer

The definition given describes a stratification system, where there is persistent inequality between different groups that can lead to conflict. A moral system refers to a set of beliefs or values about what is right or wrong. An economic system refers to the way a society organizes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. A group status system refers to the social hierarchy within a group or community based on factors such as age, gender, or occupation. While all of these systems can involve inequality, only a stratification system fits the description given.

Question 5

According to structural functionalism, individuals act a certain way in the social system by taking on particular __________.
A) statuses
B) jobs
C) roles
D) positions

Accepted Answer

According to structural functionalism, individuals act within the social system by taking on particular roles, which are sets of expectations tied to a given social position.

Question 6

For symbolic interactionists, social order __________.
A) starts from individuals and the meanings they give to objects
B) is the foundation of all institutions and has real consequences for social actors
C) is created through the struggle of opposing groups fighting for resources
D) is the basis for social inequality and needs careful guidance through social policy

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionists view the social order as starting from individuals and the meanings they give to objects. They believe that through social interaction and communication, individuals create and maintain the social order. This perspective emphasizes the importance of shared meanings and how they shape our interactions with others.

Question 7

By attempting to develop a unified theory for sociology, Talcott Parsons argued that the key elements of any society were __________.
A) inherently embroiled in constant conflict
B) constructed through the interactions of social actors
C) aspects of social control and constraint on the individual
D) organized around the broader and often hidden needs of society

Accepted Answer

Talcott Parsons argued that the key elements of any society were organized around the broader and often hidden needs of society. He believed that society was a system composed of interrelated parts working together to maintain social equilibrium. Parsons argued that social order was achieved through a shared set of values, norms, and institutions that served to regulate individual behavior. In this way, social control and constraint on the individual were essential elements of society.

Question 8

Simmel's concept of social distance can be used as __________.
A) a way to describe how close or distant an individual feels from others within a group
B) a way to explain how group membership defines our identity
C) an explanation of the different social statuses we occupy simultaneously
D) a measure of the physical distance between individuals as a way of understanding group membership

Accepted Answer

Simmel's concept of social distance refers to the degree of closeness or distance that an individual feels towards others within a group. It is not about physical distance, nor does it necessarily define our identity or describe our social statuses.

Question 9

A number of popular celebrities, such as Morgan Freeman, have fallen victim to rumors of their death spread on the Internet. Whether the news is passed through electronic messages or face-to-face, insights gleaned from __________ could help to explain how this misinformation is passed through social circles.
A) class fractions
B) stratification
C) symbolic interaction
D) network analysis

Accepted Answer

Network analysis could help to explain how rumors spread through social circles on the Internet or face-to-face interactions, as it involves studying the patterns of connections and relationships between individuals within a group or network. By analyzing the structure of these networks, researchers can identify key influencers or information hubs that may be responsible for spreading misinformation or debunking rumors.

Question 10

Conflict theory was developed primarily from the work of sociologists looking for new ways of thinking about __________ and __________.
A) society; individuals
B) social institutions; social structures
C) conflict; social order
D) inequality; social justice

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory focuses on the ways in which inequality contributes to social differences and perpetuates differences in power. It was developed as a way to understand the social injustices and inequalities within societies.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about social theorists is chronologically accurate?
A) Foucault wrote before Weber.
B) Marx wrote before Bourdieu.
C) Parsons wrote before Durkheim.
D) Du Bois wrote before Marx.

Accepted Answer

Marx's works were published in the mid-19th century, well before Pierre Bourdieu began publishing in the 20th century.

Question 12

The structural functionalist view on social change is that society __________.
A) changes only after significant technological changes occur
B) changes gradually by norms and institutions adapting to new social challenges
C) only changes after deep divisions of inequality result in violent revolution that reestablishes institutions
D) only changes as governments create social policies and laws that redefine our relationship to society

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalists believe that society changes gradually through the adaptation of norms and institutions to new social challenges. They view change as a necessary process for society to remain in balance and maintain equilibrium. Technological advancements may contribute to change, but they are not the only driving force. Revolution and government policies are seen as disruptive, and not a desirable way for society to change.

Question 13

Luthor has been part of the football team for two years, but he still feels like an outsider with many of the players. His teammates never ask him to hang out after practices or get together at any other time separate from team functions. Simmel would describe Luthor's experience as being a result of his __________.
A) social circles
B) social distance
C) status group membership
D) social closure

Accepted Answer

Simmel's concept of social distance refers to the degree to which people feel connected to or distant from one another. In this case, Luthor feels like an outsider and is not included in his teammates' social activities, indicating a sense of social distance from them. While social circles, status group membership, and social closure may all play roles in Luthor's experience, social distance best captures the specific issue he is facing.

Question 14

Parsons's theory of an overarching social system guiding the individuals, groups, and social institutions of society would become known as __________.
A) structural functionalism
B) conflict theory
C) symbolic interactionism
D) social constructionism

Accepted Answer

Parsons's theory of social system is known as structural functionalism, which emphasizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of social institutions and their role in maintaining stability and order in society.

