Exam 1: The Sociological Perspective

A) Sociologists consider comparing and contrasting societies across cultures valuable.
B) The global perspective is essential to the study of change in society.
C) Although societies are interconnected, their social and economic systems remain very separated.
D) A global perspective goes beyond simple comparisons of cultures.

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A) make people afraid of authority and less likely to commit crime.
B) create a bond among the members of society.
C) give members of society an opportunity to meet the key figures of authority.
D) create sui generis.

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A) empirical
B) faith-based
C) common sense
D) rigorous

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A) use their research to promote particular political positions.
B) teach students the uncomfortable truth about the world.
C) avoid examining unpopular opinions and views.
D) theorize without trying to be empirical.

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Functionalism and conflict theory are two major sociological perspectives that offer different explanations for social phenomena. Functionalism, also known as structural functionalism, views society as a complex system with interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and order. It emphasizes the importance of social institutions, such as family, education, and government, in maintaining social equilibrium. According to functionalism, each part of society serves a specific function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the society. This perspective also emphasizes the importance of social norms and values in maintaining social order. On the other hand, conflict theory views society as a competition for limited resources, with power and inequality being central to social life. It focuses on the ways in which power dynamics and social inequalities shape social relationships and institutions. Conflict theorists argue that social institutions, such as the economy and the legal system, are structured to benefit the powerful and maintain the status quo, often at the expense of marginalized groups. This perspective also emphasizes the role of conflict and struggle in driving social change. Distinctive features of functionalism include its focus on social stability, the interconnectedness of social institutions, and the emphasis on social norms and values. On the other hand, conflict theory is distinctive for its focus on power dynamics, social inequality, and the role of conflict in shaping society. Common criticisms of functionalism include its tendency to overlook social change and conflict, its conservative bias in maintaining the status quo, and its failure to account for the experiences of marginalized groups. Critics argue that functionalism may downplay the negative aspects of social institutions and overlook the ways in which they can perpetuate inequality. Similarly, common criticisms of conflict theory include its focus on conflict and inequality at the expense of social stability and order, its tendency to overlook the ways in which social institutions can also promote cooperation and consensus, and its deterministic view of social change. Critics argue that conflict theory may oversimplify complex social phenomena and overlook the ways in which individuals and groups can work together to create positive social change. In conclusion, functionalism and conflict theory offer different perspectives on society, with distinctive features and common criticisms. While functionalism emphasizes social stability and the interconnectedness of social institutions, conflict theory focuses on power dynamics and social inequality. Both perspectives have been influential in shaping sociological research and understanding of social phenomena.

A) physically separate from one's research subjects
B) able to detach from the situation at hand to view things critically
C) a stranger in social groups
D) able to not participate in one's own research

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B

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Sociological imagination, as defined by ...

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A) all parts of society work together.
B) social behavior originates in the structure of society.
C) theory should focus on interpersonal, face-to-face interaction.
D) power and exploitation are the basis for order in society.

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A) the Chicago School
B) the Social Darwinist School
C) classical European theory
D) the organic metaphor

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A) people will blame others for taking their jobs.
B) inequality will cause the rich to gain.
C) people will blame individuals, not the system, for failure.
D) none of the above.

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A) seeing a particular society as untarnished by the influence of others.
B) sociologists working in the community, not being strictly academic.
C) seeing society as a system of interrelated functions and parts.
D) understanding behavior from the perspective of those engaged in it.

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A) expose the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie.
B) help individuals solve their problems.
C) comprehend human society and its influence on the lives of human beings.
D) promote the use of "verstehen" to understand social behavior from the point of view of those who engage
In it.

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A) To make sociology seem more academic
B) To organize and interpret observations
C) To provide a way to do sociology without having to conduct research
D) To describe what sociology is

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B

A) "he who discriminates shatters the world."
B) "the line between rich and poor is Black."
C) "the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line."
D) "education is only available to those that can afford it."

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A) not worry about whether or not their research is biased.
B) use their research to promote particular political perspectives.
C) acknowledge the influence of values and try to be as objective as possible.
D) avoid research and stick to theoretical writing.

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