What central thesis did Karl Marx have in mind when he talked about "the
materialist conception of history"?
the main sources of social change are economic influences
What is the main difference between microsociology and macrosociology?
level of analysis
People have been taught to feel uncomfortable when they fail to conform.
people are socialized to conform
people conform because it serves their self-interest
conformity is rational and prudent
The social order embodies or promotes values people sincerely hold.
people believe in the social order
In the United States, standardized testing was introduced into the university
admissions process to limit the number of Jewish students entering Ivy League
schools.
false
Which quote comes from W. E. B. Du Bois?
"the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line"
What is the central message of postmodernism?
history follows no overarching plot or narrative
Which items are among Harriet Martineau's methodological insights and are
significant for sociologists today?
Correct Answer(s)
Sociologists should seek to benefit society, not just to observe.
An analysis of a society must include all its members.
Incorrect Answer(s)
Sociology should not try to model itself on the natural sciences.
An analysis of society should focus on the most influential institutions.
the underlying regularities in how people behave toward one another
Correct label:
an idea or practice that continues to exist because people take it for granted
Correct label:
an aspect of social life that shapes the actions of individuals
Correct label:
social structure, social construction, social fact
What makes a social fact a social constraint?
any person who ignores the social fact will encounter difficulty
What is the process of socialization about during childhood?
Correct Answer(s)
developing an awareness of social norms and values
achieving a distinct sense of self
Incorrect Answer(s)
,learning how to communicate with other people
learning how to look after one's self-interest in a social setting
Place the sociological theories in order from broadest to narrowest scope.
Marx's theory of class struggle, the theory of relative deprivation, the theory of moral
development of children, a symbolic-interactionist theory of dating
Why is it impossible that most college rejections are due to affirmative action?
There are far fewer affirmative action admissions than college rejections
In Max Weber's view, what is the problem with bureaucracy?
it's a threat to democracy
What is the common theme of the many different strands of feminist theory?
the goal of explaining and eliminating gender inequalities
a concern with the effects of wealth inequality
Correct label:
a focus on the evolving nature of media consumption
Correct label:
a concern for the rights of transgender persons
Correct label: feminism
Marxism
postmodernism
feminism
Determine whether each item is or is not an example of a social construction.
Social Construction(s)
People shake hands to signal friendly intentions.
Green paper rectangles can be used to buy things.
Not Social Construction(s)
Yellow skin is an indicator of liver disease.
Heavy foot traffic eventually damages grass.
Miles changed jobs because the new job would look good on his resume.
Correct label:
Mikhail changed jobs because the new one paid more and had better benefits.
Correct label:
Sonia changed jobs because there was a greater demand for workers in the new
job.
Correct label:
symbolic interactionism, rational choice theory, functionalism
Although Weber was ________ by Karl Marx, he ________ some of Marx's
doctrines. Weber agreed that __________ factors matter, but he rejected
Marx's__________ conception of history.
influenced, rejected, economic, materialist
, A small country elects a new president who publicly poses as a self-made
maverick and promises to shake things up and make the rest of the world take
notice. Behind the scenes, however, he is known both locally and internationally
as a skilled and well-connected dealmaker.
Using Robert K. Merton's categories, identify each function of the popular vote as
either manifest or latent.
Manifest
The election results advance the country's interests.
Latent
The election results distract people from pressing social problems.
The election results ensure that the status quo will be maintained.
The election results make voters feel good about their country.
Identify the themes that are important in Émile Durkheim's thought.
Important
the social factors that lead to suicide
the division of labor
Not Important
the importance of individual freedom
rejection of the ideas of Auguste Comte
Ideas developed to increase the power of a social group and to overcome
resistance are called __________.
ideologies
Identify each item as an aspect of either sex or gender.
Sex
Some people can grow beards, while others cannot.
Some people's voices deepen significantly during puberty, while others' voices do not.
Gender
Some people are referred to as "he," others as "she."
Some people can wear skirts and dresses without standing out, while others cannot.
When we view the world through the prism of the sociological imagination, in
which ways are we affected?
Correct Answer(s)
We see the social world from many perspectives.
We gain in self-understanding.
We are better able to assess the results of public policy initiatives.
Incorrect Answer(s)
We appreciate the importance of a neutral, impartial perspective about social issues.
Place the events in order from first to last according to how Karl Marx explains
the global spread of Western industry.
Several producers sell products in the same market, competition motivates producers to
manufacture their goods more cheaply and sell them more cheaply, producers seek
new cheaper sources of labor and materials, and new markets where their products will
command higher prices
when producers enter a new market, the cycle repeats
To which disciplines, beside sociology, did Max Weber contribute in his writings?