Question 15

Christine works at the high school, is a deacon at her church, a den mother for the Girl Scouts, a sergeant in the National Guard, and a kickboxing instructor at her gym. What concept best describes Christine's associations with others?
A) social networks
B) social solidarity
C) social cohesion
D) social class

Accepted Answer

Christine's various roles and affiliations demonstrate her social network, or the interconnected set of relationships she has with others in different spheres of her life.

Question 16

Conflict theorists were critical of Parsons's structural functionalist theory because they argued it presented __________.
A) an unrealistic image of consensus and harmony in society
B) a biased view of the power of institutions
C) an overemphasis on the individual's role in creating social structure
D) an inaccurate view of revolutions in society

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists believed that Parsons's structural functionalist theory presented an unrealistic image of consensus and harmony in society, as they believed that social inequality and power struggles were inherent in society. They also argued that the theory ignored the role of institutions in inequality and oppression.

Question 17

The rigorous training and licensing of doctors controlled by the American Medical Association is an example of Weber's concept of __________.
A) social closure
B) social solidarity
C) social stratification
D) social distance

Accepted Answer

Weber's concept of social closure refers to the ways in which groups limit entrance into their ranks, usually by controlling access to valuable resources such as education, training, and credentials. The American Medical Association's control over the training and licensing of doctors is an example of social closure because they control who can become a licensed doctor, and therefore have limited entrance into their ranks.

Question 18

According to C. Wright Mills, President Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Rupert Murdoch are all members of the __________.
A) governing economy
B) power hierarchy
C) power elite
D) social order

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills introduced the concept of the "power elite," which refers to a small group of influential people who hold significant power and decision-making authority in society. These individuals often come from prominent families, attend prestigious schools, and belong to exclusive social networks. According to Mills, members of the power elite include top political leaders, high-ranking military officials, and corporate executives. Therefore, the correct answer is C, power elite.

Question 19

According to Bourdieu, what differentiates "social" from "symbolic" capital?
A) Symbolic capital is how much capital you want whereas social capital is how much capital you have.
B) Social capital can be earned whereas symbolic capital is inherited.
C) Social capital is your support system whereas symbolic capital is your reputation.
D) Symbolic capital is more powerful than social capital.

Accepted Answer

According to Bourdieu, social capital refers to the resources and network of relationships that individuals have, while symbolic capital refers to the prestige, status, and recognition that individuals possess within society. Social capital is therefore a support system, while symbolic capital is a form of reputation. Option A is incorrect because social capital is not about how much capital one wants, but rather how many connections and resources one has. Option B is incorrect because both social and symbolic capital can be earned and inherited. Option D is not entirely accurate as the power of social and symbolic capital can vary depending on the context and society in which they are valued.

Question 20

By carefully researching the lives of African Americans in a predominantly black neighborhood of Philadelphia, W. E. B. Du Bois demonstrated that __________ and __________ shaped every aspect of the lives of African Americans.
A) class membership; social circles
B) limited opportunities; racism
C) prejudice; social justice
D) double consciousness; prejudice

Accepted Answer

W. E. B. Du Bois, in his seminal work, showed that limited opportunities and racism were pervasive forces shaping the lives of African Americans, influencing their social, economic, and political experiences.

Quiz 2: Social Theory

Simmel argued that group membership in society was a series of __________.

When Derek arrived at his new high school for the first day of school he noticed that there weren't any other black students in his classrooms. Derek had never felt so aware of his race before. Du Bois would argue that Derek is experiencing __________.

Dominant theories of race during the time of W. E. B. Du Bois claimed that race __________.

A(n) __________ is when different groups have inequality that persists over time and can result in conflict between those groups.

According to structural functionalism, individuals act a certain way in the social system by taking on particular __________.

For symbolic interactionists, social order __________.

By attempting to develop a unified theory for sociology, Talcott Parsons argued that the key elements of any society were __________.

Simmel's concept of social distance can be used as __________.

Conflict theory was developed primarily from the work of sociologists looking for new ways of thinking about and .

Which of the following statements about social theorists is chronologically accurate?

The structural functionalist view on social change is that society __________.

Parsons's theory of an overarching social system guiding the individuals, groups, and social institutions of society would become known as __________.

Christine works at the high school, is a deacon at her church, a den mother for the Girl Scouts, a sergeant in the National Guard, and a kickboxing instructor at her gym. What concept best describes Christine's associations with others?

Conflict theorists were critical of Parsons's structural functionalist theory because they argued it presented __________.

The rigorous training and licensing of doctors controlled by the American Medical Association is an example of Weber's concept of __________.

According to C. Wright Mills, President Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Rupert Murdoch are all members of the __________.

According to Bourdieu, what differentiates "social" from "symbolic" capital?

By carefully researching the lives of African Americans in a predominantly black neighborhood of Philadelphia, W. E. B. Du Bois demonstrated that and shaped every aspect of the lives of African Americans.