Question 1

Which one of the following is a false statement regarding the relationship between theory and research?

Accepted Answer

This statement is false as research can also inspire theory creation. Research can generate unexpected findings or patterns that could not be explained by existing theories, thus prompting the creation of new theories. Therefore, it is not always the case that theory comes before research.

Question 2

From a purely functionalist perspective, sports teams

Accepted Answer

From a purely functionalist perspective, sports teams foster a sense of belonging to a school, city, or country associated with them. Sports teams provide a common focus and shared identity that unite people in a community. This sense of community can create a positive social atmosphere and promote social cohesion.

Question 3

Which one of the following is a latent or unexpected function of community-wide celebrations (as discussed in the textbook)?

Accepted Answer

Latent functions are unintended or unexpected outcomes. While public transportation systems may not be the primary focus of community celebrations, these events can inadvertently highlight and increase the use of public transportation, showcasing its role in the community.

Question 4

Sociologists view theory and research as

Accepted Answer

Sociologists view theory and research as interdependent because theory provides a framework for asking research questions and interpreting data, while research provides empirical evidence to support, modify, or reject theoretical propositions. Without theory, research would lack direction and meaning, and without research, theory would lack empirical validation.

Question 5

A __________ is a framework for thinking about what is going on in the world around us.

Accepted Answer

A theoretical perspective is a broad framework for understanding and interpreting the world around us. It provides a set of assumptions, concepts, and theories that help us to make sense of what we observe and to identify patterns and relationships. While facts, concepts, and research methods are important components of social science, they are not overarching frameworks for understanding the social world, which is what a theoretical perspective provides.

Question 6

_______ are consequences disruptive to the system or to some segment of society.

Accepted Answer

Dysfunctions are consequences that disrupt the system or a segment of society. Functions refer to the beneficial outcomes of a system or society. Facades of legitimacy and symbols are not related to consequences.

Question 7

_____ means unanticipated or unintended.

Accepted Answer

Latent refers to something that is present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; in the context of unintended or unanticipated effects, it describes those that are not immediately obvious or intended.

Question 8

A community celebration provides an occasion to plan activities with family and friends.This represents a

Accepted Answer

A manifest function is an intended and obvious outcome of a social action or event. In this case, the community celebration is intended to provide an occasion for people to plan activities with family and friends, which is an intended and obvious outcome.

Question 9

The question 'Who benefits from a particular pattern or social arrangement?' is of most interest to a(n)

Accepted Answer

The question of who benefits from a particular pattern or social arrangement is most relevant to conflict theory, as this perspective views society as consisting of groups competing for power and resources. Conflict theorists would analyze social arrangements to identify how they benefit some groups over others and how this contributes to power imbalances and social inequality.

Question 10

Sometimes community-wide celebrations have the unexpected consequence of turning into an occasion in which people drink too much alcohol and miss work or class the next day as a result.This represents a __________ of the community-wide celebration.

Accepted Answer

A latent dysfunction is an unintended consequence of a social institution or behavior. In this case, the community-wide celebration was intended to bring people together and celebrate, but the unintended consequence of excessive alcohol consumption and subsequent missed work or class is a latent dysfunction.

Question 11

______ means anticipated or intended.

Accepted Answer

Manifest means anticipated or intended, whereas latent means existing but not yet developed or visible. Function and dysfunction refer to the purpose or malfunction of a system, respectively.

Question 12

Community-wide celebrations have the unintended consequence of breaking down barriers across neighbourhoods.Such a consequence is known as a

Accepted Answer

A latent function is an unintended and unrecognized consequence of an action or event. In this case, the unintended consequence of community-wide celebrations is the breaking down of barriers across neighbourhoods. This is not the primary or manifest function of the celebrations, but rather a positive outcome that was not initially intended.

Question 13

_______ use the human body as a metaphor for society.

Accepted Answer

Functionalists use the human body as a metaphor for society, with different organs and body parts representing different institutions and social functions that work together to maintain the overall health and stability of society.

Question 14

An employer tells workers 'if you aren't happy with the pay and working conditions here, go work somewhere else! It's a free country.' Conflict theorists call this line of reasoning

Accepted Answer

The employer's statement is an attempt to legitimize their power and decision-making as if it is a natural and accepted part of the social order. Conflict theorists argue that such statements are meant to mask the underlying power dynamic in the workplace and suppress workers' ability to advocate for better working conditions and pay. This is known as the façade of legitimacy.

Question 15

A _________ is the contribution a part makes to order and stability within the society.

Accepted Answer

A function is the contribution a part makes to order and stability within the society.

Question 16

'Poor people often "volunteer" for over-the-counter and prescription drug tests.' From a functionalist perspective, this statement is describing

Accepted Answer

From a functionalist perspective, poor people volunteering for drug tests serves a function in society. Drug companies need test subjects to determine the effectiveness and safety of their products, and poor individuals may see participating in these studies as a way to earn money or access medical care that they otherwise could not afford. Thus, this behavior is seen as a function of poverty rather than being motivated by a façade of legitimacy or human nature. Additionally, the negotiated order refers to the ways in which individuals in social situations organize their behavior and interactions based on agreed-upon norms and expectations, which is not directly relevant to this statement.

Question 17

A woman argues that the low salary she pays someone from Lesotho to work in her garden is fair because 'he got paid more than he would have been paid in Lesotho'.Conflict theorists call this line of reasoning

Accepted Answer

This line of reasoning is an example of the façade of legitimacy, which is a term used by conflict theorists to describe justifications that people in positions of power give for their actions, when in reality they are perpetuating inequality and exploitation. In this case, the woman is using the excuse that she pays her employee more than he would make in Lesotho to justify paying him a low wage in comparison to what she pays others in her country, reinforcing the unequal power dynamic between developed and developing countries.

Question 18

According to functionalists, poverty exists because

Accepted Answer

Functionalists believe that poverty exists because it serves a function in society, such as providing low-wage labor for certain industries or motivating individuals to work harder to move up in social class. They argue that if everyone had the same resources and opportunities, society would become chaotic and unstable. Therefore, poverty is seen as a necessary and functional aspect of society.

Question 19

Traffic jams, closed streets, piles of rubbish, and shortages of clean public toilets are some of the anticipated disruptions to order and stability that accompany community-wide celebrations.These kinds of disruptions are known as

Accepted Answer

Manifest dysfunctions refer to the anticipated negative consequences or disruptions of a social structure or event, such as the disruptions that may occur during community-wide celebrations.

Question 20

Conflict theorists maintain that exploitation by the dominant group is disguised by the

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists believe that the dominant group in society, usually the bourgeoisie, use their power and resources to exploit the proletariat. To disguise or justify this exploitation, the dominant group creates a façade of legitimacy through things like laws, cultural beliefs, and social norms. This helps to maintain the status quo and prevent revolution or significant change.

Quiz 2: Theoretical Perspectives