Question 1

Consider Smelser's Structural Strain framework for understanding the origins of collective action. Describe and contrast structural strain and generalized beliefs and ideologies, explaining how each factor might contribute to the likelihood of collective action.

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Question 2

According to Ulrich Beck, globalization brings about a "risk society." Explain a "risk society" and the kinds of risks that are being "manufactured." What specific risks are you most concerned about? Why?

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Question 3

What are the four major influences on social change in modern history? Which of these influences do you think has the largest impact on social change today? Use examples to support your answer.

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Question 4

In the past, humans experienced famine and floods, or ________; today, because of globalization, humans now face ________ created by the effects of our own knowledge and technology on the natural world.

Accepted Answer

Manufactured risks are those created by the effects of our own knowledge and technology on the natural world. External risks are those that come from outside of our control, such as natural disasters. In the past, humans experienced famine and floods, which are external risks. Today, because of globalization, humans now face manufactured risks, such as climate change and pollution.

Question 5

The increased risk of skin cancer is a manufactured risk that likely relates to:

Accepted Answer

The increased risk of skin cancer is primarily due to the depletion of the ozone layer, which allows more harmful UV rays to reach the Earth's surface. While not wearing enough sunscreen can contribute to the risk, it is not the main cause. Chemicals in household products and changing beauty norms do not have a significant impact on skin cancer risk.

Question 6

How would you best describe the gap in economic growth between the poorest and the richest countries?

Accepted Answer

The gap between the developed world and the developing world widened steadily over the twentieth century and is now the largest it has ever been. Despite some progress in recent years, the gap remains significant and persistent. Technological advances and increased international trade have not completely closed the gap between the richest and poorest countries.

Question 7

According to Daniel Bell, we are entering a phase of development beyond the industrial era called the postindustrial society. Discuss the changes that have brought about a postindustrial society and what characterizes such a society.

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Question 8

According to a 2014 report by Oxfam International, almost ________ of the world's wealth is currently owned by just ________ of the population.

Accepted Answer

According to the 2014 report by Oxfam International, almost 50 percent of the world's wealth is owned by just 1 percent of the population.

Question 9

Which of the following would be considered a manufactured risk, according to German sociologist Ulrich Beck?

Accepted Answer

Ulrich Beck coined the term "manufactured risk" to describe risks that are created by human activity and could have catastrophic consequences. The Three Mile Island nuclear disaster was caused by human error and poor design, making it a manufactured risk. The other options are natural disasters and therefore not considered manufactured risks.

Question 10

Discuss the cultural impacts of globalization. Do you think these are more a matter of "cultural imperialism" or "fragmentation of cultural forms"? Justify your position.

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Question 11

According to Charles Tilly's model, what are the four main components of collective action? Provide detailed examples of each component to fully illustrate your understanding of Tilly's model.

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Question 12

Globalization is an uneven process, and because of this, the disparity between the developed world and the developing world is:

Accepted Answer

While globalization has brought benefits to some developing countries, the overall disparity between the developed and developing world has increased due to factors such as unequal distribution of profits, exploitation of labor, and lack of access to technology and resources. Therefore, option A is the most accurate answer.

Question 13

According to postmodernists, there is "no such thing as history." What do they mean by this statement? Do you agree or disagree with their view of globalization?

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Question 14

According to the textbook, those who are critical of the World Trade Organization claim it is:

Accepted Answer

Those who are critical of the World Trade Organization claim it is dominated by the United States. This means that they believe the organization has a bias towards the interests of the US and its corporations over other member countries.

Question 15

Explain how information technology and the flow of information play a role in propelling the process of globalization.

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Question 16

Globalization has made it more likely that people will work from home with information technology, share jobs with other employees, work on short-term consulting projects, and work in a system of flextime. All of these are examples of how globalization has:

Accepted Answer

Globalization has led to a dissolution of standard patterns of full-time work, as companies are now able to outsource jobs and work with freelancers and consultants remotely. This has resulted in a rise of alternative work arrangements such as working from home, job sharing, short-term consulting projects, and flextime.

Question 17

A developing nation-state with relatively little global political power is growing increasingly concerned with the political climate of a more powerful, highly developed nation-state because, in an era of globalization, the decisions of this more powerful nation-state will likely affect the future of the citizens in both countries. This is an example of what Ulrich Beck calls:

Accepted Answer

Ulrich Beck coined the term "risk society" to describe a growing awareness of and concern for various global risks that are produced by human activity, such as environmental degradation, nuclear disasters, and economic collapse. This scenario fits with this concept, as the smaller nation-state is concerned about the potential risks that could be produced by the decisions of a more powerful nation-state, highlighting the interconnectivity of global politics and the need for cooperative risk management. The other options are not applicable to this scenario, as manufactured risks refer to risks that are intentionally produced, external risks refer to risks posed by nature or external forces, and shared risks describe risks that are borne by multiple parties in a shared endeavor.

Question 18

Compare and contrast the three schools of thought in the globalization debate. Which position do you find most compelling? Why?

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Question 19

What role do social movements play in social change? Using the Arab Spring as an example, explain how globalization has affected social movements.

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Question 20

Some sociologists worry that globalization is leading to the creation of a global culture in which the values of the most powerful and affluent overwhelm the strength of local customs and tradition. This process is called:

Accepted Answer

Cultural imperialism refers to the spread and influence of one culture over others, often with regards to the imposition of values and beliefs of one dominant culture on another. This can be a concern in the context of globalization as it can lead to the homogenization of cultures and the loss of unique local customs and traditions.

Quiz 16: Globalization in a Changing World