Question 1

Explain how technology can and has become an important resource for social movements. Use specific examples to strengthen your argument.

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Question 2

Sociologists have developed a number of theoretical explanations of social movements. Identify the six theoretical approaches noted in the text and provide an account of each. What do we learn from each? What criticism can be made of each? On the basis of this material, do you think we have developed an adequate understanding of social movements? Why or why not?

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Question 3

How does collective behaviour differ from the other social patterns of interest to sociologists? What are the difficulties in studying collective behaviour? What do you see as the special benefits of doing so?

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Question 4

What is a crowd? How is it different from a social group? Describe the main characteristics of the five major forms of crowds: casual, conventional, expressive, acting, and protest crowds. Provide an example of each.

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Question 5

Based on the discussion found in the final box in the chapter, why do you think so many people in Canada are reluctant to become involved in social movements? What cultural characteristics of this society might explain this reluctance? In light of this pattern, how do you explain the fact that, over our history, many people have become involved in social movements, often with significant results?

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Question 6

Today, social movements develop around any number of
A) widely held beliefs.
B) controversial public issues.
C) national goals.
D) commonly accepted political agendas.

Accepted Answer

Social movements typically develop around controversial public issues, such as civil rights, environmental protection, and social justice. While they may align with widely held beliefs or national goals, these issues tend to inspire more widespread debate and resistance, leading to the formation of social movements. Commonly accepted political agendas may also inspire social movements, but this is less common as these agendas tend to be embraced by established political parties and organizations.

Question 7

What is mass society theory?

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Question 8

What is structural strain theory?

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Question 9

What is political-economy theory as an explanation of social movements?

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Question 10

The political economy approach to social movements is closely linked to which of the following social thinkers?
A) Max Weber
B) Neil Smelser
C) Karl Marx
D) Thorstein Veblen

Accepted Answer

The political economy approach to social movements is based on the Marxist theory that social movements arise from conflicts between social classes caused by economic inequalities.

Question 11

Describe contagion theory, convergence theory, and emergent-norm theory. What are the points of similarity and difference between these three theories? Discuss the strengths of each theory, as well as the points that may be criticized.

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Question 12

Kai Erikson explains that disasters harm people in a way the public often fails to realize by
A) destroying property.
B) killing people
C) breaking down people's communities.
D) destabilizing communication networks.

Accepted Answer

Kai Erikson argues that disasters harm people by breaking down their communities, which can have long-lasting social and psychological effects beyond just physical destruction of property or loss of life. While killing and destruction of property are certainly significant impacts of disasters, Erikson emphasizes the importance of understanding the social consequences as well. Destabilizing communication networks could be one factor contributing to the breakdown of communities, but it is not the main point of Erikson's argument.

Question 13

What are the four stages in the life course of a social movement?

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Question 14

What have sociologists learned about disasters? What are three types of disasters? Provide an example of each. Explain why the social damage caused by a disaster may end up being more serious than property damage.

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Question 15

Identify at least three social movements mentioned in the chapter. Using one or more theories of social movements, provide an explanation for the emergence of each. Can you identify stages in each social movement? If so, what are they?

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Question 16

What is "claims making?" Why is this process important to the success of a social movement?

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Question 17

Fashion differs from a fad in that fashion
A) is shorter lived.
B) is less conventional.
C) reflects established cultural values.
D) denies established cultural values.

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Fashion reflects established cultural values, while fads are typically short-lived and do not hold any significant cultural value.

Question 18

How does deprivation theory differ from mass-society theory as an explanation of social movements?

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Question 19

Which of the following is an example of mass behaviour?
A) a riot
B) a rumour
C) a mob
D) a crowd

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Question 20

How do "new social movements" differ from older social movements?

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Quiz 23: Collective Behaviour and Social Movements