Question 1

According to the social disorganization view of social problems, where does one of the solutions to social problems lie?
A) slowing the pace of social change
B) reducing social inequality
C) reducing government interface into our lives
D) increasing educational opportunities

Accepted Answer

The social disorganization view suggests that rapid social change disrupts the stability of society, so slowing the pace of social change can help address social problems by allowing communities to adapt more gradually.

Question 2

Which of the following sees social problems as resulting from the breakdown of or inadequacies in the family, religious, economic, educational, and political institutions?
A) symbolic interactionist perspective
B) social pathology model
C) Marxist conflict perspective
D) non-Marxist conflict perspective

Accepted Answer

The social pathology model emphasizes that social problems result from the breakdown or inadequacies of various social institutions, including the family, religious, economic, educational, and political institutions. This model is based on the idea that society is a complex entity with many interrelated parts, and when one part is not functioning properly, it can have negative consequences for the entire system. This perspective is often associated with conservative and functionalist views.

Question 3

Which perspective is largely based on the works of Herbert Spencer, Émile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton?
A) symbolic interactionist
B) conflict
C) structural-functionalist
D) feminist

Accepted Answer

The perspective that is largely based on the works of Herbert Spencer, Émile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton is structural-functionalism. These sociologists believed that society is a complex system made up of interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability and order. They also placed emphasis on the function and purpose of social institutions in maintaining society. This perspective is also sometimes referred to as functionalism or structural functionalism.

Question 4

When is a society in a state of "anomie"?
A) When norms are weak or in conflict with each other.
B) When the major social institutions reinforce the same cultural values.
C) When there are more secondary groups than primary groups.
D) When individuals experience more negative than positive sanctions.

Accepted Answer

Anomie refers to a state of normlessness, where individuals are not sure what is expected of them as a result of weakened or conflicting cultural norms.

Question 5

Which of the following causes of social conflict do Marxist conflict theories focus on?
A) weak social norms
B) economic inequalities
C) social disorganization
D) class inequality

Accepted Answer

Marxist conflict theories focus on class inequality as the primary cause of social conflict.

Question 6

Which of the following perspectives can trace its origins to the works of Karl Marx?
A) social disorganization
B) conflict
C) structural-functionalist
D) social pathology

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective can trace its origins to the works of Karl Marx. Marx's theories focused on the class struggle between the bourgeoisie (the owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class), which he believed would eventually lead to a socialist revolution. The conflict perspective puts an emphasis on power struggles and social inequality.

Question 7

Which of the following is a latent function of the educational institution?
A) to transmit knowledge to youth
B) to transmit skills to youth
C) to offer a place for young adults to meet
D) to impart knowledge necessary to secure a job

Accepted Answer

A latent function of the educational institution is an unintended or unrecognized function. Offering a place for young adults to meet is an example of a latent function as it allows for socialization and networking opportunities outside of classroom learning. Transmitting knowledge and skills, as well as imparting knowledge necessary to secure a job, are all considered manifest functions of the educational institution as they are the intended and recognized functions.

Question 8

Who was the sociologist responsible for developing the concepts of manifest and latent functions?
A) Ralf Dahrendorf
B) Robert Merton
C) Charles Horton Cooley
D) Erving Goffman

Accepted Answer

Robert Merton was the sociologist responsible for developing the concepts of manifest and latent functions.

Question 9

What does Karl Marx call workers who earn wages?
A) bourgeoisie
B) proletariat
C) captors
D) automatons

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx calls workers who earn wages the proletariat.

Question 10

Solutions to social problems include increasing the understanding that conflicting groups have of each other's views, resolving differences through negotiation or mediation, or agreeing to disagree. Which view of social problems does the preceding sentence describe?
A) social pathology
B) social disorganization
C) Marxist conflict
D) non-Marxist conflict

Accepted Answer

The sentence describes a non-Marxist conflict view of social problems, which emphasizes the need for conflict resolution and finding common ground between conflicting groups. This view is in contrast to the Marxist conflict view, which sees social problems as stemming from inherent class struggle and the exploitation of one group by another.

Question 11

Which of the following causes of social conflict do non-Marxist conflict theories focus on?
A) weak social norms
B) economic inequalities
C) competing values and interests
D) social disorganization

Accepted Answer

Non-Marxist conflict theories focus on competing values and interests as the cause of social conflict, rather than economic inequalities, weak social norms, or social disorganization. These theories often highlight how conflicts arise from differences in power and resources between different groups in society, such as race, gender, or class.

