Question 1

In the midst of an economic crisis,when foreclosures have become a common feature in the country in response,Jenna and her family lose their home because her parents can no longer pay the mortgage.Sociologists would likely see this as:

Accepted Answer

Sociologists would see the loss of Jenna's family home as a public issue since it is not just an isolated personal problem, but a broader social issue that affects many families during an economic crisis. It is not solely the fault of Jenna's father, but rather a symptom of larger economic and societal factors. A socialist economy or a problem for psychologists would not accurately capture the sociological perspective on this issue.

Question 2

__________ was perhaps most influential in sociology for his studies of bureaucracy.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber was most influential in sociology for his studies of bureaucracy, which emphasized the role of rationalization and formalization in modern organizations. His work on bureaucracy has had a significant impact on understanding the structures and dynamics of political and social institutions.

Question 3

Martin believes that society should be looked at like a body,with constituent parts necessary to the functioning of the whole.His ideas probably most closely mirror those of which theorist?

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim believed in the organic analogy, which compares society to a biological organism. He argued that just like the parts of the body must work together for the organism to function properly, the individual parts of society must work together for the whole to function properly. This is similar to Martin's belief that society should be looked at like a body with constituent parts necessary for the functioning of the whole.

Question 4

Maria believes that contemporary societies are primarily defined by the rise and maintenance of hierarchical bureaucratic forms of organizing large parts of social life.Her ideas most closely match with those of which theorist?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's theory is known for emphasizing the importance of bureaucracy and hierarchical forms of organization in modern societies. He argued that these forms of organization promote efficiency and predictability but also lead to alienation and dehumanization of individuals. Maria's belief that contemporary societies are primarily defined by hierarchical bureaucratic forms of organization aligns with Weber's ideas.

Question 5

__________ believed that class struggles were what led to historical progress and development.

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx believed in the concept of historical materialism, which argues that changes in the structure of society and modes of production are driven by class struggles between those who own the means of production and those who do not. This idea is central to Marxist philosophy and ideology.

Question 6

In the midst of an economic crisis,when foreclosures have become a common feature in the country in response,Jenna and her family lose their home because her parents can no longer pay the mortgage.Jenna would be using a sociological imagination to think about this if she were to:

Accepted Answer

Using a sociological imagination means thinking about how larger social and structural factors have contributed to an individual's situation. Blaming Jenna's mother or wondering why her father hasn't found a new job are individualistic explanations that do not take into account the larger economic crisis and housing policies that have led to widespread foreclosures. Considering how it might be strange that we live in a world that allows people to be thrown out of their homes is a broader, more sociological perspective that recognizes the larger social dynamics at play.

Question 7

Karl Marx studied the development of capitalism in Western Europe and the United States.One possible criticism of his research might be that:

Accepted Answer

Although Marx analyzed the development of capitalism in different countries, his focus was primarily on Western Europe and the United States. Therefore, it could be argued that his perspective was not sufficiently global in outlook.

Question 8

The German sociologist Max Weber was highly influential in sociology for his studies of:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber is most known for his study on bureaucracy, which he defined as a formal system of organization and administration designed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. His work on bureaucracy continues to be influential in sociology, management theory, and public administration.

Question 9

According to the text,__________ involve constructing abstract interpretations that can be used to explain a wide variety of situations.

Accepted Answer

The sentence states that the process involves "constructing abstract interpretations," which points towards the development of theories. Empirical answers are based on direct observation, beliefs and views are typically more subjective, and ideologies may involve political or social agendas. Therefore, the best choice is C, theories.

Question 10

Émile Durkheim believed that for a society to function and persist over time,its specialized institutions must work in harmony with each other and function as an integrated whole.He referred to this as:

Accepted Answer

Durkheim's concept of organic solidarity refers to a society where individuals are interdependent and united based on their unique roles and functions within society. In such a society, specialized institutions work together in harmony to maintain social cohesion and stability. This is in contrast to traditional societies where social cohesion is based on shared norms and values.

Question 11

__________ invented the word sociology.

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte coined the term "sociology" in his work "Positive Philosophy" published in 1838.

Question 12

According to __________,to become a science,sociology must study social facts,aspects of social life that shape our actions as individuals.

Accepted Answer

The concept of social facts and their importance for the study of sociology was introduced by Émile Durkheim. Durkheim argued that social facts are aspects of social life (such as norms, values, customs, and institutions) that have an independent existence outside of individual consciousness and shape our actions as individuals. He believed that sociology should focus on the study of social facts to develop scientific knowledge about society.

Question 13

The ideas of Karl Marx might be criticized for what?

Accepted Answer

Marx's focus on class conflict often downplayed or ignored other social factors such as race, gender, and ethnicity, leading to criticisms of his analysis as being too narrow or reductionist.

Question 14

Sociologists recognize that "personal" troubles,if occurring in patterned ways,to large numbers of individuals,reflect important __________ or consequences of social structures.

Accepted Answer

The concept of "public issues" is central to the sociological imagination, which is the ability to connect personal troubles to larger social structures and historical processes. Sociologists study patterns of behavior and experiences to understand how they are shaped by social structures such as race, gender, class, and institutions like education, politics, and the economy. By recognizing the sociological significance of personal troubles, sociologists can develop theories and solutions to address systemic inequalities and social problems.

Question 15

Following C.Wright Mills,sociologists refer to breaking free from the immediacy of personal circumstances and putting things in a wider social context as the:

Accepted Answer

The concept described in the question is the sociological imagination, which is the ability to see how personal experiences and issues are influenced by broader social and historical forces. This idea was developed by sociologist C. Wright Mills, who argued that individuals can better understand their lives by situating them within these larger contexts.

Question 16

Karl Marx thought that society:

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx believed that society was primarily divided by social class, with the ruling class exploiting and oppressing the working class. He believed that this class struggle would ultimately lead to a revolution and the establishment of a socialist society. His theories emphasized the importance of economic and material factors in understanding social relations and change.

Question 17

When Juan drinks his morning coffee,he thinks about its production in Colombia,its transportation through many countries,the taxes and tariffs applied for international commerce,and the diverse array of social relations behind his drink.According to the text,one might say that Juan is using:

Accepted Answer

Juan is considering the global perspective of coffee production, including the social and economic factors involved in its journey from Colombia to his cup. This suggests that he is using a lens that goes beyond his own individual experience and takes into account the bigger picture.

Question 18

When women began entering the workforce in the United States in larger numbers,until eventually it became normal,women's structural place in society was (somewhat)altered.This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Structuration refers to the way in which social structures both shape and are shaped by individual and collective actions. The entry of women into the workforce in larger numbers had an impact on the social structure of gender roles and expectations, and this change was shaped by individual and collective actions. The alteration of women's structural place in society is an example of structuration in action. The other answer choices are not as applicable or accurate.

Question 19

Anita puts forward the idea that under capitalism,working people and the wealthy will struggle,and from this struggle a new kind of society will emerge.Her thoughts most closely mirror those of which theorist?

Accepted Answer

Anita's idea about the struggle between the working people and the wealthy leading to a new kind of society is a reflection of Marx's theory of class struggle and the eventual emergence of a socialist or communist society.

Question 20

__________ refers to how human societies are reconstructed at every moment by the very "building blocks" that compose them-human beings.

Accepted Answer

Structuration theory, developed by sociologist Anthony Giddens, proposes that societal structures are not fixed and immutable, but constantly produced and reproduced through social interactions between individuals. Thus, human beings are the building blocks that shape and reconstruct society over time.

Quiz 1: Sociology: Theory and Method