Question 12

According to Marxist conflict theory, which of the following refers to actual harm and/or risk of harm inflicted on consumers, workers, and the general public as a result of decisions by business executives or managers?
A) anomie
B) corporate violence
C) social pathology
D) hegemony

Accepted Answer

Corporate violence refers to actual harm and/or risk of harm inflicted on consumers, workers, and the general public as a result of decisions by business executives or managers, according to Marxist conflict theory. Anomie refers to a sense of normlessness and disconnection from society. Social pathology refers to patterns of behavior that are seen as abnormal or deviant. Hegemony refers to the dominance of one social group over others.

Question 13

Which perspective argues that a society needs to have cohesion in its different parts?
A) symbolic interactionism
B) conflict theory
C) feminist theory
D) structural-functionalism

Accepted Answer

Structural-functionalism argues that a society needs to have cohesion in its different parts in order to function efficiently. It views society as a complex system with different parts working together to fulfill different functions. Without cohesion, the society would struggle to achieve its goals and maintain stability.

Question 14

What does Cooley call the reflection of ourselves that we see by observing how others view us?
A) looking-glass self
B) reflective self
C) conscious self
D) impressionistic self

Accepted Answer

Cooley calls the reflection of ourselves that we see by observing how others view us the "looking-glass self."

Question 15

Which perspective sees society as a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole?
A) conflict
B) structural-functionalist
C) symbolic interactionist
D) constructionist

Accepted Answer

The structural-functionalist perspective views society as a system of interconnected parts (such as institutions like the family, education, and government) that work together to maintain social equilibrium and stability. They believe that each part of society serves a specific function and contributes to the overall well-being of society.

Question 16

Which perspective views society as comprising different groups and interests competing for power and resources?
A) essentialist
B) symbolic interactionist
C) structural-functionalist
D) conflict

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective focuses on the competition and struggle between different groups in society for power, resources, and social status. This perspective emphasizes social inequalities and how they are perpetuated by those in positions of power.

Question 17

Meeting a potential spouse might be which type of function of religion?
A) manifest
B) latent
C) regressive
D) societal

Accepted Answer

Meeting a potential spouse is not a direct or intended function of religion, but rather an unintended consequence or latent function. Religion may bring people together and provide opportunities for social interaction and networking, which could lead to finding a potential spouse, but this is not the primary purpose or manifest function of religion.

Question 18

Which types of consequences are called manifest functions?
A) neither functional nor dysfunctional
B) unintended and often hidden
C) both functional and dysfunctional
D) intended and commonly recognized

Accepted Answer

Manifest functions are the intended and commonly recognized consequences of a social structure, institution, or phenomenon.

Question 19

What aspect of people's lives does alienation refer to?
A) powerlessness and meaninglessness
B) communication and technology
C) innovation and advancement
D) work and education

Accepted Answer

Alienation refers to the feeling of powerlessness and meaninglessness that individuals experience in their lives, particularly in relation to their work and social situations. It is often associated with feelings of isolation and detachment from society.

Question 20

Which types of consequences are called latent functions?
A) neither functional nor dysfunctional
B) unintended and often hidden
C) both functional and dysfunctional
D) intended and commonly recognized

Accepted Answer

Latent functions are unintended and often hidden consequences of a social structure, institution, or behavior. They are different from manifest functions, which are intended and commonly recognized consequences. Latent functions may be either functional or dysfunctional but are not necessarily both.

Quiz 1: Thinking About Social Problems

According to the social disorganization view of social problems, where does one of the solutions to social problems lie?

Which of the following sees social problems as resulting from the breakdown of or inadequacies in the family, religious, economic, educational, and political institutions?

Which perspective is largely based on the works of Herbert Spencer, Émile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton?

When is a society in a state of "anomie"?

Which of the following causes of social conflict do Marxist conflict theories focus on?

Which of the following perspectives can trace its origins to the works of Karl Marx?

Which of the following is a latent function of the educational institution?

Who was the sociologist responsible for developing the concepts of manifest and latent functions?

What does Karl Marx call workers who earn wages?

Solutions to social problems include increasing the understanding that conflicting groups have of each other's views, resolving differences through negotiation or mediation, or agreeing to disagree. Which view of social problems does the preceding sentence describe?

Which of the following causes of social conflict do non-Marxist conflict theories focus on?

According to Marxist conflict theory, which of the following refers to actual harm and/or risk of harm inflicted on consumers, workers, and the general public as a result of decisions by business executives or managers?

Which perspective argues that a society needs to have cohesion in its different parts?

What does Cooley call the reflection of ourselves that we see by observing how others view us?

Which perspective sees society as a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole?

Which perspective views society as comprising different groups and interests competing for power and resources?

Meeting a potential spouse might be which type of function of religion?

Which types of consequences are called manifest functions?

What aspect of people's lives does alienation refer to?

Which types of consequences are called latent functions?